FlorenceItaly

Looks so relaxing! The drink prices are very reasonable.

Bon Voyage! The sunny weather is going to be bliss.

I am excited to follow along! Bon Voyage!!

I am really looking forward to reading about your experience. Wishing you and Tom a wonderful cruise. Bon Voyage!

To me it is obvious HAL is not going to respond. Also, since leaving the ship the situation with dogs on board has continued.

Bon Voyage! Wishing you a wonderful anniversary celebration!

Due to norovirus I wonder if they would have stopped at Fanning Island anyway???? On our 2019 51 day Tales of the South Pacific we did make it in. Best wishes to the ill patient.

I did not start receiving offers until I was well into a 3 star level. We are now 4 star. Aside from casino we spend money on wine packages, specialty restaurants and more. I have three cruises coming up and only 1 is a casino offer. The other two have a casino discount attached to them, but they are not inexpensive cruises, one being 28 days and the other 45 days. Be careful with assumptions.

I will look at this area. Thank you. It is not on the heading of the square on the HAL booking site like some of the others are.

Here is another strange...the 2024 28 day Alaska Artic Circle Cruise(RT Seattle) is listed as Legendary however, the same cruise in 2025 is not?????

I think I know of who you speak(JD). I understand completely and look forward to hearing ALL about it. I have no doubt it will be a wonderful reunion and cruise.

Sounds amazing. I am looking forward to your impressions especially versus mainstream cruising. Edited to say what caused you book this cruise, deal, etc?

It's all about the math. Keep in mind the HIA adds to the insurance cost. Lately, we are booking bare bones. We are 4 star and receive 1/2 off wine packages, and specialty dining. We are satisfied with our cell phone internet in port. Also, we typically are cruising on a casino offer that gives us complimentary cocktails in casino. Plus, we participate in happy hour and sometimes order a few bottles for cabin. Again, it's all about the math. We have three cruises coming up. On 2 of the 3, bare bones.

Sounds amazing! Bon Voyage!!

My dh qualifies for military OBC. When we are receiving a complimentary casino cruise(or very close to it) or a significant casino discount(thousands!) I have no problem with us not receiving the OBC. To me it is fair. ETA: After posting and thinking of my upcoming 28 day and 45 day cruise the discount was very good imo and the military OBC was automatically credit. For an upcoming complimentary one, no. But, even if it was not added for the significantly discounted ones, it would be fine.

On the t-shirt topic...I once saw one that said "People are the Worst"....I regret not getting it, lol. Enjoying the Koningsdam discussion. We spent 27 days on her total in Dec/Jan with a short land vacation in between. There was no band in the Ocean Bar so nice to see this. Happy hour was always in the Billboard Lounge and not relaxing when the duo was playing. I tried to get this changed but unsuccessful. Or, at the very least add another option. No go. I see it is now at the Rolling Stone Lounge which is a bit of improvement. We rarely dined in the DR. We mainly had lunch at Pinnacle, no dinner except for a few specialty restaurants or an occasional pizza. The NY Deli was open for breakfast which was a nice not crowded option. I think now the program is indicating otherwise. Thank you for doing this live review.

Years ago on a Carnival excursion there was a group that was held up at gunpoint. Just because you are on a cruise sponsored tour does not ensure safety. Stay on the ship. You aren't missing anything.

Bon Voyage! Wishing you a wonderful cruise.

We loved Johnny Melnick on our 51 day South Pacific/Hawaii cruise in 2019. In fact, we are still in contact with him. We will meet up with him next week when we are in Ft. Lauderdale.

@Mary229, I too am skeptical of what Rene says.

half off wine packages, complimentary laundry, half of mini bar and half of most specialty restaurants. All these benefits combined with the casino deal is a great deal. For us, we feel we are farther ahead not purchasing HIA. For internet we are fine with accessing on our phones while in port. The complimentary drinks in casino is nice. We typically tip $2 per drink. And, we attend happy hour. Also, when adding HIA one must consider it does add to the cost of your insurance as it is based on what you paid for the cruise.

Me as well.

It seems the Koningsdam has learned nothing from December/January!

I believe they sail tomorrow.

There is no rhyme or reason to what HAL does....seriously....wishing you a wonderful cruise!