igraf

The dry cold air from the ventilator blowing on one's face all night will make one more susceptible to sinus infections. I always block the half of the ventilator that blows toward the top of the bed. I also use a saline nasal spray to moisten my sinuses. igraf

The cooking class is currently listed as a 5-star amenity: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/mariner-society.html Nobody thought of looking this up when you inquired? igraf

We did the same thing (arrived at the ship in the evening, checked in on board), except that the ship was leaving later on the same night! This was all arranged through HAL using Flight Ease. igraf

A large part of cruising is doing things differently than your usual routine. Get crazy. Order something that you normally would not eat at home. igraf

The difference will be HAL offering a full day while another line only stops for a half day. igraf

Very true. I have seen very short port stops on other cruise lines. Consider also the extra time to exit the ship when there are 3000+ passengers and tender boats are required. igraf

There are ear plugs that are designed for listening to music. The idea is that they diminish the overall volume with minimal degradation of the music. https://www.musicianonamission.com/best-earplugs-for-musicians/ igraf

It makes perfect sense. People were ordering extra entrees just for a taste, not because they were hungry. (Who is hungry on a cruise ship????) It is OK to order an extra appetizer for a taste as that is the purpose of an appetizer. As you have said, there is still plenty of "no extra charge" food for those who are truly hungry including an endless supply of bread. I am siding with HAL on this one as the "tasters" are driving up my cruise fare. igraf

Keep in mind that half the passengers will be trying to get off the ship early. It can be an ugly way to end a cruise as tempers flare. I personally would avoid early disembarkation at all costs. You can carry your luggage off whenever you wish. igraf

Any downtown hotel in San Diego is a short hop, skip and jump from the airport and to the cruise terminal. No need to worry about which hotel is more convenient. It is much better to use Lyft or Uber for short rides as these modern drivers do not have to return to a long queue for their next ride. No need for a large compensatory tip for a taxi driver's inefficient and outdated business arrangement. igraf

Well put! I am a 200+lb man with an appetite, and the few times I ordered a second entree resulted in too much food being served, considering that I am eating three complete meals a day while cruising. I have already given up eating between meals. I believe that HAL has found that the second entree results in food (including labor) being wasted just so someone can have a taste. igraf

Nothing about the $10 charge leads to your statements about the MDR being being taken away, nor is there any trend in the industry that suggests that the MDRs will disappear. The only question here is the ordering of a second entrée. Holland America has to control waste so that they can offer cruises that you can afford. You should be applauding their efforts to keep fares affordable. igraf

I take it that you are not familiar with the HAL passenger demographic. Think "grandparents". igraf

The fact is that a private lounge means less space for others as there is finite space available on a ship. The flaw with your logic is that the suite passengers can use the common areas while their space in the reserved lounge goes unused. What you say would only be if the suite people remained in their private lounges. Airlines are in fact an example of why we should avoid a ship in a ship. The sell is that first class costs more but provides more. The reality is that the economy seats just get worse and worse. igraf

Are you saying that passengers not in suites have lower standards for dining venues and privacy? igraf