The cruise was a lovely experience but the lack of relatively easy access to Gluten Free food (and menu clarity) was a major issue. Since menus come from Head Office (I was told) then this would be an issue on all HAL ships.
I purchased the Have it All package, and liked the convenience. I note that HAL has removed gratuities from the package for future cruises, which I do not like. I hope they have adjusted the price of the package down, but suspect not.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Asked to come at 1 pm, so missed lunch and early walks on ship which departed at 4.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
I need GF food and have had to issues previously on HAL. This time, they printed menus with the GF logo and did not show ANY main courses that were GF. Ordering the day before as requested, they lost orders and gave me the wrong menus more than once. GF afternoon tea was very poor compared to prior HAL experiences. Overall, might make me try a different cruise line.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Not a lot of choice. Wine tasting was good, but craft activities simplistic and the same as last October's cruise. I was unimpressed both times.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All staff were excellent.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was very clean, and easy to get around in.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The balcony cabin was very comfortable and big enough. It could have used a light near the closet since the small hallway is dark.
Ship tip
If you want Gluten Free food, find another cruise line.
Going North the inside passage is sailed through during the evening / night but sailing back during the day is my favorite part of the cruise. I have done it many times.
We visited two glaciers and saw seals, and many ice floes since it is early in the season. This day was a highlight of the cruise, along with sailing the Inside Passage.
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