rkacruiser

Wouldn't be my choice of meat, but, some may like that.

I knew of that tour, but, it was not offered as a shore excursion by HAL. A luncheon that included entrees of Argentinean Beef was part of the experience. I decided against that and felt, for me, sticking with a HAL shore excursion was my better choice. Why? My interactions with Argentinean citizens when I was in their country, the inability to obtain any of their currency prior to departure, and the crime in Buenos Aires about which I learned before I left home. I was, and am, comfortable with my decision.

HAL ships of whatever Class have plentiful open deck spaces as well as the Crow's Nest for indoor sightseeing when it is more appropriate.

Flat rate has been my experience as well. The number of people seemed not to make any difference.

If I feel someone(s) are staring at me, I return that prolonged staring. That solves the "issue" very quickly. Very funny! I like your sense of humor.

Agree. One of my favorite cruise memories of my first trans-Atlantic crossing which was aboard Royal Viking Sky was a covered area just aft of the foyer leading to the forward Observation Lounge. The space overlooked the sports deck and the funnel, had deck chairs, and a locker with deck blankets was present. I loved sitting there wrapped in a deck blanket while the ship was sailing off the Grand Banks in fog with the fog horn sounding. Nap time as well as when I would occupy a deck chair on the Lower Promenade Deck of a HAL ship.

Or other wines? That has been my reaction when I have drank it. For me, I expect a Red to have more 'body" than it did. It tasted "thin" to me. Someone else is buying, I will be drinking whatever it may be. (I can't believe that I once liked White Zin. Those were the days when I was drinking Paul Masson's Rose as my everyday wine and liked it.) Subjective taste? For certain. Some of the wines of Chile and Argentina are overlooked. I have drank some Malbecs that I enjoyed; others, not so much. New Zealand's Pinot Noir is also overlooked, I think. Their Pinot Noir industry remains in the developing stages, I think. But, I have tasted some that I thought was good.

Or other wines? That has been my reaction when I have drank it. For me, I expect a Red to have more 'body" than it did. It tasted "thin" to me. Someone else is buying, I will be drinking whatever it may be. (I can't believe that I once liked White Zin. Those were the days when I was drinking Paul Masson's Rose as my everyday wine and liked it.) Subjective taste? For certain. Some of the wines of Chile and Argentina are overlooked. I have drank some Malbecs that I enjoyed; others, not so much. New Zealand's Pinot Noir is also overlooked, I think. Their Pinot Noir industry remains in the developing stages, I think. But, I have tasted some that I thought was good.

Hype and "expert opinions" are unknown to my palate. As they are to yours, I think. The best "recommendations" have come from the bartenders on the ships on which I have sailed. My favorite New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc--Villa Maria--has been rated as the "best of the lot"--by every bartender with whom I have discussed this type of wine. Yet, while once available by the bottle on HAL ships, the distributor was changed by the Company, and I have to drink an acceptable Sauvignon Blanc while I would be willing to pay for the superior wine that I prefer. And, MSC didn't have it either. Arthur in the YC Restaurant agreed that Villa Maria would be a better wine of that type than what was available.

I did not care for it whatever the retail price was. Compared to other Reds, it was most disappointing! I agree. But, during the arguing, I keep learning thanks to those discussions.

The description of your tour reminds me of what I experienced what I visited these two cities. My tour was long enough that when we returned to the ship, there was not enough time to do more individual touring of Casablanca.

Isn't that how the Grand Africa Cruise on the Zaandam began a few days ago? Good wishes for whomever needed such an event to take place.

This is one of the best posts that I have read on either this Message Board or on the Floataway Lounge Message Board about CCL. It took time for the cruise industry to establish itself into profitability. It is going to take time for the re-establishment of profitability to return so that shareholders will receive dividends.

On some cruise lines, after the lobster has been removed from its shell, some butter is poured on the tail. Not the same as having a bowl of melted butter to dip each morsel into it before into one's mouth. That's a surprise to me because when I sailed on Meraviglia and the bartender or stewards recognized me as a YC guest, the service and the pours were great! And, service as well as the cuisine. I found no fault with the wine list except my favorite New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was not available. To our new CC member: Willkommen! That was my experience. I see no point in paying inflated prices for a wine that may or may not be to my taste. Trying Opus One taught me a lesson that I have not forgotten!

