shoppern

We always pack a complete change of clothing in our carry-ons, including flip-flops for showers. If our big cases go missing, we still have one clean set of clothing.

Great idea!! Thanks for sharing.

:DI new that CC people would come thru for me! Thanks to all of you for your quick and informative replies. We are looking forward to our cruise.

My husband and I are seniors, and just booked a 5-day cruise on the Wonder out of Miami next spring. We have always cruised on HAL, and wanted a change. My research wasn't deep enough, I guess, because today everything that I read talks about the Wonder as though she is over the hill, to put it mildly. Is it that bad??? My room choice is already suspect, since I booked a navigator verandah without realizing that its balcony has only a big porthole. Does anybody out there have any good things to way about the Wonder??:confused:

We did the Panama Canal cruise 5 years ago, in November. I don't remember too much rain in any of the ports--just showers in Limon. Saw sloths on the town park there.:)

We've done four T/A's one on HAL's Prinsendam, one on Nordam (a Zuiderdam sister ship) the others on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. HAL is definitely our favorite: for food, service, comfort.

 

There will be few children due to length of trip and time of year - both repositioning seasons fall during normal school times. Do not pay attention to uninformed blather about HAL being for newly wed or nearly dead: all T/A's attract retirees due to usual length. Because port calls are short, make sure you give yourself several days in your European port pre- or post-cruise to see whatever city it is: it is a shame to go to Europe without getting a good taste of at least one city/area.

 

Our preference is westbound in the Fall because of 25 hour days rather than 23 on eastbound; better weather, as the Atlantic is pretty chilly in the Spring; and it is good to get the dreary flight over with rather than have to look forward to it at the end. If your plans are open, think about it. Whatever you choose, if you book a balcony, select port side for westbound or starboard if eastbound - it's a plus to be on the sunny side every day all day. Definitely take advantage of the line's air arrangements - you save greatly --- but make sure you actually book the flights yourself to get best flight and seat selection.

How does one go about booking own seats on cruise-booked flights?

We discovered the delights of room service on our first HAL cruise from Alaska. We ordered big cooked meals the first two days, then decided that we would have to be rolled down the gangway when we returned home if we kept eating like that! We enjoy puttering around the room, taking our time, etc. A pot of hot coffee just makes it perfect. Oh, I am speaking of breakfast. We have had a few dinners, just sandwiches, etc., when we are too tired after the day's outings to change for dinner. And coffee in the morning on the balcony is one of our joys.

Thanks for asking this question--I was going to ask it.

After reading these boards for at least three years, I thought it would be easy to find Joanie's room descriptions. Wrong. I need help finding Westerdam 7007. Thanks for your assistance.:confused:

We stayed at the Embassy Suites a few years ago before a HAL cruise, when my husband's only belt broke. He found a a replacement in one of the shops across the street, also picked up a pizza for dinner! The only bad thing was trying to cross the road--horrible traffic both ways.:eek:

Thank you. This was exactly the info that I needed.:D

I am a 60+ cruiser who has some knee problems. I am planning on a trip to Italy in 2014, and know that there will be lots of walking and stair-climbing involved. Has anybody here used walking poles, and do they help relieve the legs somewhat? Thanks for any info or opinion.

I have a large tummy from a 40-lb. weight loss a few years ago, and when I found my first blouson suit, I was in heaven. While I haven't seen any in stores for awhile, I've been getting them from QVC. The brand name i Fit 4 U. These are 2-piece, and I shorten the straps because I'm short. These have been a wonderful camouflage for me. Good luck in your search.:)

Thank you for bus answer--very clear directions!!

Is there a city bus that passes both the Opera HOuse and VAsa Museum, or near both? I cannot seem to find a straight answer anywhere. My ship shuttle leaves me off at the Opera House, from which I want to go to the Vasa Museum. Thank you for your help.:confused:

We have never eaten breakfast anywhere but in our cabin on all 3 HAL cruises so far. The food has always been good, and we have had few mistakes on our orders. We can eat while organizing our day, and it gives us a few more minutes of free time than going to one of the restaurants. :)

We were on the Zuid. in Nov., 2009, in VA8134. The upgrade fairy visited us! We loved it--only noticed noise from upstairs once in 12 days. The balcony was damp every morning.l We had a side balcony on an earlier Alaska cruise, and enjoyed this one even more. Have fun!:D

Thanks for the map--we are sailing the HAL Panama Canal trip 11-13-09, and this was VERY helpful. Have fun on your trip.:)