BetsyS.

If my memory is correct, there was a line at Customs in Boston last August for people who spent more than $10,000 on jewelry. It was quite a long line! I didn't buy any jewelry. I was on the Niew Statendam. In Iceland I went to a grocery store and they had no bags at all. I'm glad I had my HAL tote bag with me. The cashier sold me her last 20 stamps and the store was open on Sunday.

I agree with all the above comments about tipping the laundry staff. They do an excellent job with a quick turnaround . I put the person's name who signed the note on an envelope, add cash, a thank you, and put it in the laundry bag when sending it out. They work very hard.

Miss G - Thanks for the update! I'm sorry you had a rocky start to your trip, but I wish you smooth sailing from now on! Bon Voyage to you and your sister! 🥂😊 Have a great cruise!!!

Jacqui - Thank you! My stepfather and I have connecting rooms, so that is convenient for us. My mom is with us in Spirit. She loved HAL.

Jacqui - Could you please add me to July 22, 2023 Voyage of the Vikings 35 days? Thank you! BetsyS.

Miss G - Thanks for sharing your trip! You are smart to take snacks on the ferry! 😊

cruising sister - Thanks for posting the beautiful pictures!! 😊

cruising sister - Thanks for posting the pictures!!! 😊 3rdGenCunarder - I agree with you that the crew must have been working all night!

Nancy - I agree with you that a good Travel Agent is very worth having and that HAL needs to train their staff much better!

Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 Norway is beautiful and NS has the best crew!!!

Sea42 - Thank you! That's beautiful! 😊

Dr. Dobro - Thanks for your great reporting and beautiful pictures! 😊

d9704011 - Thanks for posting the cartoon! Very funny! 😊

I don't use it in Maine, but I use it in Canada. Years ago on the Veendam, the Captain made an announcement about black flies the night before we got to Red Bay.

It's good to pack black flies repellent when going on a cruise to Canada. It's available on Amazon.com.

Kazu- Years ago on the Veendam there was a couple next to my family's table. We talked to them every night and they seemed nice. However, they said goodbye to us on the night before the last night. They said they would eat in the Lido on the last night. This was in the MDR and they had the same waiters on a 35 day cruise up until the last night. The waiters were top notch. You're right - when people stiff the crew, it speaks volumes.

VMax1700 - I agree with you.

Mister Matthew- Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 Have a great cruise!

I hope that visas will be processed quickly for people who want to work on the ships. If that happens, it will be better for everyone.

POA1 - I agree with you. Years ago on the Veendam, I was one deck below Lido. Every morning around 5 or 6 am, the chairs were dragged around the Lido deck. It was very annoying. However, I still miss the Veendam. I loved that ship. Those were the days!

bennybear - I agree with you about the Montreal bagels. When I lived in Massachusetts years ago, a deli there had bagels that were shipped from Montreal. Very good! 😊

bennybear - I agree with you about itinerary and price. My stepfather and I think that HAL has the best itineraries, and also the best crew at sea.

Bill and Mary Ann - Thanks so much for all your detailed reports. I have really enjoyed following you along. Thank you for taking the time to share your adventure with everyone. Safe travels home. 😊

skittlebug83 - Bon Voyage! 🥂😊 Have a great cruise!

cgolf1 - Thanks for taking the time to give detailed reports and beautiful pictures and for including pictures of you and your wife. I'm glad you had a good cruise.