TableGirl

On the day we embarked we went to the MDR to see if we could get reservations there for that evening. We learned 2 things - you can only get MDR reservations early or late - everything in between is first come, and they will also make reservations at the specialty restaurants for you. But that line was long so I wouldn’t recommend going there unless you get there early.

@Cruise Suzy Thanks for responding this inquiry and correcting me. I will say, when we first made reservations back in January or February there wasn’t a box to check to use a dining credit so that was not an option at the time. Could have been a glitch in the website or maybe it was just too early - I can’t remember if we made reservations before or after we paid our cruise fare.

In Ketchikan, we booked a whale watching tour with Eagle One Enterprises. I wish I had booked it through their website because it’s a family owned business but I found it through Viator and booked through them. The owners are Melanie and Jessie Tiffany and Melanie communicated with me up throughout my booking to explain how far we would have to walk to get to the boat. One of our party uses a walker and distance is difficult for her. Melanie knew where our ship would be docked and explained exactly how far we would have to walk and where to go to meet up with our group. The Captain, Jessie was assisted by Kaylie, his deckhand. She was very sweet and helped with our mobility challenged cruiser. They had great snacks on board along with hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water. We saw a pod of Orcas, several Humpback whales, otters and we went to an eagle sanctuary on an island where Kaylie threw fish onto the rocks so we could watch the eagles swoop in and pick them up. The weather was drizzly and rainy with temps in the low 50s, but the boat had a small inside cabin with some seating that was nice and toasty. There were 14 of us on board but the boat can hold 22 people. We had boarded right at Salmon Landing a very small shopping mall that has a quilt shop on the 2nd floor (it was closed) and mostly souvenir shops on the bottom floor. Lots of t-shirts and a crab restaurant. The Alaska Fish House was right next door and we stopped in for fish and chips there. Fresh and delicious! Considering the crummy weather it was still a great day whale watching those majestic creatures. Today we are in Sitka and I have a HAL Excursion exploring the volcanic coast by water craft with saddle type seats. Thankfully they provide wet weather gear, even though we aren’t expecting rain in Sitka today but temps in the low 50s.

Let me correct myself - her birthday is July 2nd….

Last night’s dinner in the Canaletto was good. The menu has changed in the last year or so - some new items, some are the same. I started with the Tiger Prawn appetizer but for me the shrimp were a bit fishy and not great. My friends had the Canaletto salad (she ate it all) and the other friend had the Caprese Salad, The tomatoes aren’t quite ripe enough and they put a big hunk of burrata on the plate instead of slicing it. For the main, I had the sea bass which I loved, and the others had a mussels/prawns pasta dish which she ate all of and the other had the Chicken Parmesan. The waiter asked if she wanted one or two pieces (it comes with 2 pieces) and she opted for 1 piece and it was a big piece. We all had gelato for dessert. They were out of one of the flavors and substituted strawberry, so I had 2 strawberries and 1 chocolate (it comes with 3 flavors but I don’t care for rum raisin). I’d say we’ll probably eat there again. Service was excellent. Drinks and food came quickly. Our 4th friend wanted food from the MDR so she ordered room service which she said was good. She ordered an extra Flourless Chocolate Torte for me (I took a coat to her room after dinner to use on an excursion today.) I had one bite of it but didn’t love it. I think the recipe has changed slightly because it used to be my favorite dessert on HAL. Today we are in Ketchikan going on a private Whale Watching excursion with Eagle One booked through Viator. Afterwards we’re going to eat lunch at the Alaska Fish House - I don’t usually like Coleslaw but theirs is great. As is the Fish and Chips. I ate there in 2019. Let’s see if it is all still as yummy. I will let you know! PS Today is Stone’s birthday so if she is your CD next year wish her a Happy Birthday!

Typically if you have dining credits, you will have 2 dinners for the Pinnacle Grill and 1 for Canaletto. I would make your reservations ahead of time but in order to use the dining credits I think you may have to call. I’m not sure if you can make reservations online using your dining credit. I will say tonight we have reservations at the Canaletto but it is ‘dressy’ night and the menu in the dining room looks good so I wouldn’t recommend you go to a specialty restaurant on those nights. Dressy nights are always on sea days. We are having 4 of them on this trip. So I would look at your shore excursion schedule and pick days when you are less likely to be tired from a shore excursion so you can enjoy your specialty dinner. Some of our shore excursions are 5-6 hours long and I think afterwards I’ll want a hot shower or the hydro pool and as snack and my bed especially if I’m cold. I'll let you know how tonight’s dinner is.

