Boatdrill

I'm glad that although you have found "the on board prices much higher than Princess", you're "Still planning to do the cruise". Frankly with the many "Princess has" comparisons, you may not be happy on HAL. It's a different brand (on purpose), and different atmosphere than other lines (also on purpose). If you share which HAL ship you'll be on, you'll get more specific information. I hope you have a great cruise, and find all the resources available here and on the HAL website to be helpful.

From the "Know Before You Go" on the HAL website: "Items such as sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic items are not allowed on board in any form. Plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Any amount in excess of this allowance will be not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding."

Consider calling HAL's Ships Services 800-541-1576. M-F 7am - 5pm. They'll help you if they can.

I'm not questioning your recollection of what you heard. I'm astounded that an experienced cruise ship captain would share the details, in public, of how a guest was killed during cruise for which he is responsible.

The captain of the ship actually said this ? I'm surprised he wasn't more discreet.

The Labor Day Deal is available on select cruises sailing in Fall 2023 to Spring 2024.

I think everyone knows the story by now. My question wasn't asking IF someone went overboard, I was asking how/when it was reported. Sometimes family or friends don't report a missing person until hours later, because they assume he/she is sleeping late or what have you. The Wonder carries nearly 9,000 people (including crew), so assuming he was with other people wouldn't have been unusual.

Any idea if someone saw the young man go overboard? Just curious if it was reported immediately so the ship had a fair chance of returning to the area in the least amount of time.

Some how I missed the $1 deposit offer, which I would have used. So I've been waiting for the annual Labor Day sale. But the $99 non-refundable - for a cruise a year from now- isn't attractive, especially with inflation and gas prices ($5.87 for regular). Why would I send $99 to HAL, let them use my money, and risk not getting it back ? I can't do it....it's just not a good investment right now.

The "Labor Day Deal" is August 31- September 11, 2023. $99 Reduced Deposit is non-refundable. HAL LaborDayConsumerFlyer2.pdf

Why didn't you expect to get it back ?

I tried it again. The only filter is Caribbean. Here's a screenshot

I just checked the HAL website, and there are no cruises listed for the Caribbean in March 2024. The results for Departure Date start with October 2024. This is very odd....or am I missing something on the cruise search ?

Why ?

Beware of pre-buying. The ship may not have the wines you chose.

Considering the amount of passengers on bigger ships, and the amount of single items to be washed, It's amazing the system works so well.

My TA makes the final payment directly to Viking with my credit card or ECheck account number.

Yes I'm using a travel agent.

I'm considering making my final payment by E-Check to receive the discount. However I'm concerned about paying cash (instead of by credit card) in case I have to cancel my cruise and receive a refund. Is Viking as prompt with refunds to bank accounts as they are to credit cards ?

Look for a non-stop flight when you're searching. Sometimes the fare is less than a direct flight.

That's the best plan and it works great. But when I'm solo, I find a table, put things on it like a glass of water or cup of coffee, plus a magazine/book, maybe a small plate with cookies, and then go back for Round 1 of food. Once I plant the flag, the table is mine. Best availability is by the Aft pool.

It doesn't. Are you saying that you've never found a place to sit ?

Sounds like your pet peeve is with the people enjoying their time together, rather than with the cruise line.

Friends just got home from the same Eurodam July 22 cruise you were on. Their comments about the entertainment are nearly identical to yours ! One is a previous HAL Alaska cruiser, the other was a first -timer. But they had a great time.