SailawayWI

He was wearing jeans and maybe leather sandals.  Accepted all nights but Gala. We were on Level 3 at the same table each night.  Just back from the Eastern Caribbean and have to say we were disappointed at the level of dress allowed in the MDR this time on Level 2. Not sure if this is due to being in a warm region or not, but it wasn’t close to what one would expect.  

On the first night of the voyage there were numerous men in shorts, one man in printed swimming shorts, numerous non collared shirts and too many sandals and sneakers to count.  Gala nights were better but we watched one “gentleman” remove his Birkenstock sandals at the table adjacent sitting bare foot at his table... gross.  At least one much older gentleman had his white socks with open toed Teva type sandals on each night we saw him.  I’m not here to be the fashion police, but I don’t understand how you go on a nice vacation and then dress like you’re going out to the beach bar or McDonalds while others are dressed neatly at a fine dining restaurant. I wish those that want to be casual would eat at the Lido or get in room dining. Overall great cruise again with HAL. 

On our NA Inside Passage cruise, I wore a sport coat and was definitely in the minority.  Of course, if you go too casual they may ask you to change into more appropriate attire.  As my brother in law sat down the maitre d' came up behind him and asked him to return to his stateroom and change into appropriate attire, too funny imho!!  Some want to be comfortable while others want to dress to the nines and I believe HAL is trying to balance both customers.  Too casual ruins the elegance that those dressing up seek to have on gala nights.  Slacks and a dress shirt is easy.  Add a sport coat for a smarter look.

With Verizon (my carrier) and maybe others, you have coverage in all US territories (no roaming no additional fees) so Puerto Rico and USVI are covered areas with our plan.  As mentioned above, Verizon also has a feature for $10/24 hours to use your phone while in foreign lands (not at sea) you can set up this feature to work by texting Verizon once and every time you go outside the country and use your phone you are charged the $10/24 hours (in approximately 150 countries).  

$69 isn't bad to get a full on verandah, not a lanai.  Can you pick/approve location?  If you prefer aft and they place you forward or across from the elevators.... not worth it.  HAL offered us an upgrade to a suite for $399/for pax 1&2 nothing additional for kids (other than a higher upgrade cost).  Significant savings over the rack rate posted, but not incredible; kept our verandah we had selected at booking.