sevenseasnomad

5 hours ago, Sharon in AZ said:

How are your lounge chairs reserved?  I considered a Lanai but nixed it because I didn't want strangers sitting near my door.

The lanai cabins automatically have two reserved lounge chairs. You don't have to do anything.  The chairs will have the reserved signs on them.  We never had a problem with anyone sitting in our chairs.  In fact, we ordered room service lunch one day and ate it while sitting in our lounge chairs.  The traffic of other passengers walking by never bothered us.  When we booked this category, we understood that this deck isn't private, like a balcony, but we enjoyed it nevertheless.  I, for one, like watching people.  The fact that our chairs were in a public space didn't negatively impact us.

As for strangers by your door.  Your lanai neighbors will most likely become your new best friends, as you chat and exchange cruise stories.  We met some lovely people.  

If you're thinking of reserving one, you'll received mixed reviews on CC.  I, for one, loved our lanai.  Convenient with great views, and of course, a reserved lounge chair.  I've booked another lanai for an upcoming Christmas cruise.

43 minutes ago, Tapi said:

I don’t know the answer to your question, but I do remember that when 9/11 happened, and the travel industry took an unprecedented downturn, with the airlines reducing capacity by 25% overnight and still losing millions of dollars, cruise lines continued operating their entire fleets and making profits during that time. I remember reading about Carnival Cruise Lines, and how their business model allowed them to generate 60% of their profit from onboard revenue, so they slashed fares accordingly in order to get people on the ships. Seems like that is a more sensible strategy than parking a ship altogether.

 

If the cruise lines drop fares enough, they’ll get people on the ships. 

A friend has booked an RCCL cruise to Bermuda this summer.  She has received several alerts from her TA that fares have dropped.  She's debating cancelling her cruise and rebooking to receive lower price and incentives.

Gailellen12, I sympathize with your situation.  If HAL is refunding for cruises that they cancel due to the virus, I'd probably be tempted to wait it out.  As you pointed out, though, no cruise is worth your health.  A tough decision.  

My sister is trying to talk me into cancelling, and my cruise doesn't leave Boston until July 4th!  Final payment isn't due until next month.  No way am I cancelling before final payment.  

Yes.  They're sometimes available at New York Deli too, but you have to request them.  Yes, they are delicious.

Whirlpools, as far as I know, have never been in any class except suites.  Ocean View category and up had bathtubs on all the ships except for Pinnacle Class, which only has the tubs for suites.  We did not miss the tub at all in our balcony (VB) category the three times we've sailed on PC ships.  The shower is marvelously spacious with a dream of a shower head.  Trust me, you won't miss that tub.

On our Baltic cruise, it was either overcast or rainy almost every day with temps in the 50s-60s.  This was in July 2016!  I highly recommend layers as others have said.  Please pack a good raincoat and rain pants.  LL Bean sells wonderful sets, very lightweight, and they also serve as windbreakers.  Most sensible two items of clothing I've ever purchased for Alaska, Baltic, and New England/Canada cruises.  I've more than gotten my money's worth from this rain gear.  

Yes, we've run into this problem in other ports.  Very aggravating, especially since we were already booked too.   I sympathize.  Hope you have a wonderful day in port despite this disappointment.  

Did I mention that I only cruise with HAL because of the well-behaved children?  I don't believe I made that clear.  Having been on other lines, I know what they have to offer, especially with noisy, out-of-control kids.  No, thank you.  I'll stick with HAL where I'm almost guaranteed a quiet, relaxing cruise as you discovered.

Whoa!  Your photos alone would advise me to steer clear of those other cruise lines.  Thank you for your advice, though, especially about Europe.

1 minute ago, Cruise4food said:

Just want to ask about how easy (or difficult) the walk is through Port Everglades to the shops and restaurants. When riding the shuttle bus, the area seems to not be pedestrian friendly. I presume you went basically northward to the business row?

