GeorgesGal

My thoughts as well! All I'd be thinking throughout the cruise is 'hope I make it, hope I make it, hope I make it!' Why ruin a good cruise.? Question to whoosh whoosh: Do your air credits say "Use by" or "Fly by"? Makes a Huge Difference. Use by means you have to book by that date, while Fly By means just that. If they are use by, you probably have to fly by a certain date after the use by date. On the other hand if they are fly by dates why not change your cruise to an earlier date?

Gratuities are not ALWAYS included in HIA, only as a 'promotion'.

Roy, I'm with you as to chocolate chip: I also prefer the cinnamon raisin, as long as they are the soft type!

One thing I have loved on HAL's dining room menu is the fact that they have absolutely delicious fruit crisps at dinnertime. The fruit changes daily, some days you won't even see them on the menu, but ask and you shall receive! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm crisp - I know what I'll be ordering in a bit more than three weeks! ....IF I have any room left! (On Nieuw Statendam 28 August/11 September)

Jan, Heike is a Wonder Woman, extremely personable, always wandering the decks, talking with passengers, offering help if needed. We have sailed with her several times, before we met Oceania now our favorite cruise line! In addition to being a Wonder Woman, she is also a wonderful woman!

Following along and loving it! Will check in tomorrow for the next installment of this great review! Donna

Loved your photos of Eze, in my mind a mini Mont Saint Michele! My sister and I did walk up the hill to the bus stop to Eze BUT we did it from Monaco and were half way up at the start. Paved sidewalks there and only about three blocks - uphill - from our starting point. Getting to the top of Eze was quite the chore for a couple of old birds but we did make it to see the gardens! I'm looking forward to the rest of your review! Donna

In case of inclement weather, I walk the passenger decks inside.

Thanks for this, Jim, but I have friends I'm trying to sail with on the Sept 21 sailing. Donna

I'm a bit late to this party BUT I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your review and comments about the ports since I might be on the Summit this September visiting many of the same ports! Took copious notes just in case I do get a stateroom on this sold out sailing. Final payment was two days ago and awaiting word from my friend who is a travel agent and on this sailing. Fingers crossed! Donna

My understanding was the upgrade would be within the category booked.

Doesn't look very appetizing to me!

These sunny days are God's way of rewarding you for your patience and humor in dealing with all those 'lemons' he threw at you. See, He had faith in you! Donna

Jim, thanks so much for another enjoyable, informative "Live from"! Your narrative and photos take us along on your various cruises. So sorry you got the 'bug', but, as usual, you've made lemonade out of the lemons tossed your way. Stay safe, and safe travels home! Donna

Avoid the steam table scrambled eggs! Go straight to the egg station where they cook 'real' eggs and ask for scrambled! Problem solved; learned this years ago. Donna