We're home now, doing laundry and catching up on emails. I thought I'd post a review of my impressions of HAL, the ship and my very first cruise experience.

HAL -- A well-oiled machine. Boarding was smooth and on time. We cleared security and found our cabin. Our bags were already there. I called Information with a few questions. The nice young lady had my answers ready and was calm, polite and efficient. In fact, I had to ask very few questions due to the comprehensive information made readily available at every turn.

The staff were wonderful. Harry in the Lido, Sinta and Teddy in La Fontaine and Ady of the bell staff really stood out. Our room steward Tutag seemed to have psychic abilities -- he anticipated our needs and we had to ask for very little. My knowledge of a few Indonesian phrases was greeted with surprise and delight. I could get very used to being "Madam Aanya". Read more