lcand1923

According to my TA today, there was a meeting in Seattle this morning. He had me on the phone for about 15 min, trying to get answers. Those Reps who added the package to the lower fare, were in "violation" .....

I wonder if those folks who got the promo in "violation" will have it rescinded?

If I had booked through HAL, rather than with a brick and mortar TA who had taken off on Friday, I might have been lucky enough to deal with one of those Reps who were in "violation" and gotten the promo.

Sorry, HAL, you should give the promo to all those folks who have a cruise booked since they booked under the old unlimited wine policy.

Booked 14 Day Alaska Cruise with HAL when the cruises were first announced, had a Welcome Home OBC and a Future Cruise Deposit Credit. Transferred booking to my Travel Agent. Sent an email to my Travel Agent asking to have Explore 4 added. Just got an email from her saying that I could keep my OBC's but would have to pay $800 more for the cruise. I did a dummy booking on the HAL website for the cruise. It only cost $50 more. I've sent an email back to my Travel Agent asking her to try again.

This is something that my family has done for well over 40 years, leaving clothes behind. If the items are unwearable, we put them in a paper or plastic bag in the trash can. If the items are wearable, we fold them neatly near the trash can and leave a note on top saying something like, "We no longer want these items, please reuse or recycle as appropriate." We started this practice when a hotel where we stayed mailed our old clothing to us thinking that we had forgotten to pack the items.

Our cruise started in Valparaiso, so we didn't have the long day there. We did fly in a day ahead of time, so did a City Tour. Re what shouldn't be missed, that will depend upon your ports and what you like. The unforgettable moments for our trip were: Magdelana Penguin Reserve (out of Punta Arenas, Chile --- unbelievable experience to walk among penguins), sailing in Antarctic waters and Iguazu Falls (post-cruise extension from Buenos Aires). We had several ports cancelled due to rough seas. Whatever you do, you will have a memorable cruise.

I know it has been mentioned before, but having the ability to walk completely around the ship in comfort is wonderful. We've been on a line that had a Jogging Track that was at the top of the ship. You were in the sun or rain and buffeted by winds the entire time. Give me that wonderful Promenade Deck --- and the wonderful crew --- every time!

I joined Cruise Critic after going on my first cruise back in 1999. I've lurked on the Roll Calls of every cruise that I've taken. Why? I'm a non-joiner by nature. I've never joined a Roll Call. I've never attended a M&G. I HAVE met nice people on every cruise at Trivia sessions or craft sessions or knitting sessions, etc. Some of the folks who have organized M&G's and posted to this thread are people I would enjoy meeting. Others, I'm not so sure. :confused:

Thanks, SwissMyst. The description you provided pretty much matches my understanding of the way the Relief Band worked. The Reletex just does it a little differently. Just checked my Relief Bands (I had two) and the batteries have lost all of their charge. Looks like I'll be ordering a Reletex.

I get motion sickness on a Water Taxi, so knew that I would problems on a ship. I've tried everything mentioned, but have found that the only thing that works for me is the patch. All the meds are most effective if you start them at least the night BEFORE you get sick. If I haven't taken anything and find that I am getting sick on a plane/train/car/bus, I put on a Relief Band. It looks like a watch and puts out a little electric charge at the nerve point. You can increase the charge until "that" feeling goes away.

We've done full transits on HAL and Oceania, partial transit on HAL. Both lines handled the transit well. The biggest differences were in the Ports of Call before and after the transit. Look at the ports and see which interest you more. You might want to look at Anne Vipond's "Panama Canal by Cruise Ship" to see the activities offered at the ports to help you choose the cruise line.

First crise was on the Ryndam in 1999. It was part of a land/sea package in Alaska. Yes, we were hooked.