KarefreeKaren

18 hours ago, Kc52 said:

We just completed the 2024 Grand Australia/New Zealand and have booked this one for 2026. It is an amazing itinerary as the ports vary from including culture, history and natural beauty - something for everyone. The HAL ship size is comfortable and able to manuever in and out of ports easily. The "Grand Cruise" extras were wonderful on the cruise we just completed and provided a special experience. With a few different itinerary choices (WW2 islands Conflict/Guadacanal), PG, no Brisbane or Komodo Island), this sold us on the decision. We have been to Australia 8 times before and New Zealand 4 times however, there is always something new to see and enjoy in these beautiful countries. Room choice is limited in the area we prefer so if you are interested, you may want to take a closer look soon. 

Me too!  The 2024 Grand Australia and New Zealand was fantastic—so good that I, too, have signed up for the 2026 voyage—new ports added, and actually glad we will not go back to Komodo. Looking forward to meeting everyone!  

8 hours ago, mawvkysc said:

@KarefreeKaren Do you mean that you go to dinner around 8:15? The first show is at 7:30. 

Yes, that’s what I enjoy doing if I want to see the show.  I’ll head out quickly when the show ends or just before it ends.  

15 hours ago, mawvkysc said:

Suzanne O Davis was the main show tonight. She has a great personality and interesting info and banter between songs. Somehow I just didn’t get into her singing. Maybe it was her arrangements of the songs. 
 

I wish the shows were scheduled so that we could see one before late seating. I’ve seen that done  before. The only entertainment we can enjoy before dinner is 3rd Ave West. After dinner its already late. We’ve never done buffet for dinner on a cruise but maybe it’s worth a try. 

If you change to anytime dining, you would be able to go to the first show and then to dinner.  This is what I prefer to do as the dinner service at that time is very quick…

Just a thought.  Enjoy your cruise!  

11 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

 Here is the language in your policy. I would want very specific clarification. This comes directly from Nationwide Cruise insurance page. My understanding from research (and what an insurance agent told me) is that insurance policies reimburse payments, but a gift certificate is not considered a payment. I would love to be wrong. 

 

 

Found on page 6 here: file:///C:/Users/12485/Downloads/NWC3r16_cert_DefaultFulfillment.pdf

 

When I spoke to my insurance agent, I was using AARP gift certificates in the scenario. Perhaps buying gift cards directly from HAL is different. 

 

I would think it would be matter of getting reimbursement for $450 per $500 card—which you have proof of payment by your own credit card—and the loss would be the $50.  Would like not to have to worry about this as the AARP cards are a nice benefit.  

19 minutes ago, BSR said:

Has anyone used the Big Box TA and had them apply the AARP card towards final payment?

Yes, just did it last week—they were able to input the numbers through automation and a revised amount due invoice was sent that day.  Also, did it about a month ago and all went through.  

2 hours ago, Wayfairers said:

I don’t recall seeing that before.  Hopefully they won’t enforce this and will soon allow the wine package to be used in bars again.  Based upon my experiences when the wine bottle isn’t kept at the bar where you are ordering, they have to go to the bar or MDR that is keeping the bottle and search for it - typically not a short process - bet HAL is trying to prevent that since they are short staffed.  That is why I keep a bottle in every bar.

If you read the fine print at the bottom it says 15% gratuity and it’s effective starting August 2017.  Don’t think this is anything new—it does not appear to be the current policy as recently wine package was delivered to my stateroom and my lounge of choice.  

You should waitlisted as soon as possible.  You can do this on line or by calling the excursion phone number.  I have had pretty good luck with waitlists clearing.  

Same here.  I am still waiting for my FCC as promised in a letter I received while on the ship after contracting Covid while onboard and six days of required isolation.  This goes back to early January 2023.  I asked before I departed in March, and was told it would not be submitted until they closed out the voyage.  Hmmm…..  

48 minutes ago, tuolumne couple said:

..snowy, cold, 22 ° outside, I am ready for another dose..how about you?

