richstowe

On my last cruise I couldn't book seats until the flight had been paid for .

We have often used the air programs for CCL, RCCL and NCL with good results . The big savings seem to be with international flights . Do not rely on the site to pick well . Several times we were offered flights with layovers which were way too short and therefore bound for failure . Other times a different option for a small increase in price was much better . Remember, the cruise line acts like a TA and airline loyalty plans may determine which flight you book . Additional points and luggage allowances may be received . Always listen to Hanks advice .

Well perhaps if we all advertise this enough they will be . This reminds me of alcohol smuggling advice .

Perhaps that's the point . Ambiguity allows maximum flexibility .

You guys beat me to the punch . You''ll pardon me if I'm a bit suspicious . IF the quartet remains and there are concerts without jugglers or mimes, I'll accept the change to a less cozy venue . It was lovely being 10 feet from the performers though. Edited to say DW thinks I'm way too cynical .

Interrupting but Celebrity was my favorite . Sadly they both greatly increased their prices and down-graded the non-suite experience . Bad combo .

Our recent Nieuw Amsterdam cruise was enjoyable but cut-backs were apparent . On the positive , two things really stood out. The LCS quintet were excellent with multiple concerts playing a variety of musical genres . They also backed the BBC Earth presentation .The other highlight were the B B King All-Stars . Shockingly talented both with and without vocalists . Amusingly (?) these were the two entertainment items I complimented the most on the HAL feedback . 😑

Yes they are beside the lido indoor pool . BTW, the opened and closed the roof several times . It worked but the screeching noise was something . There are 2 rows of lounge chairs plus aisles in front of the pool .

Unless you get a Lido deck cabana like we just did on the Nieuw Amsterdam . Our cabana, Corfu, was just beside the pool and $200 for the week instead of $400 for the week . Paul took very good care of us . Somedays the lack of a cross-breeze was an issue and no it wasn't very private but easy pool and food access made up for this . HAL_Cabanas.pdf

Why are these your favorite HAL's ?

Enjoy ! We'll be on in 2 weeks and got a lido cabana so we are looking for any observations .

I remember a similar hurricane disruption pre-covid on another cruise line where people complained about having to pay extra gratuities for the extra days . The were changed nothing additional except for gratuities and still they complained . 🙄

Thanks eroller . Great review . We got a scary low price for our cruise in 2 weeks on the Nieuw Amsterdam . Given the price, I'm not surprised by cutbacks . Unlike NCL and RCI, it appears CCL continues to drop their pants to fill their ships . Your Flickr pictures are fantastic. I was searching for an image of Lido deck cabanas which we booked . Any info ? Does anyone know if HAL still offers South-East Asian food ? Also how do you receive the free Mariner Cocktail ? Is there a coupon in the cabins ?

I believe there are showers, whirlpool, washrooms specifically for the Retreat area but am not sure if we lowly Lido Cabanners have access .😉

We just booked a cabana only 2 weeks out on the Nieuw Amsterdam . All they had left were the Lido's . Can we use the Retreat facilities ?

We once received an unrequested handicapped cabin when booking a guarantee . It was significantly larger then the same category regular cabin . There was no downside . We loved it .

That was our experience this summer . I told the steward, morning service was just fine . I was then corrected by my DW . Twice a day it was . 😉

Overall our 13 day Caribbean cruise was great but MDR table assignment was a weak link . We ate in all 3 MDR's and only once got the same wait staff . Disappointing . Food was generally good but service was an issue . Fully agree but don't understand where the savings are for Princess . I get changing things to improve the bottom line but don't see how these changes save them any money .

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Wheelchairs and scooters left in the hallways isn't ideal but I never recognized that this is primarily an issue for others with mobility issues . I thought it rude to complain but now recognize this is a safety issue not an esthetic concern . Thank you all for enlightening me .

Is it possible that they've decided to include their drink package on Half Moon so there's no need ?Very very unlikely I know but ......

😅🤣😂 Organic and cruise , the ultimate contradiction . You be you .

Exactly What are you disagreeing with ? Hiring at wages which are well below first world rates is the cruise industry's business model . Otherwise cruise prices would be double . Absolutely ! It's like going to Mexico and being astounded that not everyone earns $15 an hour . Some people just don't get it .

Eww . Be careful what you wish for . Especially these days .