Random thoughts on HAL 28-day Taiwan, Philippines & Japan Collector cruise

The best overall cruise experience we have had in a long time. The food and service were amazing. Largely Filipino crew were attentive and always friendly and smiling. Desserts were a bit lacking. There was always a fruit crisp at lunch and dinner and those were always a safe bet. It was kind of a running joke that the waiters can’t pronounce crisps. It came out crips. So, with our favorite waiters we always asked for the flavor of the day “crips”. They would always smile or laugh. Having dragon fruit every morning was a highlight for me. Sushi was always available on the buffet which was a highlight for Greg.

We met interesting people at evening meals and on our tours. Most were well-traveled, and we had great conversations. (we did open seating) We met 2 single ladies that travel together that were on the 2023 world cruise on Princess. This was only our 3^rd one on HAL, so we were glad it was a good experience.

Despite the crap weather it was a great onboard experience. We understand that the chef can make all the difference from cruise to cruise and food is very subjective in what people like. I’d be hard pressed to think that just about anyone could find something that would suit them as there was so much variety.

The shows were good. (though due to being run in 14-day segments there was a lot of repetition) Not as big an issue for us but for those that got on in Jan, I’m sure they didn’t go to many shows.

They still leave chocolates for turndown though only on “Dressy” nights. We appreciated the casual dress code. 

Our stateroom guy from Bali was one of the best we have ever had. He was friendly and accommodating (we never needed anything special, but he did find us more hangers and had to give some back) He did keep the mini fridge stocked with my Diet Cokes. (same price as anywhere else on the ship) He made towel animals every night. (though often we had no idea what they were) He left us key chains from Bali on the last night. He had a few more weeks left before he could go home to see his wife and kids.

HAL normally gives out a Delft coaster, but we got a note saying they were out and gave us a voucher to redeem on a future cruise. I didn’t think they gave them out anymore, so I figured the rwo I have would remain lonely. (and they did)

Excellent lecturer that did port talks and general lectures on Japan, Philippines and Taiwan. Port talks were geared to the independent traveler with current information. (Google maps of the area and info on the public transit and local transportation cards) vs holding up a 20 year old photo of when she was last there and had no current information on transportation. If he didn’t know an answer he said to visit during his hours and he would research and get the answer.

Bingo with no hokey production, just Bingo.

I’d be nitpicking to find fault with things on the cruise. Have this cruise almost a month later for blossoms. There, I nitpicked.

For those visiting a few places in Japan, the I/C card is a must. It was easy to tap and go and top off when you needed to add money. They can be used in 7/11’s, vending machines and quite a few other places that display the sign. The trains and buses were a great way to get around. When we didn’t have guides to lead us we used Google Maps, and it tells you what line to use and where to get it.

For those visiting Japan for the first time, I’d advise getting to know their customs and culture. Tipping is not a thing there. Not at restaurants, bars, taxis, bell hops etc. The exception is tour guides. Though they did accept cash being handed to them, it is preferable to put it in an envelope and present it with both hands discreetly. Business cards are given or accepted with both hands.

The Japanese are very proud people, and they take their jobs seriously. Just buying a small souvenir in a shop the person takes your money from the tray you laid it on and then package it carefully. Folding it over and over slowly and taping it and then oftentimes putting that in yet another bag. They are paid well, and tipping is almost an insult.

We loved all the ports. The Collector cruises often include a lot of ports that don’t often get ships so that was a treat. (especially in Japan) Japan is a diverse country from the islands in the south to the mountains in the north. It deserves a land trip to do it properly. Loved the castles, war memorials, nature, finding the occasional fruit tree in bloom, and eating the food in the different regions, from taco rice, tempura, sushi, noodles and everything in between. Trying Kobe beef was a great opportunity. Mt Fuji at Kawaguchiko was an awesome experience. (in spring would have been better for blossoms and blooming flowers. The Snow Monkeys were a highlight for sure. The hike to get there was worth it.

We loved Taiwan and the various blossoms that we had the good timing to be able to see them. We really enjoyed Jiufen and its picturesque tea houses and winding streets.  Shifen was memorable for releasing our Sky Lantern in the middle of the train tracks, and the nature of Shifen Waterfall. We found it interesting that the wishes written on the lanterns were so different for younger people vs older people. Younger people wanted success with careers and marriage and families. While we older people wished for good health, long life, more travel, long friendships and just happiness.  The Geo Park would have been awesome without the rain.

It was nice to finally get to the Philippines and we enjoyed the 2 ports that we had there. (our 104^th country together and Greg has been to 106) Would be nice to spend more time there in better weather. Actually, the whole trip should have been done in better weather. LOL

It is our nature to find something great everywhere we go. We don’t travel to make judgements or compare how much better one place is from another. Like the guide that thought we should choose liking the temple or the gardens better. We appreciate them both and depending on the temple or the garden the opinion could change.

Considering the number of guides we used, only 3 were less than adequate. We noticed (and could just be coincidence) that the younger guides that did it for a living were better. They were more adaptive and didn’t feel the need to read from a script. The older ones we had were doing it as second careers and really didn’t lead a group as much as run ahead and let you catch up and then stand and lecture and then want to leave without seeing what you came to see or just walk quickly by it.

We were very fortunate with our tour mates as they were all very nice, easy-going, go-with-the-flow kind of people, showed up on time and understood how much work can go into putting these tours together. They tried to insist we take the front seats, but honestly, we are happy in the back and we let the people with longer legs have the seats with the most room. (only 1 couple created some issues with tours so that is pretty good odds)

Now to do a few things to finish up the Viking Paris to the Swiss Alps river cruise in July with pre time in Paris and post time at the Matterhorn. We’ll fly to Poland for a land tour there with another company.

Til next trip……