stampinantie

Thank you all.  With your help, I figured out that Oprah announced the current book title early February 2018 and it was the book for 2018.  I'm looking forward hearing what the new book will be at that time this year.  

Has anyone who has sailed lately notice what the O's Reading Room book club title is?  I've searched and can't figure it out.  I would have been for sale in the O shop.

I’m sailing on the 25th as well and had a terrible cabin. I booked through HAL and I contacted again when I got cold feet and they had a cancellation and we were upgraded for $70 each up one Sig Suite category. She had to get permission from her supervisor.

When I booked originally (very late booking) I was asked if I wanted to be notified of any complentary upgrades and I said yes which gave me the idea to just call and ask.

So...I would recommend calling the direct HAL number and just asking even though you used a TA. They might say no, but they might say yes. I’d call every day. Call your TA, too.

I’d think about how much you would want to pay to switch. The $70 was so easy to say yes to, but if it were $300 I’d want to think about it.

I’m so relieved to be in a better stateroom. Best of luck to you and if you aren’t able to move then I’m sure you’ll still have a wonderful cruise.

Thank you all so much! Just what I needed to get started.

Travelcat2. Poor wording on my part--included service fees are not important to us as we tip generously no matter how we pay for it. It's a great perk, but just not a limiting factor.

Long time HAL cruiser looking for something quite a bit nicer.

I know nothing about upscale cruising (I'm aware this board is for luxury cruising, but wasn't sure where to post) and frankly all of my internet searching has just made me more confused.

I'm completely aware that this is all subjective, and would value your opinions to help me narrow down my search to a couple of cruise lines.

Very important

High quality food prepared on ship with fresh ingredients

A good steak

Large staterooms that aren't "tired"

Itinerary that leaves from the U.S.

Not important

Inclusive beverages and service

Under 800 passengers

Thanks for your consideration.

I was on this cruise as well. I had heard there was another pickpocket event as well.

My Alla tour guide, Alex, warned us constantly. He even insisted we leave all valuables in the locked bus at one stop. He also reminded us when the Hermitage became open for general patrons to be additionally careful.

Every time I saw a neon HAL sticker on a fellow passenger, I cringed at the target that they become. I also cringed when I saw neon stickers on the cobble stones of the Baltic three times.

If I go on a HAL excursion again, I will either not wear a sticker or wear it concealed. I think a tour guide should be professional enough to recognize those on their tour without it. I think Alex spoiled me for a HAL excursion in the future, though.

Be careful folks!

I find wifi on shore and download to airlines app. Just checked in at Hamlets castle last week. Lufthansa emailed my boarding pass plus they kept it on my lock screen.

I always take a screen shot of boarding pass so I can find it easily at the gate.

reporting the same. Need extension cord in regular rooms, but just got off board in a signature suite and didn't need an extension cord. I leave it out all day and no problems. No longer use humidifier, but never once used distilled water in it when I did. If I forget extension cord the magical stewards come up with one. I was in last in Europe and had an adapter with me and that was handy to use to double my electrical outlets for phone charger, etc. since I keep the CPAP plugged in.

Don't fret over sleep apnea, I believe everyone has it to some extent and you just got lucky to figure it out and treat it.

I think it was on the schedule once or twice on Zuiderdam sailing May 29th. My guess would be they have equipment as they had yoga mats in gym. I purchased a travel mat and didn't need it.

If the enjoyment you derive from having a beverage package and not adding up the cost of individual drinks in the head every day is worth it, then go for it! if you are going to feel as if you need to get your " money's worth" by adding up your drinks to equal your daily cost then it may cause you more trouble than pleasure.

What I'm trying to get across is that it may be worth it to pay for the beverage package for the fun/treat factor even if you don't drink enough to add up to the cost.

Either way, enjoy your cruise!

HI. Thanks in advance for your help.

We will be in Copenhagen for two nights, but no days to sight see.

One night we will go to Tivoli, but can't figure out the next night as I'm having trouble locating a canal cruise that runs into the evening. We are fine with just hanging out and enjoying the city but would love to view it from a moving vehicle as we will be tired. Perhaps a tram ride would work?

What is your opinion?

I've only been cruising HAL since 2009, but the books have always been leased from a company whose name I can't remember. The books did not belong to HAL. This practice is also common in public libraries to keep up with demand for bestsellers.

I decided to pack a suit to use the sauna as I don't think I will be able to do so in Helsinki. I know it is not the same, but I can pretend.

My daughter is vegetarian and was pleased to hear about a separate vegetarian menu...she doesn't enjoy eggplant and on our last Mediterranean cruise it appeared a lot on the menu. We would love to hear about any stand outs and what you like in the Lido. She loves the Asian food station in the Lido (she doesn't fret about things like oyster sauce) and the Indian spiced veg cutlet in MDR.

I understand one needs to order ahead with the vegetarian menu.

Again, thanks.

I feel prepared for my cruise in a week! I have a nice list of things to look for and will not hold a grudge should the galley be having an off day or if the seasoning is not to my taste.:)

I've always ordered the same things and been pleased, but now I have some ideas to mix it up. Thank you so much for your suggestions.

My takeaway...Ask the waiter. When in doubt the lamb entrees and tartare appetizers seem to be a good choice. Take a risk with things you don't get at home (sweatbreads) and skip the desserts with sponge cake and embrace the hot fudge sundae.

