LuvsACruise

Thank you so much for taking your time to answer questions...you have been so helpful already!

So far, for our Sept Majestic Japan cruise on the Westerdam, there are almost no HAL Shore Ex, which I find very strange.

I see that you do independent touring, but did you notice if HAL offered any Shore Ex in Japan? Thanks again!

That works for me!   Many thanks for the great info on the Suica card!

Where did you buy your Suica card? Is it a Welcome Suica? My info (as of Oct 23) says one can only get Welcome Suica at Haneda airport, and that tourist should use the Welcome Suica card.  I am looking to attach it to Apple Pay when we visit Japan in Sept 2024. Thanks for any info you have!

Hi Mary Ann and Bill! Thanks so much for 2 bits of information from your blog today. We have been concerned about Ginni and Rich as we knew they had left the cruise, so now we know we will see then  in 2 months! Also, I had been wondering if HAL would continue offering the foreign currency onboard and you just answered that question too.  Hope you all have good weather and make all the ports on your way back!  Kathy 

Whooo Hooo! Freedom! Now Let the Adventures Begin!

We'll be with you the entire way, then see you in Jan! Kathy

Many Thanks for the quick response!  Living vicariously in the South Seas with you all until next January! Kathy

Hi Mary Ann!

 This question is a bit off-topic from your blog... but maybe you both have some insight or current information. When you came down from Vancouver, and had to test before followup boarding for your 'Tales' cruise... do you know if anyone tested positive from that cruise and were required to debark and cancel the Tales cruise? Or could they quarantine on board for 10 days, and continue on the new cruise?

Maybe Henk might know? It is of concern for those of us taking the Zuiderdam 12 day or 5 day cruises in the Caribbean, with a followup onto the 2023 GWV... possibly testing positive, then having to cancel the 128 day cruise. Obviously we would all like to stay onboard and quarantine then continue with the GWV!

Thanks so much for your attention to my question... looking forward to seeing you both again In Jan! Kathy

Great Tuxedos-Toooo smoozy!  You two are all ready for Las Vegas Night on the 2023 GWV!

Today I called 3 Walgreens pharmacies here in central Florida and all three told me that

Medicare would not pay for a covid test that is just for travel.

This response is for a Medicare + Tricare plan. (I did not ask about a Medicare Advantage plan)

For Travel the test cost is $128pp.

The test is free (Medicare paid) if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with a covid positive person. Obviously not usable for travelers! Guess we have to go for the online proctored testing for the least cost. On Point (the setups are outside our airports, and a similar company outside Port Canaveral) is still doing proctored tests for travel for $60 or $70pp, results with 15 min.

Pete and Judy! We will just miss you in Boston...coming in at 6pm on the 26th for the Boston to Quebec to Boston on the 27th on the NS! Will follow along, especially for the ports we will be going to the next week.

Thanks so much for posting your adventures!

We have also asked about replacing a Pinnacle dinner with aTamarind dinner (which is cheaper!) because we are traveling with vegans who do not find much in the steakhouse but do in the asian restaurant.

We have not gotten any response either. I thought I might plead my case on the ship, with the restaurant reservations person, or guest services.... hoping not to get the dreaded 😉 'I'll have to ask Seattle'!!

I was just directed to HALfacts.com where I found photos of a Zuiderdam connecting Veranda Stateroom! Just what I was looking for!  Thanks to all for the help!

HA! I stand corrected!🙄

Has anyone sailed on the Zuiderdam in a connecting veranda stateroom...

   with the inner doors that can be opened to the next stateroom?

and if you have, did you have 2 closets or 3 closets?  

(and I still appreciate your answers Boytjie!)

Thanks!

Thanks for the info Peter!

Has anyone been in an adjoining, veranda stateroom on the Zuiderdam?

There are usually 2 long closets and one smaller (with shelves and safe) in a Veranda cabin.

Do you lose a closet where the adjoining doors are located? ie. have only 2 cupboards rather than 3

Thanks!

SUPER! Gosh, thanks so much to all for the very quick replies!

Sharkster77, I will also do a search and get that pdf for Viking. Appreciate the info from all!

Viking

Have 'heard' one cannot use a hair curling hot iron on a river cruise... Anyone know if this is true?

MANY thanks to all the locals that shared info for our day in Stockholm. We have just returned from the cruise and LOVED Stockholm and had a wonderful day thanks to all the great info. I wanted to share some tips from our actual experience.

 

Do you plan to do a full review of your Baltics trip? And where would you post it if you do (please?) We are on the Star July 21 and interested in any tips or observations! Thanks! Kathy

We just want to get the flavor of 'Old Sweden', knowing we can't really appreciate the whole attraction... but will try the Vasa and then strolling in Old Town to round out the day. We all appreciate your patient postings, knowing we only have a few hours but want to see it all! Thanks again.

We are on the Star Princess Fri July 23 and plan to take the HoHo Boat from the cruise berth. Is it too far to walk from Skansen to the Vasa? We are in town (hopefully) from 10am to 5pm. After seeing these 2 sites, would there be enough time to sightsee in GamlaStan/Palace/TownHall also? Thanks so much!