SunLakesBob

We got into them in Sitka on an excursion, photos to follow.

Rick,

Will you be sharing your pictures via OneDrive?

Thanks for posting the review and pictures. We are doing this cruise in August and your pictures are adding to the anticipation! Can't wait to see otters.

 

Terry

You should see them in Homer!

We have done this itinerary twice on the Amsterdam -- it is really great.

Next year this itinerary will be done on the Statendam.

While we were on the Amsterdam, we booked next year on the Statendam. 14 days is the only way to see Alaska.

Rick,

We enjoyed meeting you on the cruise. Congratulations on your anniversary. Your pictures are great. Can't wait to receive your link for all your photos.

AIP we share your addiction to Alaska. The June 22nd cruise is our 8th journey "North to Alaska"

You might want to post on the Canada forum to inquire about accessible taxis in Victoria. Or does your scooter somehow fold up and fit into a car trunk? I'm not familiar with scooters (obviously).

 

I'm sure Victoria has accessible taxis but I have no idea about their availability. I know here, one must book them in advance, and even then, there is the chance of pickup delay. Not likely an issue on your return to the ship, given that all aboard is late in the evening but a delay may impact you in getting to the garden in the first place.

Carol and I are discussing going to the garden for high tea. If we go, maybe share a cab?

Yes, it can be hard to choose. In hindsight, we should have done the bag route. As I said earlier, it depends on if there are only two in the cabin or more, and how often you will send out laundry.

 

And the turn around time on the laundry was about 48 hours. I know that's what they normally say but usually one got it back in ~24 hours, at least that's been my experience. This time it really was 36 - 48 hours.

Thank you, As usual you have been extremely helpful. We are still wait listed for a suite, then we won't have to make the decision. Alaska is my wife's favorite cruise destination. This is our 9th time to Alaska. I have not been well this past year and she has the extra burden of putting up with me. She deserves a suite, but I was slow in making that decision. We will still enjoy the trip on HAL.

The special was $12, instead of $20, for a laundry bag (40% off). The offer was good from the last Wednesday to the last Friday of the cruise. The last bag had to be sent by 9:00 am on the Friday.

AQ, thank you for the information. Makes it tougher to decide on the 98 special or per bag? Definitely can pack for 1 week, thus saving luggage charge at airport. :p

AQ, did you "do" the high tea at the gardens? Do you know how it compares to the tea at the Empress? We have done the Empress 3 times. Looking for alternatives

Good thought.

I'm taking the trolley tour, and I'm pretty sure it's an afternoon tour (doesn't the ship arrive very late morning?). Maybe I can't get both in.

 

Thanks for the head's up on this. I will check.

We are scheduled to arrive at 1pm leave at 11pm

AQ - did Holland offer full service laundry/dry cleaning specials while on Board?

Congratulations! It is karma --- repayment for the time it took to post everyday to keep us informed.

AQ - with your great updates, it has been as if we have been with you. It really came across when you said it was time to pack, the cruise is almost over. I got sad, as if I had to pack because my cruise was over. Thank you for taking us on your journey. We enjoyed the ride:)

AQ, Love your reports

 

Bob, Tell Carol I'll be looking for her at the puzzle table on our cruise!

 

Utahtea

Depends if the casino is open or not :) She does enjoys puzzles though.

AQ glad to see you back. Enjoy your updates. My DW also gets "distracted" by the puzzles. We can be walking and talking, the next thing I now I am walking and talking by myself! She stopped at the puzzles.

Haven't heard from AQ in a while. Hope everything is okay and she is having too much fun to post

I've not been up that early, on any cruise, nor do I drink coffee. I'm sure you can get your coffee in the Lido, at least once the Code Orange is over. I would suggest room service until then but that may disturb your roommate.

Thank you. Room service won't work. My wife is a night person, I am a morning person so I leave the cabin when I get up and come back when it is time for breakfast.

AQ - did they notify the pax about "There was a special theme in the lido tonight- Gold Rush Dinner. Local salmon, Gold Digger's chilli and other Alaskan delicacies. There was an Alaskan Beer Buffet." We didn't get up there to check it out so I do not have any details on that event.

Or was it a surprise to folks who went to the lido :) and to those who didn't :(

Since I get up early. Where can I get coffee at 4am?

AQ thank you for your insights. No need to apologize for late postings. You are on vacation. You are doing us a favor by sharing your experiences. Thank you so much.

Thanks for you thoughts..

Looks as if your future cruises are on Holland. We have a similar cruise history. Many cruises and river boat cruises on different lines.

Thank you for taking the time to inform us of your experience. We should not criticize you for providing us information. If some disagree they can stop coming to the site!

Oh, yes, the SBP. What a waste for us, if we had to pay for it. Which is why we have never purchased it in the past. No way could we break even with that package! Even if one could do it, think of all the empty calories that one is consuming!

 

For myself, I don't drink coffee at all, unless it has oodles of alcohol to kill the taste of the coffee, and even then I may only have it once a year. I no longer drink pop (soda to you Americans) unless it is in a mixed drink. At home, I can go for months without any alcohol. On a cruise, I usually drink ice water and iced tea - all free. And I get my one or two happy hour mojito(s). That's all.

 

There appear to be some pax who are bound and determined to reach the 15 drink target. The reports I've heard are not pretty...

I'll drink to that! I usually drink water and coffee, but have the SBP due to the Explore4. They will save money on us.

Too bad for the rain. It didn't seem to impact your day. We wait for further updates

Pike Place Market (in Seattle).

 

Karen

Karen, thank you