jeh10641

You guys have great memories. I do not remember the name of any performer I have seen on a cruise except for Cantare and Boulvevard. Jim

I use bold fonts because I find it easier to see at my age (82 and counting). I did not raise the issue of casinos but I was just responding to a previous note. I am looking forward to seeing to what Billboard on Board actually is changing, if it is changing.

Many of C.L.I.A.'s rules are strange but cruise lines voluntarily sign up for them.

My wife exactly.

Not to belabor the point but I think "Payouts" would fall under "Practices".

Hi, roamingrn, We purchased a laundry package for our January 28, 2025 Koningsdam cruise to Hawaii about a month ago, well over a year in advance. It was US$153. I figure we can pack for 4 or 5 days and send out our laundry as often as we want. Less is more in my opinion. We used the Navigator app for our cruise. Hope this helps. Jim

If I remember correctly it was a C.L.I.A. rule. Since HAL is a participant in C.L.I.A. I think that qualifies. This is from C.L.I.A.'s website. Gambling CLIA’s members have adopted a policy that all equipment purchased and installed on cruise vessels will meet the regulatory standards of the Nevada Gaming Control Board or other licensed jurisdiction for payback and internal software. Rules of play The policy is that each line will provide a gaming guide setting forth the rules of play for their casino, and that these rules of play shall generally follow those established for casinos in Nevada, New Jersey, or England. To comply with CLIA’s policy: These house rules must be made available in every casino. Each member is to post at every gaming table minimum and maximum betting limits for each game. Only adults are allowed to play the slots or the tables. Internal controls CLIA’s member-approved policy is that all shipboard gambling operations be inspected by each member through its internal audit department on a regular basis, not to exceed 12 months.1 Further, all casinos are directed by the policy to have detailed internal control procedures concerning the cash and coin counts, casino cage procedures and other processes, similar to licensed jurisdictions. To comply with the policy each line must employ some form of surveillance to assure operations are fair and equitable for all parties. The policy states that each line should separate the operation of the casino from the financial aspects of the casino as clearly as possible including specific duties for cashiers and table gaming staff. Customer service CLIA’s policy is that onboard casino operations are the overall responsibility of the Hotel Manager or Director, or similar individual(s) charged with ensuring the highest level of conduct for casino staff. In case of a gaming dispute, any passenger who feels he or she has an issue that cannot be resolved by the Casino Manager should be able to bring it up to the Hotel Manager, and CLIA’s members have agreed that every effort should be made to resolve the problem. If the issue is not resolved on board the vessel, the policy is that each ship have at the casino cage a current list of contact information for their home office or casino operator where the passenger can pursue their dispute. CLIA’s policy is that cruise vessels have onboard comment cards for the inclusion of any comment, concern, or means to improve the gambling system on board the vessel. Gambling is strictly for the enjoyment of the passengers who choose to avail themselves of this form of entertainment. 1Inspection provision applies to shipboard gambling operations as a whole as opposed to individual ships.

This thread has given me a lot to think about. I post my name and cabin number on Meet and Greet spreadsheets. I may be having second thoughts about that. Cruise Critic forums always give me a lot of information even though I think I am a pretty savvy traveler. Jim

missadventure85, I have never been on a Princess ship, but they do have more "adult entertainment" (not a "bad" adult) in the evening than HAL. I cannot speak to kids' clubs but I think HAL is taking more interest in families than they used to. Both companies have been doing Alaska for a long time and their land/cruise options are well done. Pinnacle class ships top out at 2600 passengers and to me that is a perfect size. I have been on larger ships (RCCL) and feel they are "too busy". I have been on Westerdan, Oosterdam and Rotterdam (the latter being a Pinnacle class) and loved them all.

I will be watching your reports as I am on this cruise in 2025 (01/28). Jim

I never thought about this. It is something now to think about. One reason I do not use any social media except for email and Cruise Critic. I live in a town house condo complex. I have three neighbors in my building (all are 4 plexes). We watch out for each other when traveling.

My cousins live in Brentwood.

I am not sure when my friend moved to plano. He came from Minneapolis where he had bookstores and a publishing company. He still lives in Plano. Jim

I had an uncle who had a dental practice in Stonybrook in the 1950s. I grew up in Manhattan, Pelham and Larchmont. I have a former colleague/friend who lives in Plano and cousins in Nashville. Sounds like you are living my life.😊 Jim

Okay. Where in NY were you from? We lived in Hackettstown and Green Township before we moved to Seattle. I taught in Newton and had a bookstore there (long story). Jim

We were in England in October 2023 with "Pounds" from BOA and had no trouble using them. Is this something new since then? Jim

On boarding, after your muster, go to the Main Room entrance and talk to a host or hostess there. They will have the right answer for you.

I use luggage tag holders from Alaska Airlines. They fit any kind of identifying luggage tags. I always print out several copies of the luggage tags for my cruises. I place the tags in the holders after I arrive in the embarkation port city.

Do not do it. Nothing good will happen if you get caught and that probability is HIGH (pun intended).

I agree with the suggestion to book your boarding FIRST. Then you can fill in the rest. I use the the cruise line app. Jim

Good question. I think that may be why cruise companies might choose to add Nassau if Coco Cay is missed.

I always go to my bank (Bank of America) online before I travel to Europe for local currency. Usually I buy about US$100.00 in each of the local currencies: Euros, Pounds, or something else. Once on land, I then use local banks that are affiliated with BOA to avoid extra charges. NEVER use a shop that offers CURRENCY EXCHANGE. They have the worst rates.

I have heard that ship casinos sailing from US ports are governed by the rules and laws of Las Vegas. Therefore, no looser or tighter. Individual machines may be programmed that way. I have not been able to confirm this. Jim

WTVL from the Golden Heart of Central Maine. Waterville's radio station during my time there. Jim

Thanks, BetsyS. Not only lobster rolls but an every five year stop at L.L. Bean to refresh my wardrobe! At our Reunion, they always have a lobster bake! I hope that continues. Jim