rkacruiser

I first experienced Cantare during the first season of the Nieuw Amsterdam after they had performed several weeks before during her Dedication Ceremony. The performers change, but, it is good to learn that they remain a truly quality group. Maybe the best performances on HAL ships currently?

Why not sailing from San Francisco? Would provide a longer cruise, scenic sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, a new cruise terminal, air connections would be good: lots of good reasons for that city serving as a homeport for Alaska cruises, I think.

Interesting and thanks for making a contribution to our discussion! Are Bagels and Lox a New Year's breakfast tradition for families of the Jewish faith? Smoked Salmon flavor of Cream Cheese? Never knew such existed. Question about your Grilled Cheese Sandwich use for a bagel. Doesn't the melting of the cheese through the bagel's hole make a mess in the skillet? I love a Grilled Swiss Cheese on Rye Bread (light or dark) Sandwich!

Passenger ships are often thought of in the feminine sense, so, no King Charles. A new Royal Navy warship? Quite likely to be named HMS King Charles, I think.

I have sailed through Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds three times and each time the weather was very good and the scenery was beautiful. The Dusky and Doubtful Sounds were my favorites. The water was flat calm and served as a mirror for the land that was visible. The only wildlife that I recall seeing were many sea birds. Each time, I did not have a balcony, but I did spend much time on deck.

I think you will be OK. All aboard time for your ship will probably be 30 minutes before scheduled departure. That gives you a cushion of an hour to make it back to your ship. On the day of your tour, I recommend that you confirm all aboard and sailing time before you leave the ship and be certain to tell your tour guide when you need to return from the tour. Good luck!

Some of the items in my collection were found at thrift stores.

Thanks. I am going to try Thomas' non-flavored Bagels in the near future and see if I like them. Probably best to continue to butter them and not buy a container of Cream Cheese that may not be totally used.

Having participated in many of these wine tastings, I note what I believe are the poor snacks that are served with the tastings as compared to as recently as 2020. Crackers? I see one such item--maybe a melba toast piece?

Good news. I don't think Magnifica has the YC option, though.

Me too. A stale donut with a hole. Which is....?

Is this positive news for the cruise guests' experience of Skagway?

First time: S. S. Monterey of Pacific Far East Line (a former Matson Line vessel); next time: HAL's Volendam.

Been there and done that and would do it again! And, if a Red Sox or Patriots game is on the TVs, the vibe is "electric"!

Some times the events result in forming cruise-long friendships that, at times, spill over into weeks, months, and years of friendships. Along with a woman guest on my first very long cruise (shortly after I joined CC and learned of the Roll Calls), I was involved in arranging a M&G for our cruise. Lots of work on the computer communicating with everyone, but, it was enjoyable. And, the initial meeting was so successful that we met, as a group, additional times during our 64 day cruise. Some met in smaller groups; lunch groups formed from time to time. I have been involved with others as well. Some were equally successful; some were not. One M&G that I tried to organize, on the appointed hour/day of the meeting: I attended, I waited 30 minutes and no one else appeared. I left. The most disappointing ones that I have tried to attend (not organize) were sailaways at a bar that had too many people. Couldn't find any CC'ers. I'd ask "are you a CC roll call member?" The response would be "what's a CC roll call?"

Well said and my thoughts as well. I encourage people that have any interest in learning the background of what they are experiencing to read some of the excellent maritime histories that have been written. John Maxtone-Graham's books, particularly The Only Way To Cross, are must reads. A book titled The Elizabeth (don't recall the author) is an informative and interesting read.

I agree. There is a market for such an ambiance, I think. There is a problem with that all Italian ambiance, though. On my most recent Princess cruise, the crew were clearly interdenominational. A Thai Cabin Stewardess was my "first shock" with this change. No problem, though. The young woman did an excellent job.

Having been a guest on her during her first season of service, that would be a good choice, Entertainment and dining options are plentiful and the ship, while modern in decor, is lovely.

With such a "requirement", only consider a Pinnacle Class ship of HAL which will provide you with a wider variety of specialty dining options.

I sailed on QM2 on a Caribbean cruise from New York only a couple of years after she entered service. Britannia Restaurant level guest, on the non-formal nights, the type of attire most wore for dinner was what one would find on a HAL ship today (for those that are properly attired for such an evening). Shorts in the MDR for breakfast and lunch? OK. Formal nights? People did dress appropriately for the evening and I was not alone wearing my tux.

I don't see AIDA's product gaining a foothold in the North American market. Costa's "language" issues can be resolved and just because Home Lines/Sitmar's Italian vibe was of yesteryear does not mean than such would not have appeal--if properly marketed--today. Italian cuisine--in my opinion--is a popular cuisine in many parts of North America.

And, based on what I read on the Cunard Message Boards, what is "required" is not what the guests always demonstrate.

Really? I think those who will be sailing on a world cruise will prefer a non-Mitch Miller type of loop. What is needed is to hire musicians that can sight read and are not bound by a corporate play list! (Sight reading is not easy. One of my two music major Nephews preferred not to have to try to sight read new music.)

I do not remember, but, it was very reasonable for the entertainment provided (but not the beverage).

No controversy will be coming from me because I have little knowledge about bagels. (My Principal called them "stale donuts" that have a hole. And, that had been my experience as well until this batch that purchased in error for me. Plus, without a "bagel cutter device", it seems to me that one risks injury in preparing one's breakfast by having to cut them.) I have heard that. Doubtful that Thomas' bakery does that, but,....? The label on the outside of the package says "crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside". And they are. I do like them; something different from my usual breakfast toast or English Muffins. There is a cinnamon raisin variety available--at times--as well. Glad to know that I am not alone. But, I will be careful not to do so if I order one in NYC. 😀 Thanks for adding to an interesting discussion, Hank.