ORCRUISER

We had planned to go on this cruise but had to cancel...next year, possibly or 2021.

Our favorite now is Holland America for great itineraries and value although we also enjoy Celebrity too.

When we got our bronze medallions they were just left in our stateroom. 

I didn’t like the Sheraton because there weren’t any convenient places to eat other than the hotel. I will book one of the hotels near the cruise port if I cruise out of San Diego again.

Or if, hopefully not, you get sick like my husband did last time we were in FLL and have to be the last one off the ship you wouldn’t make it.

I’ve also always been happy with the laundry on HAL. I’m so looking forward to free laundry at 4 star in 5 mare cruise days.

Yes, we were on the Zaandam.  I think we went on a Shore Excursion organized by someone on the Roll Call with you.  No idea which one.

Enjoying your posts. Pretty sure we were with you on a South American cruise in 2013.

I’ve done 2 cruises to Asia with HAL. Loved them both. 

5 hours ago, Wehwalt said:

You only get a mid-voyage promotion on Grand Voyages. I was promoted from four to five star on the Grand Asia in 2017, on a specific day,. Still, you can ask.

My DH and I were on from Hong Kong to San Diego on the Grand Asia 2017.

I’m 5 days short of 4 Star. We booked a 30 day cruise directly with HAL. I mentioned this and our PCC said he would check to see if we could be moved to 4 Star during the cruise.  Does anyone have experience with this?

I think it depends somewhat on the length of the cruise.  We were on the Grand Asia and at a table for 8, 3 men in tuxes and my husband in a jacket and tie.  Last cruise was a two week in Asia and more casual on Gala night and less tuxes, for sure.

It's been several years so I don't remember the name of the private guide we hired but he didn't show up.  One of the other private guides called him and he said he had a flat tire or some other problem.  There were several taxi drivers there and we, along with a couple we had met on Cruise Critic, hired him for the day.  It worked out great! We we went to Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer plus in downtown we went to the Library and a church.  That evening he took us to a Brazilian steakhouse.  Quite expensive but very good.  Then he dropped up at our hotels which were both near Copacabana beach.  We took off the next morning for Igazu which we planned on our own.

We have usually gotten in fairly quickly. Only made reservations on our last cruise when there were six of us traveling together.

I had no idea they were called YumYum Men but I’ve enjoyed them on my HAL cruises and have had several photos taken with them.

While I agree with some of the OP’s points, my husband and I and friends went on this cruise an really enjoyed ourselves. Loved Havana and probably won’t go again but that’s only because there are lots more places to see,

I hope it’s a new book FOR 2019.

On the Grand Asia we did get a discount for ordering and paying for unlimited laundry before the cruise. I think this applies to any Grand Voyage.

Does anyone have any idea how many ask for their gratuities to be removed? We never have and I really prefer it to the “old” way where you got envelopes and “suggested “ amounts.

We were very pleased with SPB Tours. We also used them in several other ports also.

1 hour ago, CATandSQUID said:

We always choose the package deal. This way you can bring less clothes. Most times if laundry goes out in the morning, it will be back in the evening.

We were on 2 segments of the Grand Asia in 2018, 50 day, and we got a deal when purchasing the laundry package before the cruise. I have an upcoming 2 week cruise and I haven’t seen any “specials” got laundry.

I loved our cruise to Cuba in October on the Veendam. Yes, the ship is a bit older but certainly not unkempt. In Havana we did a private walking followed by classic car tour. In the evening we went to the Tropicana. Personally I would skip the meal there but the show itself was outstanding. 

First followed the 2017 GV Asia-Pacific and then 2018 the GV World. Thanks everyone for the great blogs and photos. I also wonder how I’ll fill my time. Fortunately, 2 will still be blogging for awhile! You’ve inspired me to try blogging and I plan to begin with our 2018 GV Asia Pacific.

I tried blogging on our Grand Asia cruise but didn't make it. Good Luck

I will continue to post as I am about 45 days behind......will be on the Symphony on .Monday.

 

The good news is I will be able to augment my posts with videos!

 

Thanks for reading!

I know this sounds silly since I've never met you but I've actually been concerned about you with no updates. I came here specifically looking for you.

We just booked the Hong Kong to San Diego segments of the 2017 Grand Asia Cruise. Beyond excited.