islander47

We have done the westbound crossing on the Star Flyer three times and are doing it again this fall. Life is very simple on board. I'd almost compare it to living in outer space. One time all the Internet was out for the entire trip due to a lightning strike as we left the Mediterranean, 2016. Most Americans and Brits were happy to miss all of the election and Brexit news they had been flooded with for months. It's the perfect opportunity to disconnect and relax. Passengers are fascinating and from all over the world. Most are quite friendly and happy to share their life stories with you. As for rough seas, we only had rough seas in 2016 as we were setting sail from the Canary Islands. This was due to a big storm in the Mediterranean. I feel sure routes can be adjusted across the Atlantic to avoid any major storms. On one trip several in our group were prone to seasickness and wore patches but never had any trouble. This will be our eighth trip on either the Star Clipper or Star Flyer, and we are happy to answer any questions anyone has.

Does the spa area do eyelash extension fill-ins? Our spa options are not showing for our cruise due to an itinerary change. We sail in 2 weeks. Might need to make some hard decisions 🙂

On Grand Voyage Formal Nights do any men wear just a coat the tie and not a dark suit or better? My husband claims he will have to take another suitcase to pack his dark suit for 2 nights.

Thank you so much!! I'll look forward to anything you can find and will follow up with Green Line Tours right away. You can email me at paula dot galland at gmail dot com

I'd love any suggestions you might have. Our ship has just been re-routed to avoid the Suez Canal so It looks like Grand Africa for us! I need help with the ports below if you have good suggestions. there will be 3 of us traveling together, and we love smaller group excursions than those generally offered by the ship. (Thus far, no ship excursions listed at all.) Thanks so much. Paula Sat Apr 13 Maputo, Mozambique - 8 AM - 5 PM Mon Apr 15 Durban, SA - 7 AM - 5 PM Sun April 21 Luderitz, Namibia - 8 AM - 5 PM Sat April 27 Takoradi, Ghana - 8 AM - 5 PM Wed May 1 Banjul, Gambia - 7 AM - 5 PM Fri May 3 Mindel, Cape Verde - 7 AM - 3 PM

Does the spa on the Holland America ships do eyelash fill ins? I have had them for several years and love them because I am allergic to all mascara. However, I'm going on a long cruise and will have nothing left by the half way point.

We are joining the HAL world cruise in Singapore, and are, of course concerned. However, we are along for the ride so will enjoy whatever happens unless it is a cancellation.

Make your reservation the minute you board!

and a dinner suggestion...make a reservation in the MDR. It's always busy the first night. Of course, if you have an assigned time, this is not important.

Last year on that leg we had line dancing on all sea days, trivia every day (quite popular and competitive) plus all Kazu has mentioned above. There were excellent lectures from our cruise director, the captain, and a pair of astro physicists. I thoroughly enjoyed these.

We will hit four star during our 50 day cruise in the spring. Do you think there is hope for our laundry suddenly becoming free in the middle of the cruise? Sure hope so!!

Our problem is we did not hear announcement in the room so had to stand in the hall. We will get this figured out right away next trip! Thank you so much.

Where is the switch? Our steward did not understand that is what I wanted to know. We like to hear the announcements in our room and have often stood in the hall to hear them. A switch would be fabulous!

My surprise was my health insurance covered most of the $2300 expense my husband incurred on his visit to the infirmary for the day in South America. I just submitted the itemized bill we received from HAL.

Have you joined a segment of one of HAL's Grand Voyages without booking the entire thing? We are considering this for next spring but don't want to be "out of the loop" with so many doing the entire voyage. Any experiences with this will be most appreciated as we make our decision.

Great! Thanks so much for that tip.

Are you able to use On Board Credit for gratuities at the end of the cruise? If yes, fabulous! If no, I'll book some more ship shore excursions.

And the outdoor dining by the pool with glass roof or by the aft pool are also available with tables for you to use when you select food from the Lido buffet.

Is there a place on my Holland America upcoming cruise online page where I can see how much shipboard credit I have received? I want to wait to book a few excursions using this but can't seem to determine exactly how much I have.

Best advice I received for my first HAL cruise was to take a few Command Hooks, magnetic hooks, and clothes pins. For some reason we always need them. I also take portable phone charger to be sure my phone can be in reach for reading in bed. I recharge the charger during the day and have it by my bed at night.

How long generally is the wait in the main dining room if we don't make reservations?

Generally, what time can you board the ship in Port Canaveral or do we receive an assigned time nearer departure next month?

And if you don't want to stay up for the Orange Party, do the Orange Bar Crawl!

No, you can do this yourself without involving your travel agent. We called 20 days out about an upsell for a month long cruise this year and moved from a Verandah to a Signature suite for a reasonable price. Only sorry we did because we'll sure miss this big room in the future on our next cruise which is sold out. I'm guessing the pent up demand after COVID will make upsells lots more expensive.