syesmar

@cruisemom42 Years ago, a British Isles cruise was on sale “with air” on the Prinsendam. I, too, wasn’t interested in air—even though the sale price was already appealing—so I asked HAL what price they could give me without air. They took $600 off that sale fare per person, and it was too good of an offer to pass up. It was one of our favorite sailings ever! I would ask and see what they can do. Good luck!

Linking your other related Thread here to keep them together.

😃 The same thing happened to us. We had booked a Rodne catamaran trip from Stavanger through Lysefjord, and Pulpit Rock (seen from the boat, no hiking) was to be the highlight. The weather was okay UNTIL we were almost at Pulpit Rock and it was even foggier than your photo. Of course, it cleared up later on. Oh well! We still had a great time and would do that boat trip again. We were blessed that was our only weather hiccup the whole cruise. Good times!

It is possible to get to Geirangerfjord from Alesund. Here is a Thread that talks about it. I have not done this, opting to spend the day in Alesund. But on one cruise, I had made plans (though not pre-booked, it was a “just show up the day-of-trip” excursion) to do an independent fjord tour from Bergen and it just didn’t work out because our ship changed our All Aboard time (though we arrived 30 minutes earlier than the original itinerary). Because of this, the tour would misconnect by 15 minutes with my comfort level returning to the ship and I could not risk missing the ship. So be aware when traveling greater distances outside of HAL’s official excursions. Our first time to Norway was part of a 19 Day Baltics cruise and we were in Norway for about a week. We loved it so much we took an all Norway 14 day cruise the next time we went. I did not want to leave! I wish it had been longer. I look forward to the day I return!

@cruisemom42 I know those cancellations must be disappointing. I will say, though, that some of our most memorable days ever have been spent in Skjolden (one of the most naturally beautiful places we’ve ever seen, been twice…and Sognefjord is just so incredible!) and then we rented a car from Avis at the Molde airport and drove the Trollstigen (best spur of the moment decision we ever made!). Wishing you the best as you make this decision.

@Packard your travel insurance might cover this (I purchase trip insurance for cruise passengers that would cover such a scenario). Your credit card might also have some travel insurance that would cover it. Good luck!

@cmrvancouver This Thread has some helpful info for San Diego:

@mnmama43 —Skagway: Agree to do the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park after the train. Hopefully, there will be a walking tour or other ranger-led event; they are fun! —Juneau: whale watching would be a priority + Mendenhall Glacier viewing. You will likely pass a beachy area with lots of eagles! We bought a Mt Roberts Tram ticket on board our ship, but it was so cloudy they allowed us to return it for free, so it was risk-free. We went to the Alaska State Museum one trip in the late afternoon after whale watching (some days or hours are free days, too!). —Ketchikan: there are lots of options. We have done this independently. You can stroll around town easily. Last time we took the bus to Potlatch Totem Park and Totem Bight (the landscape is just lovely!), then a taxi to the hiking trails at Ward Lake and then a taxi back to town. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is there, too, if you have time. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=fseprd547855 hiking trails: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5413489.pdf Have fun!

@chaparro28906 I am interested in hearing more about your favorite port day ever! Could you give details of how your day went? I ask because, while we made the most of our day in Casablanca, it was our least favorite port day ever comparatively speaking. So I am very interested in how you planned and what you did, for future reference. Thanks!

@a.madruga Linking your other Thread here to keep them together.

I recall multiple cruises where the BB Kings band did an entire evening show on the World Stage. Those were often amongst the most well-attended of the entire cruise. I also enjoyed the variety performance evening on the World Stage, usually on the first or second night of a sailing, where all performers from the various venues throughout the ship would give a highlight performance. I thought it helped inform passengers of the ship’s entertainment options. It’s unfortunate if these types of shows wouldn’t be permitted under the new contracts.

Yes, there is still daily Afternoon Tea and a “Classic High Tea” once per cruise. I was reminiscing about the elaborate Royal Dutch Tea that was beloved by many passengers that is no longer offered, as well as the Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza. They do now have a “Chocolate Surprise” one evening with bite-sized chocolate treats that stewards will bring out to the Music Walk and other venues. Enjoy your cruise!

@happytotravel back in the day, HAL offered a Royal Dutch Tea once per cruise that was excellent. They also used to be famous for their late night Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza once per cruise by the pool on a formal night. It was quite the event! I know the Asian crew has local dishes available to them in their dining area. Does anyone know if the Dutch crew also has local fare cooked for them onboard?

Where will these snacks be served? The one cruise I was on with an Orange Party didn’t offer snacks, but I would have loved to have tried some.

@OlsSalt thank you for the info! Sounds delicious!!!

@SFO Peter Yes!!! That’s the name of the chocolate cake I was asking about earlier. So delicious!!!

I agree! Love this cake! I enjoy it for dessert when I order a Club Sandwich. I want to recall there being a similar-but-not-identical chocolate cake in the Lido that is only served once or twice per cruise? Does anyone know the name? I’ve also had a chocolate raspberry cake in the Lido that was fabulous.

Great tip, thanks! Wish I had known this in the past. This would be a good tip for the current “Secrets” thread, too.

@BruhnSisters agree! When I booked my first ever cruise, my travel agent highly recommended Cruise Critic as a resource. I know without a doubt the wonderful advice I’ve received over the years here has me helped plan unforgettable trips and make the most of my precious vacation time. I’ll always be grateful for this community!

@cruisemom42 oh how I miss Rome! Any favorite restaurant suggestions?

Is there a lunch served at the Mariner Reception?

@Abe3689 are you still onboard or did you disembark?

We, too, were able to negotiate something better than offered. Good luck!

Do you still have the paperwork or flyers from the promotion? I don’t have a HAL card, but do have a Barclay airline-branded card. There have been a few mix ups over the years with promotions, but they have always made it right. (I was also told once I hadn’t enrolled in a promo offer, but I had all the screenshots, emails, etc., and knew better). Save the screenshot or take a photo of the website offer. Gather any sign up documents or offers you had on board and speak to a supervisor at Barclay. Hopefully there won’t need to be HAL intervention but they may have a contact, as well. Good luck!

Noordam?