Haljo1935

If you're not seeing them, you can call the HAL excursions department; different number than the general call center number. Not on their website right now, so it's not readily available and I don't have it memorized, but I will update next time I'm on. It's also at the bottom in the contacts.

Although the sun may technically set around 11pm, it will likely really not get dark; kinda strange if you're not used to it. If you require darkness just bring a mask. So jealous - we have quite enjoyed our Alaskan cruises - BBB (balcony, binoculars and blankets) are the most important items for experiencing the best AK has to offer. We spend every minute we can on our balcony no matter the weather - whale watching, wildlife viewing and glacier cruising have all been top notch; that's where the binoculars and blankets get a work out. If you're booked in a suite, you will have 1 pair if binoculars in your cabin. Every cabin will have thick plaid HAL blankets - they may be tucked away in the under bed or overhead drawers, so it may take some digging to find them. Flexibility and willingness to endure the weather are key to a great experience and awesome memories. Enjoy!!

As recently as last month (Feb 2023) we were able to just show up for check in. The assigned times are really now treated more of suggestions and not being enforced as they once were. You will be given a new group number was you check in.

Crab entree/main selection was not offered in MDR or Pinnacle Grill during our May 2022 Alaskan cruise as it had been in the past. Nor was it offered Sept Canada/NE, Nov/Dec Mexican Riviera, Feb 2023 Caribbean. The only place we were able to find King Crab was at the Captain Cook hotel in Anchorage - almost $200/lb!! Yes, the cancellation of crab season is real.

Jumping in late on this thread, but also looking to complete a set only for the places I've been - still need Mexico if anyone would like to trade (pin, tile, shotglass...). TElizking at yahoo.com I received a pin on one ship instead of a tile, not from a contest. Love this thread and the pins - new and old versions.

Barbados food pictures making me hungry - where is Smellovision?!

We participate in hiding/finding ducks no matter the ship we're on, but don't report on FB as we're not on FB. I'm sure there are others doing the same - everyone is not on FB. 🙂

And a stated of Candied Bacon for the table is a must (equally evil).

If you've attended or seen art auctions on Carnival or Princess, they're the same as Park West also does theirs.

Been in an aft corner Neptune suite w/wraparound balcony in AK and never had an issue w/soot or smells. As others mentioned, there may be the occasional fuel or tobacco smell if the wind is blowing just so, but that can be said for numerous locations. Be sure to keep binoculars, blankets and umbrellas handy as that balcony is the best place to be when cruising AK! The glacier views are awesome, as are the whales and other wildlife. The jetted tub is also nice at the end of the day... Enjoy your cruise - hope to see some pictures when you return.

Have not stayed at that hotel, so I have no insight to provide on it. But I did return recently from 14 days on NA - it was lovely; hope you enjoy it. Due to weather, we could only go to HMC once and had other port cancellations and changes. No fault if the ship, just Mama Nature doing her thing. B Snag Thermal passes for the week if you're able and do visit deck 12 for some great views and solitude. It's not on the deck plans and no elevator goes there, but it does exist - grab your favorite coffee or drink from Exploration Central then take the steps up to 12 and enjoy!! If you're a bacon lover - be sure to get the Candied Bacon in Pinnacle Grill. Enjoy your cruise!!

Several ducks on HAL NA Feb 5-19. Couple in elevators, we heard, some w/hearts and kisses for Valentine's Day. A cabin door on deck 1 (or maybe it was deck 2) had many on it - different sizes, colors... Presumably for passengers to "find." It's a fun game for passengers of all ages.

For those asking what to do with the lemon and the pickle - while I like both, as relating to the Candied Bacon, I leave them untouched and eat the bacon without them. I've seen videos of people squeezing the lemon on the bacon before taking it down to cut, but I choose to enjoy the bacon as is. We do pull it off the hook with our fingers then use knife/fork to eat due to it being really sticky. We've come to admit we eat in the PG just to be able to enjoy the Candied Bacon!! And we do get 1 order per table, not per person. Enjoy!!

Koningsdam Nov - Dec 14 days there was a quarantine ward - a large amount of cabins. Nieuw Amsterdam last month 14 days no quarantine ward - it was done in place in original cabin. With the ships now at/near capacity, I believe rooms are no longer being blocked off "just in case." Since CDC is no longer monitoring Civic cases on ships, they're no longer publishing the "report cards" so number of active cases is not made public. When cruising first started back, you could see the "grade" (green, yellow, red) per ship with the number of active cases; it was broken down by passenger and crew.

Nieuw Amsterdam has these, as well. But shhhh - everyone will learn about the hidden gems, lol.

As recently as Feb (2 weeks ago) I've used OBC to buy lottery tickets which are sold by the casino.

Couple weeks ago leaving out of FLL on HAL at the terminal we were asked if we're vaccinated but did not have to show proof. Answer given determined which line you were sent to. Passport was shown a couple times and scanned only once - it was after going through security and linked up with photo recognition. Then coming back you didn't have to scan or show passport unless photo rec didn't work or if you were identified as having to talk to customs. That was for cruise Feb 5-19.

Our most recent cruise (2 weeks ago) we got our check in time about a week before departure. As for the mariner free cocktail card, last couple cruises, ours were not in the cabin; they gave them to us w/no issues at guest services when we asked. We were able to use them for any drink $11/under at any bar, all you have to do is ask. Welcome to HAL and enjoy your cruise!

Carnival Holiday waaaaay back (early 90s). We were on ship Christmas Day and New Years Day. Each port, plus the ship, was decorated for Christmas. I know there was a New Years celebration, but don't remember what it was. Highly recommend doing a New Years cruise if you're able.

You realize you think of time in terms of "ships time" and know there are no clocks...

You should put at least a couple magnets on your door for your anniversary - you deserve it! At Thanksgiving, we wrapped our door the first week for a birthday then replaced it the 2nd week for Christmas. Cabin steward asked if we wanted him to help 🙂 Inside, we just put magnets on the wall by the thermometer - we like to see them grow as the days progress.

As previously stated, we were just in Turks Feb 10, 2023. See their website for requirements - they are different than HALs.

I do not, they're on the sheet you include in the laundry bag, but they run about $5 shorts, $4 panties - rough amounts to give you an idea. The $20/bag is a much better deal. We roll our items and can fit an incredible amount of laundry into 1 bag.

Just got off NA - it was $20/bag, $49 unlimited/week. Not-Europe. No fragrance used - usual excellent service including special requests to not dry this, hang this, don't hang that...usually received same day even though it wasn't requested. Enjoy your trip!

Went to Turks Feb 10 as part of 14 day B2B cruise. HAL website and Turks website contradicted each other, so we followed Turks site (same for other ports). HAL site mainly addresses requirements for boarding the ship, not for getting off at ports. They do recommend you visit their visa partner, which is helps and easy to understand. We did that AND the local agency (ie Turks). We completed VeriFLY even though HAL and airline no longer require it, but as others have me tioned, we got emails encouraging us to use it. It was quick as was our boarding. We had 4 people in our group and 1 person was able to complete for all 4. Enjoy your cruise!!