We arrived early for embarkation and there were a great many people already waiting to get on line for registration. As is the case on most cruises some passengers refuse to complete forms until they are on line to register. We completed the online immigration form which we thought would speed the registration process. This was not the case. The HAL people did not seem to know what to do with the information on their computers. Three couples were processed with the paper forms on our right while my HAL agent was still playing with the record. Once processed and heading for boarding we are handed another form with no pens. This required use to go back into the registration room to complete the form. No one at HAL could explain why the form was not included in our ticket package.
When we arrived on board the cabins were not ready and we headed for the Lido for lunch. On the Lido deck we were able to check our carry on bag. After lunch the cabins were ready and we were taken to our cabin.
The cabin was clean and was what we expected from HAL. I should add the bed was great. The best I have had on any ship. The cabin steward was very good. The two problems with the room were the toilet did not flush all the time. It seemed to have a will of its own. Other passengers had the same problem as did many of the public bathrooms. The shower hot water was rare. The front desk could not get the problem fixed. The ship has had and continues to have a plumbing problem which needs to be addressed.