Walking at Port Everglades?  Are you in good physical health?  That's a fairly l-o-n-g walk, much of which has no sidewalk, if my memory is correct.  After you leave the port, that intersection is a busy one.  I don't recall seeing restaurants or shops at that cross-section.  The closest, I believe, is a mile or so.  If I'm mistaken, someone please say so.

1 hour ago, jimmy2x said:

I am very appreciative of the information. Spent hours yesterday trying to book the B2B with a cabin I could be happy with. No success. Wound up booking the 10 day to the ABC’s which I haven’t done for years. 

Oh, no.  How sad you didn't get the cruise you wanted.  Couldn't you have waited until Monday to call a TA you trust or a PCC?  (Online travel agents are available 24/7, and many on these boards swear by them, but I've used one only once.)  Can you still cancel the cruise you've booked and call someone to help you with the B2B? 

Of course, if you're thrilled with the cruise you booked, ignore the previous question, but maybe in the future, understand that help is out there if you need it.  Have a marvelous time.  BTW, you'll love the ABC's, very different from many of the other Caribbean islands.  Aruba in particular is like being on another planet.  Its landscape is stark.  Go with a private tour company, especially for the 4x4 tour, for a more intimate, enjoyable experience.

I empathize with your experience on HAL's website.  For years, I've read threads where members discuss frustration with the site, and I've wondered what they were referring to because I've never had a problem.  Until this week.  I tried to make several payments on upcoming cruises, and the site refused to connect me.  Then, I wanted to book Flight Ease.  Again, it failed to recognize the round-trip status and would only provide me with quotes for a one-way fare.  After grinding my teeth, I finally gave up and called my PCC, which I probably should have done in the first place.  How much potential business does HAL loose because of their website?  

1 hour ago, LLRS1 said:

We always wear tuxedo / gown on gala nights because we enjoy dressing up.  Although we are definitely in the minority, we are never the only ones.  

 

While the term, Gala Nights, leaves many novice/returning cruisers, like OP, scratching their heads, a few passengers believe it means "come as you are."  As others have stated, we've seen everything from true formal wear (tuxes and evening gowns) to T-shirts and cut-off jeans, which weren't allowed in the MDR but were permitted in the rest of the ship, a sign of a more casual age.  My son and I always dress, he in his tux, and me in either a long gown or black dress slacks/lace or sequin blouse/jacket.  Since we never dress up at home, it's become a cruise tradition.  If we decide to dine in and watch a movie on Gala Night, we don't dress up, of course, but we also remain in our cabin for the entire evening.  Just one of our little idiosyncrasies.  In no way, do we criticize others for their dress if they chose not to participate.  Why waste my energy, especially on my vacation, worrying about other people's choices?  As long as they cover strategic areas, I'm okay.

The degree to which people dress (or not dress formally) depends on the cruise, too.  During Christmas and New Year's, we notice a higher percentage of passengers in formal/semi-formal duds.  Also, cruises in certain areas of the world, like Europe, tend to produce a greater number of passengers adhering to Sunday best/semi-formal dress in my experience.  I doubt you'll find any HAL cruise where 100% of the passengers are in Downton Abbey dinner attire.  Bottom line: Wear what floats your boat, but be advised that some maître d's are more picky than others in allowing "anything goes" dress into the MDR.

Thanks, tapi, for such a comprehensive review, especially for families with younger children.  The fact that your family has sampled many cruise lines gives your review more credence, as you can compare HAL to other experiences.  You mentioned the well-behaved children aboard NS.  Since I teach in a public school system, I can only vacation when children/teens are also on break, so I routinely find myself on ships packed with kids.  It would be an unbearable cruise if the children weren't courteous and well-behaved, which I have found them to be aboard HAL ships.  I've sailed with them since 2008, so I definitely prefer HAL to other lines and have now sailed on all but one of their ships.  Our Christmas/New Year's cruise this year will check that last box until next year when HAL introduces Ryndam.  BTW, we sailed the old Ryndam about a year before she left the fleet.  We have yet to experience a bad cruise aboard HAL.  