Seasons Greetings ole’ aft neighbors from the South Pacific Zuiderdam Adventure!  Oh, how I miss those beautiful days at sea and would give anything to doing that same trip yearly!!!!  Stay warm in your beautiful country and it sounds like we will all be on another dam ship soon! Yes, I’m looking forward to South America Vitamin Sea in January! 

45 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

I've traveled solo and stayed in Athens a number of times. I would suggest you not get too fussed about the number of stars as European ratings are somewhat different than US (stars relate more to onsite amenities than overall luxury of lodgings).

 

I have two favorites. Close to the Plaka, the Acropolis museum and Acropolis entrance is the clean and modern Athens Gate hotel. Almost every room has a view of either the Acropolis or the Temple of Zeus in the other direction. Great rooftop restaurant/bar where breakfasts are held.

 

If you like history and want to splurge, I can also highly recommend the Grande Bretagne hotel which sits on Syntagma Square (near the palace and changing of the guard).  It's a traditional hotel (and I'm sure it must be 4 stars at least) and one where many famous people stayed over the years, including Heinrich Schliemann who lived on the top floor for years while excavating various sites and having his own neoclassical mansion built in Athens....   The GB has a fabulous rooftop bar with a view (not as close as the Athens Gate but equally impressive) where breakfast is held. They also have a great bar off the lobby usually with live music in the evening.

 

 

Thank you so much for your suggestions!  The Athens Gate looks very nice and will book it.  The GB looks beautiful, but don’t think I need to splurge that much!!!!  All the best, Karen

Will be in Athens two nights post cruise.  Looking for centrally located hotel—normally would select the Hilton, but noted it is closed.  Prefer larger property, 4+stars, with nice restaurant and bar area in a safe, quiet location as I travel solo. 

16 minutes ago, exlondoner said:

 

I believe gratuiites for drinks are covered by the package.

Aaah, missed that. Thank you! 

4 minutes ago, bluemarble said:

 

The standard gratuities, now called the "Hotel and Dining Service Charge", are $11.50 per person per night in Britannia accommodations and $13.50 per person per night in Grill Suites.

 

Edit to add: the Hotel and Dining Service Charge is separate from the drinks package price at $69 per person per day.

Thank you.  Yes, I am aware of the per day standard grats,  just wondering if there are gratuities on top of the $69 daily fee (or inclusive).  I know on HAL, the gratuities for drink packages are included in the daily price. Can’t seem to find this answer… many thanks! 

2 hours ago, gentlemancruiser said:

the 'drinks package' are a limited time offer and are factored into the overall price of the suites.    They are also a real pain, you must sign each chit.  If the servers aren't careful the charge ends up on your bill and you have to see the concierge or wait in the queue at the pursers deck.   Had to do that 4 time in 12 nights. 

 

You can purchase the package on Cunard's site.  

Checking out the drink packages on the website, it’s priced at $69 per day.  I cannot find confirming details about the gratuities—included in the $69?  Thank you for your thoughts.  

3 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Expect another year..

Have you heard this from other sources or is it a guesstimate?  

36 minutes ago, Tampa Girl said:

 

I'm not sure of your point, but I also prefer the R class.  However, if we want to take a WC, there is no choice.  It should be noted, however, that the 2023 WC started out with the Zaandam, and it has since been changed to the Zuiderdam.  Who knows - perhaps  if the 2024 doesn't sell enough, they will rescale back to the R class.  That comes under the heading of wishful thinking.  

Only mentioning the reason they are probably selling segments so early on the Grand World is due to the larger ship that has to be filled.   And, now it appears there are many electing to sail on the smaller Volendam on the Grand Voyages.  Either one would be a fantastic voyage!!!! 

Also, the Zuiderdam is a much larger ship that they are now trying to fill for Grand World Voyages—much prefer the smaller Volendam size.  

6 hours ago, lcand1923 said:

If you don’t have time to read “The Path Between The Seas”, get a copy of Anne Vipond’s “Panama Canal by Cruise Ship”.  She gives a good overview of the construction, sites during the transit and things to do in various ports.  Your appreciation of the Canal and what went into its construction makes the Cruise even more exciting.

