oakridger

Since aerosol spray is prohibited how about getting Repel in the non-aerosol pump spray instead. Maybe you can save or give away the sprays you have already purchased. I like Repel also. They sell wipes too for skin but wouldn't work to put on clothing. Amazon.com: Repel 100 Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fluid Ounces, 10-Hour Protection : Health & Household (Sorry it's so huge!!! I don't know how to shrink it)

Thank you for the good info about accessibility in this restaurant. Another clarification though, you say at 1:00 minute that you had lunch there. It is only open for dinner unless you happened across a one-off opening for lunch. Don't want to disappoint anyone when they go up there at noon expecting it to be open. ~Nancy

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On HAL my experience has been that the bartenders and waiters have always used tongs to grab the drink garnishes/fruit. And, I will confess to doing many, many hours of bar "observation"!! 😉 If the waiter is using their bare fingers they shouldn't be.

Note that you are comparing a Non-Refundable "Cruise Only" fare to the HIA Refundable fare. I think the more accurate comparison would be the Refundable cruise only fare (Advantage Fare?-which is not listed online, must ask for it) to the HIA Refundable fare. The difference will be less. ~Nancy

My good friend works at the San Francisco Cruise Pier, and it breaks her heart every time people are denied boarding for lack of documentation. It happens pretty frequently because people don't do their research before traveling. I'm so happy to hear that @MisterMatthew is getting his passport!! Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world!! ~Nancy

What exactly is your question?

Have you considered getting the grandchildren passports? There is still plenty of time before spring breaks. ~Nancy

Thank you for sharing your review with us and thanks for changing the font to black! (The blue is more difficult to read) I decided after reading many reviews from the land portion for Alaska that I will go on my own when I get back up there. The early morning calls and regimentation of the tour are not for me, but I realize that many people prefer not to have to deal with the logistics and they really enjoy it. It's good to see reviews such as yours so anyone contemplating these tours can ask themselves if it fits their travel style. ~Nancy

Rotterdam has this same small bar by the Club Orange dining room.

When I went on the Hurtigruten coastal voyage there was no additional charges for gratuities. I do know that tipping is not a common practice in Norway in general, so I believe that it isn't on the ships either. From the Hurtigruten website today: Expedition Ships: "On board Hurtigruten Expedition Ships, it's not common practice or expected to tip. However, we have learned that many of our guests wish to give special thanks to our service crew on board. It is at the individual's discretion to honour the service provided by the crew in the bars, restaurants, cabins, and behind the scene. If you wish to leave a tip, you can do so by one of the following options: By seeing the reception and debit the amount to your cruise account. Or leave a tip in the tipping box located at the Reception, during the last days of the voyage. The money collected from these boxes will then be divided equally among all crew members after the voyage, we ask not to tip individual crew members during the voyage to ensure the people behind the scenes also are included. Please Note: Officers and Expedition Team are not included in this breakdown." Coastal route ships: "Tipping is not customary on Hurtigruten ships on the coastal route, but if you think the crew should be rewarded for exceptional service, there are tip boxes and envelopes in the restaurant." If anyone knows otherwise, please correct me! ~Nancy

I guess we were typing at the same time! At least our answers agree!!😉 ~Nancy

My next cruise is on Zuiderdam in May 2024. I think you will enjoy sailing on her! Come back with any questions after you do a little reading on CC and we are happy to answer!! ~Nancy

Many of your questions have been answered recently on the HAL forums here. Have a look at the threads and also the HAL website which will have specialty restaurant prices listed under your booking when they become available to book. You will learn a lot here on Cruise Critic and with 1.5K posts you probably know how to find your way around. That said, I'll answer a couple of the easy ones: In RED Check @Crew News excellent site for all kinds on menus and prices, etc. Roger Jett Photography - Digital Images in Time Roger Jett Photography (rogerjett-photography.com)

I heard that the Canadians are all very polite!! 😉 I'm just teasing you a little, but it was nice of you to realize that this has been discussed frequently. Have a good cruise and enjoy your wine! ~Nancy P.S.- Love those B2Bs!!

Vloggers "Ben and David" just released a YouTube video about Celestyal in Greece and Turkey. It was not on the Celestyal Journey though. They were very pleasantly surprised with their cruise. ~Nancy

All reports indicate it is random! It's actually "check in time" not boarding time though. ~Nancy

@WCB Thank you for the information!! The soup sounds like an improvement! I don't really mind if the Cordon Bleu is a frozen product (works for me at home often) as long as it's good. I'll try it on my next cruise. ~Nancy

@Hobar Yes, those staying in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite can get drinks in the Neptune Lounge. Your drinks are included in your beverage package (part of your HIA). (The "rule change" people were talking about was a very short-lived experience that quickly was stopped. I highly doubt that this rule will change again!) What ship and cruise will you be sailing on? Some of your other questions on the other threads are ship dependent so we could customize answers better knowing which ship/itinerary. ~Nancy

Be aware that occasionally a port can change from docked to having to tender based on outside factors such as the harbor master rearranging the docked ships for example. Generally, though, the list from HAL and your itinerary will be correct. ~Nancy

Like @Blackduck59 I like Ocean Bar since now they usually have live music playing pre dinner. If you are eating at the Pinnacle Grill, then the Pinnacle Bar next to it is where you will find me before my reservation. @crystalspin reminded me about the Tamarind Bar which is quiet and has a good view. It's on the three Pinnacle ships, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. They have some unique to Tamarind cocktails there also. I don't usually go to Crow's Nest since they stopped having live music there, but would consider it if we are cruising through a particularly scenic area at that time and it's still light out. You won't go thirsty for sure!! ~Nancy

@OlsSalt thank you for responding. Before I go I will look into the safety issue more closely. I have heard about pickpockets in many places around the world and we all need to be aware of our surroundings. I hope our public transit system someday gets back to a safe place like it was when I commuted to work many years ago. I used to take public transit around San Francisco just for fun sometimes. Sadly, not now. I hope Portugal has nipped any problems in the bud! Yes, definitely the egg tarts!! 😁 ~Nancy

Here's a random food question I have been wondering for a long time. How is the chicken cordon bleu prepared? Is it rolled up with the cheese and ham inside or flat with the cheese and ham on top? I love a good Cordon Bleu but have not tried it on HAL because previous cruise ship version wasn't good at all....flat and dry. Also, what is new about the iconic French Onion Soup other than the container? I love French Onion Soup but find HAL's to be okay but not spectacular. An improved recipe would be welcomed. Ha ha, thanks for entertaining a couple of trivial food questions. ~Nancy

Can you elaborate about the train? Were there people being violent or stealing from other passengers? (Like on BART here in the Bay Area) Was there open drug use/shooting up/smoking? Did you feel unsafe? I have not heard any reports about Portugal, but haven't looked at anything recently since my June 2020 tip there was cancelled. I plan on going to Lisbon hopefully within the next couple of years so am interested to hear more on this. Thanks, ~Nancy

Thank you for the added information. Fortunately, I love driving and long road trips! I've learned to pace myself so I can really see what I want and not wear myself out driving. For me, cruising is the really relaxing time! ~Nancy