DaveOKC

6049 is a VA cabin, so very likely HAL was upgrading you to a "better" cabin. Once I select my cabin, I always have them mark my reservation "Do Not Upgrade" to avoid being moved by the cruiseline. Often their idea of a better cabin location is not the same as mine. IMO, I like the angled cabins as you usually get more room plus due to the angle you can get a better view in most cases.

No more Embarkation Mariner lunches nor menus. In fact, the MDR is open to all with the same basic menu as every other day. Suites passengers do not have any special lunch options on enbarkation, nor any other day. Of course you could do a very light lunch in the Neptune lounge, but its mostly snacks and apps.

We used to just get the casino discounts but since Covid now getting free cabins as well. I really think it is due to HAL not filling the ships, so the free cabin offers are more plentiful. Having said that, increasing your play also helps, but no one can tell you what the level is (in fact I am sure it varies by play amount and how bad HAL needs the business).

My DW got this yesterday as well. We are already on one for August in Alaska out of Seattle, so will have to pass on this. Given the current state of the Covid testing rules, I am sticking with Seattle instead of Vancouver. As to cabin assignment, I do not like the guarantees (on some ships worse than others). I normally upgrade us to a category where I am comfortable with any cabin we can be assigned, as most times it is not that much more expensive, considering what you get. Purchasing Club Orange is another option to look at also.

I love using SW points for reservations! If I cancel then it just goes back into my account, without the hassle of having to keep track of and use within one year (like when you use cash).

I recall our SEA to Vamcouver shuttle (Quick) stopped at the Bellingham airport a few years ago.

Huge fare reductions. Book until Thursday June 9 for travel 8-16 to 11-5. Use code FALL40

I wonder why the table would still be open though almost every night - we did not dine there on several nights.

We were but the other couple weren't. Although we got the Neptune through an upsell offer if that comes into play.

Interesting. We generally were seated at the same table every night, except one. It seemed that they were saving that same table for our party of 4.

Glad it worked out! I sort of figured that was the issue. In your case you got a very good deal for $350 IMO.

I assume the $350 is for a 7 day cruise - 2 people. If it is, $25x2x7 days = $350 for the club Orange.

Not all that unusual for HAL - sometimes it takes a bit for one system to catch up .

Eurodam has the Tamarind speicalty dining venue which we love. Plus it is a bit newer ship. HOWEVER - I would CLOSELY review the itineraires, especially the times in port. We are on the Eurodam in August and I am a bit disappointed with the times (lenght and when), but for us its not a big deal as we have been to AK a number of times. For others it could be critical, especially if you want an excursion that is best offered at certain times (Victoria comes to mind with Butchart Gardens).

As others have stated, try again but during the week this time and if it still does not work, ask to speak to a supervisor. This situation is why I like to book through a HAL PCC or a travel agent. They have more "pull" than you do IMO.

Sounds like you got moved from a VB on deck 7 to a VB on deck 5. Based on this I would definately contact HAL and complain. They may have a valid reason for doing this, but if they do you should be compensated (IMO) for it. Since you booked direct online, you need to call them directly.

You should contact your TA and ask about getting some credit or free upgrade, as $800 is quite a difference. After final payment HAL does not have to drop your fare price, but often they give you something.

Were the before and after cabins in the exact same category (aft facing ones on the Eurodam are VB)? If so, I think you have a very valid complaint. If not, if HAL moved you to a higher "rated" category, AND assuming you did not mark your reservation Do Not Upgrade, then HAL is within their right to move you "up". Let us know the exact situation as it will matter how you address HAL on this.

A couple of years ago I was having walking issues and used a cane part of the time. On one HAL tour I was really having trouble keeping up on the cobblestone road (not listed on the tour description), so I told the leader to keep the group moving and not wait on me, that I would catch up at the various talking point stops (told him to keep talking not wait on me). This worked out fine, but I was sure beat at the end. On another tour, at one point I just waited for the group to return to a point near the bus as I knew I could not keep up. Its all about knowing your limits AND being considerate of others.

Sounding like the issue is more at Denali and less onboard!

I agree, but will add that given all the current issues involved, I booked my cruise out of and back to Seattle (I live in US). While I like Vancouver over Seattle, right now to me it makes more sense to go the route of fewer travel restrictions.

Making sense and the government should not be used in the same sentence!

I wonder how much of these problems are early season start up issues that will soon be resolved. I know that many college students are used for seasonal help in Alaska and they may not have shown up yet. Also foreign workers. I sure hope that this is a fixable problem in short order.

Good point about Fixed dining and meeting your tablemates the first night. We generally do Open dining, so this is not a consideration.

I am quessing that your first and last sea days will be Gala Nights. HAL likes to do them on Sea days so that people have time to get ready (and to sell more Spa treatments). Our favorite time to do specialty dining is on embarkation evening. Usually the Main Dining Room is slow service wise that evening, as people and crew get into the groove. Also, the soecialty dining venues seem to be less crowded. We also like the last night, as it is a good way to end the cruise. Further, I have never seen HAL do a Gala Night on either of these two evenings.