2023 Grand World Voyage with The Inside Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

TAURANGA AND A VISIT TO HOBBITON (POST #33)

FEBRUARY 3, 2023

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We take a trip to Middle Earth and visit the home of Bilbo Baggins

Our third New Zealand Port is listed as Tauranga, but we actually moor in Mount Maunganui, a small town on the other side of Tauranga Harbor.  Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano,  rises 761 feet above sea level is at the end of the peninsula.

Mount Maunganui is an extinct volcano located in the city of Mount Maunganui. This photo shows the city beach in the foreground

We had a tour booked to see the Hobitton Movie Set a couple of months ago, but we received an email last week from the tour company canceling our tour because their company went out of business.   We checked with Viator and booked another tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set with Cruise Tours Tauranga for $118 USD pp.   Regardless of who you use to book your tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set you will end up at the same place, using the same tour guides.

Tour companies only provide transportation to Hobitton where you will use the Hobbiton guides and buses.  If you rented a car and drove to Hobbiton, the tour alone costs $56 USD

We are not fans of the Hobbit movies, and I read the book The Hobbit back when I was 13 or so.   However, on previous visits to New Zealand, many people have taken the Hobbit Tour, and they said the tour was wonderful even if you weren’t a fan.   We’ll see.  If you don’t want to watch the entire movie, you can check out this YouTube clip to see what Hobbiton looked like when it was used in the movie.    The ship TV also had the complete movie available for watching anytime on demand.

The ship moors alongside a wharf without any passenger terminal.   Once off the ship, it’s about a 1/4 mile walk to the port gate.  A large parking lot outside the gate is where vans and small buses for private tours are parked.

The port gate with the Zuiderdam in the background

 

Our tour met by the flagpole at 9:15.   The flagpole is where many private tours meet and is right outside the port gate.   On the wharf, on the way to the port gate, there is a booth with several vendors selling tours on the spot.    If you don’t have something pre-booked, this port has many last-minute tours available.

This is “The Flagpole,” where you will meet for many private tours You can buy excursions here right on the wharf

 

The  Hobitton Movie set is about a 75-minute drive, and we were scheduled for the 11 am tour.      The tour lasts 2 hours, and we would have 30 minutes for lunch and shopping before we headed back and for a scheduled return by 3 pm.

Once we left, we continued west on two lane paved roads until we arrived at Hobitton at about 10:45 am. This picturesque location is known for being the filming site of the Shire, a central location in J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved stories. After we crossed the bridge over Tauranga Harbor, we were greeted by lush green hills, rolling pastures, and sprawling farmlands.

After arriving in Hobbiton, we got off our tour bus and lined up in a sheltered waiting area organized by our tour starting time:  in our case, 11:00 am.   Our bus driver will handed us our Hobbiton Tour tickets along with the site brochure HERE.

This is a copy of the tour route we will follow.

 

At our designated time, everyone boards a Hobbiton shuttle bus for the one-mile drive to the start of the one-mile walking tour through the Shire.    We met our guide, Kate, who would lead us through the two-hour walking tour.

This sign marks the start of your walking tour Our tour guide, Kate, is from Dayton, Ohio

 

All of the 44 Hobbit Holes are exteriors only.  The movie’s interior scenes were filmed on a set elsewhere.   Hobbiton is building a Hobbit Hole with an actual interior that may be available when you visit.   More information is available HERE 

There was one Hobbit Hole with a working door where we could pose for photographs.     Kate pointed out the significance of many locations as we moved through the set, including Bilbo Baggins House, The Party Field and Sam’s House.    We were not rushed and there was plenty of time to take pictures and ask questions.

This photo shows the size of each tour group

These scene is what caught Peter Jacksons eye when he was scouting locations from a helicopter

Hobbit Holes

This is the bus used to travel to the start of the walking tour

Hobbit Hole

Hobbit Hole

This is the one Hobbit Hole with a working door

Bilbo Baggin’s Hobbit Hole

 

Toward the end of the tour, we visited the Green Dragon Inn, where we had 15-20 minutes to enjoy a complimentary beverage (Beer or Cider) and purchase a snack.

Inside the Green Dragon Inn, we had about 15 minutes to enjoy a beverage and snack.

 

Returning to the visitors center, we had about 30 minutes to browse the gift shop and get some lunch in the café.   The length of time we spent here afterward is determined by the tour that we used and our return time back to the port.

