Saskman,
No takers huh ? well, we just booked this cruise, and I'd be honored to make your acquaintance on board. Myself, my wife (both mid 30's), my daughter who is 8, my good buddy and his step daughter will be joining you on the Ryndam. It will be our 4th cruise, but first on HAL, and from what I hear on these and other boards, we are gonna be in for quite a treat. the fellow passenger mix and crowd may be a bit more mature, but I'm sure we'll hold our own.
We have loved Princess, with a very good mix on a similar cruise, and not so much enjoyed Carnival, with a very loud, obnoxious and kind of average and mediocre cruise experience last july. I'm very much looking forward to the refined luxury that HAL promises.
As to what's included and what's not, booze, soda and other bar drinks will be extra, food, entertainment, shopping in ports, and, (on HAL only it's at your discretion) tips. My family of 3 spent about 1k on a 7 day cruise, but we really pulled out all the stops and spent to our hearts content, my sister in law got away with a $400 shipboard account, and that included $200 in automatic tips, that will not be (automatically) charged on board HAL ships.
Bring lots of money, if all else fails, I'll sit with you at the poker table!
care to meet onboard ? It would be great fun, and booking so late (last thursday) I've not had a chance to meet many others on these boards.
Royce / Juggledude (yes, I juggle)
