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Would appreciate any information about this new HAL program. Nothing found when searching this forum.

Just passing the Crown Princess. Docking soon. Meant Sitka re docking vs tendering but just read will be docking not using tenders.

Thanks SilvertoGold. Not sure if we are docking or tendering (hope tendering because so scenic). Will wave for sure if tendering. :)

We are on the Ms Westerdam and will be looking forward to seeing Ms Nieuw Amsterdam. Had a wonderful dinner in the Pinnacle Grill last night. Alaska is so awe inspiring.

Oops. Thanks Joanie.

See article below for details.

http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/wildlife/2016/05/29/cruise-ship-arrives-in-seward-with-dead-endangered-whale-draped-against-its-bow/

I just looked at the info for the the new "Club Class" for mini suites and suites on Princess.

 

Sure looks like CCL is working toward pushing suite business toward Princess. Perhaps HAL will end up being the landing spot for the Carnival crowd as they age out of the "fun ship" mentality and just want lots of bars and restaurants but no water slides and disco music in the hallways.

Just want to clarify that most Princess Mini-suites categories ARE NOT eligible for "Club Class".

All beverages priced $8 or lower are included.

Spoke with John in "Group Administration" who spoke with "Onboard Events". For our June 4 Westerdam sailing there are several large groups but they don't see anything in the Crows Nest or elsewhere (except 1 cocktail party) that will impact others. For the December 3 Westerdam sailing they suggest checking back prior to final payment to see if additional groups book (this cruise is during low season). At this point, they don't foresee the Crow's Nest being impacted by the Card Player's Group. When I mentioned Customer Service mentioned a nonexistent "Board Room" as one of the rooms being used he said that sometimes the Queen's Lounge and Showroom are used for large groups.

DSLibrarian: Did you contact Ship Services to see what you could find out about rooms the Card Players Group will be using? Another potential resource is ""Group Administration" at 888 425-9477. I am also on a cruise with a group, i.e. Westerdam : 04 June 2016 - 11 June 2016 : Alaska : NW Anesthesia group. HAL just suggested calling "Group Administration" to find out what rooms the group will be meeting at. They are closed today but I will call them in the morning.

JTL and DSLibrarian, I don't see a Board room on the Deck Plan so I contacted HAL again. The Customer Services Rep (Katie) said to call (800 541-1576) or e-mail the Ship Services Department. I didn't write down the name of the CSR who gave me that information yesterday but she did contact the "Event Coordinator".

In response to my inquiry, a HAL Customer Service Representative contacted the "Event Coordinator" who stated that the Card Players Group would not be in the Crows Nest. They will be in meeting rooms and the board room.

There is no doubt San Diego is a much nicer port to sail from, convenience wise, than L.A. (San Pedro/Long Beach) and I live ten min away from Pedro. There is nothing even remotely close (shopping, restaurants, things to do within walking distance), to either San Pedro and/or Long Beach that compares to SD

San Diego sure is a great port convenience wise and is one of the best ports for things to do and see, good weather, and scenic sail aways. What do you think can be done, if anything, to improve embarkation and disembarkation? The worst embarkations (HAL only) and especially disembarkations we have ever experienced in almost 40 cruises were from the Port of San Diego.

Joanie, we experienced the same thing the last time we sailed from the Port of San Diego. We got in the wrong line and didn't know it until we got to the front of the line. :o

Per the Port of San Diego website "A new service for passengers of select cruise lines allows them to skip baggage claim at the airport. Cruise line representatives will pick up guests’ checked items and deliver them directly to the ship. Please check with your cruise line or travel agent to arrange for this service". Does HAL offer this service?

In the last few months we have gotten two "special offer" e-mails. We checked destinations we were interested in cruising to on the HAL website. We have several existing HAL cruises booked.

A BIG Thank you for all your time and effort to provide such excellent resources and a glimpse into daily life on an Alaskan cruise. Congrats on persevering and being successful in the "chocolate purse" challenge. Safe travels home.

What nice pix of Ketchikan. Thanks Mumsy.

What is your favorite port and why? Sounds like another activity filled and good cruise and it is great following along with you.

Ruth, thank you for sharing this information.

Really enjoying the pix and information you all are sharing. Thanks!

Just found this thread. It's great to see that you and your mom are cruising. Love your style of writing and there is so much good information and tidbits. Must admit I visit the puzzle daily while onboard - one of the reasons I like HAL. Hope you and your mom stay healthy this trip and enjoy your time. How does the MS Zaandam compare with other HAL ships you have sailed on?

Thanks for the update and information.

So wonderful of you Roger to take such time and effort to obtain information and pictures. Love your easy and entertaining to read writing style. Say hi to Joanie and hope you are successful in getting them to make those "special chocolate treats".

Have a great cruise to Alaska!

Just found your thread (not here as often). Truly appreciate the time and effort you have taken. Your website has a wealth of information that proves so useful. THANK YOU!