SilvertoGold

Looks like not many but HAL must train these reps. Some seem to have a binder thrown at them and they may take a glance. There is a lot of info to take in. However, the particular cruise(s) referenced on this thread is being sold by HAL right now so the rep must never have noticed it. Hopefully, that was the problem. The TA should have known this info was wrong, though.

OP: HAL even sells this 14 day Vancouver departure as one cruise, as well as two 7 day ones. We have done this northbound and southbound B-B so many times I can't keep track! It is a very relaxing cruise and you get the added benefit of seeing the ports twice! Please enjoy!!!

Our experience since the ships have been back at sea: book with TA always. Assignments on GUARs have come around 15 - 10 days out. Upsell offers around 9 - 6 days out. Always emailed from HAL to me and to TA at the same time.

Yes, upgrades and upsells, both are possible.

Once we had a nice bottle of wine gifted to us from someone at HAL Seattle Head Office (not a PCC). We took this bottle to the MDR and on the last day of this 21 day cruise our main waiter asked if we could mention him to this Seattle person. Hmm, we didn't because he was, surprise, really a bad waiter. Seems he was trying to impersonate the smarmiest waiter in a low-end Italian restaurant, he even chose an Italian "name". He was too casual and talked way too much. It was a l-o-n-g cruise as far as dinner went! We often used to mention to the room stewards and waiters that we would be filling out the emailed survey and would mention them: very few seemed to care. We don't bother to mention this now, we just fill out that survey as usual.

There has been a box with the Hotel General Managers photo on it by the front Desk, with a stack of special paper to use to let him know about whatever you wish. This is what I used on our last 8 cruises. The staff concerned let me know they were informed of my praise, etc. Much easier that asking at the Front Desk for something to on!

New menu is a big improvement for us, as we mostly had the meatballs, lamb and tiramisu, over and over. Now, lots of new items to try, much more to our liking!

A most interesting,"different" stop on some South Pacific cruises. You have to look to the World Cruise to see anything quite like this, otherwise. Tahiti and the Marquesa Islands don't really come close for the simplicity of this place. HAL has had a donation plan each time we have been there and many passengers bring donations and/or contribute to HAL's generous offerings.

Relaxing, beautiful ports, lots of sea days, hot!, camera-ready vistas. Delightful!

Photo is of the decoration on the atrium ceiling?

The safe, my God! What a time. What writing. You deserve a Pulitzer Prize.

Mr M: You are on your way to becoming a perfect HAL Mariner. Naps, sleeping in, going back to sleep: all the prerequisites :) Nevertheless, you need to work on walking the deck much more: 6 laps at a time, please, three times a day will be required, watching for whales at all times. You are so patient about the safe! This is rather strange for a HAL ship to slip up to this extent. But great that you have a super cabin steward. There are a few local shops with local merchandise in each port, the rest being shops selling imported "tourist" stuff and the abundant jewelry stores, as you mentioned.

This is a stupendously fun, interesting and informative thread, Mr M! I am really looking forward to more and will enjoy your posts about Alaska, my fav HAL cruise. That quesadilla was possibly the tomato variety, not something I have ever had served on HAL. Supply issues, presumably. On your next cruise you might like the club sandwich or the cobb salad from Room Service, both dining room quality. Thanks for your time in posting, photos and all.

Possibly new procedure by the port. May 2 disembarkation: two days in advance all pax able to choose their time of disembarkation and pick up the appropriate coloured baggage tag near the Front Desk. Expedited people (carry own luggage off) went at 8:00 am, then everyone else by tag colour. Took us 5 minutes. Excellent set-up!

Large SQUARE insides are 200 square feet (on some ships even larger) and very comfortable. Nice curved sofa. HalFacts.com: look at photos of Zuiderdam 1116 and Noordam 1113

My menus now come as a File. A bit different. One says "Australia dinner menu" and another one says "Pinnacle winter menu". Click on the file and I get the regular menu set-up.

Thanks for your ideas! The 5 star complimentary laundry on HAL is something we prize highly, too! You do very well with 2 x 48 pounds and the backpacks. We are using backpacks for the first time soon and are interested in how well that will work. My big problem is the "if they lose the checked luggage, we are toast" line of thought. Have a great adventure and enjoy the Westerdam!

Hank: These have been really enjoyable and informational posts! Much appreciated! One thing I would like to know is your thoughts on packing for land/cruises. You have so much else figured out so well and logically that I am sure you have a method for packing and I'd love learn from you. Enjoy the Westerdam.

There are lots of good ideas about raising children in this thread. Some parents are good at it, some only so-so. I find the latter types blame the person complaining about their kids: oh, you are not used to kids; oh, you ask too much of youngsters, they aren't adults, you know; oh, lighten up; oh, are you one of those people who don't like ANY kids? It goes on and on, very imaginative reasons for their children's unrestrained behaviour, with pointed blame on the adult having a problem with these children Not many children on the type of HAL cruises we sail, but while a few have been not too great, the vast majority very nice and mature, a refreshing view of the possibilities of raising well behaved kids.

HAL requires testing for Australia and NZ, too. Home test is acceptable and certainly easy to do.

Not all the many families who travel together have well-behaved children. Period. Every cruise we have been on we see that the MDR has enough problems with some tables with children. For us that has been one of the drawbacks of doing a series of 7 day cruises.

On the Noordam 7 day Alaska last autumn the Pinnacle Manager told us she was having a lot of problems, each night, every cruise, fitting in regular guests after all the HIA reservations. Encouraging families who might not otherwise bother with the specialty restaurants won't help.

How is the App working on board?

If you have internet on your cruise and have the inclination, a report on how the App works onboard would be highly appreciated! I can envision long lines a the Front Desk....... Have a really great cruise! Best wishes.

Any ideas why you frequently have delays? You would be using the Domestic Terminal and not the International one. Do they share the same runways?