bcummin

4 hours ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

I don't even want to know what a flowrider is, much less how to use one.  But yes, lots of practice time for those who do.

Possibly this ship would be good on which to bring children or grandchildren?

We have visited Shanghai docked both far away (2007) and downtown (2012).  Both provided shuttles to the Bund dropoff.  The difference was the length of time on shuttle buses.  The downtown views from the ship were priceless.

Barbara 

Thank you for sharing this cruise with us, Tim.  I am pleased to read in your blog that Angela had turned  in a comment card complimenting crew for outstanding service.  And they were extremely thankful.  I can remember using sea days to write out long comment card lists of compliments to everyone from a good captain down to the laundry folks who made us so happy.  This brightens their days and helps their careers.

Barbara   

Skagway and Sitka are both legendary ports.

Do you want the goldrush history of Skagway?

Or the wildlife and Russian colonial history + native culture of Sitka?

Barbara

Thank you for the exquisite photos.

We are so glad that you are enjoying your "Welcome to Holland America Line" cruise, in spite of surprises.  I am thinking that maybe in-person requests get more accurate results than digital requests???  

The Bread Pudding at lunch in the Lido is special.  My other favorites are The Raisin Bun, Museli, and an Egg Benedict at breakfast.  I love the Asian station at lunch time.

We used to get a whole little birthday cake, along with the waiters gathering to sing Happy Birthday.  Covid seems to have changed that.  Years ago one tablemate had requested a Rum Cake.  It came floating in rum and was especially enjoyed by all.  Our last Anniversary cake came labeled "Happy Birthday."  We said thank you and enjoyed it all the more.

One of your shipmates is like a HAL celebrity.  Jeff, alias Tanman, has a private blog where he posts great photographs.  You might spot him out nurturing his suntan. 

Happy Birthday to your Dear Husband.

Barbara   

Please tell Jeff that we are really enjoying his blog and exquisite photos

Thank you both for bringing us along on this cruise.  Enjoy!

Barbara

Beautiful photos.

Did you feel safe on the excursion?  Notice any security?

The reason I ask, is because I remember a problem a few years ago.  One cruise ship  excursion from Puerta Vallarta was attacked by bandits.

Glad your tour was so good.

Barbara

Happy Forty!  And may your sweet husband always remember to be so thoughtful.

Sorry that your first MDR dinner had surprises.  It sounds like the crew is still trying to get their act together.

Remember to ask for a birthday cake.  Just tell them which evening to serve it.  HAL's sugar free cakes are delicious.

Ask and you shall receive.  I often ask for a different pillow to suit me.  And more coat hangers.  They do want to make you happy.

Thank you for the Avalon photos.

Barbara

Not all of us are comfortable using technology.

I am our family dinosaur.  But my family keeps trying to encourage me along.

Barbara 

Your beautiful San Diego photos bring back good memories.

The reason I asked about chairs is that on the Volendam we had a room with a loveseat and only one chair.  We asked for and received a good dining room type chair that I really appreciated using.

Barbara

Thank you, Tim and Angela, for bringing us along.

I was born and raised in Southern California.  One very special childhood trip was taking the ferry from Newport Beach to Catalina Island.  My mother was so worried that we might get seasick on the ferry.  The glass bottom boat used to be popular, and the casino was a landmark.

Your inside cabin described in your blog sounds acceptable.  Without a sofa, do you at least have two chairs on which to sit?

Barbara

Joanne Valerio was our Guest Relations Manager on the Volendam in 2018 in and around Japan.  She was absolutely wonderful.  Glad to hear that she is back on a ship.

Barbara

Thank you so much for bringing us along, Bill & Mary Ann.

The last time we went through airport security, it was AGE that allowed us through without taking off our shoes.  Welcome to the club.  :)

Glad that you are being treated like royalty.

Thrilled that you got to visit Debra and Brie.  Our daughter & husband are now clients of hers.  

We hope that the new knee is working well and you thoroughly enjoy this cruise.

Barbara

Sorry you missed Sitka.  It is really special.

It would have been nice if you could have stayed at Icy Strait Point for a day, before heading to Ketchikan.

Barbara

I remember removing a stitch on a family camping trip years ago with sterilized nail clippers, scissors, & paring knife.  Dear Daughter survived.

Barbara

Some of us are thankful for the much needed rain.  Other areas had a worse storm with downed trees and power outages.

Hopefully the NA has docked safely, and travel is good for those coming and going.

Barbara

Nobody's views are meaningless!

I savor each and every one, delighting in your experiences.

Barbara

Are you thinking of Bill Prince in Seattle?

Willem "Bill" Prins, who died a couple of years ago, was responsible for the HAL Jakarta school.  A truly great man.

Barbara

I do not think that a passport used to be required for Alaska sailings.

Barbara

Talk to Shore Excursions about any meals on your tours.

That can be helpful.

Barbara

Once before we reached Hakodate, Japan, I asked shore excursions how "strenuous" the tour really was that we wanted.  They did some investigating, and the choice tour ended up with options for those who were not up to strenuous hiking.  It turned out so good.

Barbara

Essiesmom, we dropped our private insurance, now having Medicare and Tricare for Life.  We still usually have no copays.

Barbara

 Might Tricare for Life work as your dad's Medicare supplement?

Good luck ! !

Barbara 

Happy Anniversary to Maria & John !!

Thank you for bringing us along on this memorable cruise.  We always enjoy your wise posts, but remember to enjoy yourselves and celebrate the cruise.

Barbara

Brentt, sorry that your daughter got an unexpected dunk.  Mortifying.

Our sons as Boy Scouts delighted in purposely flipping kayaks to practice getting back into the kayak.  Yes, this was theirs and others.  :)  

Barbara

Thank you, Liam and Brentt, for answering my question about the photographers.

Enjoy this special cruise and stay well.

Barbara