Haljo1935

Well, Denise, you did it - all this exciting talk about Alaska led to me booking a cruise today - for next month! So, while not going with you, I do feel like you'll be there in spirit, lol. Husband came home the other day from work saying he had vacation he had to use before June or he'd lose it. So, we're off on the Eurodam April 29 - May 6; very early in the season, maybe even opening season for HAL. Will be celebrating his birthday onboard 🙂 I've been to AK several times, all on HAL, and I'm thrilled for you to be going, especially w/siblings. My sister has gone w/us a few times, but we've not been successful in getting our brother to go, so I'm also a bit envious of your trip. I'm sure you all will have a wonderful time and come back w/an abundance of memories. Guess I need to break out the suitcase...

I believe the Captain sets the tone (as w/most close work environments) and NS has a fabulous one! He recognizes crew members birthdays, makes daily announcements, keeps passengers looped in on what's happening and is very approachable when out on the ship. Sounds pretty basic, right? But after having been on several ships where I've only heard the Captain when we got on then not again until we got off and never saw them mingling out on the ship, I can say it's rare. The ships with Captains that are less engaged seem to have less friendly, "lively" crew.

Told today by both PCC and TA that the Welcome Home OBC (received from taking a cruise) cannot be combined with any of HAL current fares, the only way to use it is with non refundable booking with no "perks" or credits, not even w/Military OBC. So that is not welcomed news...

I am on the Eurodam next month and will peek at the tags to see if they're the same; I've always love HAL sheets - they contribute to me wanting to linger far too long in bed, even though I am on vacation...

It was pre-covid last time we were in a Neptune suite, so things verge would have changed. Apologies, I should have mentioned that. Crew in the Neptune Lounge will guide you on what is/is not included. While that doesn't help planning, it is good to check with them as things do vary ship to ship (even though published policy may not).

Yes - there will be a tray w/glasses, corkscrew, ice bucket, bottled water and small bottle of wine somewhere near the mini fridge. There will be a card hanging on one of the bottles that lists the mini bar item costs. To make room in the fridge for items you want chilled, you can remove (or have steward remove) the pre-stocked items and put them back at end of cruise.

Items in the mini fridge are not complimentary; however, drinks (including alcohol) are complimentary in the Concierge Lounge, so you get what you want there. We get drinks from the lounge to replace what we take from the mini fridge.

You can use it in MDR and Explorations.

There's a semi-recent post on HAL site saying guest services has been removed from participating in the tip pool and received pay increase to offset it, but no real way to confirm that.

Aligned w/others there will be no contact prior to sailing but concierge lounge along w/cabin stewards will swiftly address anything you need. Breakfast in Pinnacle is a nice perk of being in a Neptune suite.

I have also done this more than once w/the same deposit. As mentioned, you just have to be sure the new cruise is equal to or greater than original. And it does take a call to HAL - you cannot do it yourself online. If booked w/TA, they have to do it.

Pillows and duvet definitely not down. Sheets are very soft.

Are these discounted GC only available at certain ti.We on AARP? I am not able to find them on their website or app.

We submitted Veteran docs to TA for a cruise on which we had used one (TA). A few days later, the credit was there. It has since been on most of our bookings, but not all. When we asked HAL about the inconsistencies, we were told they don't offer military OBC on all itineraries, but it would automatically get applied for those they do offer it on. Sister lines in the CCL family have their own qualifications and you do have to apply to each separately as it's tied to your loyalty profile. Thanks, Everyone, for your service of any type.

No dining packages but you can book specialty dining for a charge.

Last month (Feb 2023) I had to book 7 days at a time and even though spa Mgr was able to confirm I was on the 2nd week, she wouldn't let me book the 2nd week until final night of week 1. She just added a sticker to my card for the 2nd week and put me on the list. I have been at the desk and heard passengers told the thermal spa was sold out - I believe they offer only xx number of spots, but no idea what the xx is. Yes, it is unlimited so you can go as much as you like until closing time. There are buttons to push (1 each for the pool & sprayers) for the timers, but you can stay in as long as you like. There is a sign posted for the ceramic thermal chairs to please limit your time, but it's on the honor system as there is no separate check in/out process.

been doing the same for years...I know it's the same water, but like it cold (and free), so for me, melted ice is the way to go!

My Mariner account status and history was wiped out about a month ago. It did self a correct the next day, but since then, I no longer receive the special discount rates that I was getting. PCC and Passenger Services had previously confirmed there was a code linked to my Mariner number that was no longer there after my profile was restored. So, whatever maintenance was done it impacted cruise offers.

Tipping is optional, but as others have said, greatly appreciated by the porters. As HamOp said, I would like my luggage to cruise with me, so I do tend to tip a bit more when heading to the ship - NOT saying any porter would intentionally "misplace" a bag, I just like the assurance (akin to the baseball fan who wears the same undies during playoffs)... I also appreciate the extra efforts of porters who guide me through the short CBP line and take luggage all the way through to car/Uber... so I give them a healthy tip. They both earn it, IMHO.

If you're not seeing them, you can call the HAL excursions department; different number than the general call center number. Not on their website right now, so it's not readily available and I don't have it memorized, but I will update next time I'm on. It's also at the bottom in the contacts.

Although the sun may technically set around 11pm, it will likely really not get dark; kinda strange if you're not used to it. If you require darkness just bring a mask. So jealous - we have quite enjoyed our Alaskan cruises - BBB (balcony, binoculars and blankets) are the most important items for experiencing the best AK has to offer. We spend every minute we can on our balcony no matter the weather - whale watching, wildlife viewing and glacier cruising have all been top notch; that's where the binoculars and blankets get a work out. If you're booked in a suite, you will have 1 pair if binoculars in your cabin. Every cabin will have thick plaid HAL blankets - they may be tucked away in the under bed or overhead drawers, so it may take some digging to find them. Flexibility and willingness to endure the weather are key to a great experience and awesome memories. Enjoy!!

As recently as last month (Feb 2023) we were able to just show up for check in. The assigned times are really now treated more of suggestions and not being enforced as they once were. You will be given a new group number was you check in.

Crab entree/main selection was not offered in MDR or Pinnacle Grill during our May 2022 Alaskan cruise as it had been in the past. Nor was it offered Sept Canada/NE, Nov/Dec Mexican Riviera, Feb 2023 Caribbean. The only place we were able to find King Crab was at the Captain Cook hotel in Anchorage - almost $200/lb!! Yes, the cancellation of crab season is real.

Jumping in late on this thread, but also looking to complete a set only for the places I've been - still need Mexico if anyone would like to trade (pin, tile, shotglass...). TElizking at yahoo.com I received a pin on one ship instead of a tile, not from a contest. Love this thread and the pins - new and old versions.

Barbados food pictures making me hungry - where is Smellovision?!