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Hi calliopecruiser - From what I see the JR Pass doesn't include the Nozomi Shinkansen. Any idea on the RTprice to Hiroshima from Tokyo? Also, can you buy individual tickets for Nozomi Shinkansen in advance online?

Post-cruise in September we want to explore a bit. How hard/how long to get to Kyoto and/or Hiroshima? Just 2 adults, one previous visit to Japan, Osaka area about 12 years ago. Thanks in advance for any tips:)

Will be in Dutch Harbor in early to mid-September. Weather expectations? What's to do/see in the length of a cruise ship stop:confused:

Trying to decide between Millennium and HAL's Volebdam for Vancouver to Tokyo in September.

Know they are vastly different ships, but hope someone has been on both and can sort of compare an FV on Millennuim and Vista suite on Volendam.

Have sailed HAL many times, but only once on X(Century)

Big shows, elaborate entertainment aren't important. Want comfort, good food and the ability to find quiet nooks for downtime.

Appreciate any insight.

Trying to decide between Millennium and HAL's Volebdam for Vancouver to Tokyo in September.

Know they are vastly different ships, but hope someone has been on both and can sort of compare an FV on Millennuim and Vista suite on Volendam.

Have sailed HAL many times, but only once on X(Century)

Big shows, elaborate entertainment aren't important. Want comfort, good food and the ability to find quiet nooks for downtime.

Appreciate any insight.:o:o

Worth the Money!

Having sailed in both types of cabins, I'll take the Neptune for that money any day. In fact, I would be hard-pressed to get DW to settle for anything less than a Neptune after having one our last Med cruise. The interior space and large balcony alone make it worth the cost (IMO).

DW and I were on the NA for a 5-nighter from San Diego to Vancouver in late April. Overall a very good cruise.

Embarkation was more or less painless. I still miss the days when you were shown to your cabin rather than having to figure it out on your own. But....

We had an aft wraparound Neptune Suite and loved it. Room attendant was very efficient and friendly. The veranda isn't as big on the NA as on the Zuierdam, but still nice.

We were disappointed in the MDR food quality. Everything was bland. Service was OK, but not great. We only are there once. Loved Tamrind, probably the best meal of the cruise was dinner there. Pinnacle Grill produced a perfectly cook steak again and the service was excellent as usual. We also had most of our breakfasts there. Morning service was smooth, but not as smooth as dinner. Lido was crowded most of the time, but the Dive In burger spot and Slice pizza were available without too much of a line. Thought the burgers were better than the pizza largely because the crust on the pizza wasn

t crisp.

We had rough weather the two sea days and most of the outdoor decks were closed to passengers. That made finding quite spot for reading, etc very difficult. In fact, the lack of indoor quite space was the biggest complaint of the cruise for us.

I continue to be disappointed in the quality of wine available and the prices. I expect to pay more on a cruise ship but I shouldn't (IMHO) have to pay 4 times the price my local supermarket charges. I do appreciate that HAL lets us bring on wine (with a corkage fee) and even have it in the dining room.

Port calls were Victoria and Seattle. Been to both places many times and they have been extensively reviewed on this site. There was a free shuttle in Seattle but had to pay to use the Victoria shuttle.

The ship seemed in good condition. We had no problems with AC or toilets and no one got sick. Crew, as usual, very friendly, always willing to help or answer questions.

Disembarkation was again mostly painless, except for the line to get off the ship.

NA is the largest HAL ship we've sailed on and I found it a bit too large. I'm not at all interested in the new ship. We'll stick to the older, smaller ships and will likely use HAL again.

After we disembark in Vancouver we will be spending the day before catching train to Seattle in late afternoon. Is there any place to store luggage at Canada Place? Or someplace nearby to leave for a few hours?

If you've never been to Seattle, take that choice. Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and the Space Needle are great. There is a new giant ferris wheel-type ride on the waterfront. Haven't tried it yet, but is similar to the London Eye.

If you've been to Seattle, the Nanaimo is a great option. Be sure to try a Nanaimo Bar!

