PACD_JG

Bermuda... There's no point in arguing with folks who believe Masks Recommended doesn't translate to Masks Optional. It's obvious these folks have never read a government directive and had the infamous "shall vs. should" debate.

Why are people arguing over something that is free? I mean, if it's a specialty restaurant with an upcharge, then discuss. But again, it's free...if you don't like it, try something else.

I'm not sure what I actually wrote defined my style. I'm very intolerant of people in general, especially those who can't use apostrophes correctly, so I was assuming the Koningsdam would be more my style (less pax than the Bliss).

Is Pike Brewery in Seattle considered a craft brewery? They claim to be, and apparently HAL has a new Pils that will be aboard all there ships. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holland-america-line-launches-150th-anniversary-limited-edition-pilsner-beer-in-commemorative-can-301658251.html

Regardless if your very adult daughter is nuts or not...her choice. Never been on the Noordam, but my two teen daughters, wife, and I all stayed in a Vista Suite on the Koningsdam, and it was fine...about the only time all four of us are in the room at the same time was when we were sleeping. The best part...I didn't need my mother's approval.

Re: NCL and theme parks...I'm strictly considering them because of itinerary and price. Unless the go-karts, roller coasters, water slides, arcades are included in the fare, we wouldn't bother. And tbh, I'm only considering these cruises because I know I won't see Maui prices drop to 2019 levels.

I'm narrowing down Spring Break 2024 plans, and I'm a noob to cruising. I have been on the Koningsdam and I enjoyed it. However, I like the idea of a ship as a floating hotel that takes you to places not worth more than a day versus the idea of being out on the water. HAL's Mexican Riviera cruise goes to three ports (Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta) and has three sea days. NCL's cruise goes to four ports (Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Ensenada) and only has two sea days. Since NCL is actually travelling farther (San Pedro vs. San Diego)...why does HAL only visit three ports? Does anybody really need 12 hours in Puerto Vallarta (HAL)? What would I miss out on if I chose NCL? TIA.

Thanks for the trip report. I'm very interested in a Greece cruise but since HAL doesn't sail out of Athens, I'm considering NCL.

Never sailed NCL so forgive the newb question...but I'm very intrigued by the Greece 7-day roundtrip on the Jade. Would anybody have insight on when I could see a summer 2024 schedule?

A disabled colleague of mine went on a cruise and booked a room across from her parents, instead of booking an ADA room. She did not disclose that she had a motorized wheelchair. She was physically incapable of folding her chair by herself, so when she went out late without her parents, she would leave it parked outside her room, and every morning, she would find her chair folded up and/or moved. Not to get into a philosophical debate...but I questioned why she just didn't book an ADA room. And she questioned why a newer ship was so ADA unfriendly. Anyway, just sharing a story.

Let's just say that cannonballs would be highly encouraged.

If dude is bored from Disney, HAL might make him comatose.

If that was truly the case, why would you pay more money to cruise on HAL instead of say...Carnival? Because the service? "Being on a ship, with the ocean right there and feeling it’s motion" - you can get that from any old boat.

And there lies the rub. It's like demanding American-made products but shopping at Dollar General to buy the Chinese junk because those American-made products are too darn expensive. Anyway, completely off-topic, but that is one of the reasons why I've been so hesitant to cruise, because whether we admit it or not, cruisers like to cruise because they get a level of service at a price point only attainable because of third-world labor.

Well, when nobody will work for less than $20 an hour... Speaking of which...I wonder if the cruise ship employees are able to demand better wages since Covid? If so, then wages have to come from somewhere...unless you're one of those who thinks money grows on trees.

I've been checking the Turks and Caicos website since I have a Thanksgiving cruise. Would like to know one way or the other to see if I want to invite unvaxxed family (it wouldn't be worth booking the cruise if they couldn't disembark in port). https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/travel

I haven't seen the Ocean Grandma on here, but she would have an interesting take on this situation @seaoma. If I recall, she wanted to cancel when HAL lifted restrictions, because when she purchased it was under tight rules, and she wanted it to stay that way. If you didn't sympathize with her then, then you shouldn't sympathize for those on the Rotterdam now.

Is this @mcrcruiser with better grammar? Still needs an eyeroll. 🙄

Guarantee there's a clear correlation between door decorations and formal wear. Traditionalists like tradition...

All I see now.

Here's my take-away. Seems the loyalists still want their servants to serve them. One choice - upgrade your brand. Serious question...how come so many who grew up loving HAL didn't switch to the Luxury brands? Too expensive? Then maybe not complain so much when HAL tries to squeeze nickels. Another choice - sleep with 4 in a room. Stewards won't let you set up the Pullman, so whether you like it or not you can still get somebody to remind you of your importance and to wish you a good night.

Reword your question: Is Glacier Bay a must-see port for your only Alaskan cruise? I'd say yes. Nothing is guaranteed, so will it take you another 24 years to visit Alaska...if you're around that long?

Cruise Critic has Thanks, Haha, and Like reactions. Perhaps they should introduce the eyeroll. 🙄

I think the OP will be happy that they'll be able to rep Appalachia on this trip.