OldBoot

i always bring a night light or two... inexpensive ones, so in case i forget to take them home. but the cabins can be dark at night, and being in an unfamiliar room can be difficult in the dark. and highlighters for the Capers, or what is called now... dollar bills for room service tips.

Reading along. Thank you for the reminder about the dollar bills! We're heading to Euro land and I forgot I'd need some USD. Thanks again.

To the OP, have a wonderful vacation!

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Thanks, yes it is always smart to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. So sorry to hear your phone was taken. That really puts a damper on a holiday experience.

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Thanks for the tip...ha ha

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Discovered this and it will be perfect for our one day pre-cruise in Athens. We haven't done any of these before and wonder what a typical guide gratuity might be? The tour is free, so want to be sure to thank the guide properly.

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I really believe HAL's policy on locking your luggage is to hold harmless its crew. Preventing theft is less a concern than keeping my zippered luggage from becoming unzipped and spilling its contents. There's nothing of value in there...well, except my flatiron for my hair! ;)

I think your TA is wrong. I think they are the same except for location. Just look at the re-categorization that will happen on the Rotterdam. On May 9th cabins 7053/55/56/57/62/64 are all A. On May 10th they are all BB.

That is completely possible! We booked a BB, but I do not see any staterooms designated as such in the Cruise Planner. We were assigned an A, but the only room with our cabin number is listed as a B in the planner. I have a feeling the room categorization job is a make-work student intern job... lol.

The Vista Suites on the S and I believe on the R class ships are also larger than a VA on the newer ships. I found the difference to be noticeable. The teak deck is noticeably cooler on hot, sunny days. We have always found them to be very comfortable and are booked in BA 205 for one of the 14 day cruises next January on Ryndam.

I saw that reference to the teak deck, but it did not sink in until your comment. Nice!

I think this is nomenclature that HAL has recently change and lead to much confusion for everyone

 

 

What use to be called Vista Suites are now Signature Suites on Vista and Signature class ships.

 

Veranda Suites are now being called Vista Suites on the smaller S and R class ships these are VA category cabins and qualify for the double suite cruise night credit when originally booked with a published "Suite" fare.

 

Neptune Suites use to be called Deluxe Veranda Suites, but everyone knows what a Neptune is there is no confusing them for anything else.

 

I think there maybe some Signature Class suites on the R class ships, I don't know because I've not sailed on one. Maybe someone can confirm this.

 

We have found the 1 touch concierge service to be very helpful when staying in a Vista now Signature class suite no matter where the person is who is answering the phone.

 

-Paul Sailing in a Vista Suite in 7 days!

You are right. THAT is confusing! But thanks for the clarification. That was helpful.

I have flown regularly for years' date=' usually long-haul transAtlantic flights, and gave up on locks long ago. I use zip ties, and carry a pack of them with me.[/quote']

 

I do believe I am about to become a zip-tie convert. Thanks all you zip-tie posters. For all you lock-users--carry on. Everyone has a reason for their choice and I respect that. :)

What is the difference between a Verandah Suite and a Verandah Stateroom please?

 

I didn't know of the Verandah Suite's existence until just now. Only been on one HAL cruise so far but have booked 2 more.

Not too sure about that, but HAL seems to use the terms Vista Suite/Verandah Suite interchangeably.

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I'd be interested to know, too. Will you please do a scientific study of the situation, and get back to us!:)

Lol. Having read the most recent scienitific study on these boards, I have to agree they are most helpful! I can't promise such an enlightening effort though. :cool:

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Anyone working at the front desk will be your "telephone" concierge. It will not always be the same person. But they will answer your questions, try to take care of your problems, make reservations for you for the specialty restaurants, spa, salon, etc.

Sounds like you got a wonderful upgrade -- Congratulations.

We booked a BB category guarantee and got an A. Our TA says that means an extra 10 sq. feet, which I'm happy about!

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Well that's helpful. This trip we don't have any USA stops, so not sure what the European equivalent of TSA might be?

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So, does anyone lock their luggage anymore? My Med cruise is within 2 weeks and I'm starting to read the fine print. HAL's baggage policy requires you to have your baggage on "securely constructed and locked suitcases". I realize that they are protecting themselves from liaibility here, but am curious about your habits in this regard. I stopped locking my luggage quite some time ago.

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Finally got my stateroom assignment and I'm happily checking out the amenities. A cut-and-paste from the website lists these:

I'm confused by the "one-touch telephone concierge service". Is this different from the one touch button system in other staterooms? (Its not Neptune Lounge different, for sure!) ha ha

My better half is notoriously averse to navigational adventures....so much so that I always insist on driving even in our nearby local capital city. And when I do I have an irritable passenger. Lol. The cost savings are incredibly attractive though! I don't know if I could enjoy myself with a travel companion who is paranoid about getting lost. :eek:

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Remember that you will likely get Gibraltar currency from the ATM....not Euro and slightly different than the British Pound.

