yerdua

What was the source of the beverage card that you did not receive unused funds? I've had beverage cards gifted from HAL that were non refundable (received as a good will gesture for post final payment drop in cruise fare). If you purchase your beverage card personally, I believe unused funds are refunded.

I'm no expert, but if you were planning on upgrading your cabin through club orange anyway, couldn't you book a non accessible VH and upgrade to an accessible veranda in the higher category?

We were on the Sky for its inaugural TA back in 2019. Though not as large as some ships out there (approx 3500 to 3600 pax) it is considerably larger than the NA. Also, it's VERY noisy. We walked out of one of.their restaurants that opened onto their atrium a couple of the decks below because we couldn't hear each other or order. My other issue was there was next to nowhere to quietly sit and watch the ocean go by. Never again going on a ship larger than HALs pinnacle class (and preferably smaller). One other consideration.. if you want a loveseat in your cabin don't book anything below a deluxe veranda. You'll only get a single desk chair.

It's that combo of salty and sweet that's so delicious! Think of a Reeses peanut butter/chocolate cup.

Yes. I've ordered PG cocktails in the MDR. My waiter said as long as its in the computer they can make it.

I was on the NS in May and had open seating. The only reservation times available to book on the navigator app were.5:00 and 5:15. I don't know if you went to the MDR on embarcation if they would be willing to do another time.

We were not charged for a milkshake from Gelato on the NS this past May. So, maybe yes, maybe no.

Thr water that's included is in the pop top cans only. HIA will be printed pn the upper corner of your key card. You need to keep track of your drink count yourself. If you order a drink priced higher than the $11 limit you will be charged the difference plus the 18% gratuity on that difference. Below $11, the gratuity is included in the package.

Does anyone have recent photos of any of the Vista Suites on the Volendam? I've checked Halfacts and they all seem to be from 2014-15. Also, when was its last dry dock? Thanks.

I can't find the mariners cocktail listed on any of the bar menus. Can you tell me what's in it? And is it available from all the bars?

Were you able to send and receive texts with the premium service? I hate being limited to Facebook messenger to keep in contact with family and our dog sitter.

I just do screenshots of the boarding passes. That way I don't have to rely on having access to internet to access them. Plus I print them out. I know. Overkill!

Could this have something to do with the implementation of starlink?

You can use it all on one. Whatever is left over can be used on another excursion.

Have you used the record locator from the flight ease reservation to go onto the airlines website and look up your info?

Don't forget to factor in the 18% automatic gratuity on every drink, coffee, soda and canned water, plus the same 18% added to specialty dining that will be incurred without HIA (which includes the 18%).

Just fyi, there may be a black out period of a few days where you can't buy the beverage cards on line just before embarkation. Not positive but I know specialty restaurant on line reservations cannot be make close to sailing. My point is, don't wait till the last-minute if you want to go the beverage card route.

Beverage cards may not be available for sale on board (not sure), but they are definitely available for purchase on line prior to boarding, though there may be a black out period of a few days immediately prior to embarkation.

Convenience and a drink limit work around only. No cash savings.

I don't know if you can still buy them on board, but I do know you can buy them on line prior to the cruise.

Why don't you just buy a beverage card to use for the less pricey drinks if you think you might go over your 15 drink limit? Coffee, water soda go on the beverage card. Any money left over gets refunded to your cc

Umm, would you care to expand your statement here? I have no idea what you're referring to with "deal or no deal". And, whatever it is, how is it a rip off?

If you think you'll be approaching the 15 drink max with expensive drinks, you may want to buy a beverage card for the inexpensive ones. All drinks that go through your cruise card (your room card) will automatically be charged to your beverage package. You cannot say 'I want to pay for this one seperately'. Better to pull out a prepaid beverage card for those. Any money left on it at the end of the cruise will be refunded to you. There is no self serve laundry on HAL. But they have an excellent laundry service. You can purchase unlimited laundry that includes everyone in the cabin for $7/day, or send out a cloth bag (HAL provides) stuffed with clothes for $20. The bags look small but you can fit a lot of clothes in there! They generally are returned within 24 hours, pressed and either on hangers or nicely folded. I wouldn't recommend sending anything delicate or that may shrink (ie, wool sweaters).

There are no more pop up rudi's, from what I understand. They were eliminated last november.

On zuiderdam PC cruise last november with HIA including crew appreciation for 14 days, in a veranda. Got credited 14 cruise days and 14 spending days. my understanding is that you cannot earn more spending days than the number of cruise days, so we maxed out. It showed on our statement each day as Marketing Promo $0.00. We were only charged for the difference in drinks over $11 plus tip, purchases in the shops (had to use up non refundable obc) and specialty dining over the HIA allowance. So sad because we are cruising in may with HIA plus crew appreciation and it will leave us 1 day shy of 3 star for our Sept cruise. I know... We're relatively new at this.