Stratheden

Some religions ban the use of the internet I believe.

We never plan. We just walk through the town and find something that looks good. A good tip is to eat where the locals are eating as that usually indicates that it is good.

A solo cruiser cannot now EAT t in Canelttto.

 

 

Shortsighted when they changed from the old format . IMO

 

They are willing to seat a solo in Pinnacle.

A solo cruiser can eat in the Caneletto. The menu only suggests shared plates. The waiters are there to look after you - they won't bully you. :)

Don't you get a Mariner Number if you join on the HAL website? They could all join before booking. I may be wrong of course.

Starting at $289. Does it depend on the length if your cruise. Has anybody taken it for a 26 days cruise? If so, how much did it cost? We are in an SS and i am trying to work out whether it is cheaper to just buy the laundry package and pay for drinks and a Pinnacle Grill dinner.

Go to Rome Cabs.

http://www.romecabs.com/

Book your transfer. The cost may sound expensive but when compared to 2 people on a shuttle it is quite reasonable.

You will have an immaculate limo to yourselves with a great driver. We have used them twice and wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

That's where you are missing a major point: If the HSC was added to the cost, you would be paying much more than the straight gratuity amount. There would need to be an additional charge beyond the HSC to allow for taxation.

It would increase the cost you ultimately pay.

Thank you RuthC. I had stupidly never worked out that by tipping and paying gratuities I was avoiding paying tax. We don't tip nor have resort fees in Australia so it is not something that comes up for discussion at home.

No, the real problem are those who believe that the fares will remain the same if the gratuities are included in the fare. They are always claiming that the cruise line should pay the crew and then the passengers won't have to pay gratuities.

As an Australian I totally disagree with you. We are not looking for something cheap. We just expect to be charged what the company says the cost is. If there are HSC and/or resort fees add it to the cost. You are going to pay it anyway - why wait until later.

As you can see from what @lucymorgan wrote, our laws are very different from yours.

The Veendam has been moved to the Mediterranean so that HAL can still sail into Venice once the new rules come into effect in 2019. The New England cruises were cancelled several months ago.

Yes the verandah is very small. It is like a Juliet Balcony. I would go back to the previous cabin if possible.

Gratiities are not included if you buy your cruise through a TA or from HAL from within Australia.

EXCEPT if you buy when everyone else gets the HSC included via the special that was available a few months ago.

Also, in Australia some Travel Companies (Scenic, AAPT etc.) who include cruises in their itineraries will also include gratuities in their prices. This is because Australians always prefer all inclusive pricing.

Also I have never heard of any Australian Resort or Hotel ever charging a Resort Fee. It just wouldn't be accepted here. Advertised prices must be all inclusive (including tax).

Sorry, much too busy for me. Less is best.

Yes I agree. It's not where I would choose to stay.

Just as the "rules" of common courtesy and politeness apply to guests' interactions with other guests. (y)(y)(y)

They are not guests they are paying customers.

We were seated in the fixed dining area several times. People had obviously informed the staff that they were not coming. We eat early so no disruption of the flow. Asking that nobody be seated there is like pretending this is your private table. If you are absent anyway, it is the staff's responsibility to do what is right for other passengers.

We always select anytime dining and we have been seated upstairs in fixed dining on the odd occasion. Thank goodness at tables for two. We always feel we are intruding into some private club. Everyone around us knew one another and chatted - we were totally ignored. I can't imagine what it would be like being put at a table for 6 or 8 with people who already knew one another.

We have found that the Room Stewards don't seem to take much notice of the bed configuration on the booking. They seem to just make up the room as it was from the previous occupants. We usually just ask them to set it up for us, if it needs changing, when they introduce themselves to us on the first day. We also ask to have the fridge emptied at the same time. When we come back from dinner it has always been done.

Desperate? Get yourself a dictionary. The word you’re looking for is convenient.

No, Desperate to save money!

They both don't fit under the bridge, the Amsterdam will, which is too bad ,because I'll be on her..

The Noordam does fit under the bridge. We boarded her at White Bay. No idea about the other ship.

Just take the pre-made sandwiches from the Lido like we did. They are great sandwiches and no one checks.

Apart from the fact that it may be illegal, why would anybody take one of those awful soggy sandwiches, carry them around all morning and then eat them at lunchtime when it would be even more soggy.

Sounds a bit desperate to me.

Many times I have wandered through the ship and not seen anyone in certain areas. I am sure your DH could find one of those places to sit and quietly play. He may even get an audience. From what you have written I believe he knows the difference between intruding on others and quietly finding himself a deserted spot,

When we visited a ruined church in Malacca a few years ago, there was a gentleman very quietly playing his guitar, and as we browsed, trying to read the ancient writing on the walls, the music was very fitting and we loved it. I think it made our visit much more memorable. Every time Inthink of Malacca I think of him.

Australia is one country where you cannot bring in any food off the ship. Or a plane.

If it is the Westerdam, it looks that leaves on Sunday 29th from Seward.

I'm reading all these responses and now I am confused.

 

I am surprising DH with a HLA cruise. I thought the daily gratuity (except alcohol) was included on bill? I want to make sure I pay for as much as I can up front.

 

Can someone clarify?

You are quite correct. The Hotel Service Charge is added to your account and 15% gratuity is added to the cost of each drink and also added to your account.

If you want to give an additional cash tip to anyone whilst onboard the ship that is entirely at your discretion and is not expected by the staff.

I think you are mistaking "Silent Service" with unfriendliness. Servers in a more Upscale restaurant are trained to give "Silent Service". If they "read" the Customer that it's acceptable to be friendly, they will be friendly. At least this has been our Experience

I can't believe that you think the PG is an upscale restaurant that delivers "Silent Service" You obviously haven't dined at any 'real' upscale restaurants. They can't even cook steak to the requested 'doneness'.

This is up to each of us individually but we usually leave $5 or $10 in cash on the table in the specialty restaurants. Those servers there do share in the standard tip pool but we find they usually are a cut above the MDR servers.

We have found the exact opposite. Waiters in the PG are the most unfriendly I have ever met. They are quite snobbish. Maybe our collared shirt and slacks didn't meet their expectations.

We have always found the MDR waiters very friendly and helpful.