Kay S

We haven't tried the smallest ships yet. I'll be looking for a good itinerary. I may be in a minority, but I can easily do without the Grand Dutch Cafe.

The wannabe police come in all flavors, drink policy, dress codes, deck chairs, service dogs, etc. You'll always find someone who needs to control other people's behavior. How did anyone know it was vodka? Did you taste it?

Sometimes I guess it's a miss. I've eaten at Dive-In multiple times and been happy with it. I must admit, though, I never ordered a bratwurst.

I love this thread. We are using our tiles as coasters. Good conversation starters when we have guests.

I see my crab cakes are there, so I will be too.

The burgers at Dive-In are really good, better than most cruise line burgers. The hot dogs are also good. People I know rave about the fries. I don't think you will be disappointed doing lunch there.

Is that expressly forbidden?

I'm not sure what a dad-bod is, but my husband is 6'2" and he manages fine in an R class regular shower. I'm short. No problem for me.

If tipping is a problem for you, don't tip. My French nephew always gets after my husband for tipping in Europe. My husband is a tipper. His attitude is that the server (bellboy, etc.) needs the few dollars more than he does. So when we are in Europe (where the nephew lives, as well as more of the extended family) it's always a tussle between my nephew (French-born culture) and my husband (American-born culture) when eating at a restaurant. (I'm Canadian. 😄) BTW, rudeness knows no boundaries. Rudest treatment I ever got was in Rome, and even in polite Toronto, you will encounter it.

Remember when US $2.00 bills were a new thing and people were using them for tips on the ships? I think they thought they were doing something special since the bills weren't really common for a bit. Now they have faded away again.

How sad.

Great photos! I once had a landlady from the Azores who told us stories about her youth. She made some wonderful food from her homeland. I've wanted to visit there ever since.

I would be happy with a cruise that did nothing but sail out on the open sea. I cruise mostly to relax, and some of those port days are exhausting. You will find me in the Crow's Nest with my book, probably staring out at the ocean most of the time.

This was in the main dining room, correct? Looks delicious.

What a great idea! I am going to start doing that (praising) because those people work so hard. We will be doing a TA on that ship next year (but the other direction.) This will be our third (fourth?) TA but first on HAL. I am really appreciating the reports from all of you doing this sailing.

Living in a country where legitimate service dogs are allowed in public places, someone with either of these problems must find ways to cope. This is not just a problem on cruise ships. Do you mean to say that all service dogs should be outlawed because someone might be fearful or allergic? I think it is possible to inquire ahead of time if an airplane will be carrying an animal in the cabin--not in the cargo hold--in order to avoid any allergy issues. I wonder if it would be possible to inquire of the cruise line if any service animals will be on board a given ship. This might work for the phobic or allergic passenger. Not ideal, of course, but do we want to deny people who need them the use of service animals? Note that I am NOT talking about the "suspect" animals which has been the prevalent theme of this thread.

How very sad.

Simple solution to the problem of "suspicious" dogs on board. Report and let that be the end of it.

So if you don't like the law, take it up with your congressman. Arguing about it on an online forum isn't going to change a thing.

Isn’t it amazing how many there are? Like crows down here!

I was referring to on the cruise ship since that seems to be the theme here--rampant dog problems on board. Outside of cruising, of course I have seen dog poop, etc. but that was not my point. I lead a charmed cruisising life.

Covering the bases?

Again, thanks for the facts. I have realized by following this thread that I live a charmed life. I have never (in close to 40 cruises) had a bad dog encounter. Indeed, I think I remember maybe a total of five valid service dogs on ships (and I never questioned their status.) I have never seen or stepped on dog poop in an elevator (or elsewhere) slipped on or seen/smelled dog pee on the Lido deck (or elsewhere) been infested with fleas had a dog bark at me in my cabin (no barking anytime, anywhere, in fact) been bitten by a dog been licked by a dog been asked for treats under the table (by a dog) seen a stroller with other than a human in it been squeezed out by a dog on a life boat nor have I ever felt the need to question a stranger about a dog's bona fides. This thread has opened my eyes to my extraordinarily good fortune. Thank you.

Anybody have a favorite from the old productions shows? Will some return? Guess we'll find out eventually.

I saw a banana plantation on a Mexico cruise awhile back. I don't remember the name of the port, but I think the ship was the Kdam. Is that the sort of thing you are talking about?