Linda&Vern

Interesting. On my particular cruise and the one previous to it those are the empty rooms they have been trying to sell.

 

I didn't really expect any parties, other than the first night meeting you alluded to. I was just thinking that people might be opening and closing the doors and that it would disturb some people.

 

I do have a question though, do the doors only open with your card key to make sure that only suite guests are admitted? Thanks.

I would suspect that HAL held out those popular SA's in case someone was booking a two week B-2-B and have now released them for booking on the 7-day cruises. Peaches is correct, those cabins always go first. Peaches also answered your NL key question. Also, IMO the NL is not a "party" place. Very hushed voices in there. To me it's not a gathering spot as there are no ocean views from there. It is mostly used as a quick refreshment spot and a place for help from the staff in the room. I have been directly across the hall and heard nothing in the terms of noise or doors.

I agree, it definitely has to be held at the lifeboat stations, but something has to be done about the no-shows to avoid everyone else standing there for an additional half hour or so. On our last cruise there were several no-shows, several PA announcements, and all of us who took it seriously had to stand around waiting for those stragglers to eventually turn up. I think they should ignore them, and disembark them when found:D instead of punishing the rest of us.[/quote]

I would be in favor of that!!

While I understand some passengers may have issues with the drill outside by the actual lifeboat, I think that is an important part of the drill. The other lines that do it inside don't even know if passengers can find their lifeboat, to me that is a problem. The drill needs to resemble what will actually occur as best it can. I don't have a solution for those with limited mobility, maybe they have a separate drill or have some limited seating at each lifeboat but I am not a fan of inside lifeboat drills at all.

I agree with you 100% ... for the reason you wrote ... the drill needs to be held at each person's lifeboat. I can't imagine sitting in a dining room hearing a talk, and then knowing exactly where to go in case of an actual emergency.

If you book on HAL's website there is a spot that says "bed configuration" and you have to check either twin or queen. Our PCC always sees that and confirms when I speak to him. We always ask for twins if in our favorite C cabin on R&S ships so we can stand and see out the window. When we book a verandah or deluxe suit we choose queen/king.

Try doing a "fake" booking on the HAL website for the same cruise in the same cabin category and at the end click for the HAL Platinum insurance ... it (the cost) will show up then.