Susieinph

I booked my Alaska cruise after the 90 days about 10 weeks out and I thought I was getting a great deal but the prices continued to drop until about 10 days out.  Fortunately I had my TA call HAL and was able to arrange a room upgrade for the difference in price. I went from a N-inside to a VH-Balcony, score!  I guess for you it’s up to you how much you want to gamble. There are so many ships going to Alaska now that there seems to be availability right to the end.

We’re headed for our second HAL cruise, this time to Alaska July 28 - August 4. All these comments are making me remember what a great time we had on our last cruise on the Maasdam. We loved happy hour and trivia.  Sorry to our more sedate cruisers, we had a great time on the pub crawl and look forward to the “orange” party.  Our room steward was fantastic! Overall the crew was incredibly friendly and courteous. We’ve tried 4 different cruise lines but I am looking forward to sailing HAL again.

The pub crawl on the Masdamm was super fun! Alcoholic beverages, games and singing songs as you travel between bars.  People stare at you because you are having so much fun!  I hope this activity is offered on my Alaska cruise coming up soon.

Which number do you call for the upsell deals?

I booked my inside guarantee through a big box store.  Will I be on the HAL list for possible upsells? Or do you have to book with them directly to get the offers?  I am anxious to get one because I think my guarantee will be bottom of the barrel or should I say ship! I will ultimately be satisfied with whatever I get because any day on a cruise ship is better than none!

Thanks everyone for your replies!   It sounds like moving rooms is not too big of a deal. I think I will just leave things as they are and pray to the upgrade fairy! Cruising in any room is better than not cruising. 🤗

I’ve booked back to back cruises to Alaska, July 28 - August 11.  We got a fantastic price for a guarantee inside (we figured we could cruise  two weeks for the price of one week in a balcony, and who doesn’t want to be cruising more?) My question is who do I call to let them know that we are back to back, and if we can get the same staterooms? I booked online through a big box store, would I call them? Or HAL? and which number for HAL? Thanks for your help 😊

Is the solarium an adults only pool?

I’m in the same boat literally haha! Our flight leaves Rome at 12:30 and we were also looking at self assist luggage and hoping to get off ship by 7:30 at latest.

Thanks for all replies.

I just paid for an upgrade to a spa oceanview CQ from a porthole G, I got a good price. I understand the benefits in the room but I want to know what benefits you get from the spa, like access to the thermal suite maybe? Does anyone know what I should expect?

I am looking for opinions if the thermal suites are worth it on a smaller ship like the Maasdam? Is there a steam room, sauna, and a hot tub? I can see there are heated lounge chairs. Also in the women's locker room can you have a private shower? Are there robes to wear? One more question are there hairdryers? I like to do my hair before marching through the ship. Thanks for the help.

If so what times?

How about lunchtime?

I've seen that people transfer their bookings to TA other places on the boards. Why would you do that are there advantages to having a TA?

I've only booked through a TA so what are the advantages of booking with the cruise line directly? I have just booked my second cruise so still a real newbie at this.

So I could use the thalassotherapy pool and dry saunas for free? Are robes available in the change rooms? I like to have a shower and dry my hair wrapped in robe before going back to my room.

What exactly is there in the thermal suite besides heated loungers?

I am considering buying a week pass but I need to know if it is worth the money.

Are the change rooms by the solarium used for the spa also?

Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.

I have been searching around but all I can determine is the buffet and MDR. Thanks for your help.

Install the iConcierge app on your phone before you get on the ship. The app is free to use for checking your onboard account, entertainment schedules, info about shops on the ship, specialty dining reservations, etc. You can also see the menus for the entire sailing in the app as soon as you board. Keep in mind that you must install the app before boarding and that you will not be able to see any of this information until you do board.

 

If you're interested in being able to text and talk to others on board, you can pay $7.95 per device once onboard. You shut off your cell capabilities and just leave the wi-fi on. Have a great cruise!

Do you have to buy wifi before you can use it? Am I going to get a bill at the end because I concierge uses wifi? Just trying to figure things out :confused:

Are The MDR menus posted somewhere on the ship? I would like to plan where to eat each day. From the dailies already posted I can see buffet and OSheehans specials are listed. I cruise on SundAy - SO excited!

Do they play relaxing "spa" music in the thermal suite?

What is a posh pass?

Does Obc from the ta show up on my ncl ahead of time or does it show up after the cruise starts? Just wondering because I have $100 coming and I don't know how I will get it.

What are the buy ins for the tournaments?