Roz

Thanks for all your great suggestions. I'm online researching and comparing. Will report back later.

I'm concerned about walking long distances in waterproof footwear. Does that type of boot or shoe offer enough foot support, and will I get blisters? What kind of stores sell waterproof footwear?

There's no ease in Flight Ease.

Flying to Amsterdam on Dec. 16 for a river cruise thru The Netherlands and Belgium; returning Dec. 27. Have never been to Europe in winter. Do I need to pack boots? I was thinking of maybe buying some ankle boots that wouldn't take up too much space or weight in my suitcase.

Glad to be of assistance. People show up all the time without tags and they just fill them out before handing them over to the porters. That includes passengers with guarantee cabins that aren't assigned until the last minute.

@pmjnh, since the 2nd cruise is a HAL cruise, I would think the front desk could help you out and give you generic tags you could fill in by hand, or just get tags at the terminal before you board the 2nd cruise. Is there something I'm missing?

I'm taking a Tauck European river cruise next month, and my cruise docs specifically say "We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters".

As long as you check in online, you can print your boarding pass at the airport. I've seen HAL offer mini internet pkgs. at the end of the cruise so passengers can confirm flights. When sailing to and from the US I usually book with SW and purchase the Early Bird check-in. That way I don't have to concern myself with it as the airline takes care of it.

On my most recent cruise on the Noordam, I went to dinner at 7:30 pm or after and never had a wait. I didn't ask for a table by myself, but about half the time that ended up happening.

@Host Jazzbeau, I'm taking a Tauck cruise next month and spending 3 days pre-cruise in Amsterdam. Wasn't a problem for their cruise air dept. and was able to book Premium Economy.

Tell her to go to the Royal Caribbean website and set up an account. Start to read the info on the website.

What is The Sarah? You've lost me.

YES

Are you implying that those of us who've experienced poor service treat the wait staff badly?

After reading reviews from several posters and taking into account my own experience, the only thing consistent on HAL is inconsistency.

Your Mariner status shouldn't have a bearing on service levels. I had similar bad service on the Rotterdam in March, so I know of what you speak.

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review and share your photos with us. What memories you've made!

Yes it is.

I also noticed Tauck has 2024 itineraries, but you have to call for dates and prices.

I received an email today announcing Uniworld's 2024 itineraries are available on the website.

My sister in NC was paying $1,400 per month for Obamacare with a high deductible. She couldn't afford it anymore and basically self-insured until she qualified for Medicare.

Health insurance (or lack thereof) is one of the main things that keeps people working until they qualify for Medicare. I turn 70 at the end of the month and retire the day after. I've been on my employer's medical insurance but had signed up for Medicare Part A in 2018. I could write a book about all the hoops I've had to jump thru and obstacles I've faced trying to add Part B and a Part D drug plan. I'm using the Medicare supplement my employer has for retirees. They pay part of the premium based on years of service.

I know you mean well, but this can come across the wrong way to fellow passengers. I find it to be awkward dinner conversation, and some people may come away feeling bad or stupid because you think they paid too much.

Corn Hole is very popular in the Midwest, and yes, there are national tournaments.

Lots of people can go on 3-wk. cruises. After Nov. 30 I'll be one of them - I'm retiring! The Baby Boomers born between 1946 - 1964 are a huge age cohort and many are retired. In many countries (not the US) workers get 4-6 wks. of vacation time annually.