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If I were to tell you that your ship will most likely dock at the Quai Rainier III which is the normal cruise ship dock. If there were too many ships in the port that same day then all bets would be off an you might even tender. As to walking, it all depends how much you like to walk. DW and I walk just about everywhere within MC from that pier....although these days we run away from MC as fast as possible since its our least favorite place in the region.

 

Hank

Your comment interests me. Monte Carlo does look like a convoluted pedestrian mess from the port guide I've seen. Could you recommend a private tour operator to whisk us away for a shore excursion elsewhere in the region? (In port April 29, 8am to 6pm)

Lila

(Oops....didn't see the previous posts)

Depending on the time of year, Iceland has many hours of daylight! Perhaps you could enjoy a bit of sightseeing?

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Thanks OP for bringing this up. I too will cruise into the port of Livorno on a Sunday (this April). We aren't planning on going into Florence, had thought of just enjoying the day aboard the ship, but now might be itching to see the countryside...Siena, Volterra, San Gimigiano or some combination. Can anyone comment on how touring on a Sunday might impact us?

To hear some of these posts you would think that we Europeans are all pickpocketing, begging thieves who are just looking for an opportunity to rob Americans blind. Most of us work 9-5 you know. It's funny though - check the TripAdvisor forums for New York and Europeans are asking the same things about their visits to the big apple. I guess it's always a fear of the unknown.

You are quite right...it is just an underlying fear of the unknown. There are criminals of opportunity everywhere in the world. We are just more aware of our own!

In major European cities credit cards are widely accepted and you will be no more at risk of credit card fraud etc than any major American city. Same for pickpocketing. Just use common sense. A cross-body bag with secure fasteners is always a good idea in any city - keep one hand on it public but don't make a big deal about it. Ignore beggars on trains the same way you would in any American city.

Our private tour operators have asked that they be paid in cash at the end of the tour...we did have the option to have them debit our credit card in advance, but chose the cash option. And with several private shoreex tours, it adds up. The only reason I might choose cash over CC when browsing in port is that cash might be quicker when buying meals/snacks. I'm not anticipating doing a lot of shopping...does that fall into the category of "famous last words"? lol

Regarding language, just learn a few basic words in the language of each country you're visiting, like "hello", "thank you" and "goodbye". English is a standard subject in most European countries' schools now, so most people you'll meet will have a basic enough understanding to get what you're saying/asking anyway. Though please do not assume that speaking in one language covers you for the whole of Europe - the Spanish or Italian would be confused (or certainly amused anyway) if you start saying "merci" at them. It would be like someone talking to someone in French in New York because it's vaguely close to Quebec. They might humour you but it will be in a "typical Americans..." manner. It's ok though, I think they hate "typical Brits" even more! :D

Got my handy dandy smartphone language apps for that. Have to get studying!

Please don't worry - the world is becoming more and more homogenised and I think you'll find there are more similarities than differences on your trip. Enjoy yourself!

A more homogenous world IS something I worry about! :) Vive la difference! But seriously, I do believe in the basic goodness of human nature. (The usual criminal element looking for an opportunuity is something that must, unfortunately, be considered.)

It will be. :) I should have said we didn't walk around Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey with any sense of fear. Sure, we were aware but not to the point of being distracted. We had an amazing trip and cruise, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and expect to add to that this coming May. Being aware and prepared doesn't mean it will or has to ruin your trip. :)

Thanks Randy!

With that said, some of these tactics are just crazy. I've never heard of any place (and we've been around the world in Asia, South America etc) where tourists are targeted so specifically, and so callously. It makes me want to shun my usual Canadian personality and just ignore any pleas for help, any offers of help and generally any interaction with locals. It is also frustrating to realize that cash seems to be the best choice of payment but it's also so high risk to carry cash.

Its true and I feel your pain, but I think I understand it. Anyone in a strange environment is vulnerable. Some people will always look for ways to exploit it. Maybe it is helpful to remember that lots of people no matter what nationality are friendly and hospitable. Its smart to work at reducing your vulnerability while at the same time appreciating those around you who exemplify the best of human nature.

Enjoy your trip! It will be fabulous.

 

Robin

Fantastic advice Robin! I look forward to it. :)

Boy, this better be worth it! Lol

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Please let us know if guest services charges a fee for your euro traveler's cheques. I have a feeling you won't receive €100 cash for €100 in traveler's cheques.

I asked HAL about this...they do not charge a fee for cashing travellers cheques. I think they make it up on currency exchange rates...they only cash USD travellers cheques and can then exchange the cash for Euros.