Pickalily, Wilts

Well said, although we love the Rolling Stone Rock Room and BB King's groups - and no one could call them quiet! 🙂. Sadly, some people seem to expect to be disappointed and almost 'dare' the cruiseline to prove them wrong. Be positive folks.

The choice is yours. HAL passengers used to dress more formally, but nowadays there is a lot of latitude when it comes to dressing for 'Gala Nights'. Gowns and tuxedos are not required, but a (very) few will still be worn. We try to make an effort to 'scrub up' well, but it seems that almost anytning goes. Either way, it has no bearing on enjoyment of our cruises. Sir PMP is taking the Mickey.😃 Have a great cruise.

A decade ago HAL was quite 'dressy' on the nights designated as 'Gala'. Since then we have seen a gradual decline in the suggested dress code and the numbers of men wearing a tux and women in posh frocks are very few. I gather that the dress code for Alaskan cruises is even more relaxed. As CruiserBruce says, the decision is yours, but whatever you decide I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip to an amazing part of the world. Have a very happy 60th birthday cruise.

Completely agree. Their ships look classy, whereas some others look as if they've been scribbled on by naughty children.🙂

Here's hoping that the moderators notice over 10k views since vswan posted only 6 weeks ago. Brilliant response.

I might be 'cancelled' for this, but I think it's worth trying to help those who just need a little encouragement to carry on with their lives when their personal circumstances change.

.... and it was the number of views which I tried to highlight as proof that there are many potential solo cruisers out there who could benefit from the experiences of others.

Made what I thought was a polite request earlier today (again) for this to be made a 'sticky', but it was removed. Don't know why. I thought the number of clicks up to now was indicative of interest, but.............. apparently not.

Just another gentle 'bump' to keep this current.

Carole, Sincere condolences and good wishes for the future. "Therapy" is what this thread is all about and your story will help others to overcome their doubts about being able to cope with their loss and finding inner strength, which they may not have believed they possess. Having arranged for my Father's ashes to be buried at sea - albeit from a Royal Navy vessel - I can attest that it was a very dignified ceremony and I'm sure the committal of your dear husband's ashes will be the same.

3rdGenCunarder, shootingstar07 and others: You took a liberating leap of faith and now there's no looking back. All good wishes for your future travels.

Just a gentle 'bump' to keep the topic live.

Well, bellebaby, it's a very small World! 🙂 I know Allington and the house you mentioned. Sadly, Michael B died last year - a great loss to the village - but I believe his wife is continuing his philanthropic work.

Another 'bump'. The whole premise of this thread could have led to a lot of negativity, but given that individual contributors' situations have mainly resulted from loss and sadness, it's remarkable how uplifting the result has been IMO. In just a few days something positive has emerged and if it helps others to overcome doubts about coping with the future, it can only be a good thing.

OK folks, I've made the request. so we'll see if the moderator thinks it's worthwhile. If anyone else wants to do the same, it can only help. Thanks OlsSalt.

Is "Walt" still the moderator? I saw his name attached to other 'stickies' from way back, but wasn't sure if that's still the person to contact. (Told you I was useless at this laptop lark 🙃 !) Just a bit of background: 40 years ago (after a divorce) I had to pluck up courage to take solo trips, so I know how the OP feels. Have never been the most gregarious person, but somehow I did it. The result was several longish trips to countries I'd always wanted to visit, which gave me the confidence previously lacking.

There seems to be agreement that this subject could be beneficial for many others. It's in danger of dropping off the current pages and I'm next to useless when it comes to matters technological, so could anyone please advise how to go about trying to get this turned into a 'sticky'. (It's not obvious, to me, how to contact our 'Host', for example.) Thanks.

What lovely, caring people sail with HAL. vswan, you were brave to ask your questions and the answers you received will, I'm sure, convince you to take the next step. Many others will be grateful to you for raising this subject. I send my condolences and good wishes for happier times to come.

I need a few more to complete a craft project. I'm using them to line the base of a vintage wooden tray. I'd like to use them on my kitchen wall, but wouldn't want to leave them if I moved house - they'd just end up in a skip! However, the tray is portable. I don't want a 'promise' that HAL would send them once they restock - I can't imagine them bothering to send them across the Atlantic.

I think we may be distantly related. 😃 We like to eat around 7.30 or 8.00 after a drink or three beforehand and then it's a couple of hours listening to either BB King or Rolling Stone Rock group (Pinnacle class ship). Finishing off with a nightcap and then 'night-night' everybody. Not really bothered about a show in the main theatre or time in the casino. We live in a small village so any kind of evening entertainment is something out of the ordinary for us. Love it.

Same here.

If you like volcanoes, be sure not to miss the approach to the Strait of Messina. You'll pass Stromboli, which rarely disappoints - it seems to put on a show approximately every 20 minutes! Giardini Naxos is in the shadow of Mt Etna and that is also active. When in Naples, you may even see Vesuvius smoking.. The area is a volcanologist's 'heaven'. The sail into and out of Kotor is delightful. In all, you have a very good itinerary - have a lovely trip.

Well, that's a different angle. The usual comment after a cruise is that clothes have 'shrunk'.🙃

DH has been embracng my wrinkles for years!

There is so much choice out there and when someone is as disillusioned as you appear to be, it would be completely logical for you to go elsewhere. Part of the 'fun' is researching all the options. Good wishes for finding another vacation provider, be it land based or floating. Leisure time is precious and value for money is important and if you feel you're being short-changed, you cannot be blamed for looking seriously at the alternatives.