rkacruiser

Since I purchased a better camera than I had been using, I have been taking photos of menus and daily activity sheets and leaving the hard copies behind. For the most part; ones that I deem "special", I keep the hard copy. The digital formats do not really satisfy me like holding the "real thing" in my hands. And, too often, the digital formats are not as clear to read as the "real thing". But, it's better than nothing. I guess. I don't miss these. HAL provides a midnight "snack" which includes enough choices that some of the night's entertainers can be seen dining at that time. I do miss the elaborate presentations, etc. of those Buffets. Beautiful to see with so many options of foods! But, the waste both of food and the efforts of the crew! Far better, I think, to have those kinds of Buffets on only really special occasions.

A few weeks ago, a female friend fell and broke her arm. She has found that wearing men's shirts have been easier for her to do while her arm is in a sling and is healing.

Please remember that there is a connection in Seattle between HAL and Seabourn. Micro-management from the executives in Seattle is a complaint I have heard from HAL Officers from the Captain and on down for several years--years well before Covid.

Good questions! Looking forward to CGT's response.

I knew that the salad course came as the final course, but, I did not know the reason for it. Thanks for the lesson! Eventually did learn this. Maybe this is a good time for me to learn a bit more. What is the difference between "sorbet" and "sherbet"?

I have done both and agree with this gentleman and a full transit is the best option. Have done the small boat excursion through the rest of the Canal, but, he is correct that one's perspectives will be different and, maybe, more significant than remaining on the Eurodam the entire time. Old and new Panama City tour? It is worthwhile to do; I enjoyed it. But, it was not a walking tour. There is a lot to be seen and I wonder how much one would really see in a talking tour. Whatever you decide, please read The Path Between the Seas before you leave for your cruise. The book will provide information that I think will better help you appreciate your Canal experience. Whatever you decide, it's a pleasant, and fun, decision! The Eurodam is a lovely ship as well.

I would recommend HAL for the same reasons that other posters had. Royal Princess does not have as many open deck areas for guests from which to sightsee. The true Inside Passage ought to provide a more smooth sea than going West of Vancouver Island as Royal Princess does. But, Princess' onboard Alaska program is somewhat better than HAL's in my opinion. HAL's is very good. Princess is just a bit more "very good". Main theater entertainment? On HAL, there should be some. On Princess, there will be and I think more diverse and better. The music scene? Both are very good. Cuisine? Both are very good, usually. Difficult, but fun, decision!

Not having a printed daily activities schedule and printed dining room menus would be most irritating to me. I don't like using my smartphone and would have the phone in the staterooms safe during a cruise. I don't go on a cruise to use my phone! I once had a tablemate who ordered many items each evening. She would take 2-3 bites of it and ask that the next item be served. Disgusting and what a waste of food! This was the only time when I left the table when I was finished and before everyone was finished. (And, I was not alone in doing so.)

This is a trait for seniors, in my opinion. Early cruises: breakfast, mid-morning bouillon, Lunch, Tea, snacks/canapes at HH, Dinner, and Late Night Buffet--no problem for me. No more! But, I am more selective in my "grazing/dining" than I once was and disembark from a cruise just as satisfied with what I have experienced in that area as before. If there is one course at dinner that is omitted, it is the salad course. Too filling, even though I do like salads. An appetizer/soup/salad dinner with no entree? Have done that on occasion. Desserts? Difficult to resist and I don't think I have ever turned down some type of dessert even if it was just a sorbet. Pastas are my downfall! I love pasta entrees and appetizers and some of the ones that I ate on MSC in their YC Restaurant were much different than any that I had experienced. How many different risottos can be prepared? A Ravioli dish prepared with Pesto Sauce? (My gosh: it's green! was my first reaction when it was served.) Delicious! Dining on a cruise is a major part of my enjoyment of my cruise!

That is the highlight of the evening!

These smaller events are better in my experience. During my Celebrity Eclipse cruise, there was a wine tasting event featuring Riedel wine glasses. It was a small group, was very well conducted, I learned much (and am a believer in the Riedel wine glass philosophy), and the wines poured were excellent.

These along with the Benedict style with crab are delicious changes from the standard Eggs Benedict. I don't recall having Eggs Royal. One ship's buffet restaurant offered Eggs Italiano with a red sauce. I don't recall the composition of the item, but, the dish that was shown on the serving line looked good.

I have prepared some instructions for him and they are included with my Will. But, you are correct, making a more detailed list of what I know will have monetary value to collectors is an excellent idea. Thank you for that suggestion! One of the things in my collection are complete daily programs, menus, etc. from many of my cruises. I saved every single item that I received during my 2008 world cruise. Two plastic storage boxes full of memorabilia! Along with a crystal model of the Amsterdam signed by the Captain and the Hotel Manager.

I agree as to your opinion about Hubbard. I have been fortunate to see (and hear) much more calving at that glacier than I have at any glacier in Glacier Bay. During one visit, Hubbard put on quite a show almost the entire time was sailing off its face. Haven't missed it when its been on my itinerary; fortunate, I know.

Many opinions as to where to park at Port Everglades. Many, including me, prefer parking at the Port and using one of their garages. It is more convenient, no waiting for a shuttle, and the Porters will take your luggage and you directly to your car, (An appropriate tip is appreciated for such a service.)

I forgot to add to my post of yesterday that when Rotterdam VI sailed from Rotterdam that afternoon, we passed Rotterdam V. VI sounded her whistle to salute the old girl. Surprisingly, V responded! Some of us wondered if that was her original whistle.

I forgot to add to my post of yesterday that when Rotterdam VI sailed from Rotterdam that afternoon, we passed Rotterdam V. VI sounded her whistle to salute the old girl. Surprisingly, V responded! Some of us wondered if that was her original whistle.

usually, these local groups that are hired to perform the ships are excellent. One of the best that I have experienced was a local church group from one of the Polynesian islands when we had a late sailing one evening. The laua that we attended was on Maui and it was fun, but, touristy, Don't think I would make any effort to attend one like that again.

There are those that do not have a cellphone and those of us who are figuring out why my smartphone is "smarter" than I am.

Very sorry to learn of this and I hope that you will be properly treated both on the ship and ashore.

Yes, he is. I read and try to learn. But, my past experiences with an account executive with UBS and what he wanted me to do with my account (that would generate much money for him) and the complaint I filed with the branch office manager and his response soured me on what I "learned" from UBS. That entire account portfolio went elsewhere.

Yes, he is. I read and try to learn. But, my past experiences with an account executive with UBS and what he wanted me to do with my account (that would generate much money for him) and the complaint I filed with the branch office manager and his response soured me on what I "learned" from UBS. That entire account portfolio went elsewhere.

I do not recall the Master of the Eurodam giving us an update. But, I agree, more information would be appreciated. (But, remember: the PR rule on a ship regarding ship's personnel's response to a guest's inquiry is "Happy, Happy".

Christmas Eve and Day at sea could be a better experience than Christmas Day in a port. But, regardless, having experienced both situations, HAL does an excellent job in providing a Christmas celebration on every holiday cruise that I have sailed.

I prefer veranda staterooms on Deck 5 in the area of the forward elevator foyer. Why? Because it seems that it is the forward area of the ship that I frequent the most.