jadorelavie!

La Paladar Guarida was one of the best meals we had on our entire HAL cruise — and privately owned, so compliant with US rules.

I highly recommend making reservations and arranging for a car to pick you up at a certain time when you leave as I didn’t see taxis in the area.

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Wow. That's excellent information. Our cruise next month does NOT go to Cienfuegos but does have a stop in Havana. I found one other Veendam cruise that is scheduled to go to Havana in 2019, but it is not until December.

Yeah, we paid practically double to be able to go to Cienfuegos. I wish I’d known there was a known issue when I booked since the cruise lines don’t guarantee an itinerary.

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I just got off the Ms. Veendam Wednesday and our stop to Cienfuegos was cancelled at the last moment, so I'd be weary of cruising to see any more of Cuba.

We were told that the Veendam is the largest ship to navigate the channel in Cienfuegos and has to make a difficult 90 degree turn so if there are winds over ~20 knots, you don't get to stop. Expensive lesson learned.

In 20 HAL cruises, only once have I been able to board immediately after walking away from the check-in counter. All other times we have had waits of 15 to 45 minutes before boarding started. Why would I be interested in saving 10 seconds checking in?

I think we’re getting to the root of the matter: perspective.

You’re basing your opinion on the expectation that you’ll still have to wait. In my cruises on RCL, I can’t remember ever having to wait to board and the idea is foreign to me.

Maybe HAL could eliminate waits with some newer processes? I don’t know, as I’m about to go on my first HAL cruise this week.

I can say that the overall technology RCL implemented made my trips easier. I’ve found myself very frustrated on a number of occasions working on this HAL trip because I’ve previously experienced how much smoother it can go.

At the end of the day, it sounds like HAL could change some other parts of the experience that would enable the optional benefits being discussed. I work in tech and my rule is that the business processes have to be in order before you add technology; if not, you just create new problems.

Once that happens, it might make this discussion easier.

Or worse yet, waiting for them to power up because they forgot they had turned it off.

 

I agree. I see this more as a gimmick to please the phone-addicted than anything really useful.

Having experienced it, I can tell you that it streamlined things for those who were so inclined to use it.

For those who weren’t, they went through the standard check-in process and sure enough, it took longer and they were also content.

RCL’s adoption of technology (e.g. wristbands, apps, etc) made my life so much easier. I’m missing it as I prep for another cruise with my grandparents who now expect the benefits of it (with me as their conduit naturally) and I have to keep telling them that I can’t do that on HAL.

I’m not sure if you’ve used any of this, but as someone who has experienced the value and doesn’t consider myself phone-addicted, I recommend you give it a try before you judge it (or others) because you may find you like the option.

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Welcome to the Fashion Boards. First and foremost' date=' congratulations on your recovery! :) As a couple of the ladies have told you, I have used a seller on Ebay from China many times over the last few years. I have had about 25 made. I've never been disappointed.

 

 

 

I always use the same seller and they have always been great. You just have to be sure and communicate with them exactly what you want. Be very specific about your measurements. Usually the dresses are very long and I would have to have them hemmed, then I found that they would make them to specific lengths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have never had a problem with the colors. They have sent me color charts and they have a huge assortment to choose from. I'll be glad to post some of the photos or send them to you in an email if you would like to see some of the dresses. They are very nice and the turnaround time is very quick. I usually have the dresses within a couple of weeks. Of course you have to take into consideration the upcoming Holidays. Once again be very specific about when you need the dress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another thing to watch for. Some of the dresses may say $50, but when you look at the shipping it could be over a $100. Be very careful. The seller that I use never charges over $28 for shipping. I can honestly say that I was worried the first time I ordered a dress. (ask about the infamous green gown) It was beautiful, the workmanship was amazing, and great customer service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As far as Ever Pretty. I bought three cocktail dresses (different colors) and they were great. I bought three evening gowns and could only wear one of them. The other two were really horrible and so for that reason I really don't recommend them. Although others have had good luck with them. They won't do custom measurement and that makes all the difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just recently ordered two more dresses from the seller I use and I can hardly wait to wear them on our upcoming cruise. If there are any other questions that I can help with, I will be more than happy to. Please just ask. Have a wonderful cruise.[/quote']

 

 

Hi Sherry -- Do you mind sharing the contact info of your seller? I've looked at the boards and your gowns are beautiful.

 

 

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