Haljo1935

If you have another cruise booked, you could take a shot at asking if they'll transfer it to that other booking. Technically, it's only good for the booking you bought it on, but worth a phone call. Answer is always no if you don't ask.

I quite enjoy the free laundry that 4* gets me - I've spent years paying for it. I don't really see me hitting 5* (especially not as long as I remain employed) but it's a nice dream; although, as you said, no real incentive. For me, 4* awarded me the benefits I value. But I will continue to sail HAL and rack up the days toward 5*. If I make 5*, great; if not, I'll still enjoy every day I cruise.

The details of CO state it is nonrefundable; although, people report being able to have it refunded prior to final payment. They should have told you it was nonrefundable when you made the purchase - I've always been reminded as I make payment. Sorry you had to cancel your cruise; hope your family member is ok.

I have seen this happen on several different ships. And when done assisting the CO guest, they slide back over to assist other guests.

Holey moley that's a crowded sailaway - looks like you're in for fun! Anxious to read your thoughts- thanks for bringing us along!

There are trams that run throughout the day; you just flag one down. But that's kinda hard to do if you don't see one. 🤔 I have been to HMC several times and have never not seen a tram. strange...

HAL also does the Towel Animal Takeover.

Glad you got it sorted out. If you pre-book other specialty dining, it will show HIA credits have been used and will require CC. Safe travels - enjoy your cruise!

This is disappointing for someone who does not eat seafood, veal or lamb.

Interesting mix of days. We should be humble; not easy for some. Pass on the meal; would try the drink and wine; not been to Croatia. Also was not aware the microwave was invented so long ago - I remember my first one; used it for years. Cannot believe it's 48° headed to 81° and 90° tomorrow. I think I'll step outside just to enjoy the cooler temp.

One of the fun things about MDR is the "show" from your servers. I remember this from our very first cruise 30+ years ago, which also happened to be on Carnival. DH and I still talk about the dinner entertainment. You don't get this on HAL or Princess; it makes Carnival dinner special. Passengers that joined in had a great time - so fun to watch. There was 1 in particular who just owned the floor and stole the show! 20230925_193803.mp4 20230920_203339.mp4 20230920_203249.mp4 20230925_193924.mp4

Welcome to HAL!!

Welcome back- That is great news. Continued prayers and positive thoughts for you and DH.

Passengers report on another thread here on CC that the 2 pax are back on board and a revised itinerary has been announced. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2967636-nieuw-statendam-israel-war-breaking-out/?do=findComment&comment=66226746

You will get a barcode as you get closer to sail date. The boarding pass w/o bar code is a temporary pass. You will also see the barcode on the electronic boarding pass in the Navigator App.

You'll need to request a new invoice. And if you have a TA, it will go to them and they will need to send it to you.

Bon Voyage!🛳️ Very much looking forward to reading about your cruise and seeing what I know will be fabulous pictures. Safe travels!

Every day is a good day for a smile - whether we feel like it or not; DH is headed for bald (my father kept a full head of hair, so this will be new); I support walking to school, but don't see many children doing it I don’t want to consider a world where we continue to always fail w/o success sprinkled in, so I reject the quote. Is that allowed? Would have the meal, pass on the drink now that I know what it is, would try the wine, not been to the port. Has it really been over 40 years since 'Cats' debuted?! 57° headed to 72°, back to 90 on Mon. I will take the brief dip in temps - maybe pick up a few gourds to celebrate. Then nap. Top of the very short list today is picking up a bottle of Baileys for DH, followed by a nap, a load of laundry and a nap. Hope there's time for a nap. Tomorrow I need to focus on the suitcases for our cruise. And nap. Prayers and positive thoughts for all.

HAL does not use a bid process for upgrades. You can call to see if any are available. And call more than once - something may not be available when you call the first time, but there may be availability later.

Yes, moving the booking away will cost the TA commission. As for logistics of actually doing it - the TA "owns" the booking and HAL (or any cruiseline) will not just let you move a booking away from them. The TA will have to provide approval to HAL, if they're willing to give it up. What would you gain by moving the booking away from the TA? Best to start on a fresh booking by not assigning it to a TA unless you're willing to give up the freedom of control.

Not on FB but still collect and hide ducks when cruising. Fun to watch the faces of people who find them. Nice to know a very small thing can illicit such a positive response.

That's what we've read. But they told us the previously intended market didn't smoke nearly as much as the current passengers; no idea what the smoking policy or habits were when it was used by the other passengers. You'd have to think if smoking was anywhere near current levels, the ventilation system would be more robust. Or were those pax more accepting of the smoke so they did not try to filter out the smoke like we expect? Very curious.

These people had their own idea of fun!!

Some of the ones I find have that, too, but I don’t do it. I either keep them or re-hide on the ship. Not looking for extra work, but don't want to miss any fun. 🫣

Thank you! I wish it had not ended on such a sour note, but it was still a cruise and I'm still thrilled to have gone.🥴