VMax1700

Just checked our September 2025 cruise on NSDM and Speciality Dining is bookable 😃 So the Bubble of Awesome not only has time travel powers, it does not recognise International borders 😉

I also complain about the grits that are sometimes in the scallops. 😀

There is a left luggage available at FCO in T3. https://www.adr.it/web/aeroporti-di-roma-en/pax-fco-baggage-services?p_p_id=it_txt_adr_cookiepolicy_web_portlet_AdrCookiePolicyBannerPortlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view

It doesn't match local knowledge 😉

Zuiderdam departing Rotterdam a few minutes ago.

Oh! Real books so!

That is correct. Not so many phones have multiple radios.

True, it seems that the 'Favorites' option has been removed. However I have found one use for the ♥️when I am looking to compare a couple of cruises. Sometimes when I right click on'View Itinerary' and select 'open link in new tab' the new page is blocked by HAL, however if I select the ♥️and then right click on 'View Itinerary' and select Open link in new tab, then a new tab will open with the selected itinerary. Maybe I am the only one who has the problem with pages being blocked as I have not notice anyone mention it before.

It is unlikely you will be able to use the phones hot spot as it will already be using the wifi receiver to connect to the ship. There is an easy way to check at home and before you travel, if you will be able to use a hot spot. Ensure your phone is connected to both data and wifi and go to settings > connections and check that you are offered the 'Mobile Hotspot' option. Then turn on 'Flight mode'. Your phone is now connected the same way as it would be onboard ship. Is the 'Mobile Hotspot' option still offered? On my S21 the hotspot option disappears as soon as I hit flight mode because the wifi is being used to connect to my home network and is not available to broadcast the signal for the hotspot. (remember to turn off flight mode when finished!) You can get a travel router to take with you which will work, but is a lot of work to set up for only occaisonal use. If there is a second person in the stateroom with wifi package you could sign in using their logon details.

The 'Plan, reserve, check in' leads me to suspecting an updated or changed web interface for booking etc.

It is only the circled bit that can be opened.

I have simultaneously 'speedtested' connections on both the DW's Surf and my upgraded Premium and speeds, ping and latency were similar.

Don't spend too much time on trying to solve the problem....It is not Wordle or Connections! V is the highest category followed by VA, VB etc alphabetically, except for VQ/VY (Spa)

No embarkation day specials in recent history!

Photos and info available on HAL Facts website. https://halfacts.com/pinnacle-class/

It is possible (note possible!) that additional excursions will show up after you board. This has happened a few times to us. Some excursions will not show up in the app until 3 - 6 months prior to sailing, specially if your cruise is one of the first of a new season or with new ports. The app is not required as a ticket as you can also use your stateroom door card.

The premium plan is discounted by 20% if you pre purchase. You can see the price if you log into the HAL website and go to Manage my Cruise. Premium is ok for wifi calling. Interesting question about taxes if you purchase onboard! I have not read of anyone being charged taxes for this, but logically, as taxes are charged in ports for alcohol etc, then taxes may be liable for internet if purchased in port, if that country charges taxes on internet connections. (simple, yes?) Link to Internet pricing courtesty of Crew News/Roger. Internet-Pricing-2024-1.pdf

As far as I can see, on that panel where you select cruise only or HIA, the details in the panel are just for a 14 day cruise. If you go back to the initial webpage and click on the 'See Details' then it shows $300

So this would be through 'Cellular at Sea' is that correct? Just a question on the technical side: How fast is the data service? With Starlink available will it seem like old 'dial up' internet? Will you even get 4g signal? Would it be sufficient to stream? Just asking as I don't know, but interested to find out!

Here are the exclusions: Package excludes beverages purchased in The Shops, from the mini-bar, through 24-hour room service or on Half Moon Cay.

If you are thinking of renting a car then it would possibly pay you to purchase a couple of the booster seats instead of renting seats of dubious health standards from the rental companies. https://www.halfords.com/baby-and-child/car-seats/booster-seats/

No it does not. It is necessary to upgrade.

That is really strange! Why would they differentiate by country? I can perhaps understand a differentiation by currency, but not by country. I have noticed that the HIA rate including Crew Appreciation is the same €65/day for all staterooms, so there is no differential between Suite and non suite rates.

There are short flights on both Aegean and Volotea from Athens to Dubrovnik later that evening or the next day (sea day) I know that its not perfect but at least there is a good plan B and it is HAL's responsibility to get you there and supply accomodation. However, I am a firm believer in the 'Field of Dreams' philosophy - 'If you build it, they will come', so using that as your mantra.....'I will arrive in time and I will be on that ship'! 😉 p.s. I will wish you 'good luck' but your positive thoughts will be sufficient.