oakridger

Yes

I'll be on Konningsdam in December (Mexico) and will report back with what PG is offering in this vicinity now. ~Nancy

I'm not the OP but will sneak in my opinion here! I haven't been back to the afternoon tea in years because it wasn't anything special in ambiance or food to me. I love a tea service that has some soft live music (piano, classical) in the background and a choice of served finger sandwiches and sweets. HAL didn't have any live music. It felt like a "get 'em in and get 'em out" exercise. The biggest fail for me is that HAL doesn't have real clotted cream for the scones!!! 😧 I just skip it now. On the other hand, the signature suites on deck 6 (upper veranda) are my very favorite cabins on HAL!!! In Alaska I sat at the desk looking out the window with my room service breakfast when the weather was too nasty to sit on the veranda. Love that cabin!! I like Tamarind very much but also be sure to stop by the Tamarind Bar. It really is a hidden gem! I love Canaletto and especially the service and the Osso Bucco! Haven't tried Morimoto yet. Have a wonderful time in Alaska!! ~Nancy

Hi @League3056. Welcome to HAL. Yes, you can order other drinks that aren't on the official drink menus and as long as the ingredients are there, they should be able to make it for you! As you mentioned, you can substitute brands of spirits that are in the price category under the HIA beverage package. What's nice is, if you want a drink that is over the $11 or $15 limit you only need to pay the difference plus 18% gratuity on the difference. Example: a $12 drink will cost $1.18 if you have the Signature beverage package. I have heard that drinks in the MDR other than wine take time to receive but I've only ordered wine, and it was delivered quickly. Not a dedicated cocktail server in the MDR. I would get my cocktail at a bar before dinner and carry it into the MDR if I wanted one with dinner. Can't answer about breakfast room service from the MDR menu other than to let you know that I have written in items or substitutions on the breakfast card, and it was delivered! Hopefully someone with firsthand experience with the MDR breakfast menu delivered to your cabin will step in with their experience. ~Nancy

@Southpaw97470 This is nothing new. Crew Appreciation has not been normally included in the HIA package that can be purchased separately. It has only been regularly included with the Early Booking HIA that can be included in the cruise fare with early bookings. The Early Booking also includes upgrades to Premium Wi-Fi and Elite Beverage package. Occasionally there is a Crew Appreciation added special sale but as mentioned it's not been included on the base HIA that I know of. Enjoy your cruise and HIA package! ~Nancy

All good questions. If you haven't already done so, I also suggest you look at the "Ports of Call" forum for "Pacific Islands, all" as tours of the islands are discussed there also. Pacific Islands, All Cruises Q&A: Find Tips & Recommendations - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums Have a great trip! ~Nancy

@Bob153 Welcome to Cruise Critic! I'm waiting to go on my first Windstar cruise next May on Star Breeze (Tahiti) but am glad I saw your question because I would also like to try Wind Surf next. Comments from @Strenz have given me a good idea on itinerary for that next trip! Thanks both of you. ~Nancy

I need to meet OLoPP!!! My late mother who was always trying to prod me into dating again after being single for several years was seriously suggesting that Harrison Ford would be someone I should get to know....after all, we both live in California!! I agreed, but Calista Flockhart already had him occupied!! 😁 ~Nancy

@TahitianbigkahunaI can't wait!! This reminds me of when I was still working many years ago and had a huge poster in my office of a similar looking beach with palm trees. It was my dream place when things were rough at work. I finally made it to French Polynesia in 2012 and 2019 and now I'm using these videos/pictures to mentally escape again!!! 😊 ~Nancy

@Mr. Moonlight Check Halfacts.com for a picture of the cabin right next to yours (#4219). The site has all kinds of HAL info and pictures. 4219 – Rotterdam | HAL Cruiser Information "Kindly provided by Cruise Critic member ‘VermeulT’. Photos taken in April 2022." Have a great trip! ~Nancy

On their website look at the bottom of the written comments and click on "344 Pictures". "Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann

Yes, the larger pictures are so much easier to see and clearer as well! Thanks for posting them this way. ~Nancy

What are my suite amenities and complimentary features

The Club Orange dining room is included for Neptune Suites! Some of the other amenities that CO offers are also included with Neptune Suites. ~Nancy

It's the new Pinnacle Grill menu apparently. ~Nancy

AMS was efficient this last June and July per my experience leaving June 1st and transiting on July 1st, 2024. ~Nancy

I stayed at the Riverside Hotel the last two times I sailed out of Ft. Lauderdale. I like the place! Nice room and staff and a different vibe than a beach place. It has a cozy and friendly ambiance and a close location to lots of places via walking or water taxi. $300-ish rate for a king room. I do recommend! ~Nancy

@ryndam I'm so happy you are planning on giving on board commentary again. I'll be watching for any posts from those on board! I really need to read about some fun stuff and get away from the "news". Thanks, and have a really great cruise! ~Nancy

I want one of these! I'll be there next May so thanks for letting us know where the market is. ~Nancy

I didn't eat at their restaurant either for the same reason. I went to the food court and got a sandwich!! 😉 ~Nancy

If you weren't aware, the Fairmont Waterfront will transfer your luggage from your room directly to the ship drop off. I did that for only the cost of a tip to the bellman. (same service as the Pan Pacific offers). It was very nice not having to drag luggage over to the drop off! ~Nancy

Please note that the Keukenhof Garden tulip display will finish on May 11, 2025. I got there two weeks late arriving on Zuiderdam in May 2024. ☹️

Yes! I just did a mock booking up until the payment. It let me submit as a solo passenger and gave me a fare. Seemed easy! ~Nancy

I got my HAL AARP added after I booked! Ask someone else because my experience last spring was not what your rep told you! Good luck! ~Nancy

I could change my name to "Carol"!! 😉 ~Nancy