FrankieSue

Thank you everybody. For us, the pleasure of being somewhere different is to experience the culture, the people and local food. So we tend to visit food markets and local vendor stalls.  We will check where we can use ATM’s at each port. 

46 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

I guess I should have said I won't use ATMs. I don't want a cash advance either.  I am not a big spender onshore.  My spending money is usually on tours and not souvenirs or food and beverage. 

Th

2 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

That's a good point. I try to have some local currency for incidentals. I hate the USA-centric expectation that everyone everywhere will accept US dollars, especially considering how unwilling US merchants are to even consider foreign currency. But in some places you can use US cash. OP, ask on port of call boards about how much local cash people typically need in your ports and how/where they get it. 

 

 

What about interest rates? A lot of cash advances carry a very low interest rate that compounds daily and adds up quickly. It's many years since I've done a cash advance on a credit card, but I remember that it was hard to pay off because the interest kept accruing while the bill was in the mail and my payment was in the mail. I had to pay more than the amount on the bill in order to get ahead of the creeping interest.

 

Good point about the local port boards. I will check, thank you

I assume that most street vendors would only accept cash payments.

We are looking at the Singapore to Hong Kong itinerary... we would travel in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong.  How do you manage local currencies: when to obtain, how much, etc.... do you figure all that out before leaving home, do you get when in the country, etc... any thoughts or experience would be much appreciated.... 

Thank you everyone for taking the time to share your views.... deck one it is!!

On 5/8/2019 at 8:08 AM, FrankieSue said:

Just returned from a cruise myself and just checked my Mariner account to find out that I was not given double credit for my Vista suite although I had paid full published rate for the cruise.  That combined with wrong info given by an onboard future cruise consultant makes me question how Holland is operating right now

When I called the Mariner Society to have the correction made, the lady I spoke with argued that since I had upgraded from window cabin, I was not allowed the double credits for Vista suite, even if I paid the published rate for that suite... When I insisted, she asked me to hold while she spoke to her supervisor.  When she came back on the line, she confirmed that I would get the double points.  It was in my account the next day.  I could not have done this through email.  Sometimes the old fashion way is the best way! 

On the Westerdam, if you had the choice of an ocean view on the first deck or a fully obstructed view on deck 4, what would you choose?

Thanks

Thanks

52 minutes ago, violet stillwater said:

Just curious what is a reasonable amount of time for the Mariner Society to contact me regarding incorrect information on my account? It has been a couple weeks now since I emailed them.  We aren't leaving right this minute on our next cruise, but would like to get this corrected. ( And yes, I can call. ) Just wondering what response others have had using email to do this. Thanks.

Just returned from a cruise myself and just checked my Mariner account to find out that I was not given double credit for my Vista suite although I had paid full published rate for the cruise.  That combined with wrong info given by an onboard future cruise consultant makes me question how Holland is operating right now

32 minutes ago, crystalspin said:

@drewski1 and his sister @hattax stayed in 1002 and 1004 on our recent Zuiderdam cruise. Maybe one of them will see this and contribute their experience. I would wonder about noise from the mainstage... They can also comment on perceived motion that far forward, as we had a few moderately rough days in the North Sea! 

 

If you Google 'Oosterdam 1007' there are some pics by a passenger floating around. That cabin should have the same layout as 1003.

Thank you so much. I had booked while on board and the future cruise consultant told me that the cabin was a larger than average window cabin, that it was a square cabin and that the bed was not located under the window... all that info now seems to be wrong... i am very disappointed that an onboard future cruise consultant gave me inaccurate info.... as always cruise critic is the best well of info. Thanks for taking the time

Anyone has any info in category F cabin on Westerdam?

Hi everyone,

I am looking at an itinerary on the Westerdam and I am offered cabin F1003... i cannot see anything on that particular cabin.  Anyone has ever stayed in it? Any insight would be much appreciated.

You all make me feel hopeful for an upgrade... if it happens, I will definitely let you know.  🤞

We will hope... fingers crossed that there is time for upgrade. And yes, it very early to be assigned, isn’t it?

Thank you everybody for your replies and comments to my questions about cabin assignment and upgrades. So I thought it would like to share my experience.

First, unfortunately no upgrade. But 21 days out, we were surprised to learn that our cabin was assigned. And, although we had booked through an agency, we received an email directly from Holland America to notify us that our cabin had been assigned. 

Maybe Holland is starting to deal with assignments differently than they did in the past.

Happy sailing, 

Cruise lines work in mysterious ways!😉

Could be....

But these cabins are right up front above the main theatre, I dont think that it is a prime location.

I will look forward to your comments! Have a great cruise!

12 minutes ago, tonyinoc said:

I booked one on the Eurodam for a cruise in May to Alaska. after reading about it and checking up. it no different that a regular Veranda cabin except you get 3 bottles of Vitamin water just 3 no refills and a yoga  mat... not even a discount at the spa your just closer  

But why do they charge more for that category? I dont get it!

Thank you... yes, I thought that it sounded too good to be true... but they charge more for those cabins, I wonder why?

I am curious about the SPA suites (BQ) on the Rotterdam... i read that those cabins have access to exclusive spa trestments. Does it mean that we would receive « no charge » SPA treatments?  Now, that would make the cabin very interesting! Plus I also read that those cabins are larger? Is all of this true?

No, taxis in Tokyo are small and in general cannot accomodate more than 2 people with luggage.