Sage

I'm on this cruise. I don't mind a night in Juneau, as there are things to do at night. It could be that they are waiting on crew. I love the ship, and we are doing the whale watching and glacier in Juneau. Also the fare and perks were wonderful on this cruise.

It's nice to have a veranda is not essential. However, if you like to sit in your cabinet your at the end of the day and gaze at the scenery passing by, then you would enjoy one. Remember it is light until very late in Alaska. The Crow's Nest and outside decks offer beautiful views as well. Enjoy your cruise.

These chairs are in the Thermal Suite. They are absolutely heavenly. My sister in law, when we couldn't find her, was always on one of these chairs.

Mine has nothing to do with wisdom. Sage was my beloved Bouvier des Flanders that has since passed.

Definitely. You can also order more than one entree, but there is a charge.

I also like going to the speciality dining the first night. I generally know what they have, and they don't seem as rushed. If you are a four star mariner or higher, you get 50% off your meal.

Thank you for your review. I too enjoyed the food on the Koningsdam. There were some things that I was not as impressed with, but the overall experience was good. Thank you for the review. I enjoyed reading it.

You will love the Neptune Suite, and I hope that you have a wonderful cruise.

When you check in and sign the waiver, yes it's just a villa, but they require each member of your party to sign in, you can ask for the transportation to the Villa. They will have someone take you there and pick you up. We have also used the Butler each time, and they take care of everything, and I mean everything.

We have booked the Villa twice, and I wouldn't go back to the cabana because the bathroom in the villa comes in so handy. There is also a shower in the bathroom and a large area to change clothes. The two verandas are also a plus. The jacuzzi and bathroom are downstairs, and the table, fridge and food service will be upstairs with the second veranda offering wonderful views. My family and guest love the Villa. You can also ask for transportation to and from the Villa.

When I have friends that are on board with me, I generally treat everyone to the Villa on HMC. I too have difficulty walking, but they now offer transportation to your Villa, and that makes it so much easier for me. The Villas have their own 10 person jacuzzi, a bathroom complete with shower, and then the beautiful views from the downstair and upstair verandas. With the Butler and lunch served at the Villa, it makes for a wonderful day. I was last there in March, and I not only enjoyed the island, but the laughter and delightful time my guests had.

I've so old or been cruising so long that I remember when the specialty restaurants were free. I didn't see any discounts offered when I was on the Koningsdam in March, but things change.

The Neptune Lounge also offers some breakfast items that I've always found temping even if I go to breakfast later.

The report today from Bali was some what encouraging. The ash plume is blowing away from Bali, and Mt. Agung was calmer today with not as much ash blowing. The people that are in the danger zone have all been evacuated, and are being cared for. Prayers are still requested. My friends were so pleased that others are concerned about their well being.

I do not have T-Mobile, but AT&T. I called using Facebook Messenger and had no problems. It was charged to my WiFi package, but there were no cell phone charges involved.

I have friends that live in Bali, and they said that most are safe, as the volcano area is not covering the entire island, but unfortunately some planes have chose not to risk the ash and are not flying. There were some flights leaving yesterday, but they were charging double what the others were charging that were not flying. They said that what the volcano decides to do will depend on if the airport will open for all planes.. I understand they are expecting a larger eruption. My prayers are with the people of Bali and those visitors there. They were asking for prayers.

The times that I have cruised to Hawaii, the Captain announced what time he would be arriving at the volcano, and I think that dinner times were adjusted so that everyone would be able to view that wanted to view. It was incredible. You could see just a tiny bit of orange at first, but then the closer we got, the larger the orange became. You could see the steam rising from the sea as the lava flowed and hear it crackle and hiss. My DH and I have never forgotten the experience and cherish the sight. Enjoy your cruise.

I agree with the others, you should have your luggage long before dinner. In fact, you should have it a couple of hours after you board if all is working properly.

I have found that you can request a baked potato at most meals. Thanks for the children's menu. I have never seen one, but then there was no need for one at my table. They offer some nice choices.

I agree with everyone else. The small fee is the exact same small fee that everyone else uses.

Yes they are there, and I agree if you are short, you may need help reaching it. I'm short.

I too would recommend the Caribbean and Alaska. However, I have to take some exception to the theory that only old people are on HAL. I have introduced my nephews to HAL in March, and they are in their 30s. They found the atmosphere and amenities to be better than on some of the "younger"ships. I think that you will find the majority of the older crowd on the longer cruises, as they have the time to spend. Enjoy your cruise on whichever cruise line you choose.

Carol my condolences on the loss of your husband. I hope that you have a wonderful cruise, even though it may be difficult at times. I'm sailing on the Noordam in May of next year, our favorite ship.

Rower52 I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that you miss him very much. I lost my DH in April of this year. This will be my first Thanksgiving alone. I admire you for trying this cruise. I know you will miss him greatly, but as RuthC says, hopefully it will be easier. I will look forward to your thought when you return, and my prayers will be with you on your cruise.

Ruth is right. There is no ironing or self service laundry on board.