Best thing you learned about HAL by reading CC

[3rdGenCunarder]

I'm always impressed by the collective knowledge of the posters here. And it got me thinking about all the clever tips I've learned. So what's the best/most helpful/most fun thing you learned about HAL because you read it on CC?

 

I think for me it's the Embarkation lunch, because this is the only place I've heard about it, even with 5 HAL cruises since they started doing it.

[DaveOKC]

Being able to order dinner from room service from the the main dining room menu. Was a great help one day when someone in our group was not able to go out that evening.

[Aquahound]

I think the policy has since changed, but the most helpful thing I learned on CC about HAL prior to my first HAL cruise was the ability to board with a bottle of wine from every port. It was a European cruise, so we enjoyed each sailaway on our veranda with a bottle of local wine purchased that day.

[Alberta Quilter]

Gee, I've learned so much here, it's hard to pick one so I'll list a few:

 

CCL Shareholder benefit

Price drops until final payment (and maybe after)

Wasabi crusted tenderloin in Tamarind

[RuthC]

Which posters I will go out of my way to meet on a cruise :D (and which ones will send me running the other way ;)).

[iancal]

Which HAL ships to consider and which ones to pass on. Both based on age,condition, and our personal preferences.

 

Let's face, not all ships in any cruise line fit the bill for everyone....notwithstanding what the HAL cheerleaders espouse. Same goes for all the mass market cruise lines.

 

Plus...always book inside the final payment window because prices at the front end tend to be high.

Edited September 22, 2015 by iancal

[IRL_Joanie]

Let's see...

 

Best: Aft Wrap Staterooms are the Penthouse for us:) Which Ships have them, which ships do not and which ones are the best for whichever type of cruising, i.e., Caribbean or Alaska.

 

And...... Meeting CC Members that you have cruised with and want to cruise with again and again and again:) They become like your extended family!!

 

Worst: Who a poster seems to be on CC and who they actually turn out to be face to face.

 

Most Fun: Discovering that a poster who you thought was a negative Nellie was actually someone whom you really want for a long term friendship:) FCOOUWRZ

 

Many many more under all 3, but think this will suffice for now:)

 

Joanie

[dakrewser]

Unlimited laundry.

[taxmantoo]

Best thing you learned about HAL by reading CC

 

... that real people on HAL ships complain a lot less than the posters on these boards :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

Meeting some lovely people -- and still being able to cruise with them.

Sadly -- getting turned off by the Roll Calls.

[Lizzie68]

Back to what I believe is the good intent of the OP....

 

I have picked up many excellent tips from other members of CC. Some seem very trivial but can make a huge difference to a cruise.... like the use of duct tape to keep drawers closed on a rocking and rolling ship.:eek: Wrapping lengths of said duct tape around a pencil to save room when packing (boy that really does work!). How much is reasonable to tip porters. Where to pick up various items in specific ports. The list goes on and on.

I have been fortunate to be part of some fantastic and helpful roll calls. Others not so much. It is what it is.

I have made many good friends through CC, who have also shared their depth of knowledge about cruising, which is way more than mine:).

[buckirj1]

That those white chair covers are a Fancy Thing. Who knew?

[GlennG]

I'm always impressed by the collective knowledge of the posters here. And it got me thinking about all the clever tips I've learned. So what's the best/most helpful/most fun thing you learned about HAL because you read it on CC?

 

I think for me it's the Embarkation lunch, because this is the only place I've heard about it, even with 5 HAL cruises since they started doing it.

 

The most helpful advice that I've received on this forum is the gentle persuasion and, sometimes, brutal honesty and information that I've received from a collection of "old time" cruise critic contributors. Special thanks are extended to Hank, Cruise Chic, Sail7Seas, and RuthC.

[auntjoy036]

That room service is free (but to tip) and, echoing DaveOKC, that the main dining room dinner menu can be ordered from room service.

 

Vicki

[Kay240]

Existence and Location of LARGE INSIDE Cabins!

[mrspeck]

Course by course dinner service in a penthouse! How awesome is that!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[mysticsailor]

Hands down, number one is: RuthC.

 

She is a virtual encyclopedia of most HAL ships and willingly, congenially shares with us, Excepting her chocolate!

 

High Five Ruth!

[rafinmd]

The very existence of the Prinsendam.

 

Roy

[pnica]

Am looking forward to my cruise much more after reading the comments on this forum than I was after reading only reviews - the reviews tend to bring out the negative points, and this forum as well as being more balanced reminds me that I am going to be sharing a ship with lots of people who love being on board a ship and whose main aim is to enjoy the experience.

[Sea Belle]

 

For me the best part of CC is knowing when I post a question someone will take me seriously and respond. There is a lot of good information available and I enjoy hearing various perspectives on different subjects.

 

What I dislike is hearing people repeat their "gripes" several times via different postings.

[ski ww]

All the great people you meet, joining M&G, people organizing private tours have met many life long friends who we still keep in touch with. Advice of all kinds & helpful hints.

Allan & Marlane

[sppunk]

Two words: Wang wangs

[maxie99]

reading other cruisers reviews and photos, and I luv the small details, nothing is to small , (especially the food reviews )-- and I luv it when people go really negative with there views, over the silly things--I know everybody has the right to vent if something bothers them , but :)

Edited September 22, 2015 by maxie99

[summer slope]

All the hacks available when you know when and how to look for them.

Shareholder credit

Photos/suggestions for things to do in port....that weren't available anywhere else.

ALL the wonderful help to all our questions.

[kazu]

what a nice idea for a thread :)

 

I have learned so much on CC over the years that the list is just endless.

 

Many thanks to those who do live threads. They are always enjoyable and there is always something to be learned in those ;)

 

Many things have been listed already, so I will simply add the discovery of roll calls and all the wonderful people I have met on cruises. The joy of private tours with our roll calls, get togethers, sail aways, the mentoring I have been kindly given on private tours and spread sheets.

 

and the absolute joy of sailing again with CC friends that we have come to know here and on board :)

Edited September 22, 2015 by kazu