HappyInVan

That is the problem of buying insurance from the carrier. They will have their own exclusions. I prefer to buy third party insurance, and I expect to be fully covered if the fault lies with the carrier.

Wow! That's a heavy responsibility. I've recently returned from a 7D cruise on the MSC Meravaglia to the Carib, after 4 cruises on HAL ships in 2023. I was very impressed by the wow factor on MSC's bigger ship. There's the spectacular dome light show which changes every few minutes. The aqua park and theme park on the top deck. The superior production shows in the theatre, and the events held every day in the mall. Its a lively entertaining ship that offers a memorable experience for infrequent cruisers. With a larger number of excellent theme restaurants for variety. On the other hand, HAL's forte is in longer cruises across oceans. There's the semi-sheltered promenade deck for walking and observation. The larger number of cosmopolitan food stations in the Lido. The ample movie library on the interactive TV. When are you cruising? HAL ships tend to be more comfortable for cold weather (May and September). Whilst party ships (Princess, Royal Carib, Carnival etc) are a blast in the middle of summer. In the last few years, HAL has experimented with little success. It eliminated the library rooms, and is now restoring this facility. It tried the concert-quality Lincoln Center musicians, and dropped them. Sadly, fares on HAL continue to drop to as low as $50 pp/day on the basic Alaska itineraries. HAL has become very economical. In fact, HAL ships will become more crowded as HAL offers free passage for 3rd/4th pax in a cabin. Bottom line: HAL for a comfortable longer cruise with friends who can entertain themselves. MSC etc for a lively experience for a multi-generational outing. On the brands with the really large ships, there are ship-within-the-ship facilities. Affluent family members can cocoon themselves in a private section of the ship. Younger pax in Economy have the run of the ship. All the best.

Guys, As I recall, there was a package at the hotel. It will have your instructions.

As a side comment, this is not a surprise. There will always be a fewer gamblers on each ship. Good luck. For me, its the triumph of a last minute deal at 40% off. Yah!

As I recall, open seating. You can ask your tour guide at the hotel.

Yes.

Oops! Will they raise prices?

First time on Ryndam in Alaska Sept 2010...

Big difference... "The majority of new ships break even at 50% occupancy, while older ships need 80% occupancy to hit that benchmark, according to Tom Baker, president of Cruise Center."

Onboard spending is an important supplement when you are selling $49/day fares. Less important when you are able to charge $99/day fares. Unfortunately, the experiences on a $49 ship is poorer than on a $99 or $199 ship. Like ship capacity, there's a limit on capacity in bars, restaurants and on excursions. So, there's little room for growth in onboard spending unless you have a different $class$ of pax. Cognac instead of beer. Fillet mignon instead of pork belly. Perhaps, HAL will add a 5th and 6th pax capacity to the cabins?

There's no need for a balcony or OV. The ship will enter and leave Glacier Bay by the same (roughly) route. So, a fixed position on the sides will only have a limited view at any time. The best position whilst approaching the glacier is the bow. There's the comfort of the Crows Nest, or the open decks of the Observation Deck or the bow (if access is allowed). The open decks on the top of the ship allows a 360 view of you are able to walk around. One advantage is the elevated viewpoint. A partially sheltered position is on Deck 10 aft (near the Tamarind restaurant) which overlooks the Sea View Pool. Should it get too cold on the deck, you can nip down to the Lido on Deck 9 where there are wall to ceiling windows. Enjoy...

They would be doing even better by increasing prices and margins, not dropping prices. Nor by cramming more people onboard the ships, and increasing stress on pax and staff. The theory is that companies discount because they've set the prices too high and demand is too low.

+1 I'm astonished that some posters on this forum speak with such assurance for HAL. I have to wonder if they are with HAL??? Personally, I hope that HAL takes note of the criticism after each of their brilliant innovation. The customer comes first?

Thanks. Their intention is pretty clear. They're gonna try and load the ships as much as possible. Make it peak season year round. Not for me. Might as well sail with MSC. When does this take effect? Hope that it isn't back-dated to old bookings!!! 😒

Sorry. Not going to waste my time booking cruises that I'm not serious about. Moreover, you might be reserving cabins that someone else wants. I'm booked on the NA this summer 14D Alaska cruise. Paid just C$1599 pp for a partial OV Stateroom 4091. Checked the equivalent itinerary and room next year. Its $2,826 for the Noordam and C$2,388 on the NA. Seems like a big difference. Would I pay a $1 deposit for a 2005 booking? What do you think?