DFD1

On the Nov 20 Rotterdam cruise, there was a reception around the Lido pool in the afternoon. We did not attend. Tiles were left in our stateroom. No Luncheon. We never heard of any medal ceremony, but there may have been one. We noticed some other minor cut-backs. Not surprised. We just want HAL to survive. Rotterdam is a fine ship. We'll be happy to sail her again.

We gave up on the dining room years ago. The idea of taking 3 hours for dinner is foreign to our way of thinking. I understand and respect the dining habits of others, but it's not for us. The Lido, on the other hand, suits us just fine and we more often than not enjoy our meals out doors on the aft deck. Sunrise or Sunset, it's a lovely place to dine. We sail on the Rotterdam tomorrow and are really looking forward to it.

We booked an unobstructed balcony guarantee two weeks ago for a sailing on Rotterdam one week from tomorrow, the 10th of November. We just got our cabin assignment today. Turned out fine.....three doors away from the aft elevators, deck 6. Not too bad....Great price too.

I've been cruising since 1964 and in the early days I almost always booked a guarantee with the same attitude you seem to have. I had a great time on less money and was rarely disappointed. Go For It...and have a great time.

Have a great trip. That's a spectacular part of the country.

You might think about Arches and Canyonlands just before the parks require visitors to ride the buses rather than drive through the parks. We went the week before the summer season...and the bus season....started and were able to drive through the parks. No crowds and the weather was cool, but bright and sunny. Memorable and great fun.

Roads are generally clear around Lakeland and US 27 which intersects with I-75 west of Ft. Lauderdale might be a good choice. That portion of 27 north is an easy drive and does not usually carry heavy traffic. It runs north/south through the center of the state.

Walked out a while back because of an awful experience. Have not been back. Never seems to live up to the hype, IMO

Books.....I work with Friends of the Winter Haven Florida Public Library. We take used book donations, run an incredible used book store and contribute more than $100,000.00 each year from the sale of used books to making our library better... with computers, children's programs, enhanced reading area, free book kiosks in the parks and much more...and it's all about the books and encouraging more people, especially young people to read. Best volunteer job I've ever had.

Thank you....and Thanks to Graham as well. Much appreciated.

Good Luck with your knee xrays. Hope they are okay.