scooter6139

Hard call, as you are traveling when school is in so most other kids won't be as plentiful as a Spring Break of Summer cruise would be.

We just did the Bliss last week in Alaska. Our ship friends did the Deadliest Catch excursion and it was their favorite of the entire trip! Took most of the time the ship was in Ketchikan so they couldn't do any sightseeing, but they loved the experience. We only got off to do the Ward Cove shopping stop for last-minute gifts, not the 20-minute shuttle ride.

Is this thread still going on? Has HAL or any other cruise line collapsed and I missed it? Never mind, I'll just enjoy my next cruise on Westerdam in August. Carry on.

So glad to see these posts! We just saw the Konigsdam in port (Victoria I think) as we just got off the NCL Bliss doing the Alaska run. Beautiful vessel!

Are casino workers given a choice if they want to work in a smoking section or not? Perhaps some type of hazard pay, as it is clearly an unhealthy and toxic environment.

Agree, and I take them both with a grain of salt. I know I do both, complain/explain and praise. I prefer reading reviews that offer both in the same review, praise for something and warning/experiences on another. That way I know the review is probably more "legit" than not. The "one and done" or "never cruise XXX again!" are read just for the entertainment value and that's about it. My Bliss cruise, starting in 2 days (OMG OMG OMG) is probably going to annoy and please me at the same time. Pleasing me is that I am cruising and I get to enjoy lots of food, drink, and other shipboard pleasures! Annoy me that the cruise is likely sold out with a lot of kids on board AND we are not in the Haven (couldn't afford the additional $7k price tag).

Worked with our PCC to get us a reservation for Six on our sailing next week on Bliss. Can't wait to see it before is goes away.

Understand, you can still go up to the buffet and get it yourself for free. If you want it delivered, there is the cost of having someone bring it to you. That is how I look at it. However, I am a sucker and lazy so I purchased the WAY overpriced Priority Access so 1. I can avoid the long check-in line (if there is one) and 2. Get morning stuff delivered for free AND 3. Get a small discount on whatever spa thing my wife wants to do. The other stuff is just fluff.

Any idea if this might work on other ships, just changing the first section? ****-neptune_lounge_concierge@hollandamerica.com

Lordy, another "financial doom, what do you think?" thread. 🙄 Can't you just go out and enjoy your cruise? Or not.

So glad I found this thread, as at first glance I thought it was us in the future (Gaurenteed Neptune Cabin SC)! 🤩 We will be on the Westerdam in late August, so it's nice to see and hear how it's going. First time back on HAL after a long break so the wife is a bit trepidous but getting more excited by the week.

My wife and I are not sun people at all. No use for sun loungers at all. Probably why we mostly cruise to Alaska! And if we cruise to Mexico or someplace else sunny, we usually stay inside. The Observations Lounge works really well in both warm and cold climates.

From my experience, part of the embarkation and disembarkation problem can also be the fault of the guest who doesn't follow the guidance or posts on when and where. Everyone wants to be first on and, for some odd reason, first or second off. All cruise lines try to time groups so it is easier to get 3-5k people on and off the ship. Late rooms? Less staff to do a complete turn-a-round. Cutbacks suck.

Thanks for the comparison. Could probably post it here:

Haven - Joy Diner - Joy Local - Encore

Sorry to hear you had a bad cruise on Pr1ma. I still really want to try one of these new classes of ships so I can see what all the fuss is about. Please don't write off an entire line just due to one cruise experience, otherwise, you would never sail again on any line. Give one of the other styles of ships a shot, from the smaller Spirit to the mega-sized Encore. You might be impressed!

I think they are considered Neptune Spa suites. Good video of one by Harr Travel (cabin 10006)

Haven Burger. Ok, not great. American Diner. Meh to bad (split with the wife, as I had the Chicken Caesar) Local Western Burger (I think hat was what it was called) Delicious.

Sheesh, wish I could get my PCC to add double or even triple Latitude points to each one of my cruises!!

NCL has a Meet the Captian if you are in the Haven. Princess had an Officer Mingle during a special Happy Hour during our last Discovery voyage (think it was during the Captains Diner)

Would love to try them, but since don't have any ships on the west coast they are not an option at this time.

From my research, I had thought all bottles or cans in the Neptune Bar were on the "honor" system. Just like the HIA drink count, this was another ding I had against HAL vs Princess, as both of their elevated suite perks are mostly similar. However, we were not charged for any beer, wine, or soda we took from the Concierge Lounge during our last Discovery cruise, with the full knowledge and blessing of the Concierge.

The upgrade company is the same one used throughout the travel industry. Princess also uses it. So do many airlines. In fact, there are a ton of contract employees on each ship. The Casino is run by a separate contractor, and so is the Spa. And all the Dance shows and art folks.

I guess you haven't been on the Princess forums talking about their app? Lots of complaints there too. I would hazard it's a standard complaint across most lines.

Our Butler on Joy happily stocked and restocked our fridge with any canned sodas we wanted once he knew we had the FAS+ package. So it all depends on the butler I guess.