BobbiSox

Thanks TAW1963. I will surely look into that GeoBlue'sTrekker and see what it has to offer. I'm always learning new things on this board!

When cruising with HAL, I do EVERYTHING through HAL including buying their premium insurance. It simplifies things. For me, it's worth any extra cost. They have come through for me more than once when I ran into problems.

I have booked the 13 day New England cruise on Volendam, departing this coming Sunday. It's a trial run for our 42 day on Volendam this November. I really need to know what I'm getting into. 42 days is a long time to spend on a ship I don't like. I was able to book the same lanai for both. I love a lanai cabin, but I know I will miss the Dutch Cafe.

There are some really good PC people and some not so good. I have a good one. She always returns my calls and is very helpful in all matters and gets me great deals that I would never have heard of otherwise. I had to 'fire' some of the first few over the years. Don't know if I am allowed to post her name; her initials are KO.

I've heard rumors that there is a rather 'secret' category that comes after the 5-star. I have researched it to the best of my ability, and found nothing. Does anyone know if there is actually a category higher than the 5-star?

I have seen similar slippers in most Dollar Tree stores.

I can't say if any food is good or bad. It's simply a matter of if I like it or not. I am married to a man who will eat anything that doesn't eat him first, so he thinks everything is wonderful. I don't.

No need to fret about privacy in a lanai. No one can see in due to the special glass which is like a mirror so no one can see in. I love these rooms and get them whenever they are available. I suggest that you try one on a short cruise to try it out. You just may love it as much as I do. And two deck chairs are assigned to each cabin so you don't have to worry about finding a place to enjoy the sea view because it's right outside your door. I going to New England in two weeks, then 42 days to Europe this September, both in a lanai, and can't hardly wait!

I always say there's no harm in asking. I doubt anyone will make you walk the plank for asking a question. (Not sure, though.)

I have no idea why you have such good luck. HIA is the best deal I've ever come accross in over 25 years of cruising. Thank your lucky stars, bring copies of the paperwork, and grab your flip-flops! You're going cruising!

Thank you all for you humor and your good ideas. My experience with the lanai deck chairs has not been very good. I have spent a lot time explaining to other passengers that lanai chairs are for the lanai passengers only.. Hard as it is to believe, there are some rude people on HAL. I've TAPED on signs that I had made at home :THESE CHAIRS ARE FOR LANAI GUESTS ONLY. I've gone to customer service. I was told recently by another lanai guest that her chair had a permanent wooden sign attached that stated 'for lanai guests only', but even that didn't help and caused a lot of trouble. I'm very small and fit in a very small chair, which is easy to move around as a carry-on.. I'm driving to Fort Lauderdale, so no luggage problems. This is my last lanai if it doesn't work out, I'll go back to a balcony.

Our upcoming Volendam cruises will both be in lanais. From past experience, the chairs on the lanai deck are removed fairly early in the evening, and not put out very early in the morning. We enjoy coffee out on the deck, and we are wondering if HAL would allow us to brin the foldable Coleman camp-chairs that are carried on in their own nylon sack. Carnival allows this. Does anyone know if they are allowed on HAL? I have called the HAL departments who I assume would know, but they say they don't know, so I came here, where people know things.

I am sorry for offending anyone on this board. Perhaps I need to take my medication and put on my glasses. I am not new to this board; I don't post much but I read almost everyday. I'm not new to HAL; I am 5-star. I will only read now and keep my crazy opinions to myself. 😔

Pretty sure it's not Maine Lobster. Almost no one gives that away anymore. Some of those 'warm water' lobsters are awful.

I am amazed at the number of cruisers on this board who are willing to risk the lives of thousands of people so they can have their perfectly brewed cup of tea. Some even offer an explanation as to why an electric kettle is perfectly safe, when they have no knowledge whatsoever about the electrical systems on a ship. Any suggestions offered regarding an alternate way to enjoy a cup of tea is flat out rejected. If there is the slightest chance that something could a fire hazard, why on earth would anyone ignore the warning.?