On 2/28/2020 at 2:09 PM, Lizziekris said:

It's sad to hear that the entertainment shows of the past are not on this ship.  I loved the Broadway style shows with the singers and was hoping to take my son to some of those this year.  Hopefully they still have those on the smaller ships when we go next summer to Alaska.

HAL has abandoned the Broadway-style show on their ships.  Better for you to know it now rather than be terribly disappointed on your cruise.  If decision-makers in Seattle reinstate these type shows between now and then, many of us would cheer.

I'm sailing out of Boston July 4 for Canada/New England.  Friends from GA were planning to go with me.  All of us are booked with initial deposits paid.  One of my friends, who retired from nursing several years ago, cancelled last Friday because she is afraid of this virus.  One of my other friends who hasn't cancelled was also a nurse, and she believes this particular person hit the panic button too soon.  The rest of us have a wait-and-see attitude.  All of us, however, would be in the high risk group for the virus being fatal.  IMO, each person has to do what they believe is best for them.  

Depends on how many passengers are B2B.  On our most recent NS Christmas cruise, over 400 passengers opted for B2B.  If a lot of passengers take B2B as in our case, you may be asked to meet in the Show Room or other public space onboard at a certain time.  Ours was 10:00 a.m.  Up to that point, we ate a leisurely breakfast, sat in the Crow's Nest and read.  At 9:45, we showed up at the theater, where ship personnel (at the entrance) asked to see our passports and in-transit cards (which they collected).  About 30 people were already seated in the theater.  Again, personnel directed us where to sit; they wanted passengers to sit in one section with no saved seats, each person filling in the next seat.  At 10:15, they escorted us in two lines off the ship and into the customs area.  As we left the ship, we had to show our key cards, so Security could "zero" out the ship.  

Once in the customs area, which was completely empty, we stood in lines to go through the customs check, where we turned around, lined up, and were escorted back onto the ship prior to 10:30 a.m.  My son and I steered clear of cabin decks, knowing that the stewards were trying hard to prepare staterooms for the new passengers.  We sat by the pool and read.  Very relaxing.  

If you're on a B2B where few passengers are continuing the cruise, you may be asked to leave the ship at a certain time as occurred on one of our cruises where we were one of two couples who were staying on the ship for the next cruise.  We left the ship at 10:15 as instructed.  An immigration official met us at the bottom of the gangplank, checked our passports, and asked both couples to have a seat in a waiting area.  After a few minutes, a security officer told us we could board the ship again.

In both cases, the process was easy.  Everyone appeared to follow instructions.  You will receive a letter and in-transit cards for everyone in the stateroom.  Follow those instructions; you'll be fine.

You also have the option to leave the ship earlier to tour the port/go on an excursion.  The instructions for your particular turn-around day will explain what to do, so don't worry.  Enjoy that B2B.  It's a wonderful experience not having to rush off the ship on that turn-around day.

HAL has always taken good care of me with my food allergies.  I've never had a problem.  In fact, the first day, when I check in with the maître d' and give my cabin number, he'll usually say, "Oh you have the mushroom and MSG allergies."

I alert HAL of my allergies through the Special Needs Department.  Now, when I book a cruise, they automatically send me the form (via email) near final payment.  I fill it in and email it back.  (I also print a copy just in case.)  They confirm in a subsequent email. 

I order the night before in the MDR per my waiters' insistence.  As for specialty restaurants, I check in with them shortly after boarding and confirm my allergies with them.  I've never received a response that they didn't know.  They have it confirmed too, but it never hurts to check.  When the waiters arrive at my table, I again mention my allergies.  If you take the proper precautions as mentioned above, your husband should have no problems. 

BTW, when I order room service, I remind them again.  They usually respond, "Thank you.  We understand" or "Yes, I see you have these allergies."  I've never had a problem on any of the ships.  The last thing HAL wants is a passenger who suffers an allergic reaction because of their negligence.

