TXCruiser10

My Husband and I have used the thermal suites pass on multiple sailings and the process is the same--they identify your cabin key with something like a sticker and you exchange that for a spa key which gives you access to the pools, thermal suites, etc. The problem is that one can easily access those areas without a spa key. The doors do not always lock or are not always closed. Many times, we accessed the areas without having to use the spa card. We plan to use the thermal suites on Koningsdam this December so I hope there is no problem. It is really one of our favorite things about HAL.

Thanks for the feedback!

:confused:My husband and I are booked for a 12 night Mediterranean cruise for the last week of July. Most of our ports are in Greece but we do have stops in Croatia and Turkey (begins in Rome, ends in Venice). Now that the U.S. State Dept. has issued a travel warning for all of Europe, our friends no longer want to go with us. I'm seeking opinions on the safety of cruising to this region in light of the recent attacks and the travel warning. Does anyone plan to cancel their trip? Any suggestions as to why we shouldn't cancel ours as well?

My husband and I are booked for a 12 night Mediterranean cruise for the last week of July. Most of our ports are in Greece but we do have stops in Croatia and Turkey (begins in Rome, ends in Venice). Now that the U.S. State Dept. has issued a travel warning for all of Europe, our friends no longer want to go with us. I'm seeking opinions on the safety of cruising to this region in light of the recent attacks and the travel warning. Does anyone plan to cancel their trip? Any suggestions as to why we shouldn't cancel ours as well?

Hi there! I can help with the price for the heated loungers. The heated loungers are part of the thermal suites. For a week long cruise, the price is $100 per person. Passes to the thermal suite are first come, first serve and it is best to book them once you board the ship. I'm not sure, but I think the price is higher if you book before boarding. The price includes unlimited visits to the thermal suites, which include the heated loungers which are in a separate room in the spa. This room typically has a great view to the outside and has the heated loungers, the sauna, and sometimes a whirlpool/hot tub (depending on what ship you are on). You also have access to the hydrotherapy pool in the spa area. My husband and I have paid for this access on the Veendam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Zuiderdam. For us, it is worth every penny and what we look forward to the most.

This is so incredibly tragic. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families. So very sorry...

Have booked a balcony for December...would love to be able to enjoy it smoke-free!

My husband and I were in our late 30s when we took our first cruise with HAL--that was 5 years ago and we've been on both RCCL and HAL. We absolutely prefer HAL over RCCL. The food, service, and rooms are superior to RCCL, in my opinion--although I have enjoyed every single cruise with both lines. We enjoy all the little 'perks' on a HAL cruise--tea time every afternoon (don't laugh--my husband did and now he makes it a point to go to the Cupcake Tea), the beautiful spa area and thermal suites, the water/lemonade and hot towels that await you before you board after a long day in port, the plush bathrobes that are standard with every cabin, etc. And I remember that on my first RCCL there was big push to sell you drinks. I like a good beverage as much as the other person but I didn't like the constant pressure to buy. IF you try HAL, I do think you will all enjoy it very much.

My husband and I often (actually always) bring home liquor bottles for ourselves and friends. On the first sea day, my husband visits the ship's liquor store and takes pictures of the prices for whatever he is interested in. Then, when we are at port, we can easily compare the ship's prices to prices at port for the same product. Sometimes the ship is better and sometimes it's not.

Been on many snorkel excursions with my husband. Usually, you go on a boat that takes you out to the snorkeling area. You can leave any personal belongings right there at your seat. The crew keeps an eye on everything. But I would not take my passport with me--keep that in your cabin safe.

My husband and I are big NFL fans and usually we cruise in December. So, watching the game is top on our list. We have sailed RCCL and HAL and have been able to watch the NFL games at the various bars on board as well as in our staterom. BUT, once you are out to sea, the signal can be spotty. We've lost the signal many times during a game and for several minutes at a time. This was especially true for the Thursday night games. Still, we had a great time and some lines even provide tasty snacks! Enoy!

Yes to all the above--the wonderful Promonade deck, the crew, the food, the cabins, etc. but I would add:

1. warm, soft robes in EVERY cabin

2. fresh fruit in cabins on request

3. afternoon tea and my husband's beloved Cupcake Tea!

4. An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill

5. Water, lemonade, & hot towels waiting for you when you board after a long day in port

6. Fantastic views from so many of the floors--not just the pool deck

7. Easy to find a quiet, secluded spot no matter the time of day

8. Something to do whether you're 28, 38, 48, 58 etc.

9. the Canvas totes they give you when you head out for the day

10. The Greenhouse Retreat and those wonderful heated ceramic loungers!