So, if anyone tells you only need layers, don’t believe them. You need layers AND a parka at this time of year. I knew I should have brought my parka. And my Sherpa! The scenic cruising is NOT to be missed but it is cold outside. And windy. Last night we ate at the Pinnacle Grill because we didn’t want to fight the crowds at the MDR. My filet was cooked perfectly, the baked potato was yummy which I split with one of my dining companions and the shrimp cocktail was less waterlogged than what you usually get in the MDR. Two of our people had the Alaskan Halibut which they liked and one had crabcakes. The Mait’re de came out after dinner to check on us and acknowledged it took us a long time to get our food. And it did. Our reservation was at 5:30 and we didn’t get any food until around 6:30. Two of us went to the MDR for breakfast this morning it easily took 30 minutes to get our order. The Naturalist onboard (Kurt) gave a talk at 11 am in the World State and he was very good - and funny. He gave a good overview on Alaska. He has a masters in “Alaska Environmental History” and teaches now in Washington State at Skagit Community College. He’s been lecturing on HAL for 27 or 28 years I think he said. There is another lecturer today at 2. The captain is wonderful keeping us informed - I just wish he would speak up a bit more so we could hear him better. Our cruise and travel director is Stone and she’s good too! We have a cabana but it’s windy up here today and the blankets are a bit small. They could do better on that. But not many cabanas taken. However we don’t have to fight for bow space! I enjoyed the hydro pool last night - there were 2 others that come right after I got there. My room is a verandah and it feels so much smaller than verandah cabins on the Pinnacle class ships. However, there is decent storage. But then, I am alone in my cabin. I did, however bring 2 suitcases and putting clothes away was no problem. The desk is too small and there are no drawers incorporated with the desk. I’ll try to post some pictures eventually. This ship is in desperate need of refurbishment. The decor is tired and a runs to the shabby side. It feels dark and dated. The bathrooms still have the tiny tubs you have to step into. That said, the water pressure was great. I’ve been spoiled traveling on the newer Pinnacle Class ships. If anyone traveling on the 2025 cruise has questions ask away!

So 2 friends and I arrived in Seattle tonight. There is no way to avoid the trek to get to ground transportation. From baggage claim you go up a floor cross over to the parking garage and go down a floor. It’s a ‘schlep’! We were all tired from traveling so we didn’t bother to get the shuttle. This is why Seattle offers Port Valet I’m guessing. It’s a pretty airport but what a hot mess. We are staying at the DoubleTree that had the special rate. The $99 per night is about what this place is worth but we are all paying more than double that for the night we added (tonight which, oddly enough does NOT include breakfast). Our flight was delayed leaving Minneapolis so we were glad we came in 2 nights early. If I had it to do all over again, I’d send both suitcases ahead and bring a barebones carry on for one night and stay at a nicer hotel closer to the port or downtown. But I wanted to see Seattle on this stay. (Last time I came in a couple days early and we visited the Cascades National Park which was also totally worth it but we stayed at a nice Marriott Courtyard that overlooked the lake where the sea planes take off and land from.)

You can set up a roll call for 2025 but check to see if someone has set it up first.

I'm starting this new thread so folks can add their experiences for the benefit of others on the trip with us as well as those who moved to the 2025 cruise. Anyone is free to add information, make comments etc.... I found a review someone did this spring very interesting and helpful. It was unbiased - gave information factually, and enthusiastically.

Given the recent discussion I'm sharing this article that I will have to read more thoroughly as I have a friend with mobility issues (so far just a walker) that I cruise with. One never knows when one might find oneself in a wheelchair. I hope some might find this article helpful though it sounds like some have very carefully researched this topic. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-tips-for-wheelchair-users/?utm_section=lat&utm_source=TPG Daily Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9773196&utm_usr=8eff77074cdadb0f9664e891000ba85d5d122d05a634dc8dfe00585fdd2e8925

I think HAL is not keeping enough staff/crew onboard to maintain any kind of standard. I've heard people think the problem is visas but I don't think that is the problem as I work for the DoS and crew visas are the easiest to renew. I think HAL, along with other cruise lines are so deeply in debt that they are cutting back on staff, among other things, to save money. It IS sad. However, cruise demand is so high they don't seem to be suffering. I read an article on the TPG recently that basically said, don't believe the cruise line ads that say "offer ends soon" because all the offers keep getting extended despite the high demand. I am still cruising on HAL in June/July for a 28 day "Legendary" Voyage and am scheduled (but haven't paid yet) for a Hawaii cruise from Vancouver to San Diego. I'm going on Viking in March next year. There are fewer and fewer reasons to travel on HAL and I'm certainly trying other lines. It's just as a solo traveler it is cheaper to pay for a room on HAL than my preferred lines.

Thank you for that information. I'll be sure to try one next year when I'm on Viking. 🙂

@Gray Area - Who has the best burger at sea? I love a Dive - In burger on HAL and the lunch time burger at the Pinnacle but I thought it was awful on Regent, Oceania, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

I was just in San Diego last week and the airport is very close to where the cruise ships dock. I didn't see a ship disembark there so I'm sure others will chime in. Parts of the San Diego airport is under construction (at least the Southwest terminal will be moving into a new terminal eventually, from what I was told.) Either way, as long as the ship docks on time and there are no problems with gangways (which has happened to me on HAL once) or ship clearance you would be fine.

