blizzardboy

Thanks Kazu and fellow cruise lovers. bb

I get your point, but the original question posed pertained to those that are very first slated to board anyway.

It's been a couple of years since we've sailed with HAL. I just got an email with boarding times listed. It shows 4 & 5 Star and NS and PS anytime after 1:00. I thought we used to be able to board after 11:30, but I may be delusional. It's been rumored for years.

I am sailing on the Nieuw Statendam in 5 weeks. I read about Club Orange, but as a Neptune customer I didn't think it was applicable to me. I never dreamed we'd lose the PG breakfast. I will reserve judgement until I experience things first hand. bb

Hence the quotation marks. I try to avoid blatant plagiarism, but my bibliography is lacking!

7 day. Hope all is well with you and yours! bb

"The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!" Blizzardboy will be on the Nieuw Statendam, Dec 08, 2019.

Residence Inn in Plantation. About 7-8 miles inland. Good shopping and restaurants in the area.

Snarky aren't we? Just so my ill-fitting Calvin Klein Tux and my custom gold and diamond ship's-wheel studs and cuff-links don't offend you, we eat at the Pinnacle or Tamarind on Gala nights.

If you're referencing my post, the juxtaposition was purely to point out a casually-clad person doesn't affect me or my desire to dress up if I choose to do so. I was not slamming shorts and flip flops. I've been in swim trunks and sandals on an elevator with formally clad folks at a resort. It happens.

I realize I probably "married up", so I consider it an honor to dress for dinner with my bride. I too am retired and no longer put on a suit and tie on a daily basis. Now when I put on a suit or a tux, it's because I want to look my best for her. I've also mentioned on this forum that it's the only time I get to wear a tux without having paid for a wedding or being asked to write a check to a charity. Bucking the all-casual-all-the-time trend is a personal choice. If I'm standing next to someone in shorts and flip flops, I realize that's their choice. I don't look down on them. I was taught to lead by example. I was also taught that some will refuse to be be led, so don't let it ruin your day.

There are casino offers from HAL that do include free drinks in the casino. Like any other casino, your offers are derived from your average wager and time spent playing. I find we get more generous treatment "on land".

I suppose you don't like hitting port with 6000 new friends either. :)

HAL has been known to put a "marketing hold" on customers who have a current reservation or who regularly book cruises. Ask your PCC to check. We had a "hold" and once removed. we started getting regular offers.

We budget for Business or First everywhere we fly. I do not want to arrive in worse shape than when I left. My shoulders are wider than a first class seat, and yes, a coach seat "makes my butt look big". Spring for First Class and have a drink to kick off your vacation.