REOVA

If it's a Pinnacle Ship, CO in separate dining is worth it for us (and the separate line comes in handy). We don’t like MDR on these larger ships.

Yes someone on CC in the past few years posted that the Mariner Discount and preboard wifi discount cannot be combined. I pre-purchase the lower wifi. Once onboard they will offer discount to upgrade at which time you can use the $30 benefit to lower the cost.

No sales on excursions except pre booking may be cheaper on some excursions. If you find an excursion, book it. If you find a better one you can try switching later but HIA excursion credits are use it or lose it for excursions only, any unused credits don't transfer to other credits.

The Lido pizza does not compare to NY Deli Pizza. If you get pizza, grab the first slice when they bring it out. Otherwise it sits and becomes tasteless rubber. Having fresh pizza from NY Deli is much better. Depending on the cruise and length, there may be a Tamarind night in Pinnacle restaurant so book fast if interested. We prefer to sail either class ships over the newer.

Of the 8+ different venues on MSC cruise, there is actually a 5 piece band that only does Country. And they were popular (though a bit flat). Wouldn't recommend booking just for that, but maybe HAL will add some approved songs to their 200 list. Then of course it would be up to the band to agree to play them. On our last Rotterdam cruise, while the Rock Room musicians were good, they chose the same songs almost every night which, which is ok if you didn't watch them every night.

I would go Princess. We are 5 star with HAL but did a Family cruise in Alaska for my brother's 50th (years ago) with 4 teenage grandkids who loved it. We've seen kids on World cruises with HAL that enjoyed it but those itineraries have dedicated kids activities and people to keeo them busy. Not sure HALs regular Alaska (or Caribbean) cruises are set up for that but things may have changed. I think Princess will appeal to the wider age range. But check with each line whether they will allow BaS and what offerings are for kids onboard and will depend on what the children are interested in. Our daughter, while in her teens, used to travel with us alot on HAL and Princess and says Princess would be her choice for her family, but she likes HAL for other itineraries.

Yes priority seating is a separate line to enter on the right instead of waiting in general MDR line. Seating is generally along the windows of the dining room or other "preferred" area. On the non Pinnacle shops, since there isn't a separate dining room, your on CO guests will also be able to sit with you in the MDR. You will still get a menu with 1 extra entree offer choice each night. Not sure the cost of CO will benefit all 8 guests in your party though.

Depends are what you need: medical, cancel for any reason, 100% trip recovery, cost, time for paying premium, etc. Steve at tripinsurancestore has a whole section in CC (and his website) with info that will keep your head spinning but pretty thorough depending on your needs. Everyone has different needs so their responses may not be right for you. Better to have him match your needs.

Don't assume the discounts will apply (especially pre cruise). Check your statement to make sure and if needing a correction put it in Navigator onboard in the Let Us Know response to save time standing in line at Guest Services.

4 star is the best level change. 5 star have a few extra items but (IMO) doesn't rise to another level reward (especially if you don't drink or care for the "alternative" dining). The rise in number of 4 and 5 star mariners now has diminished the exclusive rewards (as has Club Orange), especially on longer voyages (which HAL is known for). Unfortunately they have not been able to come up with a next level category, although talks about it in the past decade continue.

Low deposits can be nice but price of the cruise is more important. "Bookings" are good for "marketing/media" but there are usually cancellations, even if non refundable $1 or $2 deposits.

There is usually something happening that you can do, especially if you meet new people and organize time together. (Until you get sick of each other 🤣). We did SD to Sydney many years ago and the hardest part was the initial 5 sea days to Hawaii (our longest initial at the time). Having just begun the cruise and having so many sea days takes getting used to as you are excited on the new cruise. Just have to know it's a slow, relaxing build up to your itinerary. We have an 11 day "sea/cruising" only period coming up in the Fall but it's after an intensive 12 port visit in Japan so the rest will be appreciated by us.

I thought someone posted recently a solo piano player did a few sets and the last set was audience choice. 2 years ago on VoV there was only 1 pianist and when she got sick, Glenn Michael (who used to be a pianist on ships) sat in and did sing alongs and audience selections. But that was Zaandam and a unique situation.

HAL can't please everyone but it got expensive paying "royalty" fees from prior contracts. Change is good, especially if you've seen the same shows 3 years in a row. I doubt these will be great starting out, but give them time to adjust the "channels" and also give them feedback in the surveys.

We've had rough seas on short cruises and my DW used to have nausea (she brings ginger chews). Much of it was anxiety/anticipation. The worst seas we've done on World Cruise was 27' swells in Southern Australia (as Pete mentioned). DW was standing in our cabin looking out from our balcony taking photos of the seas, oblivious to the motion. If she can get used to it, anyone can. 😁