Hobbiton Gift Shop

 

We left Hobbiton at 1:30 and arrived at Mount Maunganui a little before 2 pm.

We spent the next 2 hours wandering up and down Mount Maunganui’s main shopping street.   There are numerous shops and restaurants.   The extinct Volcano, Mount Maunganui is at the end of the main street, and you can walk around the base or hike to the summit.

Mount Maunganui’s main shopping street Back on the ship after a fun day ashore

 

Debora Krizak was the featured entertainer on the Mainstage (Note – the mainstage is now called the World Stage – to align with the name used on other Holland America Ships).   Read more about Debora HERE

Debora has a powerful voice and performed such hits as “I’m a Woman” made famous by Peggy Lee, Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman”, Dolly Parton’s “Nine to Five” and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary”.

Debora received a standing ovation!

Edited February 5, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[dchip]

The best photos of Hobbiton we have seen!! We had a tour scheduled for 2020 but we all know how that went. 😫 Thanks for your wonderful posts. They are so informative and the photos are always fun. 
Cheers, Denise and Howie too

PS: since we never got to NZ, here is our version of a Hobbit Hole. 
 

 

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

3 hours ago, mooseridge said:

Hey Pete & Judy - so appreciate your wonderful, upbeat WC coverage!   Notice you're 'getting around' on land seems to be via, Ubers, taxis' walking etc as you obviously know what/where/ & how you want to go from experience & research.    Question for you, back when you were newer travelers on cruise ships & did tours, did you tour via private tours or did your do HAL tours.   Just wondering - if you don't mind.   

 

mooseridge 

(FYI 30 degrees & snowing - yes brrrr but beautiful!)

 

 

We have always done private tours, but will still do HAL tours occasionally.   We used to live in Japan and we lived in 17 different places during my Navy career.   All that moving gave us a lot of experience exploring new areas. 

 

When in a tender port we will often do a HAL tour to avoid all the issues getting a tender ticket.   I will always review the HAL tours as they cover a lot of options about what is available in each port.   

 

One of the purposes of my blog is to help other cruisers learn about other options available during port visits and how to get around.   

 

The handiest apps to have any more are some sort of smart phone mapping program that doesn't require an internet connection - Maps.ME or Pocket Earth to name a few.    I recently bought a $39 android phone to see how well it works - it works pretty good - no data plan required.   So if you don't want to get a more expensive phone - you can get a pretty good one for less than the cost of a Pinnacle Dinner...

 

Thanks for following!

[The-Inside-Cabin]

7 hours ago, dchip said:

The best photos of Hobbiton we have seen!! We had a tour scheduled for 2020 but we all know how that went. 😫 Thanks for your wonderful posts. They are so informative and the photos are always fun. 
Cheers, Denise and Howie too

PS: since we never got to NZ, here is our version of a Hobbit Hole. 
 

 

 

Hi Denise,

 

Thanks - that almost looks like those red chairs we see in Canada .....Parks Canada red chairs

 

I think you need a door!

[The-Inside-Cabin]

GISBORNE WINE TOUR (POST #34)

FEBRUARY 4, 2023

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We enjoy wonderful wine during the day and a great show in the evening

We visited Gisborne, New Zealand, for a short visit, with an all-aboard time of 2:30.   This was also a tender port which reduces your effective time ashore even more.

The rainy weather we experienced over the last few days was gone, and today was a beautiful summer day with temperatures in the mid-’70s.

The locals pronounce Gisborne –  “Giz-bern”  also Gizzy for short

Susan, from our table, arranged for a private wine tasting for our group with Wright Vineyards.   More about the Vineyard and Tour HERE and HERE.

Our tour didn’t start until 10 AM, so we didn’t have to rush off on the first tender, but we headed down at 8:30  AM to avoid rushing.   There wasn’t much of a wait for tenders, and we were soon on our way.    The tender took 20 minutes to get ashore.

Gisborne offered a free shuttle bus to the center of town, but it was only 1/2 mile away, and with such nice weather, many people chose to walk.

As usual, there were people selling tours on the pier.

There was also a vendor renting push (pedal) bikes and e-bikes.

E-Bikes were $20 NZD per hour

 

Free maps were available from friendly people at an information kiosk.   We also ran into Beth, Tourist Ambassador, who was very friendly and provided interesting and useful information about the area.

