ChinaShrek

I always tell people to ticket as soon as possible. Prices can go up and Flight Ease can even forget to ticket your flights if you don't ask them!

HAL will match the price of any independent tour operator for an identical itinerary.

Just buy the $500 gift cards.

I like LCS but I do not like the venue. There are often too few seats unless I get there got there very early and I do not like people walking by me all the time during the performance. A larger, more private venue is sorely needed. The main stage seems ideal.

I am excited about these changes! They will continue to make HAL different from other cruise lines.

I took three HAL cruises in 2022 and these were my first since 2018. Two of the cruises were on the Rotterdam and one on the Koningsdam. I thought the food and service were excellent on the Rotterdam. The Koningsdam cruise was over Christmas out of San Diego and was very crowded. Service at dinner was slow (two hour dinners) and chaotic (forgetting second appetizers and trying to match drinks with those who ordered them). I thought the food was very good to excellent, although the portions were smaller.

You should also request immediate ticketing if you want to guarantee that you have a ticket.

As long as their prices stay low, I'm okay with that.

I also think that if I am going to on a port intensive cruise with daily excursions from 8-4 or 9-5, I really do need to get a good night's sleep in. On these cruises, I will be up at 6am to shower and hunt for acceptable coffee. The previous night's entertainment is not a consideration. I think HALs most important feature is as a ferry service. Just feed me and let me have adventures in port.

Many posters here have stated that the World Stage is underused on the ships. i think this is attempt to use the stage better. When HAL listens to your concerns and attempts to make change, people still complain. If.the Boston Pops or Chicago Symphony, for example, are on my HAL cruise I will be happy to see them perform.

Many (most?) locals do not want the cruise ships there. They will not be missed.

Have It All (HIA) just started this year and is different from a normal drink package, Some people do not have it on their room key but the MDR said they wouldn't make me sign a slip because they saw HIA.

I arrived on the Koningsdam on the 22nd and entered an elevator which had a worker in there taking everyone to the Lido. I asked if I could anywhere else and he said, no you need to eat first!

This could be the third ship Carnival is selling.

TBH, you're right about the tour restrictions and it isn't about that at all.

Well, that's good.

I'd be tempted to go inside barefoot and see how that goes.

Their room key should have HIA in the top right corner. If it does not, they will be charged for drinks throughout the cruise. I would have them issue him a new room key. Otherwise, every drink will be charged.

What about people who only pack sneakers for cruises? Many people advise bringing only a carry-on and pack light for cruises. Now they must also pack other footwear? Perhaps several pairs? I'm confused.

Actually that's a good idea!

This is just another data point. I earned three star on my last cruise and my pin was waiting for me on the bed when I arrived on the cruise ship.

I heard one of the bartenders say it has been down for weeks.

I am also an American and did this cruise in August 2022. You do not need any Visas. Just your passport. Do this cruise! It was also one one of my favorite.

I must say the MDR service is pretty long. I know some people like longer meals but they are averaging two hours. It took about 90 minutes to get our main courses last night. I am sitting at a table with 6 people in total. It seems that other tables are eating much quicker than us. Maybe they are dining and dashing? lol. Tonight, I am excited to see the Mariachi Band!

Definitely book ahead for Pinnacle Grill. I am on the Koningsdam right now and many nights were completely full a few days before the cruise left port. The hostess in the Pinnacle Grill told me many people just bring 1-2 extra people when they come down for dinner. So, I guess you could always do that 🙄