Yes! Thank you again @BermudaBound2014 for those videos. Ah to be in that crystal clear (and warm?) water!

I am too! VO next March. I can't wait. Meanwhile I still have to schedule another Viking cruise with a friend who insists it is a great cruise line..... 🤫

Yes, I pay double too BUT it’s less expensive than say Oceania or Viking or Regent (which would be my preference). But better quality than Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. I prefer a smaller ship - the Pinnacle class ships are great for the dining venues but the number of passengers overwhelm many ports. I miss the Prinsendam and the other smaller ships they got rid of during the pandemic.

The movie issue at the Lido has to do with licensing. We asked during a morning coffee with our CD on one of the Pinnacle class ships - about a year and a half ago - after one evening when the movie that was to replace a football game never showed and they didn’t bother to tell us it wasn’t going to show. The CD said it was a licensing issue and just because they have licenses to show movies in your stateroom, apparently isn’t the same as showing it on the lido or in the theatre/world stage. That’s what she said - I think that was Betty. And licensing means fees — and I think that says it all. Betty also told us that onboard activities are dictated by HAL headquarters. I get that for a 7-day cruise, maybe even an 11 or 12 day but 2 weeks and up? I think they need great staff/crew on board who are energetic and like people and can think on their feet. That might be a lot to ask. But read the ship and the passengers. Not every group is the same. And if they can have the Club HAL for kids then they can come up with more lively activities for adults. I’m from the tail end of the baby boomers but I get the Gen X’ers who are active and want to stay that way. (Just as I should be!) I’ve always said HAL is known for their great itineraries and fabulous service. The food in the MDR used to be great but now I think it’s a bit of a crap shoot. The price is good for those of us who are single and don’t care to share a stateroom. I’m so over ‘roommates.’ I’m on the 28-day Legendary Alaska voyage in June/July this year so you all have set my expectations high based on your 35-day Legendary South Pacific. I’ll have to lower my expectations for my 21-day Hawaii, Pacific coast cruise since it isn’t a legendary cruise - but it is on the Koningsdam with the lovely Grand Dutch Cafe and my favorite - the Tamarind. I might gain a few pounds on that cruise! Thank you @BermudaBound2014 for starting this thread and giving us your thoughtful insights! Enjoy Maui!

I bet you’re right. I remember after the pandemic - well still kind of during it but after the restart, I went to several lectures given by the Cruise Director. I think I was on the Nieuw Statendam and they were all very good and felt very ‘professionally’ done so it made me think someone else created them (during the pandemic with nothing else to do) and maybe sold them to HAL but perhaps they are copyrighted or they made some kind of deal with HAL. (In my mind a really smart unemployed HAL person created these lectures during the pandemic!) Lectures USED to be re-broadcast and I think still are when they are presented by an on-board guest lecturer because the World Stage isn’t big enough to seat the entire ship of passengers. There is a similar issue with the movies. I went to a Cruise Director coffee one morning and asked about why there had been such a movie fiasco at the pool one night. They were planning to show a football game (maybe a playoff) I think and for some reason - weather or the game didn’t go on as planned - and they announced during the day, and put it on the Navigator app, they would show a movie I wanted to see. We waited and waited but they never bothered to tell us the movie wouldn’t be shown after all. (I go back to an earlier comment about information sharing - and people being able to make better decisions with more information rather than less.) It turned out it had to do with HAL’s contracts with whomever they get the movies from. Apparently, it requires different licenses for what is shown on a big screen and what is on the TV in your stateroom and how many times it can be shown. I too would enjoy being able to watch these lectures on my stateroom TV since I’m not big on their evening entertainment options.

I used to think the HIA package would be a waste of money for me (lightweight drinker) because if I had 15 drinks a day I’d be passed out all the time - or dead! But, when they include milkshakes, specialty teas and coffees, hot cocoa, bottled water, bubbly water, fresh squeezed OJ, and smoothies and sodas, then I’m sold!

I think Afghanistan and India are also off by half an hour. Afghanistan may be off by 45 minutes - I don’t recall exactly. An hour is hard enough but start breaking it down and I agree - it’s too much math! I would feel like I’d have to wear two watches, one for my steps and one that I can easily change the time on!

Yes I am and yes, it is a huge roll call isn’t it?

See my post above - my TA found out they were repaired. AND a couple of weeks ago, someone posted a video of them on Facebook and the Retreat area looks to have been totally renovated. I have a cabana for a 28-day Alaska cruise so we don’t have to fight for bow space on scenic cruising days - and there are a lot of scenic cruising days. I had one on an Iceland Greenland cruise in 2022 and loved it. Yes, you do need to bundle up though!

So what happens when you cross the line again to come back?