Blackduck59

You are correct, I took that shot while on a whale watching trip on our 20th anniversary. I'll have to find my portable hard drives because everything on this computer seems too easy. Anyway, your turn.

You're in the right area but it's not "Vancouver" island

I haven't managed to keep one going more than 1 guess, so I'll try this one. I would like the name of the island

Thank you but I have to admit that google was my friend on that one.

I will try this. The Spiral Tower of Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center. In Doha Qatar.

Buddy Holly died just a few months before I was born. By definition I am among the last of the "Boomers". I enjoy many types of music from classical, big band, country and rock. As time has gone by so have my musical tastes. Some of the heaviest rock has faded away, I've mellowed with age. Most people do. That's why those that keep saying the "HAL" cruisers are all dying off and they have to shift their focus; no they don't there are more and more folks moving into the group every year.

In the late 1990s my niece who was in her early 20s at the time and many of her friends that age loved the whole big band and jive, vibe there were places clubs hosting big band and jive nights. Ballroom dancing is popular with many age groups. That group are in their are in there 40s and still like the music and the dance. Of course most modern cruise ships don't have a venue where a large band could play and people can dance. I would say about the only place one could hope to find a big band "ball" for lack of a better description would be on Cunard where Black Tie is encouraged and expected.

I bet the crowd is not all boomers is it? I know quite a few younger people who love that music and dancing.

I'm not sure HAL is promoting big band music, the discussion was about how the big bands have disappeared. Many people who cruise on HAL are boomers and big band is before boomers. We're the bunch that made rock and roll, and later rock music popular. Many if us and even ensuing generations still enjoy many forms of music. I'm not sure how old you are but your music tastes will change with age. As the demographic changes so will the tunes.

I agree completely, Lots of younger folks love big band. They also like to dance. A big part of the big band experience, then and now is dancing; it's not really intended to sit and watch. Big band performances always had a dance floor.

That would be a great thing. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of big bands around anymore. Even if there were, I don't think there would be budget to hire one for a long ocean voyage. They don't seem to be able to sort out a few musicians for each ship for those who enjoy classical music; or perhaps a show for the world stage.

I may be making an unpopular observation here , but if you really need streaming TV 24/7 then maybe don't cruise? I would prefer to see resources spent on improving the live entertainment on board. I can watch TV at home.

Food looks very good Julie. We both look forward to seeing and reading more about your adventure..

That worked and you are still happy with the arrangement, excellent.

That's more than I know actually, all I know is that it was in Balboa Park in San Diego. Oh well your go.

Safe travels Julie and Rolf, we look forward to hearing about your adventure. Cheers, Lyle & Lynn

Okay, hopefully this takes more than 5 seconds.

I think one has to use the context in which the acronym is used. The acronym TA could mean many things depending on the context. Just as PCC could mean many things depending on context. For the purposes of this discussion a TA is a travel agent and a PCC is a personal cruise consultant. We use a TA, she knows our likes and dislikes and she can often get a better rate than booking direct and usually gives us some on board credit. Many people have found a PCC they like and we have been reading quite a few complaints lately that some PCCs are not very helpful or not well trained. I would say if you have found a good PCC you like and they do a good job for you then that is perhaps the best solution for you. If you aren't particularly happy with the PCC assigned to you apparently you can request another. If you have a TA that you like and they do a good job for you then stick with them, keeping in mind that they can help you with multiple cruise lines and other arrangements as well. Whichever way you choose to proceed I hope it works out for you.

Okay let's try the other end of the Iditarod in Anchorage

I'm not an expert on this subject but the Signature beverage package includes as many as 15 beverages priced up to $11.00 each. This includes specialty coffees, soda, fresh squeezed orange juice etc. As well as alcoholic drinks. Any drink over the $11.00 limit you pay the difference in price plus %18 "gratuity" on that difference. If you exceed the 15 drink per day limit you start paying full price for the rest of the drinks that day. I hope this is helpful and doesn't bring up more questions than it answered.

While I respect the thought of bringing quality cheese home from vacation, I don't really understand why you would do that. Quality cheeses including aged Gouda are readily available at many of our local supermarkets. Unfortunately the best cheese monger in town is closing as many of the specialty delis have gone before. (Because they can't compete with the supermarkets that are stocking more specialty products). Be aware that some food products could be confiscated as you attempt to re-enter your home country. I don't mean to be a downer but I don't think I would haul anything home from overseas that I can easily get at home.

I'll go for Nome Alaska.

Thanks for letting us know you're home Les. I'm sure you'll be more comfortable in familiar surroundings. Take Care Mate, Live life full. Cheers, Lyle & Lynn

I think you will find pretty much the same on HAL as you described on Princess. I didn't have a tie or jacket packed if I wanted to wear them, let alone a Tuxedo. I certainly won't be taking my Tuxedo when we do a similar cruise as yours on Westerdam in 2025. I won't be making room in our luggage for something I may wear once or twice in a trip that will have us away from home for 5 or 6 weeks.

I had an immediate thought that with the view depicted they were travelling East. In the photo I posted the sun was rising.