E-500

From past experience there have been "Let's Make a Deal" discussions with the spa manager once on board. If the package bookings are below expectations you might be able to meet with the manager privately to work something out. Not the first day, the "asking price" is set and that is what they quote you. By day 2 or 3 they know where they stand and this is the time to inquire. You risk being shut out if the package is popular on your cruise of course. They want the revenue to meet their goals and will be flexible to achieve this. The spa is a concessionaire and independent of the HAL revenue stream, although overseen by HAL and they pay a fee to HAL.

Request a private meeting behind closed doors with the manager. Assure the rep it is a positive agenda and they won't stonewall your access to the manager. Be reasonable in your offer and negotiate in good faith. Don't have the conversation in the spa lobby being overheard by others, this will be a non-starter.

If your heart is set on being guaranteed a slot, pay the asking price. Transocean cruises with so many sea days will likely have a number of takers at full retail, but the spa wants every dollar it can get, so no harm in trying.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I believe that all the Vista and Signature class ships have a free sauna. It is located forward on the port side just before you enter the spa area. You have to look for it, not well marked and easy to miss. Have used them on past cruises and as indicated by an earlier poster they are small. Having said that, I have always been the only person in there.

Of course the steam rooms and sauna for a fee are excellent in the spa.

My vote is for San Juan P.R. if HAL still goes there. You have Old San Juan, beaches, rain forest, forts, shopping, historic buildings, rum factory and of course the covered bar at Barrachina.

Used to love departing from there, come in a couple of days early to explore the island (Ponce, Dorado etc.) and then sailing late at night past the lighthouse and into the dark night.

It's kind of sad that people need to be told where robes are appropriate. I can't imagine getting a "formal" photograph in a bathrobe. Something of an oxymoron.

Just a little humor, the CD was joking. I've only seen one picture in the photo gallery of someone in a robe on formal night.

"Ralph"

We have recently received emails from a PCC that has been assigned to us. He indicates that he will be happy to help us with any future cruises we might want to book. He does not seem to be aware that we already have a cruise booked, unless he is not allowed to take business already booked.

 

I'm really not sure if it is worth trying to use his services or just leave the booking with HAL.

When others here have been 'assigned' a PCC, did you ask them about their work history and experience or did you just jump in?

We have had at least 4 PCC's "assigned" to us since 2008. They tend to turn over. I like cutting the middleman out of the equation, but have not seen any real benefit except direct answers to questions. Have never gotten any perks like mentioned above. (Only 3 Star, so maybe why.) The system works for us, we live in a small suburb, so no great brick and mortar cruise specialists available.

Have had some general discussions with the PCC about their experience, but nothing real personal. End of the day, they provide a service and do a credible job.

Does HAL still allow you to fish from the stern on Lido deck while they are underway if you bring your own gear and bait ? I read someplace that the ship had to be docked and then only after the CD made an announcement. Can someone please clarify that has sailed recently. On the N.A next month. Thanks.......