hummingbird_206

Thanks @LAFFNVEGAS Is the noise a pretty steady sound that eventually just become white noise (or hum?) like a loud air conditioner?

Thinking about booking an aft cabin on the Westerdam. I'm a bit nervous given the stairstep design. For those who have stayed in these cabins, does the fact that the cabin above you can look down on your balcony bother you? Is it very noticeable and/or annoying? Another thing that I question is how much, if any, cigarette smoke smell wafts down from the smoking area at the Sea View bar on the Lido deck? The views look amazing from the aft balconies, but I don't want to set myself up for disappointment.

Spa treatments are ~30% off if booked before the cruise. I booked a massage today for my cruise in Sept, but had to use my Credit card to pay for it. I didn't see any option to use OBC to pay. Can I only use OBC for Spa app't booked once actually 'on board'? If it can be used to book before the cruise starts, where would I be able to select that option?

Our cruise doesn't dock where shown on this map. See the discussion of the port up thread. 🙂

Wow, 10 miles is a bit out of my zone, but I can easily do 5! But yes, we really like to walk when possible. Thanks for mentioning the Red Brick Warehouse. I saw that on the map and wondered if it was worth a stop. We're not big shoppers, but will be fun to look around especially at a place so close to the ship when we're heading back. BTW I read your Westerdam BTBTB Live thread and found your posts about DIY very helpful (even if it was from a while back.) I am hoping we don't have the alcohol shortages you documented!!

Thanks for the info about the pier. As to why walk to the Ropeway, because we like to walk and take in the sites as we walk. I haven't looked into the tram. Good to know about it so we know the options in case we decide not to walk.

Thanks for the info. The writeup you linked was in 2019, so perhaps they have changed where the ship docks? According to this site, the pier is where I used for my Google Maps link. https://www.cruisetimetables.com/hakodate-japan-cruise-ship-schedule.html Also, the cruise excursions say they walk to the Red-Brick Warehouse and the Morning Market, both of which are by the dock I used. But I appreciate the warning so we'll be prepared in case we don't dock where I noted!

Yeesh, I can't get Google to go into street view mode for this location. Thanks for your help.

We're birders! If no excursions show up I'll have to look at renting a car. Thanks!

We will be arriving in Hakodate on a Wednesday on the HAL Westerdam and would like to walk from the ship to the Mt Hakodate Ropeway. Is this area safe to walk? According to Google Maps it's about 2 kilometers, so not far, just want to make sure it is pedestrian friendly? Are any street signs in English (not a requirement, just curious).

We're going on the HAL 'Majestic Japan' cruise this fall and we stop for a day in Dutch Harbor. HAL doesn't have any excursions listed. What is there to do? The only thing I know about Dutch Harbor is that it's where the boats from Deadliest Catch took off from. I also wonder if we're really going to stop there? Last time I was on a HAL cruise they listed a port, had no excursions for it, and ended up cancelling the stop. Could be what's happening here?

I think it's super interesting, too! So I just go to the Guest Services desk and ask and they'll give me the info? That's very good to know and I will for sure ask.

Sounds like you're having fun, yay! We were on the Zaandam earlier this year and really liked it. We're going to be on the Westerdam later this year so just a small step up in size. You mentioned knowing the passenger count, where did you get that info? I'll be curious to see what it is for the Westerdam when we head out.