kirin

I took a 29" case with spinners for 2 months in Europe this past summer, including 12 days on the N.A. I came to feel that a person's height should be taken into consideration when choosing luggage. I am only 5'2" and the case felt large, bulky and difficult to handle (although it was not full and weight was not a problem). The spinners were great on level surfaces, but on downward inclines, I sometimes felt the case was forging on ahead and about to get away from me.

Next year in Europe, (which will hopefully include several weeks on the Noordam), I plan to take a 26" "pull behind" case. It is less tall, but has good depth and I am sure I can get in everything I will need. It will be easier to manage for a short person like me.

I would also say that (based on experience) if cruisers are combining a cruise with train travel in Europe in the summer, the luggage racks are often full and you have to leave your case between train cars. "Spinners" can roll every which way and end up in the stairwells of the train, blocking the exit. So, it is best to lay them on their side, instead of letting them stand upright.

Kate

The actual percentage of the supplement may not go down but if the ship isn't selling well the total dollars may go down ( thus lowering the cost).

This is such good advice. I gave up crunching the numbers on the calculator quite a while back to figure the single supplement percentage.

When I find an itinerary I like on a ship I like, I figure what it is "worth" to me in terms of daily cost for the cruisefare. I check the cruisefare and divide by the number of days on board. If I get a near match, I book right away. If things are "off" I may consider a somewhat lower cabin category or sit back and wait (hope) for an overall price drop.

Whether the ss percentage rate is low or high is something that people can be distracted by, but in the end the solo cruiser has to decide what cruise is best for them and what they are willing to pay for it.

To Willow, the OP, you might want to go to "Special Interest Cruising" and click on "Solo Cruisers." There is a whole community there of experienced "soloists" who are very kind and helpful with advice and information.

Happy cruising to all,

Kate

You could just leave a tip each night at the table you dine at.

This is what I did the one time I had open seating; right after it was first started. It felt a bit odd leaving cash tucked under the edge of the dessert plate on a cruise ship every night, but at least I was sure the waiters got it.

I hope you will leave the Hotel Service Charge in place. As others have explained, it works to the detriment of the crew if you remove it.

Hope you will have a wonderful cruise and really enjoy your first time on HAL.

Kate

Tokyo offers very little for the tourist. I'd go to Kyoto for the ancient culture and Japanese gardens.

It is wonderful if a tourist has time to visit Kyoto, but please do not discount Edo (Tokyo). We have our own history, customs, culture, cuisine and dialect here. We also have a number of fine Japanese historical sites, great museums, and Japanese gardens.

I would also second the recommendation of the Keio Plaza. It is no longer a great hotel, but for the price it is certainly a good hotel - within easy walking distance of Shinjuku station, a central hub for transportation choices. (You can get practically anywhere from Shinjuku). My recemmendation would be - never eat at the hotel where a cup of (pretty awful) coffee can set you back $10. If you decide to stay there, there are plenty of inexpensive places near the station where you can get a good meal for a reasonable price.

There is plenty to do in Tokyo, if you research on the internet and determine your interests and where you want to go.

Kate