Beth, Tourist Ambassador

 

Geoff Wright,  the owner of Wrights Family Winegrowers, arrived at 10 AM to start the tour.   Five of us from table 89 piled into his SUV and we were off for a brief city tour before heading out to his vineyard.

We stopped at Cooks Plaza, which has a nice overlook of the Harbor where we could watch piles of logs being loaded onto a ship headed for Hong Kong.   Several women were stretching together who didn’t seem bothered by the steady stream of tourists wandering around this scenic overlook.

Loading logs on a ship headed for Hong Kong Zuiderdam at anchor from Cook’s Plaza Morning Stretch at Cook’s Plaza

 

Inside the Holy Trinity Church

 

The Holy Trinity Church was our next stop, where we saw a beautiful stained glass window.   Geoff had arranged a private tour, and this church is not normally open.

Stained Glass inside the Holy Trinity Church

 

A little after 11 AM, we arrived at Wrights Vineyard, and Geoff showed us around his fields and described some of the challenges of running a small family winery.   Inside, he gave us a brief tour of the large room where the grapes are pressed, and the wine is created.

We sat down at some picnic tables where we enjoyed a spectacular cheese plate, and we sampled some of his wonderful wines, including the following:

• Sparkling Artist Series Blanc de Noir
• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Rose
• Pinot Noir

The wines were all delicious, and I bought two bottles of his Pinot Noir to bring back to the ship.

Wonderful Cheese Plate

Wine for sale

Table 89 in the Vineyard

Geoff explaining the wine making process

This machine crushes the grapes

Wrights Vineyard

 

After about 90 minutes, we climbed back into Geoff’s SUV, and he dropped us off back in Gisborne.

We walked up and down the main streets. We spotted a large sculpture in the shape of a tauihu (canoe prow) called Te Tauihu Tūranga Whakamana, which articulates the relationship of Māori to the area of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa.on.

Te Tauihu Tūranga Whakamana Downtown Gisborne

 

On Saturday, there is a Farmer’s market close to the shuttle stop.  We didn’t have time to check it out, but you can find out more HERE

We had a fun time at the sail-away – Time for a selfie!

 

Back on the ship, Cantare, a male quartet, performed their show titled “All In” including such hits as:

• Beach Boys -God Only Knows
• Abba – Mama Mia
• Crazy Little Thing Called Love
• Got to Get You Into My Life
• Jive Talkin

They were outstanding a very entertaining.

Michael, Chris, Sergey and Ceasar

Tomorrow we will be in Wellington for our final port in New Zealand

Edited February 6, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

WINDY WELLINGTON (POST #35)

FEBRUARY 5, 2023

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We visit the Museum of New Zealand and take a ride on the cable car

Overcast skies, with a threat of rain, along with strong winds greeted us as we moored in Wellington early this morning.  There are a lot of options for how to spend your day, so it’s always a good idea to leave the ship with a plan.

Downtown Wellington on a gray and overcast day

 

Our plan for today was to visit the Museum of New Zealand and walk back to the cable car, ride that to the top, and possibly walk down thru the botanical gardens.

Shuttle Buses

 

We relaxed in our cabin until 1 PM before heading down to the wharf to catch the mandatory shuttle to one of two stops in town.

• Stop 1- Brandon Street and Lambton Quay
• Stop 2- 170 Wakefield St – (Near Wakefield and Jervois Quay) 

The “Golden Mile” is the main shopping area for Wellington and is shown here with the blue line

 

The buses were running about every 15 minutes.   There were two local people, wearing yellow vests, available to assist at each stop.  The buses ran in a counterclockwise loop from the ship to stop 1, then stop 2, and back to the ship.

We stayed on the shuttle until stop 2 and stopped by the Wellington Visitor Center – full of maps and helpful people – before continuing to the Museum.

Along the way, we came across three people dressed as Japanese Anime Characters from the TV Show “Bleach”

Characters from “Bleach” The Wellington COS play photofest took place 5-6 Feb

 

We spoke with these characters and learned that this weekend was the Wellington COS Play Photofest -More HERE

Museum of New Zealand

Once it started to rain, we scurried into the Museum of New Zealand, which was free.    This is a large museum covering four floors.  We spent about 90 minutes exploring the first floor and the gift shop.    You could easily spend 4 hours exploring.

