Crew News

If your HAL booking document shows both persons 1 and 2 get the "Surf with promo," there will be two devices in the stateroom with separate access.

Staterooms that are sandwiched between other staterooms are less prone to noise coming from the public venues on the ship. Being on a higher deck offers a better view and photo opportunities.

When schools are not in session, HAL cruises will have kids of all ages and Club HAL has lots of activities to keep them busy. It is my experience that kids meet others from all over the world and develop friendships that last far after the cruise ends. Kids are barely noticed on HAL cruises because they enjoy spending their time at Club HAL. Here is a sample of Club HAL Tweens activities on a HAL cruise: Club HAL Tweens

My experience with hundreds of laundry submissions is morning turn-in before 9:00 AM should be returned same evening. Evening turn-in will return next afternoon or earlier.

And a few extra laundry bags as well on your first day.

It is a once per cruise event held in the Pinnacle Grill. I have enjoyed the selection of seafood at these pop-ups. Go for it!

Here is a link to the Sommelier Suite so you can see what wines are included in the Cellar #1 package: Sommelier Suite

In my experience, early dining in the MDR has varied from 5:00 - 5:30 PM in the Caribbean and Alaska 5:30 - 5:45 PM.

Room Service also provides beverages. Here is a link to the contents of the arious beverage packages: Beverage Package Contents

Welcome to Cruise Critic. Here is the current bar menu with prices: Bar Menu

While pushing my luggage into the hallway on the eve of disembarkation, my foot holding the door open slipped and the door latched. Lesson learned was never allow the lanyard and stateroom key to leave my neck except while in bed. I learned one of the downsides of traveling solo......nobody has another stateroom key to let you back in the room.

After being locked out of my room and waiting in line at Guest Services (fortunately at 11:00 PM) wearing only pajama bottoms, my lanyard (with few exceptions) stays around my neck until my feet go under the covers at bedtime. I wear my Cruise Critic lanyard, won in the CC raffle a few years ago.

Wang Wang 1/4 oz Vodka 1/4 oz Gin 1/4 oz White Rum 1/4 oz Scotch 1/4 oz Bourbon 1/4 oz Tequila 1/4 Triple Sec 1/4 oz Brandy Top it off with Pineapple and Orange Juice. Add a splash of Grenadine and let the games begin!

My HAL PCC takes care of all of the arrangements after I verify the possible staterooms to which I wish to upgrade are available. It is my policy to never rely on HOPE when booking.

Upgrade price depends on your cruise length. I was not able to add just a single new device to my account. The charge to add three devices was $10/day.

Juneau - Taku Lodge Feast, any whale watching Ketchikan - Silverking Lodge seafood feast (eagle feeding, sea lion photos, great food), Bering Sea Crab Fishing (eagle feeding, great show)

Dutch

Here are the menus for all 7-Day Alaska cruises for this season. Note that there is an additional item than can be ordered by Club Orange guests. Alaska 7-Day MDR Menus

Good choice on the Taku Lodge excursion.

I was on the Nieuw Statendam in Nov/Dec for two weeks and enjoyed my Club Orange experience with dining whenever I wished. Club Orange got me a nice stateroom upgrade. With the exception of one night, I requested the same table and waiter. Whenever I cruise on a Pinnacle-class ship, I take advantage of the Club Orange upgrade option.

During my time in the mountains, I learned so much about sled dogs and their love to run. If the musher did not drive a stake in the snow to anchor the sled, the dogs would just run away with the empty sled. I think the dogs know only two speeds: resting and fast as you can run. With only a few mushers available, most of the dogs love attention from visitors (we were warned of those dogs who did not like visitor attention). The new puppies loved the attention from the visitors. The feeling of ice crystals hitting your face from paws digging into the snow, the wind in your face, and the awesome scenery was an incredible experience.

This is the email for NA Meet & Greet Ships Services: Tia Cory tcory@hollandamerica.com

I have been to Alaska many times as a solo and one of those times enjoyed dogsledding in Skagway (my favorite excursion ever). i shared a sled with a family of three (one less than a year old). My front row sled seat was truly memorable. Here is a link to see what you will experience: Dogsledding in Skagway

Here is the current bar menu: Bar Menu

Aft Deck 5 staterooms are both fully covered and very deep. That means perfect for Alaska and Panama Canal