oldbluff

My glass-is-half-full (or more) philosophy is not HAL-specific. It’s who I am; a combination of growing up in my family with some inherent DNA mixed in. I make cynical observations and can piss and moan with the best, but generally find the humor and good bits of most situations quite adequate to leave me with a smile. Or at least a non-frown to greet the new day and all that awaits.

Looks divine. We have to go with the pedestrian raisin buns, however. Family favorite.

Do you recall the name of the book?

For me, it’s always half full. Sometimes with smooth full-bodied red wine, other times with pond water. Possibilities. That’s the ticket. That place you’ve yet to visit; the person you’ve yet to meet; the all-consuming book to be read.

I believe you will find it depends on the bartender. I think the policy has always been one drink at a time. I have gotten double cocktails or multiple wine/beer containers and been charged for multiple drinks on the package. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the $1/drink cash tip. HAL could remove bartender discretion and disallow subsequent drinks for the same account until X minutes elapsed. Let’s hope they are not micro-managing staff to that level.

Ah, I should have read thru the entire thread, before replying earlier. This is great information, David. Thanks.

As always Ruth, you are very helpful. Thanks.

My wife also uses a cane. In the past, the staff have seen her walking outside, and brought her a wheelchair. Then, after security and check in, she was transferred to another wheelchair and taken to the end of the boarding ramp, at the ship’s entrance. Then she resumed walking with her cane. We are embarking from San Diego (11/26) and will find out if the process has changed.

I had the same problem several days ago. Also web network problems (“Endpoint not reachable”) when booking specialty restaurants. Tried it a couple hours later and it worked fine. So you might try it again after a bit. It is frustrating as I would rather be told I cannot do anything right now, than take the time to enter everything and then have it go to lunch. You were having problems a half hour ago. I have learned not to do much with the site overnight, as it can be very flaky and unresponsive then.

Our last HAL cruise was Thanksgiving 2019, before the Covid Pause. We are happy to be back with several sailings on Konsingdam late November thru early January. Our post-Covid return to cruising was a Princess Alaska sailing in July. I was surprised to find that beverage package drinks could be ordered to our room. It was Very Nice at night when we didn’t want to venture to a bar but were looking for A Little Something to cap off the day. Here’s hoping HAL eventually considers letting us use the beverage packages with room service. We always tip well so the staff are happy to deliver.

Wow. More than I remembered. Still a good way to spend an hour.

Pre-Covid, there were two. The second one had better wines and a higher price. I believe it was $15pp for the first and $25pp for the second. We found the first session wines were just OK and the second were noticeably better. Cheese, grapes and such served with. We usually do these if we are not busy as they are pleasant events. We've made some friends chatting up those sitting nearby, discussing the wines and Life in general. Perfect segue to an afternoon nap (without the new-found acquaintances).

I second lunch in the Pinnacle Grill. Usually a great experience at a reasonable fee. I believe it is only open for lunch on sea days.

OMG, I forgot to mention the raisin buns/rolls! We get them with coffee on the first room service delivery time slot each day. Wonderful way to ease into the day.

We agree about the lack of wind while underway. We have had too much wind with side balconies. And don’t mind being able to slip up to the Seaview Bar and bring back cocktails to enjoy on the balcony or in the cabin,

Ditto on friendly staff, smaller ships and itineraries. Unlimited laundry is the best $7/day on the ship. Indian cuisine on occasion. Free popcorn with movies. Neptune Lounge when we splurge. Did I mention the staff? Hot split pea soup on deck with glaciers all ‘round. Bread pudding with vanilla spilled about. Real books in the (albeit shrinking) library. A sane embarkation process for all, not just suites. Full circuit promenade decks. Wooden lounge chairs on same. And the smiling staff, welcoming us home.

Lovely picture. Thanks for sharing it.

Onslow is the perfect foil for Hyacinth in Keeping Up Appearances. Love it!

Go to questcovid19.com My wife and I got PCR tests thru them before a recent cruise. The tests are at local pharmacies, using the drive thru. One if the valid choices you have when signing up is upcoming travel. With Medicare, there is no cost to you. The website says you get the results by the end of the next day. When you take the test, they tell you 2-5 days, which could be after your ship sails. However, we did get our results late at night the next day. You make appointments with them. You have to get the test within three days of sailing. So for a Saturday departure, get the test on Wednesday and you should have results late Thursday. I have seen conflicting info about the test being within 3 days or 72 hours of sailing, especially if you are going to Canada as part of your cruise. To be safe, you may want to get the test just within the 72 hour window. Cliff

Sweet! I was basing my reply on the past. This is great. Thanks.

I second that. We can all read the news and make our own decisions. That's the beauty of free enterprise. You might consider going to some other street corner and preach your divine financial wisdom.

I don't believe you can use the drink package with room service. You can go to any bar and get to-go drinks for your room, though.

We are on the 8/31 sailing, celebrating our 43rd, so we are right with you.