Main Entrance to the Museum of New Zealand Judy with some large stick insects

 

We waited 20 minutes for the Earthquake simulator – a small house holding eight people.   Inside, we watched a video of a family experiencing an earthquake in their kitchen, followed by the floor we were standing on shaking back and forth for about 15 seconds.   If you are limited with time, I would pass on this unless there wasn’t any line.

The Earthquake House simulation takes 4 minutes

 

We spend the most time exploring the Gallipoli exhibit.   We knew very little about this World War I campaign as there wasn’t any USA involvement.  This was a very bloody campaign with over 500 K casualties on both sides and over 100K people killed in 11 months.   This exhibition tells the story of the Gallipoli campaign through the eyes and words of eight ordinary New Zealanders.   Huge 2.4 times life-size sculptures of the 5 featured New Zealanders are the exhibit’s centerpiece.    We speed thru in about 20 minutes, but you could easily spend a couple of hours in this exhibit alone.   Reading up on this campaign in advance will make your visit more interesting.

These giant sculptures, 2.4 times life size, are incredibly detailed

 

Wellington Cable Car

Outside the museum, we caught an Uber and headed off to the lower cable car station on Lambton Quay.   The station itself isn’t visible from the street, but you will see a miniature cable car on a pole to mark the entrance from the street.

The small cable car on a pedestal marks the entrance to the alley leading to the Cable Car

 

We bought our tickets online in advance HERE, but you could buy them at the booth on the spot.   There wasn’t any line when we arrived, but you may save some time buying in advance during busier times.

The cable car runs about every 10 minutes.   There is a small cable car museum at the summit and a café with a nice view.   We spent about 15 minutes browsing the museum.   The Café kitchen was closed, so we took the cable car back to Lambton Quay.

Cable Car Museum Inside the Cable Car museum View from the upper cable car station

 

If you have the time, walking down through the Botanical Garden instead would be a great option.

There is a Countdown grocery store on Lambton Quay at the exit of the small alley leading from the cable car station.   We stocked up on Tim Tam’s before heading to Shuttle Stop 1 and back to the ship.

There wasn’t any show on the World Stage this evening.

We had a great four days in New Zealand, and we now head across the Tasman Sea en route to Sydney, Australia in 3 days.  

Wellington Cruise Day Visit Suggestions

Here are some other suggestions for future visitors to Wellington – We were here on a Sunday so many places were closed.

As the Capitol of New Zealand, there are many other interesting places to consider on your visit.   The “Beehive” is home to the Prime Minister and other executive offices.   Tours are available through the parliament and a viewing gallery, but since we are there on a Sunday, they will probably not be available.   Check their website for hours and availability.

The “Beehive”

 

There is a self-guided walking tour available for downloading from the Parliament’s website.

The nearby National Library also holds some historical documents, like the Treaty of Waitangi, but they are closed on Sundays.

There are several excellent shopping centers in addition to the shops you will find along the Golden Mile.   The starting point to the Golden Mile is close to the Beehive, where the Shuttle drop-off point has been previously.    If you walk down the Golden Mile, you will run into the Cable Car station, which you could take to the summit and then walk down or take the round trip on the cable car.   See map above

Edited February 7, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[Btimmer]

Pete,  nice reporting.  The large sculptures in the Galipoli exhibit were produced by the Weta Studios who also did the Lord of the Rings characters and much more.  That studio is accessible via the local bus system, but a tour ticket is required to see it.  It was a wonderful tour for us.  We also did the walk from the top of the funicular down through the botanical garden.

 

What was your impression of Hobbiton?  We had never seen the films or read the books, but I was totally enthralled with Hobbiton and have now seen all of the Lord of the Rings movies.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Here is a YouTube short that gives an overview of "Let Them Eat Cake"  - More detailed post with more pics coming later

 

 

Edited February 7, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

LET THEM EAT CAKE ON THE TASMAN SEA (POST #36)

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

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Marie Antoinette visits the Zuiderdam as we cross the Tasman Sea

We weren’t sure what to expect when we saw the special theme titled “Let Them Eat Cake” advertised as one of the special themes for this Grand World Voyage.  

The exact details of what was planned were a closely held secret.  I tried to get the Cruise and Travel Director, Ian Page, to spill the beans, but he wasn’t talking.  The anticipation continued to build when we learned that the Crafts Class, typically held on the Lido at 2:30 pm, was canceled to accommodate “Let Them Eat Cake!”  

