Roz

I did back to back Christmas and New Year's cruises last year thru Belgium and The Netherlands.  It was dark, cold, wet, and windy, and also wonderful.  Temps were mostly in the mid 30s/mid 40s, and I wasn't aware of anyone who didn't take the excursions because it was "so cold that you can hardly stay outside".  Rain and dampness was more of a factor than cold.  

Bring a winter jacket that also repels rain, along with gloves and a hat and scarf. 

This whole situation is bad. I'm sorry this happened to you and your family.  The so called compensation is hardly adequate. 

The app is a convenience, not an absolute requirement. 

I upgraded my phone because other apps besides Navigator no longer worked. 

@Oceansaway17, Princess and Carnival both charge solos double, so I'm not sure that's better treatment. 

With HAL's new emphasis on families and cramming 3-4 passengers into as many cabins as possible, I assume solo pricing will deteriorate. 

It also depends on the cabin class. An inside or outside may be 179%, but a balcony or suite 200%.

@FOPMan, I want that deal! I've always paid some kind of single supplement. 

@westerdam, lately I've been paying 179-200%, depending on the cruise.  There's no standard single supplement on HAL. 

@vicd1969, that is correct.  You just can't use gift cards to prepay gratuities. 

I've always thought Viking's ads give people the impression that the entire cruise consists of scenic cruising.  Just sit back and take in the sights. 

Yes you can.  You can't use gift cards for transfers and gratuities.  Also, you can't split payments.  For example, gift cards and a credit card. 

@Navybikermom, I enjoyed your review.  

On 5/20/2024 at 7:43 PM, GA_Traveler said:

I am unable to open the files once I download them.  Is anyone else having a problem?

 

Dawn

I was able to download and open the files on my Samsung tablet. 

I took a 31-day South American cruise on HAL, and the cruise was definitely about the ports. I don't think you can generalize that ocean cruises are all about the ship.

I tried looking for an answer on ACL's website, and it just mentions wheelchairs and walking aids. Have you tried contacting ACL directly?

That's good to know. 

If there are problems once onboard, the Neptune Suite concierge should be able to help. 

What about the Dutch and Belgian waterways? 

I didn't realize Emerald is a budget cruise line. 

@sjde, have you checked out the "stickies" at the top of this page? Lots of good information about the different river cruise lines, including comparisons. 

There is a huge difference. 

Are you referring to the daily program?  I'm not familiar with an entertainment guide. 

@HSBC, I've never brought insect repellent with me to Europe.  There just aren't the insects we have in the US. Part of that is there just isn't the humidity,  making summer a different experience. 

On one of my cruises I was singing along to "Wagon Wheel" in Billboard, and another cruiser asked me how I knew it.  He had never heard it, and was unfamiliar with Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor, Darius Rucker, or Old Crow Medicine Show. 

Obviously a culturally deprived person. 😉

I think Tauck and Uniworld are close to each other, with Viking being the outlier.  Don't base your decision on price alone. 

Tips cover more than food service.  That said, even in the buffet, you're being served.  

@kazu, I had to cancel Noordam - 04-Jan-25 - 28 day Coral Triangle, Volcanoes & Great Barrier Reef 😪

Please add me to Eurodam - 08-Jan-25 - 21 day Western Explorer/Eastern Caribbean Wayfarer

Thanks!