My experience has been that the wine packages are priced the same on board as before I sail. The Hydrothermal Pool/Thermal Suite cruise pass I never buy before sailing, That is one of the first things I do after I board. Sometimes, there is a discount if one buys it during Embarkation Day.

I have read his books, but, I have not heard him lecture. As you probably are aware, he passed a few years ago. I think that there might be an enrichment lecturer hired. Some of the EXC presentations and presenters can be of such type as part of their programs. It depends upon the presenter and what she/he knows about the EXC programs they are discussing. There may be an opportunity to book a Behind the Scenes Tour. It would have a cost to it; the group would be small, probably no more than 14-15 guests; meeting with the Heads of the Departments and visits to the Engine Control Room, the Bridge, areas below decks guests may not usually visit, and a more thorough tour of the Galley with the Executive Chef, and opportunities for Q&A everywhere one visits; an end of the tour cocktail party with canapes and a gift of some type. Well worth the tour's cost!

A beautiful day in Fort Lauderdale!

A tour that I took was called Spirit of Buenos Aires Waterways and Airport Transfer that I enjoyed, but, it lasted about 6 hours and we arrived at the airport in the middle of the afternoon. A word about the airport when I was there. I was flying on Delta in Business Class. Delta uses the Aerolineas Argentinas Terminal and expected to use their Business Class Lounge after checking in. Delta's check-in did not begin until late afternoon. Could not get to the Lounge until I was checked in. Seating was not plentiful. Many people were sitting on the floor. Then, when check-in did begin, long lines naturally formed. I did make it to the Lounge and enjoyed it; my flight was also a late night flight, so I had a few hours to use the Lounge and it was comparable to the Sky Clubs in the United States. Maybe the situation has improved since I was there in 2018.

I do not remember what I paid, but, I used the HAL pre-cruise hotel and transfer package and the convenience of it was worth whatever I paid. Luggage handling is included once one clears Customs/Immigration at the Santiago airport. The airport was a chaotic mess with several international flights arriving close to the same time. There was HAL ground staff available to help their guests. I stayed at the Sheraton and it is a very nice hotel with good restaurants, a lovely pool area, and very comfortable rooms. Tours of the area can be arranged once one arrives. A city tour that included watching the Changing of the Guard at the Presidential Palace was good. A wine country/vineyward/tasting tour that included a lunch with local foods was my favorite tour.

If one is going to do a land tour and a cruise, it is recommended that the land tour be first and then connecting with a cruise. The cruise will give one a chance to refresh from the land tour. That implies a Southbound cruise. Princess has excellent Southbound itineraries that include visits to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. HAL may now also have that; not certain. Check both lines' itineraries carefully. The on-board Alaskan cruise program on both lines is very good to excellent. I have experienced both and I liked both, but, I think Princess has the edge in that regard. On the other hand, HAL ships have the Crow's Nest for indoor sightseeing when the weather turns sour. Princess has nothing like that. A comment is often made that there seems to be less outdoor deck space for guests on the Royal Class Princess ships as compared to HAL's ships. (I agree with those comments.) Other questions? Enjoy your researching and planning!

Your entire post is well written and is one that should be read by all cruisers! Thanks for writing it. This was true when one flew in domestic First Class in 1977 on both United and TWA. I remember Caesar Salad and pastas being prepared table side on Sitmar and flamed Crepe Suzette prepared table side on HAL and Home Lines.

Your entire post is well written and is one that should be read by all cruisers! Thanks for writing it. This was true when one flew in domestic First Class in 1977 on both United and TWA. I remember Caesar Salad and pastas being prepared table side on Sitmar and flamed Crepe Suzette prepared table side on HAL and Home Lines.

I have observed these being held and they have been in the afternoon. But, so what about the time? Dress as you wish!

I am not. 😄 Whether to upgrade is always an interesting issue. While I enjoyed my upgrade to a Neptune Suite, it was an aft suite on a deck below where the Neptune Lounge was with a veranda subject to soot deposits from the funnels. Yet, I am glad that I made the investment to have this experience. It won't happen again.

Agree. Who cares; who remembers? When I wear my tux, I will have at least two different ties for my formal shirt. Used to bring/wear a vest that matched the ties, but, the vest makes me too warm when I wear it. Same with a cummerbund. The fashion police may disagree, but the days of the formal vest and cummerbund are past.