At 3 pm sharp, the curtains were raised on the Lido serving lines, and every station was filled with cakes, pies, cookies, cupcakes, and other treats.  

Let Them Eat Cake started with full trays of desserts

 

The classical duo featuring Lili on violin and Colin on keyboards serenaded the crowd as we all swarmed the serving lines, either looking to get some sweets or take some pictures.  

Lili and Colin serenaded the crowd

 

There wasn’t a single centerpiece display but many smaller dishes, each one carefully prepared with incredible detail – until it was sliced and served on white plates to the admiring crowd.  

Plenty of treats to go around

A cake with a deck of cards theme Drink specials were available, but not many people gave them a try My top four cake selections

 

After thirty minutes, the crowds had subsided, and most of the desserts had disappeared; however, there was still plenty to choose from, even if your favorite may be gone.  

Brad and Cindy. Cindy was wearing a themed T shirt that was a big hit.

After the party, the trays were empty

 

Our tablemate, Susan, celebrated her birthday this evening and was required to wear THE BIG HAT.  We were honored to be joined by guest entertainer Debora Krizak, a delightful dinner companion, and we enjoyed learning more about her career and experiences.  

Debora had to rush off because she was soon the headliner in the Ocean Bar for an impromptu performance.  

Debora Krizak was amazing in the Ocean Bar

Edited February 7, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[Travelexpert35]

Really enjoying all of your posts. Are you allowed to bring wine back on the ship from a port as I noticed you bought a few bottles in Gisborne? Also for dealing with Ubers at these ports, do you have a specific SIM card or ESim you use for your phone. 

[Ellencruise]

Wow I would love that Cake celebration

[The-Inside-Cabin]

13 hours ago, Btimmer said:

Pete,  nice reporting.  The large sculptures in the Galipoli exhibit were produced by the Weta Studios who also did the Lord of the Rings characters and much more.  That studio is accessible via the local bus system, but a tour ticket is required to see it.  It was a wonderful tour for us.  We also did the walk from the top of the funicular down through the botanical garden.

 

What was your impression of Hobbiton?  We had never seen the films or read the books, but I was totally enthralled with Hobbiton and have now seen all of the Lord of the Rings movies.

Thanks for the tips on the Studio in Wellington.   I heard that tours were available, but never looked any further - next time.     Wellington would be a nice place for an overnight.

 

We enjoyed Hobbiton.  It was fun to see all the sets and especially how much fun everyone was having.   A very happy place!

[The-Inside-Cabin]

2 hours ago, Travelexpert35 said:

Really enjoying all of your posts. Are you allowed to bring wine back on the ship from a port as I noticed you bought a few bottles in Gisborne? Also for dealing with Ubers at these ports, do you have a specific SIM card or ESim you use for your phone. 

Yes, you can bring back wine - they will either hold if for you until the end of the cruise for no charge - or you will pay $20 a bottle to drink on the ship

 

Any phone with a data plan that works in that country will work with Uber.  A specific sim is not required.   We have T Mobile now an have had ATT in the past - both work fine.

[CNSJ]

Thank you for the great coverage of your World Cruise.  On our bucket list for sure!

[Cruising Is Bliss]

Pete, thank you for your website and for posting about the various possible 2025 GWV itineraries.  Very helpful.  I made a future deposit on the 2025 GWC today 🙂 My previous longest cruise was 15 days and I'm looking forward to it so much!

[HAL Sailer]

@The-Inside-Cabin, not wanting to hijack your thread, but wondering if you saw this post on HAL board's The Fleet Report and Daily. Realize you may not have heard from @Scrapnana or may not be able to share what you've heard.

Any news that you can share would be appreciated over on The Fleet Report and Daily. Thanks -- hijack done.

⬇️

 

From the rotation:

 

No word from Scrapnana

 

Before heading out on the World Cruise @The-Inside-Cabin posted:

 

"Kathi, aka Scrapnana, had to cancel the world cruise at the last second. She was going to be one of our tablemates for the cruise. We stopped by to see her in the Broward County Hospital, where she is undergoing tests but remains in great spirits. We will miss her very much on this cruise."

 

Although they've been at sea since, I wonder if @The-Inside-Cabin has heard anything from Kathi and if they have any update on @Scrapnanathey can share?