Like some of the other posters here, I'd rather see HAL restore some of the former glory/perks of cruising than cut prices if profits go up.

However, I seriously doubt HAL will do either.

I think HAL management simply doesn't care about the veteran cruisers. They are aiming at a younger group, not used to the quality of the past. Management appears to think that us old fogies are running out of time and money, so why bother to give us what we became used to.

I took the same Athens to Rome cruise in October that i did 2 years ago and the quality of food and service (other than cabin steward) was clearly mush less. Can't find a wine steward on the Lido. Can't the food order right on 3 of 5 nights in MDR.

We either accept that HAL's decline will continue until it becomes the Motel 6 of cruising or we find a different cruise line that still believes in quality. I'm willing to pay for GOOD service and GOOD food every day and every night; so I'm sure I can find a cruise experience that matches my expectations.

It's not just the NA. We were on Zuiderdam for a week between Athens and Rome. The MDR was devoid of good, well cooked, well seasoned food. Did the same cruise just two years ago on the Ryndam and the food was much better. Only the PC saved the trip and we could only get 2 dinners there. Face it, HAL, like all the mass lines has dumbed down everything about the cruise experience. From the moment you get onboard untl you leave, it isn't the same quality of experience those of us who have been crusing for 15+ plus years remember. The people still work hard, do their best, but they can't overcome the cost-cutting.

Will I cruise HAL again? Probably. As I said in m post-cruise survey, it is still a good experience, not as good as it once was, but still way better than not taking a cruise.

Just off two weeks ago from an Athens to Rome cruise. Loved the ship. A bit long-in-the-tooth, but in good condition. We were aft on Deck 7 and had no problems. Didn't hear of any plumbing or AC issues.

Capt. Chris Turner and CD Mike Headla were both very good. She was in dry dock earlier this year, but there are still some rather worn and old looking areas. But nothing to interfere with smooth operations and a good cruise.

We're just back from 7 days on the Zuiderdam in a Deck 7 aft Neptune Suite with the wrap around balcony. We loved te cabin and the huge balcony. First time in the aft cabin, but we're sure try to get one on any future cruises. To us the extra space, even on our port-intensive cruise with worth it. I'm sure it's a decision you won't regret.

A second to TheJuggler's advice. Get up the hill first then work down to the port. The castle and older areas are great. Also the water front beyond the port area. Good museums, lots to see, Pace yourself.

Having visited both cities, i agree with the other that spending your time in Lisbon would be more productive. if you can't go to the castle, you've missed the most interesting part (IMO) of Sintra. Lisbon is a fascinating city and well worth your time.

Just once, a couple of years ago. As I recall it was about the same as full retail at the winery for a well known brand. That means it was about $10 more than my local supermarket. Don't recall any liquor stores being very close to SFO.

We did just that 2 years ago. Picked up at our hotel at 9 a.m. Did a highlights tour, left for the port at about 1 p.m. Stopped for a quick lunch near the port and were on board by 3 p.m. An hour before the all-aboard time. Will do something similar, with a different tour, this October, only expect to eat lunch in Athens, but still be on board by about 3 p.m.

I don't see any problem for the reasons stated. But, I've booked tours for this October in Athens and Olympia and neither one asked for that data.

We've been to Olympia and don't need to go back. What else is there to see/do around Katakolon? Know there is at least one winery. What else to occupy a couple for a day ashore?:confused:

POA1 - Enjoyed your reading about your research results. Wish I'd thought of it and got to the National Science Foundation first!

Hope to follow your lead with bringing some decent wine onboard when we cruise out of Athens in the fall. But, I think California wine might be hard to find in Athens. But, I'm ready to seek out some of Wine Spectator's reviewed Greek wines.

Thanks again for sharing your research project Hope the grant covered your tips.:)

Holland America has a 7-day Athens to Naples that includes Santorini on Oct. 14. Think the lower priced cabins are within your budget.:)

We used PK Travel I think it is also known as athens by taxi, in the fall of 2013 and had great service. Met us at the airport, half day tour of Athens then took us to the Port. Highly recommend:)