Alberta Quilter

I've never seen a group rate for shorex. What might be less expensive is to book your tours privately. But I don't think you can do the Tracy Arm excursion privately...

Please check out this post from the HAL forum: But I highly recommend going to Fortress Louisbourg, if you've never been before.

Uh oh, just checked the deck plan. No Pinnacle Bar on the Volendam but the Explorations Cafe is on Deck 5 so closer than I thought. That could be dangerous!

Oh geez, don’t tell me that they’re available in two locations! Maybe that won't be true on the Volendam…. I can hope. I’ll need the exercise!

I’ll be on the Volendam with CO. Because there is no dedicated CO dining room, I requested fixed dining so we will have the same table and wait staff. We shouldn't have to line up at all!

Oh boy, I really wish brownies hadn't been brought up and with a picture of them, no less! OMG! I'll have to try them on my cruise. They look fabulous, and with Crew News' description, I fear I'll be going to the Explorations Cafe every afternoon I can.

At least she cares!

Which Alaska ports did you visit? HAL considers the route around Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan to be Inside Passage. It is the Alaska Inside Passage. It's the Canadian Inside Passage that is, IMO, more scenic. But if you travelled the Alaska Inside Passage, I tend to agree with Mary, that you're lucky to get any compensation because they could just as easily say that you did travel the Inside Passage, just in Alaska and not Canada. Having said that, I'm very sorry for your disappointment. I totally understand it.

I disagree that one needs to have a balcony on an Alaskan cruise. You should be outside on open decks enjoying the expansive views to fully appreciate Alaska, not just one side of it. Save your money, since on the Zaandam a balcony means booking a suite, and use the savings for shore excursions.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I’ll be in an OV. But richwmn showed a pic of the extra European outlets behind the TV that can be used if I use a converter so that may help.

Thank you for posting the pic. That's helpful. I'll be on the Volendam with one outlet to handle the CPAPs and devices for two people. I have the magnetic hooks for the extension cable to run to the CPAP machines at the bedside table. I also have a USB hub that allows for six devices to be plugged in. I just have to check to make sure I requested an extension cord/power bar from HAL...

I think you can book your reservations online for the same date and time in advance. Once you’re onboard, you should be able to call or go to the reservation podium to get them linked so you can sit together.

Would you be able to post a picture of this setup when you get a chance, please? I'll need to rig up something similar for my cruise; different devices but there will be two of us and two sets of devices to be charged (and only one outlet).

I'm not on this cruise but absolutely go for 14 days, if time and budget allow! You'll get different ports (if you do a true 14 day cruise as opposed to B2B 7 day itineraries). But be aware that once in Alaska is rarely enough for many people, speaking from experience. As for the cruise tours, the land days are long but all of the logistics are taken care of for you. So much of Alaska is accessible only via land. But start with a cruise, and you can always do a tour later.

Butter makes everything better! Thank you, Crew News!

I have no experience with doing this but have read here on CC, that you can indeed do this onboard. To change your dining reservations, you must go to Guest Services. They will be able to change the form of payment from the credit card to the HIA promotion. For shorex, you must go to the Shore Excursion desk to do the similar thing for shorex.

This is more like focaccia than bannock (if that's similar to the fry bread you're talking about). There are no chilies on this one! If you like spicy, you may be disappointed with HAL's version.

Thanks! I enjoy it with butter! It’s cut crossways; the onion is the topping. A little butter on the bread part and I’m in heaven! But I enjoy good brotchen too so if you come across that in your travels, let me know!

Thanks for this important research on the quality of the cookies! I hope you find brotchen this cruise, and they are not hard like the cookies! I need to know these things because I'll be going on my first cruise in 4.5 years later this summer. Could you do me one small favour, please, if you find the time/opportunity? Would you check to see if they still have the onion flatbread in the Lido at lunch? It used to be with the breads/buns at the beginning of one of the stations. That's a favourite of mine!

Oh, there's interest! At least on my part. Please continue when possible!

Oh, I'm sorry you didn't get to Les Iles de la Madeleine. I really enjoyed our day there a number of years ago. I've always wanted to go back but for a longer stay. I'm sorry to hear that your cruise is almost over. Thanks so much for posting!

I totally understand. I’m caregiving for my DM who is not in the best of health. It’s good to have a cruise to look forward too, isn’t it?!

No, I don't believe you will be sent a policy unless you ask for it. Did you check on the HAL website? I know they have a summary but there may be a link to the full policy. If not, ask whomever you booked with to get you a copy. Can I ask, why did you purchase it so far in advance of your cruise? I usually purchase just before final payment. That way, if something comes up that I need to cancel, I'm not out the cost of the insurance.

I can't help you, other than to suggest that you post this same question on the Alaska ports of call forum. You may reach more people there.

The article made a reference to the “Crow's Nest Cafe”. Did the Explorations Cafe get a new name?