Thetideishigh2021

Interesting, how does it work with HIA or any pre-purchased drink packages? I would think it would be tedious to estimate taxes and then roll it into the HIA cost.

Thanks for the intel yes I agree that band could play it all and were amazing

I thought blackjack had the best player odds…

Hi @RD64 just curious; do you recall who the band was in the Rolling Stone Lounge? There was a great band in May: Amazing African American female lead singer from Texas and a Mexican male co-leader singer along with 5 other guitarists, keyboard and drummer. I know their contract is probably up and they’re gone but just curious. Also does anyone know how musician contracts work? If they re-contract do they get assigned back on the same HAL ship or go where needed? we sailing again on the Noordam next May.

I’ve sailed on the QM2 three times, one transatlantic and 2 Canada New England. the transatlantic was far more formal and especially so on the two Formal attire nights, tuxedos or dark suits and long gowns abound. I would imagine that this is partly due to no ports so passengers look forward to the evening events. I would think it’s a bit tricky packing formal wear if the TA is the first part of a longer European trip where the tux and gown will just take up space in baggage. Yes the menus are rotated, on the 12 night eastern seaboard cruise I didn’t see the same menu twice, we were in the Britannia club restaurant but I heard the MDR menu didn’t repeat either. Wonderful food. The onboard speakers were excellent as well as the production shows and yes it’s quite British however being Canadian with British heritage I found the conversations pleasant and familiar . I there are similarities between HAL and Cunard, traditions primarily, understated elegance and excellent service. hope this helps

Thanks very much, yep just checked the premium inclusions, audio and video streaming are there.

I was recently on the Noordam and was trying to play Spotify music on my iPhone to a small speaker. I could blue tooth the speaker to my phone, ( btw I had purchased the surf wifi package) but couldn’t get any Spotify songs to stream. I could play songs that I had previously purchased via iTunes so I don’t think it was a speaker problem. Any ideas? thanks

I just repriced a 2024 Alaska 7 day last week, the price went down almost $400 per person. I just called the 1-800 on the website, the first HAL rep wasn’t too knowledgeable or accommodating so I asked nicely for a supervisor and was transferred to a great agent who not only gave me the lower price but advised that all my previous perks: early booking bonus HAI, $25 deposit and $25 OBC were also protected when she hit the reprice button. I sense the booking system is really what they go by. hope this helps and don’t hesitate to ask for another rep if you feel the one you’re speaking with is not fully engaged/trained.

Interesting, thanks that’s a great thing about the 70’s: Orange was a popular colour, I have an orange paisley tunic (groovy baby) that I could wear. Funny how people are more excited about wearing Orange than dressing up.

Very helpful! Thanks!

Thanks very much, it was my first cruise since the pandemic, A 5 night was probably not the best to start with, so many changes… no deck side life boat drill, no mariner’s cocktail or welcome aboard party. Enjoyed the Orange party by just going with the flow. Lol

I was on a 5 night Pacific Northwest coastal cruise on the Noordam in May and on the one dressy night it was announced that it was also going to be the Orange Party night event: wear orange if you had some, orange decorations, orange cocktails etc. I learned that it is a nod to the Dutch royal family: house of Orange I think. Is this evening included on all HAL cruises? If so does anyone know what evening it’s held on ie one of the 2 dressy nights on a 7 night cruise? We have one booked for next year.

Thanks everyone for providing feedback!

Hi there long time reader, first time poster with a question on if decaf coffees and teas are offered at the Explorers cafe. For example London Fogs, Cappuccinos, lattes. Caffeine is a no no for me. we’re booked on a Noordam Alaska 2024 with HIA so I thought I’d ask as I’d like to make the most of the elite drink package thanks