BJzink

I sure miss the cold fruit soups in the MDR! And the small flowers on each table - those silly "lamps" don't make it.

I have pictures of "High Tea" which are very similar. Also miss the selection of tea from a tea chest passed around by a waiter.

I received a notice to refund 2 indulgences on 4/20/20 - refund was in my bank account 5/12/20. I also received an email from VTG today that there are 26 cancellations for each 1 booking. Must be mayhem.

This cruise is rebooked from September 7, 2020. #11 HAL cruise for Elizabeth, first time HAL for Becky & Darrell.

September 2021 Maasdam Sept. 6 - Sept.20., 2021 14 nights Alaska Elizabeth, daughter Becky, son-in-law Darrell will be onboard

February 2021 Volendam Feb,14-March 19.2021 33 nights Final leg of Grand South America cruise Elizabeth will be there!

If you cruise on Maasdam there are the Zodiacs which your granddaughter would probably like.

Exactly my opinion. I love my children, grandchildren, and the "greats", but I have been on other ships (RCCL, Carnival, Princess), where the parents were not interested in supervising them and it was not relaxing at all. I like HAL's itineraries.

I am 77 yrs, have no underlying health issues, but last year I had 2 surgeries. For both of them I was required to visit my PCP for Anesthesia clearance. This is pretty much normal for any surgery that requires anesthesia beyond locals. My PCP did a basic exam, ordered a EKG, routine blood work, reviewed my medications, and gave me a green light for the surgeries and the anesthesia required. I would be willing to do whatever was needed for the criteria that the cruise industry decides in order to sail. I certainly understand that there will be people who might not meet the criteria, but given the longer cruises that are offered, it would be increasing the problem for caring for passengers who become ill.

and all-inclusive vacations, like a cruise but on land.

?? All-inclusive resorts?

Pretty stringent guidelines - wonder if other travel destinations will have to comply with similar rules? Like - hotels, restaurants, all-inclusives, and airplanes?

I certainly hope that all cruise lines eliminate totally the "self-serve" food stations. The constant handling of utensils by hundreds of passengers is a menu for disaster, as is the lack of "sneeze guards" on some buffets on other ships. The "Taco Bar", which is loved by HAL passengers is a total no-no for the future. Ship life needs to change which probably will result in extra staff, therefore higher fees.