Mary229

They have changed oils. I use olive oil every day on my salad and it is definitely a large step down as is the bleu cheese. Maybe the butters is a lower grade also

I had quit the escargot about 5 cruises back as it was not good but actually had very good escargot at DH’s insistence on the Koningsdam. Lots of inconsistency on HAL since the startup. I will be sticking with 21+ day voyages where the quality seems to be more consistent

As to towel animals it may be just luck of the draw as to cabin steward. Just like the origami animals in the MdR. There is no requirement for them but if one of the guys gets good at it he will share his talent. (Reminder to self get origami papers as gift for next cruise)

We have highly mineralized water at home and even though we have an extremely healthy diet on ship, even healthier than at home I have issues. As a friend who is a food industry chemist explained : Ship water is devoid of minerals and is not all that hydrating as it has been stripped of all mineralization. First thing upon rising is a cocktail of powdered vitamin/electrolytes and Metamucil. Every morning.

What’s the difference? I think it is the same company, isn’t it? What if they say they used a special shampoo in your hair ? I have always used the salon but the last time there was a lot of pressure to buy, buy, buy.

I would call and work this all out with a representative. If you are more than 3 days out they can take payment and switch your shore excursions to HIA and refund for the internet.

Until then I will not be setting foot in the spa. Sounds scary that they have carte blanche

It is unfortunate that the spa is ramping up their aggressive sales tactics again. For a few years it was a pleasant experience and I was happy to have many of their stylist primp my hair. My last cruise was too much of a struggle and I won’t be going back

I have never made a reservation for lunch and I do like the Pinnacle lunch.

When you book hotels with Cunard do they include airport to hotel transfers and hotel to ship transfers? Thank you for your response

That’s wonderful. After 45 years of marriage to a non-dancer I would love to put my dancing shoes to good use.

I think what they are saying is the excursion will go even if weather is not optimal. HAL ALWAYS refunds if they cancel an excursion

In the description of each excursion you are given the cancellation fees. Mostly you need to cancel a full 48 hours prior for a refund, a full refund. Do check. If you buy beforehand with a credit card and cancel on ship it will be refunded as a refundable OBC. At the end of the cruise any remaining refundable OBC is credited to your card OR you can walk down to guest services and ask for cash. If you cancel up to 3 days before you sail your credit card will be credited

There are some dancers on every cruise but it really is luck of the draw. Most often I have seen dancers at happy hour if there is a live band. But no, I don’t think you will find a venue set aside for ballroom dancing, nor will you likely see it as an announced activity.

That’s fun. I never considered this advantage of dance hosts. I had always considered them for solos but now I know I can dance and leave DH to his peace. Another Cunard bonus.

As to speed HAL has a contractual relationship with Park West and likely, as a business decision and to prevent real legal action, they needed to solve that before dealing with customer non-contractual preferences. I am just glad they heard that HAL customers were not happy with this intrusion.

That is different and I think there should be compensation if one is driven from the cabin which is an integral part of the contract.

Actually you can also get coffee in the library on the Oosterdam. as to belittling everyone that simply is not true. Having to be compensated for every small miss is a bit entitled (to use the modern vernacular). Customers should note the response time, it was quick. It did not drag on. Private groups using public spaces happens on every single sailing, this one just happened to be in a space that HAL specific cruisers particularly love, please remember this was an evening event when the crow’s nest usage is light.

I find the hotel points requirements on Chase are usually lower than converting. I do like the Chase cards.

In this case the pool is not being blocked for the duration of your stay. Reread the thread. Of course if this would cause you to not want to cruise/stay then you can vote with your wallet. I do believe people should be outspoken when there is a change they disagree with and they should try to enlist other customers to make those statements also - as was does in this thread. On the other hand expecting compensation for every eventuality is unrealistic. If it bothers people so much then yes, they should not use the product, cruise, hotel. But it is hardly actionable requiring compensation

Again my tour was Anchorage to Denali which is not a long ride and it was HAL and yes there was a dining car. I don’t recall about beverage service as I don’t drink . Yes, I had a guide we were late in the year and our group was small

This is the Anchorage to Denali train, not the Whittier train. It was the HAL train and no seats were not assigned.

Let me understand. At 48 hours you could have canceled but chose to wait longer, right? oh and have a great cruise!!!

Let me add, if a couple splits up so they can each have a window seat there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Each paid a full fare and each deserves the equal status. What is not allowed is spreading all of your junk into the seat next to you. Spouses are not attached at the hip.

First I am talking only about the train to Denali. I was on the Yukon Denali tour. We were assigned a car but not a specific seat. The car was fairly small. It was September 2022. This was for the train Anchorage to Denali, not the train from Whittier