trixiee

3 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

That’s good to know but I still wouldn’t do it myself. I lived there for two years and have visited since and I still think it’s too congested around the airport area.  But we can each have our own opinions. 😉

I think I'll be okay if there are stop lights and sidewalks.  Would a weekend day make a difference, do you think?

3 hours ago, rodndonna said:

 

As we're flying in the day of, a stapler is something I would have to pack or rely on finding one with a worker at the airport. If we were driving to the port or staying at a hotel pre-cruise, we would probably go that route.

Are you a CAA member?  I believe they have some luggage tags there.

I don't understand why people would question this. Assigned boarding times are to allow for social distancing, from my understanding.  

6 hours ago, figmentdj said:

We walked from the rental car center to the pier. After dropping our bags at the pier we returned the car and walked along Pacific to grape then onto Harbor. Stopped a few times to take pics. And then had a cold drink and a bite at Ketch Grill. Pleasant walk. Saved some money, great exercise, made us feel better about the cruise food we were about to partake in.

Can you walk from the airport? I'm hoping to have just a carry-on... I often walk 3-5 miles in a day, so it wouldn't be a stretch for me.  I'm just concerned about the traffic and sidewalks 

How far is the cruise ship terminal from the airport?  Wondering if I should book a Hal transfer or just take a cab?  My flight lands fairly early- 10:30-ish...

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

On the other hand you have the "deniers" who want to think that the HAL of today is anything close to what we loved in the past.  There is nothing "negative" about citing facts such as no production shows, add-ons in the MDR, slots in the Ocean Bar, etc.  Based on what we are hearing from recent HAL cruisers there is no way we plan on booking any future HAL cruises until the reviews suggest things are returning to a decent cruise line,,,not some kind of budget line.  And consider we are 5*.   We are well aware that there are plenty of other lines (we have cruised on 16 lines over the years) that do not seem to be in a state of collapse (it terms of quality).

 

Hank

Yes.  I know. You've written the same post over and over again.  I get that you're not happy/satisfied. Move on.

I don't care about production shows. I don't care if there are slots in the Ocean Bar - there are other lounges.  They aren't "making" you pay for extras...

Enjoy your day.

1 minute ago, baggal said:

Amazing.  I could have written this same post.  We are also 3 star Hal cruisers - almost 4.  Yes, the service is wonderful on HAL (but its also very good on other lines), the food is fine, and the itineraries are definitely interesting, but on our last HAL cruise we found the evening entertainment to be lacking as well as daily activities. 

 

Ironically, our last pre-Covid cruise was in the Caribbean on the Edge.  We loved it!  So much so that we agreed we wouldn't sail HAL in the Caribbean again. But after 18 months of following very strict Covid protocols, we decided to start living again.  My husband recently received a casino offer on the Rotterdam that we couldn't refuse.  It stops at Half Moon Cay, my favorite beach, so we said yes.

 

Now, I'm beginning to regret our decision.  There's so much negativity on these boards regarding the Casino, as well as toward anyone who might not agree with the majority of HAL cheerleaders, that it has left me feeling very uncomfortable about our upcoming cruise.  

 

 

Don't let the negative, whiny folks on this board get to you.  They are likely to not be on your cruise anyway.  Go enjoy!

10 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I should clarify my post.  It’s the pcr/lamp that’s back ordered.  I think you are looking for the antigen so I think you should be good if that’s correct.

Yup!  Just need a proctored Antigen to cruise...

2 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Is that the one thru air Canada? Disappointing that they are back ordered.  I would definitely use it as back up for my next cruise.  Thanks.

Uh oh.  Back-ordered? Crap.  I have them bookmarked to order the kits 3 weeks from now.  Best search out a Plan B!

10 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I have found the Canadian cruise section of CC to be a wealth of information.  I never knew it existed before a month or so ago.  I recall someone posting on there that Canadians can't use them but maybe that changed?  I hope someone has intel for you.

Oh!  Thank you - I will have to go check out that forum.  I didn't know anything about that one either!

The cost is much less, and I wouldn't have to drive half an hour to get tested.

Anyone know?

Is it better to pre-purchase before the cruise, or will the price be the same on board?  I realize there is no mariner discount on this package.  I may just opt to do a straight wine package, and forgo the Pinnacle and wine tastings... Still debating.  Is the special "Holland America gift bottle of wine" anything special?

Yup... Likely not a great way to end the vacation.  Flight ease is allowing only departures after 11:30.  I think I'll use that as a guideline.

Thanks all!  I have never been to San Diego before, and don't know the area at all.  I wish I could stay another day, but that 4-letter word WORK gets in the way.  

3 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

If you read the various reports out of San Diego, both here, and on the West Coast Departures board, you wouldn't want to risk that early a flight. You might make it, you might not. We have sailed out of San Diego 5 or 6 times. A couple of times 10:30 would have been pretty stressful. Other times we could have made it easy. Our next cruise is out of San Diego...we passed on a 10:30 flight.

Thank you!

There is a flight that departs at 10:30.  If I do self disembarkation can I do it? 

I should have been a bit more clear.  I got cruise quote and a flight ease quote, and put a 24 hour courtesy hold on my cabin fare.  I don't think they can hold the flight ease fare for 24 hours? Anyway, the following day when I secured my cruise, the airline prices jumped by $400.00.  The flight price is TWICE as much as what I paid for my cruise.  I was not on a "fool's errand", but more gobsmacked by the price increase.  Nevertheless, there are several flight options available, and I will wait until I see a price that I can swallow, or am forced to pull the trigger because the options are filling up.  

I only asked a question, and your commentary on what you thought was me being foolish is not appreciated.

Have a fantastic day!

Thank you for your detailed posting and pictures!  Because of this I went ahead and booked the exact same retreat cabana for myself!  I cannot wait!!  😀

I should have booked my flights 3 days ago.  They've gone up $400!!

Would hope that the staff are repurposed to do deep cleaning. That seems to me to be more important than lunch in MDR?

Escargot!

In the past I have found it useful to "mute" those extremely negative people...

I did it! My first solo cruise is booked! 

Just now, Florida_gal_50 said:

Hopefully they will switch to just an antigen before too long.  It would make it so much easier and I don’t see how it would make a difference.

I think it has something to do with the reliability of the antigen test?  More false positives?  But I'm not sure!

Thanks for all the responses, and the link to the solo cruiser board.  You have given me to the confidence to book something! 

Another question, re: single supplement - If I book a casino offer of a free inside, do I still pay a single supplement?  The fine print is not clear on that.  I do plan on calling HAL directly later today, but just wondered what other's experience has been.

Thank you!

34 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I would think they would because you are Canadian but I don’t know.

I plan on asking before I book anything.  Following the thread you're posting from, as that one looks very interesting to me!