 

I’m really enjoying the Audible Path Between the Seas version….probably will be listening still as we transit the canal on the Zuiderdam Feb. 13th sailing. 

10 minutes ago, HAL4NOW said:

Grand Voyages & World Cruises | Holland America Line 

I think weeislayman is looking for info on the Volendam Grand Australia/NZ segments.  I have not seen that on line yet so maybe not selling yet? 

23 minutes ago, RBB said:

 

     Actually, I am booked on the Grand Africa in 2022 and 2023.  We won't do both of them, but will hold onto our 2023 reservation until we know the answer to your question.  I have been wondering the same thing since I first heard that 2023 was going to be a repeat (identical except for one additional port) of 2022.  I can tell you that those of us booked on the 2022 have not been notified of any change so far.

Frustrating for sure… just hope things will return to “normal” soon and we can all cruise with confidence! All the best! 

2 minutes ago, RBB said:

 

   It looks to me like this is a substitute for the Grand South America, which has always been the same time as the World.  Volendam has been doing the GSA since Prinsendam was sold & now this cruise is on Volendam in the same time slot.

 

Rick

Yes, that’s what the world cruise desk shared with me.  I’m just surprised that the Oct 2023 Grand Voyage is repeating Africa on the Z—makes me wonder if they are thinking this year’s grand voyage may not be doing A— or maybe there is such a waiting list that they think there is a demand for the following year. Who knows…

9 minutes ago, travelers07 said:

I am all booked!  Wow it is pricey, especially for a single.  But will I ever get the chance to do it again?  Who knows.  The person at the World Desk was wonderful and so helpful.  It was the first reservation on this cruise that he had booked so he had to hunt a bit for all the options but he was great.  He said it was supposed to be posted on the website today but he did not see it yet. 

 

Apparently I made an impression when I booked the World Cruise 2023 because he said he remembered me.  And it was about a couple of my quirky things so I believe he really did.  I am sure travel agents are great too, but I have always had good luck booking direct with HAL and keeping the reservation with them.  Guess I am a bit of a control freak but works for me.  And over the years we have had several offers for paid upgrades which we could respond to quickly.  Took some but not others but at least we had the choice.

 

I am so excited- but 2 years away.  At least I have several other cruises booked- hoping the world gets simpler and safer soon.

 

Sue

 

 

 

 

Hi Sue, 

I’m booked, too! Love the r/t from San Diego.  As a single, totally agree it’s pricey but worth it not to fly those long flights.  Plus, French Polynesia is my all time favorite ports to visit!  May be time to start the roll call! 

Karen

Exciting news— spoke with the world cruise/grand voyages desk.  It is their understanding this will be live on the HAL site this evening and reservations open at 7 AM Pacific time tomorrow.  It’s a great itinerary!  They are calling it: 94-Day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage. 

4 minutes ago, carolyn22 said:

That’s interesting. My TA was able to do a pre-booking for me last week, and I had a reservation number, total dollar amount, a cabin number, and dining confirmation. Then HAL called her yesterday and said that the booking was made in error and that they had to cancel it. They told my TA that no bookings would happen until the cruise opened for booking in early February, and that they weren’t accepting “Futuredam” requests for this sailing. 

 

Sigh.  

Got the same answer from the HAL World/Grand reservations desk… spoke with two different people today.  It’ll be interesting to see the price point compared to the 2023 Grand South America. If it’s as trk_koa indicates…YIKES$$$$$!!!!! 
 

Was lucky enough to board the Symphony December 4th for two weeks.  It was a great experience but actually missed a lot of things that I love on HAL ships—ie. the Dive In:best burger and fries on sea (and maybe land); the large exterior walking decks; the casual atmosphere in the Lido for breakfast and outdoor seating area for breakfast and dinner; the incredible crew!; the casualness on the evenings, if that’s your preference—long pants only after 6 pm on Crystal….looking forward to boarding the Zuiderdam Feb 13th for two months!