OlsSalt

Let's make them NO PIPED-IN MUSIC ZONES too.

Here is the area on the Eurodam where the saunas might be located - has anyone ever seen them identified on a deck plan - why the secrecy?

Any labels on the doors?

We like using the San Diego port too, but wish there were more variety of offerings - but what else can they really do besides Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and the occasional Panama Canal, and perhaps launching South America trips. More concentrated west coast Central America and upper west coast South America could be interesting. Some great pre-Columbian historical sites cruises could take advantage of this often overlooked area. Though West Coastals are gaining in popularity, at the same time those locations are starting to ban or discourage cruise ships.

A beloved perk that makes absolutely no real fiscal sense considering what it takes to actually get to 4 star status, but we love it too.

Each cruise line has dos and don't for door decorations - here are a few, but not HAL - though I know while they don't actively encourage them, but also do not actively discourage them either when they are in reason. Fire hazards and interference with staff cleaning equipment are no-nos on any cruise line, as well as marring walls, doors or frames. The upside, simple door decorations can offer very helpful guideposts for other passengers when locating their own cabins: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3256/~/decorating-your-stateroom-door-and-stateroom

The unshaded tiers of decks above the aft pool on the Konigsdam. Great views, out of the way, plenty of empty loungers fresh air, but no shade. Hardly saw anyone use them. Either set up a discount Coppertone kiosk, or install some shade canopies and windbreaks for some of the area.

How did you find their locations? Was there any identification on the doors or deck plans, or did you just ask?

Yikes! Sambal Oelek is as far as I can go. But it does add a very warming depth. A little background about Sambal badjak - the sweeter, less hot one - the one that is really "not bad" at all on my scale: https://www.cookmeindonesian.com/sambal-bajak-ploughmans-sambal/

Yikes! Sambal Oelek is as far as I can go. But it does add a very warming depth.

Never once did I ever uncover where the free sauna rooms were located on any ship I have been on, or labeled. (Never once did I ask either.) Always vaguely reported to be "near the entrance of the Lido pool or spa, salon area". I would look in passing, but never saw anything obviously giving their location away. Should this stay a semi-guarded secret. Perhaps?

Excellent choice - for all the reasons stated.

She was in very good shape on recent 2022-23 cruise. Did not see any obvious need for refurbishment, except closing off the smoking area on the aft pool area, creating a special cigar room if the continue to allow cigars out doors, and providing shade for the underused lounger decks above the aft pool - very wasted, but lovely space for general use.

Last Konigsdam 2022-23, we saw lots of orange. Passengers got into the spirit of the night. Easy to do, anything orange counted. But have not seen a "pirate nights" in long time. Nor "Black and White" dressy nights either. But dressy nights still do sparkle - fun to see.

We were surprised how many still dress up for Dressy Night on our recent Christmas New Years HAL cruise, after seeing this event get down-graded for so long. It was indeed a very festive night.

On the Christmas 2022 Konigsdam, our Canaletto waiter reminded us about the "crew show" that night, since he was in it. We saw no other notice. When we told him about enjoying these in the past and seeing the "bamboo sticks and candle dances" he laughed and said those were old fashioned, and that is not what they were doing that night - he claimed he was the Hal Elvis Presley for this crew show. Unfortunately we find that 11:00 hour much to late for us, so we did not attend. But his enthusiasm about the crew show was warm and welcoming. So apparently some crew shows sill go on.

Assuming this is a 7 day cruise plus a few days extra, your laundry needs might be limited even when packing light. Washing out a layer of silk or quick dry long underwear in the sink and hanging it on the bathtub clothes line or on hangers overnight, might be the way to keep things fresh and provide that necessary extra layer for wind and warmth. All ports sell pretty inexpensive fleece packages - hats, gloves, scarfs - to make up for anything you failed to pack. Agree, water-proof shoes and lightweight wind/rain protection, with your "layers" may be all you need to pack.

This one is dedicated just for you Gene MoiMoi Young. Anyone on a HAL Tales of the South Pacific cruise will know why. R.I.P.

As a rule, we always plan on a 2 day turn-around, and are always happy when it often comes back sooner or even on the same day. You can pay extra for expedited laundry, if it is really critical you get it back the same day.

No, HAL takes very good care of its laundered items. Even returning items to you unwashed, if they find a hidden tear or snag that they think might not do well in their laundry process. I have also put things in a net laundry bag I bring along with me, if I think they need extra special treatment.

Study up ahead of time to know which sambal: Oelek of badjak. One is super hot, one on the sweeter side. (Darned if I remember which was which now- I need to keep studying too, since I really liked the sweeter one - they offer both) Asked our waiter once which one he liked best. His answer- the one his mother makes, fresh every day.

Topping off dinner with a Gelato by the main pool, if they have one like on the Konigsdam - excellent gelato - (small surcharge).

You pay the full amount upfront on your credit card, and it gets credited back on your end of cruise statement. However pay attention to this onboard billing correction, since as there have been recent reports this was not done which created a last minute hassle with the front desk to get it taken off.

On our Tales of the South Pacific cruise, when the wonderful GeneYoung was cruise director, he happily announced they had a full Polynesian enrichment complement on board for this special cruise. 1. The beloved Hawaiian Caino, as the port and culture lecturer. 2. The arts and crafts instructor who was I believe from Tahiti- ukulele lessons, flower crafts, dance. 3. And Gene himself, who as so many have already mentioned, was sheer delight as the part Samoan ring master of them all. They put on one of the funniest Crossing the Equator ceremonies we have ever experienced -full of inside jokes created specially just for this cruise.

Did I just hear an echo?🙄