AncientWanderer

I've always wanted to do this, too, and remembered this review from back a few years. Here at post #11 @RMLincoln gave a really thorough description of their day. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2716391-copper-canyon-railroad-excursion/

From time to time they offer river rafting through the eagle preserve in Skagway. (Gentle, easy rafting where you don't really get wet.) We often talk about what a fun day that was. Very scenic, with informative, enthusiastic guides.

I would guess that calling guest services from one's room would go more smoothly as well. They answer the special guest services number really quickly with CO. Sometimes the "hold" times are pretty long without it. At least that's been our experience.

We've added it to some cruises on Vista Class ships that have port-intensive itineraries. We want the flexibility to enjoy long port days and then dine conveniently when we want to. So itinerary is another thing to factor in.

It's not just titles off of current bestseller lists. This I can assure you, as I almost never read current bestseller fiction. I discovered a great collection of short stories by Daphne du Maurier. DH found some good nautical history stuff. If I could detect a common thread in the selections, it would be that many of the books connect to places the ships go. Du Maurier country would be an example. That's why I call the library well-curated. It does look more like a bookstore than a library, but some people like bookstores as well as libraries.

Honor system. They say to please take one at a time. We visited often and found that books were reshelved quickly, so someone is monitoring the area. There are a few seats, but the space is definitely not designed as a place to hang out.

Well, now, that's interesting. The arrangement here appears to be different than what Haljo posted and different than what was on Nieuw Amsterdam. NA has more nonfiction for sure. I'm laughing about the giant "Young Adult" section. Great demand for that on HAL. Well, hopefully the libraries will be enhanced and well-maintained. That they carved out a space tor them is very good news.

I observed a fair amount of nonfiction, interesting travel books, but acknowledge that the library was picked over toward the end of the cruise. Could be a problem on a collectors' cruise.

Well, to add to my thoughts, I had very low expectations -- thinking it would be all current popular fiction -- and didn't really anticipate that the library would be our main source of reading material. We mainly rely on our loaded up e-readers. But both DH and I enjoyed browsing and found some fun things to supplement our e-readers. The new libraries are nothing like the old ones, but for our changing times, I was pleased. Always should add YMMV.

We've enjoyed the new library on Nieuw Amsterdam, which is like the one on the Eurodam. They have a well-curated collection of books -- something for everyone. I think library lovers (I am one) will be happy with the libraries that are coming back onboard.

They’re both great — most of the time. As with any restaurant, sometimes things go awry. (I’ve been talking up the branzino in Canaletto to anyone who will listen, but recently had an awful presentation of that dish.) So I agree with @cruisemom42, look at the menus and go with the one that suits your tastes. In my opinion, chances are very good that you’ll have a wonderful meal.

A few years ago, someone who had done both an expedition ship and a "drive-by" in Antarctica mentioned that each had pros and cons. Mention was made that on the expedition ships, they need to stay around the same place for a long time to allow each passenger the opportunity to do the landing part. Apparently that's time-consuming. The drive-by ships have more freedom to move about to see different areas. The person posting enjoyed both types of Antarctic experience. That post always stuck in my mind, as rarely do we see posts mention that the drive-by can be better in some way.

Dang….I didn’t make it last night either. We’re traveling and after a long day, I conked out. Looking at photos, seems like all went beautifully. Catherine looked amazing as always. Being on QM2 must have been fabulous at that time. Wishing all a good Saturday. DH is telling me to get going!

Lovely! Will be watching in the wee hours of the night on US West Coast. So far I’m loving what I’m seeing — Elizabethan feel to the invitations and flowers in Westminster Abbey. Enjoy the festive day!

Thanks for the wonderful trip report. Such beautiful photos! Glad you had a good cruise!

If you are in Neptune suite, you're also automatically in Club Orange. You can go to the special Club Orange line to check in for dining any time and they will quickly give you the table arrangement you want.

Back in the day before hummus dip was sold everywhere, I used to make my own. You’re so right — the tahini is hard as concrete. I guess I must have chiseled it out and plopped it in the food processor. Weird product for sure.

Many people miss their fixed dining because they have reservations in the alternative dining restaurants -- Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind, Rudi's, depending on ship.

How very sad that you're all going through this, Terry. Post when you want and don't when you're not up to it. No matter, you're in our thoughts and prayers. Maxine

@St Pete Cruiser, we were posting at the same time. What an experience and thank God for the good Noordam medical team. Wishing you good health!

Thank you! Very much appreciated! I need to rethink our booking. Some of the ports you mention are not on our itinerary. We're probably making a mistake devoting time to the transPacific, rather than longer sailing around Japan. Thanks again. I may indeed have more questions as we make plans. BTW, it's really something how useful the Daily has become on CC for port info. Doing searches, the best stuff is usually here.

You will be happy campers. 😊

I like those dishes, too. I also like the way they do the branzino. Possibly my favorite HAL fish preparation. But all OP asked about was appetizer surcharge. I must be hungry. lol

Oh....I really love the stuff, OlsSalt, even though it is indeed paté rather than true foie gras. They use it for an appetizer as well, with some type of berry compote, and I alway look forward to it. To me...smooth, creamy and with a kind of special delicate flavor that melts in the mouth. I keep trying various patés from specialty markets to find something with that same je ne sais quois. With no luck so far. So there you have it. To each his own in the food department. 🤷‍♀️

Sandi, I can’t help thinking about this movie. It was really funny.