On 2/25/2020 at 4:57 PM, kazu said:

 

It really depends on how much of a percentage the investment is of your entire portfolio.

 

Mine is minimal and I have basically told my Financial Planner it is not up for discussion.

 

I might have bought it for the “wrong reason” but I knew why I was doing it and what the risks were.  It has paid me back many times with non taxable OBC + dividends + price increase.

Right on!  When I purchased the stock, I didn't care whether I make money from the stock or not.  I purchased it because I cruise a lot (at least 3 cruises a year).  Over the years, I've been paid back handsomely for that initial investment.  I also told my broker to never sell this stock.  Right now, it's still up from what I paid; however, were it to dip below that mark, I wouldn't care.  My son will inherit this portfolio, and since he also cruises, he won't sell it either, unless Carnival Corp. eliminates the OBC on a permanent basis.  

Many thanks, Kazu, you're so kind to post these images for me.  

Never had a problem going through PCC for table request.  Always get my first choice.  Maybe I've been fortunate.

My home computer still won't allow me to link to any of the features on the site; my work computer didn't have a problem at all.  I'll drag my PC to the Geek guys when I get around to it.  Since I can access and print the schematics, it isn't as high a priority getting it checked out than if I were limited to only my laptop.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.  No, I don't have the site bookmarked, so no issues there.

Are you happy with your current cabin?  If so, wait to see if this offer changes to a price you like better.  If it would impact your cruise negatively not to have a suite, take the offer.  No, you can't bargain with the rep.  They understand if one passenger passes on an offer, another will snap it up.  It depends on what each passenger considers a good deal, something that each passenger decides for him/herself.

HAL has several options for you.  The buffet, of course.  You'll find that HAL staff will serve you throughout the cruise in this venue to lower the threat of Noro.  Personally, I like it.  Other passengers complain that it slows the lines too much.  On embarkation day, it can be a hectic environment, depending on when you arrive.  

Dive-In is another option.  It's the burger/hot dog place near the Lido main pool.  Delicious gourmet burgers and Nathan's hot dogs with the best fries.  What's not to love?

You don't mention the ship you're booked on.  Many ships have a pizza station at the aft Lido pool which is another choice for you.  On Pinnacle class ships, you can also grab a sandwich or pizza at New York Deli, located on the balcony above the main Lido pool.  Wonderful and delicious choices there.  Be sure to ask for extra meat on the sandwiches.

All HAL ships generally serve lunch on embarkation day in the MDR (lower level) from noon until 1:30, which I prefer.  Not crowded or rushed.  You're seated at a linen-draped table and waited on by the friendly staff.  This is definitely your best bet if you want to avoid a loud, crowded atmosphere.  You may be told that they're not serving lunch in the MDR, but check it out anyway.  All HAL ships position their MDRs at the aft.  Hope this information helps you select the best option for your needs.  

I use my PCC for this request.  You could try Ship's Services if you don't use a PCC.

Geek Squad tried to fix the problem remotely, but when I discovered some stored information could be lost, I balked.  At the moment I don't have an extra flash drive to back up some vital stuff, so I've scheduled a later appointment.  Once I back up my files, I'll feel better about them "invading" my drive.

In the meantime, I still have the problem, so am avoiding the site.

Thanks, everyone.  Yes, typo in my post.  I meant to write Zaandam.  Will try your suggestions.  Glad to know the site is okay because I depend upon it a lot.

This evening I visited a website, which has the words HAL and facts in its address, that many of us use.  I clicked on the dining room for Vaandam, so I could decide which table to request on a summer cruise to Canada/New England.  Instead of viewing a schematic of the MDR layout, I received a page with a solid red background and white print informing me that this site has been reported as a danger to my computer for stealing personal information.  I last visited the site without incident about a month ago.  Without those schematics, I have no idea which tables to request.  Just wondering if this is something odd going on with my computer or if the site I've trusted for so long is actually a danger.  Has anyone else encountered this message?