boone2

Thank you for this thread. We are toying with the idea of a river cruise next year so it will be very interesting to follow along. Safe fight!

I worked on Hal for a few years and at every orientation meeting for new crew it was emphatically stated that crew should not fraternize with guests and under no circumstances should go to their cabins even if invited

Im sorry. There’s no way I could cruise without my NZ Sauvignon Blanc. It’s my only drink of choice Can’t imagine being on a NZ cruise and them not having it onboard. We did a transpacific in 2022 to NZ and never had any problems getting it but I guess they must have stocked up in the US

We sailed the Grand Vancouver to Auckland last October. The ship was in very good condition. We had previously sailed on her many moons ago during her first year of operation. We enjoyed the cruise but 2 ports were cut making too many sea days together for our liking. Wasn’t keen on the buffet. Found to very “Samey” for our liking after Royal class buffets but we only used it for a quick breakfast and a light lunch. Other than that we really enjoyed the ship

We flew ANZ from Auckland to Vancouver last year after our transpacific, in premium economy. Best flight I ever had. I never sleep on flights but I was so comfortable I slept for at least 8 hours The service was fantastic. Can’t recommend it highly enough

Great review and amazing photos

We sailed on the grand from Vancouver to Auckland last October. I had sailed on her previously when she was brand new I thought she looked great. I have sailed on HAL many times but only as crew so I don’t know the passenger experience so much, I prefer the Princess offerings

Loving the posts. Originally from the UK and lived on Anglesey 45 years ago. Worked in holy head and Conway. You’re right about holyhead. There was nothing much about it then and doesn’t seem to have changed although the Red dragon wasn’t there then😀

My kids do t even go over the border for a day trip without insurance as I’ve drummed the horror stories I saw on the ships to them

As a former nurse on cruise ships I was beyond belief at the number of people who chose to travel without insurance. Thank you for your reminder to people and good to know the medical centre is still performing well

On the grand in October the laundromat was free as we’re the soap and dryer sheets. Very surprised. Although we qualified for free laundry I prefer to have more control over how my is washed. Hubby sent his out though

Really enjoying your blog. I love the variety of things you do in each port and your efforts to find out as much as you can about each place you visit

Love to read of the interesting things you do ashore getting immersed in the cultures. Thank you

Totally agree. And much more pristine. As I said before. I just don’t get Alaska. Maybe I’m jaded by working too many cruise ship contracts there.

Really enjoying your blog. We did the exact same itinerary a few years ago on the Star. One of our favourite cruises. Especially the Patrick watts tour on the Falklands. One of my life highlights. We did Machu Piccu as a separate trip a 3 months previously. Worked out much cheaper than a ships tour and spent a week in the sacred valley acclimatizing. I also loved the Chilean glaciers way more than Alaska Thank you for taking the time to post