I'd love to hear more, so keep them coming.

I'm going to offer my opinions as a ww lifetime member who has maintained for 4 years. I think I have been on 2-3 HAL cruises in that time.

There have been some great posts from fellow ww. Avoiding white things is something that really help me.

I increase my steps. I set a goal for walking around the promenade and keep it. It is a very low goal but it seems to help. I also walk the 5k they have once a trip.

Remember, You have three choices as a ww. Follow the plan and track, kind of track or eat what you want. Choose before you leave and don't feel bad if you gain weight. It was your choice and you need to live your life. I never stay on plan on a cruise and don't feel guilty. Also, I have never gained anything beyond my normal weight fluctuation range.

Be sure and go to a meeting as soon as you get back for accountability and to get back to tracking. If you gain five pounds, that is okay. It feels better if you decide what you want to do before you leave. You can lose it in a month.

If you track, be prepared for a little stress because you can't do it perfectly. Do the best you can.

As far as food selections, since fish and seafood are such a sp bargain I would eat lots of them. There are especially nice point friendly appetizers like tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon. Order two. Stay away from the cold soups they are literally melted sherbet. I think the salads are interesting enough to eat with out dressing if you chose. I get the dressing.

As suggested, you can get a grilled chicken breast at every meal, along with a baked potato...easy to track. .

I run by the lido and preview the desserts before dinner and choose what looks worth it to me. The ones with sponge cake are not very good.

If I am trying to lose weight on vacation, I will eat one meal that is nutritionally dense but low point such as two boiled eggs and fruit.

I also have an either drink or eat dessert rule. If you want to drink you could get a flavored vodka with soda water. I think someone in my meeting said that was 4 sp.

Mention it in your trip in your meeting and ask for ideas.

You totally have this!

I didn't receive confirmation, but when I called it was there.

If you have time, I'd love to hear about the food on board. I am curious if there are local dishes added to the menu in MDR, mostly.

Thanks so much for the post. We're leaving from LEX for the cruise on the 29th and I didn't think I would get to read a review.

I booked a SZ gty for this cruise on the 29th because the price difference was huge...around 2,000 per person. If you don't know, SZ is the category they advertise when they want to sell suites at a lower rate.

I did a bit of research in the time before I received my assignment (10 days out, under the bathroom on the pool deck). What I decided were the risks were getting a room under the pool and hearing scrapping chairs, getting a handicapped room which apparently are smaller due to accessible bathroom, or a cabin far forward or aft which is difficult for those with mobility issues due to the walk from one end of the ship to the other or if you are prone to motion sickness.

I absolutely didn't care if any of those things happened, plus it was fun to wait. If you feel otherwise, then I'd pay the extra. My cabin cost is probably going to be about 40% of the cost of the trip, but you still want the cabin to be what you need.

A family member is looking at that cruise and the prices have come down nicely especially with the anniversary promo.

Krentenbollen(raisin buns) are something I look forward toon every cruise. For my husband it's the mini chocolate croissants.

 

I can always count on HAL to have something to please everyone in our family.

 

Rijsttafel-sambal and ketjap manis please

 

Pinnacle grill burger(lunch) just do it. Trust me! So good!

 

LeCirque Chateaubriand or Lamb--excellent

 

For us we are almost always pleased. My issues are usually with seasoning or lack there of. I know many guests have issues with sodium so I am satisfied with S&P on the table😊

Yes! on the Indonesian food.

I think the food is wonderful, even not factoring in the huge volume and look forward to trying some things that aren't my "go to" list this cruise. Thanks for the ideas. Sounds like I will have to venture into the Pinnacle Grill, finally.

Starters:

 

Sweetbreads on the "Culinary council night" ( mostly last night)

Tuna/salmon tartar

Calamari fritti at embarkation lunch

 

 

Main courses:

 

Tenderloin and schrimp on first Gala night

Lamb shank

Prime rib was surprisingly tender last time

 

Desserts:

 

Mango Spire is one of my favourite desserts.

Hot fudge sundae

 

To avoid:

 

Any risotto: Risotto can not be made banquet style...never had a good risotto onboard any ship.

 

Question:

Did anyone try the Laquered Duck Breast on first Gala night? How is it???

I want to try it next week instead of my usual choice...

Beautiful! I've never had sweetbreads and wasn't sure of trying them at sea, but I will soon! Great list. Lamb shank sounds like great choice and wouldn't never have guessed the hot fudge sundae, so thanks.

Sambal would have really improved the shrimp in my opinion...great idea.

I just love to hear others opinions and realize what they are...

No one else in my family like raisin buns. Go figure.

A couple of things that seem to help me.

I had a pneumonia shot and that cut down on a lot of colds all around.

Plus I always use the stairs, not the enclosed elevators (I'm thankful I'm able) and never touch the rail. I caught noro on my first cruise and had been in an elevator with a man bringing food to his "seasick" wife.

I also bring a travel packet of lysol wipes and wipe down the whole cabin immediately.

I use tissues and my elbow to open doors, always use hand sanitizer when I pass by and wash my hands every chance I get.

I think a lot of it is luck and I wish you lots of it!

Thank you all. Can't wait to try some new things. I have been on enough HAL cruises that I am ready to branch out from my favorites.

As far as ordering in restaurants, I have maintained a 100 weight loss and I order the healthiest option on the menu at home. So, I don't do that on a cruise and can't wait to try your suggestions.