Hokapontas

You have just described the problem with Simply More... It encourages new cruisers that like all-inclusiveness, and it comes up short. Why upset the regular cruisers, I wonder? The ones that are happy with the quiet days, and choosing whether to have shipboard credit or drinks package? Some don't mind the sedateness, they make their own fun and enjoy the cruise. No need at all for pool activities and "art" auctions. I do also hate pool lounge hogs!!

LOL, no not on O. He brought a blazer. Suit material. Hope we never have to pack one again. It takes room out of his bag for my overflow 🥰

He packed one because of 'formal nights'... Wore it twice and didn't feel out of place. Wouldn't next time though on Hal, or ever on O.

We wear what we would wear out to a nice restaurant. No sequins or jacket. We just came back from our first HAL cruise, and my husband finally had to pack a jacket. Never had to in our 10 years cruising O. I don't wear heels, but don't wear jeans to dinner, either. Nor does anyone wear expedition gear and runners to dinner, that I have seen. IMHO.

I guess, if it is prearranged.

Including time it takes to get to the airport, check in, passport control for an international flight, 4am might not work for you. It may make more sense to leave the ship when it arrives in Malta, and staying near the airport in a hotel for the night.

Thanks Nancy. Yes it's Sydney, White Bay terminal. Other cruises we have been on seem to muster about two hrs before leaving. Being on at 3 or four might be the ticket then.

Hi, this is the first time we have embarked a ship leaving at 10pm. Usually we trundle up the the ship around 11, have lunch and set up in our room. This time I have time to have lunch with family on land (and maybe pack!) Check in said 12pm, but I reckon it would be fine to arrive at the ship in the late afternoon, even late evening. Is there any reason they wouldn't staff the check in area at those times?

Edited post. Thanks for the clarification everyone. It's so helpful! ☺️ Now for one more question: the HIA covers drinks, but what about when you eat in your room, where they are not covered? Can you pop to the nearest bar, buy a wine and take it back to your room?

Hi again, can I ask a question about water? I take it that the tap water is not drinkable on the ship. We have Have It All in two weeks time. It covers 'waters' - and unlimited quantities of 'zero proof' beverages (reading the FAQs). Can I get a gallon of distilled water somewhere on board, to drink overnight and refill my bottle etc? Or more than one Open Water to get me through and refill my reusable one? Also it is clear they don't want plastic water bottles on board, what about a reusable bottle, plastic exercise type one? Do I need to find a metal exercise bottle to carry around with me?

On another cruise line we go on, the laundry room is full of ppl ironing their clothing in order to eat dinner. Especially at the beginning of the cruise. It's a lovely, social place. We haven't sent laundry to the service since my husband's polo shirt was shrunk. I guess I am going to be looking for non crinkle things, and steaming the in the shower.

I seem to be finding this our right now, there is no chance of Ironing anything on the Noordam?? I always need to iron because of the suitcase and the clothes, you know. I have read somewhere there is a press service. How long does that take?

Hi! That brought up a question: is the Gala dinner (before 9 mins in) a 'formal' night, or a normal dinner in the gdr? I thought formal nights were on sea days, so am guessing my hubby needs a jacket with him for a normal dinner?

Yes, I meant this knowing some have trouble staying in their room, so don't tell anyone, and bounce around the ship from bathroom to bathroom.

I didn't, so it must mean I have any time dining. So why would someone need to hotfoot it to the MDR at the beginning of a cruise? Do some TAs not arrange it, or can't you do it online?

Egad!! I am new to Hal as well, cruising in a month. I have to make reservations to eat in the MDR???

I take it they isolate pax to stop them from using the public area conveniences, not washing their hands. Not the most effective, as it stops ppl from reporting, but has a good ring to it. If they threw in free medical, maybe it would be an encouragement? Or free rehydration drinks and immodium, if they stay in their room? Free online movies, crosswords or newspapers? Maybe other things. Suggestions?

And BTW, the cruise isn't till April 2025, so the captain must really know something about weather 😜

Wow, nice!!!

I love O too. Had to cancel the recent Montreal to Miami that just came back, couldn't be helped. Loved, loved, loved the last cruise we came back from in May. It's not a threat, moving to a different line, it's something where I don't see a lot of value in SM. I have let my O rep know that's the case, it's all I can do. She tried to sell me the same cruise on Regent. But it was in 2024, when we can't go. For those who have been on a few cruises with O already, you throw away credits of cruises you already have taken. So changing your line isn't something you do lightly. But moves where they put forward an itinerary that changes a whole year or two out, an itinerary you chose, it selects easy going passengers who don't rock the boat and deselects those who don't like it, who wonder if they didn't have a booking in those ports in the first place. Previously, late changes were because of weather etc. Someone said here somewhere that berthing couldn't happen because of laws about discharge at a port - maybe - what an idea! - leave that port out in the first place. Expensive ports (maybe?) like Otaru - charge $50 more pp to cover that and we could have a visit to Sapporo. Oh I'm full of suggestions, I know! But simple ones.

Adding the post and Screenshot back again, as I realised it was back on page one! Sorry

I am on the Tokyo - Vancouver cruise in the Screenshot, and as it shows, money saving rather than planet saving must be more important here. Especially when we need to leave Otaru mid-afternoon before 5-6 sea days. I was really looking forward to Dutch Harbour and Victoria. There have been more changes to that cruise than any I have been on. I am looking forward to it but expect it to be the last.

How was the stability? I am fine on O ships, but have friends who swear by much bigger ones, for the reason of a calmer feeling.

We have a great O rep. She waits in line for us, let's us know of upcoming sales, does all the math for us. For our upcoming cruise, the price of our room has risen $3000+. But being in Australia, I am not sure we get benefit from turning it over to a TA at all. Last time I enquired with the agent who has done our flights for our May 2nd cruise, he said it wasn't worth it for them. Maybe there is a difference in treatment of TAs here. Can anyone enlighten me?

Hi, I can't comment on HAL, but would say the Hilton in Moorea is a good choice before a cruise. Moorea is just a dream. There is a ferry to and from Moorea to Papeete every hour when I last went. Papeete is a bit of a let down. O docks pretty close to the ferry terminal.