canadianbear

You do an amazing job organizing and it shows on how many show up. Having the officers there as well is so nice and I’m glad to see it back. Not sure if they go to all but seems the larger groups they are. I have been following along on your adventures (but don’t post much). Happy everything is going well and am enjoying your commentary as well as photos since I will never be in that part of the world. Really appreciate the time it takes for you to post everything too.

Oh boy, quite the cruise for all.

Jim P was great and definitely anyone that had him was spoiled. As far as I know if you requested him again there is a procedure. The one I have now had to get permission that I instigated requesting him. Guess there’s a process but I wanted a competent person like I had.

I personally am happy to hear this. Way too many people (not saying you are) take large carry-ons and numerous bags that it has gotten ridiculous. The overhead bins end up full before everyone is even on the plane because people put them up as they walk on and not above their own seats. We have gotten to our seats and there is no room even for my CPAP machine and is very frustrating. Our last few flights they always ask if anyone is willing to check their carry on bag for free. I think it is long overdue for them to start enforcing the carry on size. For you personally, I’d check on the AC website and if in fact your bag is within their limits, I’d put in a complaint for a possible refund.

No, it’s Jim. I’d go back with him in a heartbeat but the PCC we have is just like him-very efficient.

@firegal2539 Sounds like you enjoyed your cruise since you booked more! We like cruises that are at least 10 days (and more). Seems on anything shorter you’re just getting into the routine and have to pack to go home. Welcome home!

Do you mean reassigned to a different department or not a PCC any longer? We have a very good PCC (after our other one left who was also very good but I’ve heard he’s back)…anyway, both were/are excellent at returning my calls or emails. I can usually do most stuff myself but ran into an issue trying to book something and he took care of it within minutes. I usually use the PCC on long cruises in case something needs to be dealt with. Otherwise big box if it’s a short cruise with perks etc. I know they have a LOT of new staff just from reading the frustration people have on CC. You can always try phoning and asking for a supervisor to get a different PCC maybe.

I do know if we were in an emergency situation we’d certainly turn our phones on IF we had them with us. Usually we are on snorkel excursions so leave our phones on the ship but hopefully others would have them. You are so right-this thread has been an eye opener.

Being Canadian we always have our phones on airplane mode when on an excursion (if we even take them off the ship & then it’s usually just to take photos). I do leave our itinerary with our family but will leave more detailed info now on longer cruises.

Us too. I’ve learned a lot from this thread and will be doing things a bit different than usual on future cruises.

@BTV We just recently purchased air tags for two upcoming flights/cruises. Soon we will figure out how to use them! I keep hearing all these stories of people telling the airline where their missing luggage is. Your situation worries me as we are going on a long cruise with 2 large suitcases & on AC Express as it’s the only one they use for our flight. Thankfully we booked a hotel for 3 nights prior in San Diego so sure hope our bags show up. Year ago (before air tags) my suitcase was lost even though it was priority. Thankfully it showed up the next afternoon before our cruise. We had also booked a couple nights pre-cruise which helped.

Before the HIA came into play I always said why not give 5* free wifi. Sigh. Now that you’re 5* start advocating for stuff!!

It’s certainly a money thing for HAL with Club Orange and has become very popular, especially with the upgrade of cabin. We are one of those who are happy being 4* with the laundry included, especially on our 35 day cruise in February! I’m sure we will make 5* in a year or so but honestly there’s no incentive to become one in my opinion.

It just seems that 5* mariners are losing out on several perks that Club Orange has. I’m not 5* but I still think they should be included. Takes a lot to be 5*.

It’s a free App and doesn’t require you to pay for wifi. If not certain, see guest services and they can help explain the process to download & use it.

If you have the HAL Navigator App you can comment on it.

Bonaire has an area near the cruise port that is walkable. Has some shops, places to eat etc

Thanks for the update.

The poster mentioned it was an independent excursion. Haven’t seen an update yet. Very scary situation.

Hope the last 2 passengers made it back. FB post said they were waiting as long as possible 🤷‍♀️

At least you don’t have to worry about snow so I’d think you’d be ok.

@DaveOKC Glad you made it but so stressful. I learned years ago reading these boards that people should fly in early. When we did the Panama Canal cruise from Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver, my luggage didn’t show up even though it was priority. (We flew from Vancouver & no non stop flights). Mr Bear has his suitcase show up but not mine. Thankfully, from learning from seasoned cruisers on here, we flew in 3 days prior to the cruise & my bag showed up in time. I also try to book us on non stop flights if they are available. It’s crazy though here in Canada how expensive they are now even just from Vancouver to San Diego for our February cruise. WestJet which goes Vancouver via Calgary or Air Canada non stop. You know which one we chose!

I don’t know how you do it @kazu I’d be super tired and have crawled into bed for 24 hours! I’m a strange breed that really needs my sleep, even in my teen years I did. So glad you are there now. Rest up and have fun!

Oh Roz, I’m so sorry to hear of your ordeal. I wish my home port could better handle the cruisers. And then your other issues, 🤦‍♀️ seems when one thing goes wrong it just keeps getting worse.

We picked up Irie Tours at the dock but it’s because we’ve been there several times before and couldn’t decide what we wanted to do this time. Previously we’ve gone snorkeling but not this time. We did the city tour and enjoyed it. You might want to Google the company and see if they have anything that might interest you and if so, ask if they will be at the dock or if you have to reserve. I don’t know how to attach a link to the company, sorry.