RuthC

I realize you don't have smart phones, but doesn't HAL at least give a paper copy of the Daily Program anymore? You aren't the only ones without smart phones.

I did fly into Newark once for a HAL sailing out of Manhattan. It was a very easy ride over to the piers. I did use the HAL transfer, but then I almost always do.

I LOVE sailing out of New York, but the last time I did I HATED trying to board in NY. As I've become more and more disabled, getting to the ship is getting to be more trouble than it's worth. The last time in NYC I arrived by coach, and asked for a wheelchair to get inside and upstairs. That 'service' wasn't provided! I had to schlepp my carry-ons to the huge elevator, get upstairs to the disabled assembly area, and recover there from the ordeal and wait for some assistance. The beauty of the sail down the Hudson is something not to be missed if you can book a cruise sailing from there, though. It is one of the most beautiful sail-aways one could possibly take.

I haven't seen those, either. No great loss (to me), since they all tasted the same---with no real flavor. Which just means HAL is still using the term incorrectly.

Afternoon tea on HAL used to be very nice. You had your selection of various teas, and could choose which one you wanted. The water was served in individual pots. Stewards came around with trays of various little sandwiches and pastries. There was a choice of whipped cream, jam, and marmalade for the scones. Nothing came already assembled. There were some lovely choices.

That's because HAL has never served 'high tea'. The closest they ever came was the old Royal Dutch Tea, but that is long gone.

You should be. If the ship docks on time, you can expect self-disembarkation to start about 7:30, plus or minus. Off the ship, be one of the first looking for a cab, and a 10-minute ride to the airport. You'll have plenty of time.

I see no reason to waste the time, paper, and ink. If HAL can't send it correctly the first time, let them deal with whatever mess they may create.

I find they are just as likely to be replaced when I hang my used towels as when I leave them on the floor. Last time I cruised I let my stewards know that I wanted the same number of chocolates at the end of the cruise, no matter if they left two per night, or 16 on each of the 4 Dressy nights. So long as I took a full complement home with me. They just left two per night, every night. I asked for ice twice a day, which I also got. I find if I let them know, clearly, exactly what I want, and ask for it nicely, the stewards are happy to do whatever will please.

In fact, it's Carnival Corporation that owns all the lines you listed, plus Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Cruise Line is not the parent company of HAL; it is a sister company, just as all the others listed are.

As did Rotterdam. She debuted in '59, and made her grand exit in '97. OK, to be honest her exit wasn't so 'grand', but not all of that was due to the condition of the ship. The send-off, however, was magnificent.

Same problem this morning using Chrome browser. Several different exasperating reasons I couldn't do what I wanted to do, depending on which time I logged in. It included telling me I didn't have a cruise booked. Switched to Edge after a couple of hours of trying, and got in easily. Got my shore excursion booked (on the cruise I don't have?), and confirmation. I hate the HAL website. We are a large, but beaten down, group.

Good choice. There was no question precisely what you meant that way.

Absolutely. If HAL misses a port, and there are no port substitutions assessing a new charge, there will be a refund in full. If there is a substitute port, any refund will be calculated based on the new expense. Unlike some other cruise line(Oceania, I'm looking at you), HAL is fair and honest this way.

I always empty and wash my vase, leave it draining on a towel on the bathroom vanity, and ask the cabin steward to remove it at his convenience. I have never had a decorated vase, and do hope those are used again. Frankly, I can't think of any reason not to reuse any of the vases again, so long as they are cleaned. I hope HAL does so.

My understanding of the rules is that on a Grand Cruise the new benefits apply at the beginning of the next segment of that cruise. If there is another segment after you meet the days portion of the requirement, then you would get the benefits during the remainder of the cruise. If you were already in the last segment, though, the benefits would apply on your next cruise. Now, knowing HAL's inconsistency on so many other topics, I wouldn't be surprised if they apply this rule differently. Oh, I have used the free spa benefit, but have never heard of a salon benefit, such as a free mani/pedi.

I expect you will have at least 2 'dressy' nights, depending on the length of your cruise. That information will likely be updated when you board the ship. That has been the past practice on HAL ships since Navigator was developed.

Someone riding a mobility scooter (me) calls it 'drinking and driving'.

That's what I do. I never know when I will be in a pre-night hotel that doesn't have an outlet close-by the bed. My extension cord is long enough that I can have the cabin steward use masking tape to run it along the walls, and over to the outlet at the desk on the other side of the room. No tripping, easy to remove when the cruise ends, and no marring the walls.

Whenever I've docked in Lisbon we were able to go ashore within a few (maybe 15) minutes of docking. I don't recall HAL ever tendering in Lisbon. Have fun there!

I purchase the HAL Cancel For Any Reason insurance. At my age, I can never predict when something will happen that prevents me from taking my cruise, so I want that coverage. I am not too concerned with the other coverage that third party insurance offers. I am vitally concerned about medical and repatriation coverage, though, so I also purchase that specific type of insurance. I usually call Insure My Trip and speak with a representative who discusses what I think I want, in terms of coverage, and asks appropriate questions, sometimes about things I haven't thought of. Based on our conversation the rep makes a recommendation of whatever insurance plans are appropriate for this particular cruise.

And the signs identifying Dolly's place are missing.

I can't remember which cruises I have had the penalty period start at the 120-day mark, but there have been several of them. All were long cruises; none were the full World Cruise, although I have done segments of the World Cruise. I have taken several cruises in excess of 30 days, and many more in excess of 20 days. This is over a period of decades. No way can my feeble old brain remember all the details of when penalty periods started. Sorry. I just remember being shocked when I realized my penalty periods started so long before final payment was due.

Not necessarily. HAL insurance must be purchased by the day before penalties start accruing. Penalties usually start accruing at the 90-day mark, which generally coincides with final payment. BUT there are some cruises where they start accruing at the 120-day mark, even though final payment isn't due yet.

Every ship except the 2 R-class ships (Zaandam and Volendam) have a Thermal Suite. The 2 R-class ships have one to some extent, but they have hot tubs, and not the T-pool. They do have the heated loungers. Weekly, or cruise long, passes are the norm. If there is room, day passes can be purchased.