 

Just a thought since there has been no other word since she flew home...

[The-Inside-Cabin]

5 hours ago, HAL Sailer said:

@The-Inside-Cabin, not wanting to hijack your thread, but wondering if you saw this post on HAL board's The Fleet Report and Daily. Realize you may not have heard from @Scrapnana or may not be able to share what you've heard.

Any news that you can share would be appreciated over on The Fleet Report and Daily. Thanks -- hijack done.

 

⬇️

 

From the rotation:

 

No word from Scrapnana

 

Before heading out on the World Cruise @The-Inside-Cabin posted:

 

"Kathi, aka Scrapnana, had to cancel the world cruise at the last second. She was going to be one of our tablemates for the cruise. We stopped by to see her in the Broward County Hospital, where she is undergoing tests but remains in great spirits. We will miss her very much on this cruise."

 

Although they've been at sea since, I wonder if @The-Inside-Cabin has heard anything from Kathi and if they have any update on @Scrapnanathey can share?

 

Just a thought since there has been no other word since she flew home...

I don't have any update 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Arrived Sydney early this AM

 

Undergoing immigration now. 
 

One guest was summoned to his cabin to find dogs from the Australia Border Force waiting.   
 

no details. 
 

we are entering terminal on ground level. " Jet way " gangways out of service 
 

 

[Sir PMP]

White bay, terrible location.

[Catlover54]

On 2/7/2023 at 9:13 AM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Yes, you can bring back wine - they will either hold if for you until the end of the cruise for no charge - or you will pay $20 a bottle to drink on the ship

 

 

 

Questions about the $20/bottle charge :

1.  Do you have to drink the bottle in your suite, or can you have it served in a dining room, or at the pool or elsewhere? 

2.  Are you allowed to bring wine back on (at a $20/bottle charge) that is from a regular shop that is not part of a HAL tour?

3.  Can you also bring liquor on at $20/bottle (to drink in your suite or elsewhere), or just wine?

4.  How does the charge work if it is a 1/2 bottle of wine (375 cc), or a mini-sampler pack?  $20/bottle still, regardless of size,  or is there an adjustment to $10 bottle because it is half the volume?

 

We were recently on a HAL ship as relative newbies, and weren't sure how charges and procedures would work when we stopped at a HAL excursion sponsored shopping center and there were tempting mini-packs of assorted local rums (I definitely did not want to pay $20 per mini-bottle).

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

[REOVA]

34 minutes ago, Catlover54 said:

 

Questions about the $20/bottle charge :

1.  Do you have to drink the bottle in your suite, or can you have it served in a dining room, or at the pool or elsewhere? 

2.  Are you allowed to bring wine back on (at a $20/bottle charge) that is from a regular shop that is not part of a HAL tour?

3.  Can you also bring liquor on at $20/bottle (to drink in your suite or elsewhere), or just wine?

4.  How does the charge work if it is a 1/2 bottle of wine (375 cc), or a mini-sampler pack?  $20/bottle still, regardless of size,  or is there an adjustment to $10 bottle because it is half the volume?

 

We were recently on a HAL ship as relative newbies, and weren't sure how charges and procedures would work when we stopped at a HAL excursion sponsored shopping center and there were tempting mini-packs of assorted local rums (I definitely did not want to pay $20 per mini-bottle).

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

Not sure about liquor but once you pay the $20 "corkage" you can drink it throughout the ship (where you can usually drink). The corkage is usually waived for a HAL tour (Pete did a private tour) to a winery or tasting but don't think a shopping excursion would be waived. Would probably be like being at a Port with duty free shop. I also was told (years ago) that even if we purchased onboard in shop, we wouldn't be able to open onboard. They didnt want the shops competing with the bars. Not sure if that changed.  

[HAL Sailer]

2 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

I don't have any update.

@The-Inside-Cabin, thank you.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

14 minutes ago, HAL Sailer said:

@The-Inside-Cabin, thank you.

I am in touch with Kathi.  I will share updates when able.   She is back in Virginia.   She will probably post something on her blog in due time. 

[HAL Sailer]

3 minutes ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

I am in touch with Kathi.  I will share updates when able.   She is back in Virginia.   She will probably post something on her blog in due time. 

Thanks for the update.

[aliaschief]

Just an outstanding cruise blog. Again thank you very much. Giving us ideas for our WC next January.