Debz62

Probably not much snow this year....the sled dog races were changed the route...alaska got very little snow this year....we are all afraid of the potential for fire. I suspect the rivers that are fed from snow will be low this year...the plus side of this is that you will see the glacial blue ice much better.....can't see much of that if it is snow covered. We seem to be three weeks ahead....at least....in weather.

Sorry to hear about the lack of snow. We're booked on the Westerdam for May 9th. I'm sure the scenery will be absolutely beautiful. Do you have an opinion as to whether or not whales will be seen so early in the season (early part of May)? I've heard so many things about the scenery that I'm sure I won't be getting much sleep. :)

First cruise with HAL in May. I was wondering if they post your name on the door of your cabin. Princess did this when we sailed years ago. It was some type of welcome aboard sign.

It won't be until January aboard the Noordam, but I am anxious to try this.

 

But, it will not be on embarkation. I always enjoy the Mariner's Embarkation Luncheon even though there are many who do not.

This is our first HAL cruise, but we have cruised on Princess prior. We plan on going to the Mariner's Embarkation Luncheon. What are some of the reasons people don't like the luncheon? I thought most would because it's in the MDR and you can avoid the crowds in the LIDO.

No, not for HAL (who sails from the Smith Cove terminal). I think that there may be a "downtown" port webcam -- for NCL, RCI, etc. Which line are you on?

We'll be on Westerdam out of Seattle to Alaska. I thought if there is a webcam my family in Utah could watch the sailaway as we did today from Port Everglades.

Thank you for the information about some of the smoking issues being exaggerated. Even as a smoker, too many smokers or too much smoking in one place can be overwhelming. I'm looking forward to this cruise with HAL, not only for the Westerdam, but also the destination. :)

My first time watching a sailaway...so exciting! Does anyone know if there is a webcam to watch sailaways from Seattle?

No, of course nonsmokers have the right to state their opinions, too. But smokers having the run of the ship? Please, let's be real. They're lucky if they can find a place soon to smoke. There's no need to exaggerate here.

I'm an occasional smoker. This will be the first time I've had a balcony and the first time I've cruised with HAL. If I find that smokers have the run of the ship or the Westerdam is a floating ashtray, I will not ever book a cruise on HAL again.

Please tell me some of these smoking complaints are exaggerated. If a smoker really spends 24/7 out on their balcony chain smoking they have serious issues that go beyond smoking! Also, if the smell of cigarette smoke is permanent on a balcony when the ship is moving at 20 knots...something is very wrong. Perhaps I'm naive and will find out for myself in about 45 days. I am hopeful my first cruise with HAL will not be my last.

I read on one of the posts that the coffee served in the Lido isn't good. Is that true? If so, I guess we'll need to purchase a coffee card.

Feedbags and chex mix dispensers at the gangway. This will be used for those who can't go without eating for 2 hours. Just slide your ship card fill feedbag,affix to face and you're ready to tour the town. No worries about spending money on local food you can't get at home, or asking for a box lunch.

Just strap and go

Oh my goodness! You made me laugh out loud!

And the next new build could be named the Nickle-and-dimedam.

Very Funny!!!

Don't forget 24-hour room service, and during dinner hours you can order items on the MDR menu. So if you have early fixed dinning and miss your time, you can enjoy the same meal a bit later in your cabin.

Ordering room service from the MDR menu would work out nicely. Thanks for the information.

We're first timers on HAL. Westerdam to Alaska in May. We're booked for early seating dinner at a table for 6. If we're out enjoying the scenery and miss our early seating dinner will they allow us to eat later in the MDR or are the only options room service or the buffet? I'm beginning to think we should have booked something that allowed us to eat at any time, but I really enjoy meeting people and having the same waiters.

I just put a note on top of my suitcase.

I hope you're able to find the blouse. If you don't I'll be tempted to look for it when I'm on Westerdam in May. :)

See attached picture

 

DON

LOL...awesome picture Don!

Plus if the ship is stalled and you have extensive viewing of any wildlife. :) With those early morning Glacier Bay "port times", the ship is most always there way early and has to wait for 6am for the rangers to board. This is pretty much a given when going to Glacier Bay after Skagway or Juneau.

Budget Queen...how long are the rangers/naturalists on board for the cruise and where are they located? Our first trip to Alaska on HAL, out of Seattle with a port side verandah. Thank you so much for the information.

We sailed Princess to Alaska. On non formal nights the majority of passengers wore jeans to the MDR.

Really? I've been concerned about having to pack more clothes than I normally would because of all the layering and dinner in the MDR. Good to know I wouldn't look out of place with nice jeans and blouse for non-formal nights in the MDR. Thank you for the information.

Yes, Lido is open even in port.

 

Here is a link to all of the Specialty Restaurant, Beverage, and Room Service (free 24/7) menus that I have scanned since Dec 2014:

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/specialty-2/hal-regular-and-specialty-restaurants/

 

Since it is your first time on the Westerdam, here is a poto tour that I put together from my cruises on the Westerdam:

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Thank you. Very helpful!

 

Always check your program in the evening for the next day's dining. The Pinnacle is a good option for $10.00 per person at lunch.

It's been years since we've cruised and this will be a first on HAL. I assume the lido is open for all meals if the MDR is closed correct? If not they will show times for the Lido in the program we get each evening for the next day right? It's open when in port too right?

We're booked on Westerdam for May 9th from Seattle. Can't wait!!

Thank you for posting your review. Really enjoyed reading it. Glad you had a wonderful time.

About two weeks ago I posted a thread about this and I was told that the B. B. King Blues Club will be performing on the Westerdam in May and beyond. Which will be great it will give me another source of entertainment along with some great music.

Good to know B.B. King Blues Club will be on Westerdam in May! I told my husband the entertainment will be hit or miss, but have heard nothing but good things about B.B. King Blues.

I leave this Saturday! I'll grab a photo and post it here for you, as well as the designer name.

Please post a review of your cruise when you return. Thanks!

Glad Pathfinder could answer your question promptly. We just check the daily newsletter and go to the right place at the right time, lol.

Sometimes they bring out appetizers, too. Definitely the best Happy Hour we've experienced in our cruises....sure hope that doesn't change.

HokiePoq....I imagine the lounge is packed during Happy Hour.

I will tell DH that the entertainment is hit or miss on HAL and that it's all about the destination. If the entertainment is good it'll be a bonus!

Right, rub it in!:D We have to wait 4 weeks...

We have 8 weeks to wait!