blizzardboy

We'll be on the Nieuw Am in November, hopefully with drinks included! Safe travels.

bb

Yes I will keep an eye on Explore4 next month, but it usually increases the price of the cruise, so I'll need to crunch the numbers. Thanks.

Crunching the numbers is appropriate. I've seen HAL add full value of the Explore 4 benefits to the fare on hot ships like the K'dam when first available, or a substantial increase on high demand cruises, but we've made out like bandits on many "routine" Caribbean runs. It doesn't cost us anything to inquire.

I wasn't aware there was a price difference. Are you reading the fine print about adding the gratuity to the package cost? With Explore 4 (should start next month) including the SBP, we haven't been a a cruise in a while without it. If you haven't already paid in full, have your cruise consultant or travel agent give you a price with the the Explore 4 promo when it comes out next month.

If the ship's been through it's refurbishment, free, on demand, with surprisingly current titles.

I suggest using Google Flights to explore options, then call HAL. Having a plan before you talk to HAL makes sense as you'll know if you're getting as good or better flight options and price compared to what's available. You don't have to book through google but I've found it to be a very helpful tool. You can "save" flights and it'll track price movement as well.

Has there ever been a ship's spa that didn't try to up-sell a customer?

Not for us. We did it on the NA in April, and did not enjoy it at all,

What prompted such a broad, condemning statement?

I'm thinking about booking a dinner at Sel de Mer for our Alaska cruise on the Oosterdam in August. Is it worth the extra charge? I'm not a huge seafood fan, but my dad is, so I'm considering booking it as a treat for him. I'd probably wind up with the rack of lamb or the cheese souffle, lol.

The first offering is this week. I'm looking forward to getting some feedback as well.

We're looking forward to trying it (reservations made) on the Nieuw Amsterdam in November. It's ala carte at the real deal aboard the K'dam, so I feel we'll more than get our money's worth on the flat rate pop-up version. After looking at the menu on Hal's site, my wife said she could make a meal out the appetizers alone. We seldom pass specialty dining opportunities. We've enjoyed Le Cirque when available, and are regulars in the PG, Tamarind, and occasionally the Canalleto

About 25 years ago we were on a Carnival Mexican Riviera cruise with our 2 12 year old sons. Our waiter was so friendly, joking with the boys; he became their 'best bud'. At this time tipping was not automatic but there was some system whereby tips were given directly the last evening. I can't remember the details of how it was done.

 

The last morning the Main dining room doors were closed and a crowd gathered outside. We could hear someone shouting words to the effect that 'It doesn't matter what your tips were.' I formed the impression that some kind of mini-strike had started.

 

After a time the doors opened and we went to our assigned table. The change in our waiter was night to day. I guess our tips hadn't been sufficient because he never smiled, never looked at us but served us in a robotic way. It was very uncomfortable and our sons couldn't understand the reason why. It was just so obvious and my husband and I couldn't wait to leave. All that pretend friendliness, joking and laughing had been so fake; it had been all about the tips.

I guess our tips must be memorable as we have been warmly greeted by name on day one on about every cruise.

I believe the Royal Carib OBC for stockholders has more restrictions than CCL program. Some say they don't get the OBC if they already have some kind of promotional discount. or OBC. CCL seems to give it regardless of promotions as long as you are not on an interline or travel agent employee discount fare.

 

A great perk for frequent cruisers especially on sailings of 14+ days where you get an extra $250 OBC from CCL.

 

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=103045&p=irol-shareholderbenefit#2

Royal exempts using Shareholder Benefit on a lot of cruises. They also use a very self-serving classification system to exempt cruises from their big promotions. I felt like I needed a shower after dealing with them. A problem no longer!

The big one is Explore 4. It should start next month after Ready Set Sail expires.

We always booked early so that we got the cabin category that we wanted.

I have noticed that when HAL has promotions like Explore4, the price of our category goes up quite a bit -- to cover the cost of that perk.

I agree with you and Kazu about booking early. As mentioned in my earlier post, booking 6 months out was late compared to our normal habits. As far as prices going up, we book Neptunes so the supply is limited, therefore the price often trends upward during high season and on popular itineraries as you approach sailing. I also have seen prices increase in almost the exact value of the promo perks when a major promo starts. On the other hand, we've added Exp 4 with all it's goodies for a small fraction of the beverage pkg value alone.

In summary, there are a lot of factors that affect pricing and promotions. There are no hard-and-fast rules on pricing other than you can re-fare anytime (more than once if appropriate) before final payment is made. Any perks you have included with your present deal will probably go away, but if you are getting enough of a price drop to compensate for their loss, or are getting enough value-added perks to justify a price increase, re-faring is the thing to do.

Last month we booked a spur-of-the-moment (for us) cruise for November under Ready Set Sail. Shortly after, we received a Private Sale offer which, after taking away all the RSS perks, would have saved less than $100 each. I didn't bother re-faring as next month Explore 4 should happen which for us is usually is worth re-faring to get.

I leave my laptop (fingerprint sign-on) on the desk from day one to disembarkation. The crews are vetted and also know if caught stealing they'll never work on any line again.

My experience is almost the opposite! The steak is usually more cooked than what I ordered. Except for high end steak restaurants where they pretty much always get it right. Then again, I am happier with more-underdone that mor\ve-cooked.

I've eaten in more steakhouses than I can remember, and I still look forward to the PG. We've never had anything but great dinners and service.

The bane of hung-over passengers everywhere, the infamous steel bands are a staple on HAL Caribbean cruises. This tradition must have been started by some Caribbean Temperance movement! They do pipe more modern music around the aft pools, but they don't keep it very loud. In this day and age, many passengers have music on their phones and ear buds plugged in so poolside music isn't as much in demand as in days gone by.

There are plenty of seating options. My bride sleeps in so I usually sit solo at a small table. However, I've found that the same people often eat breakfast at the same time each day, and I've ended up joining, or being joined by other "morning persons" after talking between tables for a couple of mornings. It's not quite as formal or private as dinner tends to be.

I start in the Neptune lounge with a cup of coffee, a pastry, and the world news, then head down to the PG for the sunshine through the big windows, great service, and a superb breakfast.

What is the cost of taking children to the Pinnacle Grill? Is it the same as everyone, $35?

Call Ship Services: 1‐800‐541‐1576.

So are you saying they will most likely come out with an Explore 4 promotion soon?

It usually follows Ready Set Sail -usually mid-July. I will compare fare with Exp 4 to what we have booked at that time. On some cruises (soon to sail) it's basically free, while other cruises it's been almost full price for the added goodies.

They've extended it through June at least the last five years. Explore 4 follows!

I just received a Private Sale mailer and tried to book a cruise in it, but was told that I could not get the Private Sale Price AND the Ready Set Sail Promotion.

 

Anyone have any experience with this?

Not uncommon to not be able to combine deals, but you should compare the two deals. The lower price on the Private Sale with you paying for gratuities or whatever's included in the other deal, may still be less out of pocket than Ready Set Sail. I'm having my PCC compare and waiting to hear. Next up is comparing today's best deal to the price with Explore 4 in a few weeks.

We booked our first aft-wrap Neptune for your cruise and highly recommend the location. I concur with earlier post regarding 5191 and 5190 (been in both) as they have huge verandas. The other place you should go is the bow for the approach to the canal. They will announce it. They have coffee and local pastry (name eludes me) as you approach (it'll be early). You'll want to take advantage of your veranda to watch the locks in action. I would recommend the starboard side suites if available as the tug-trains pulling the ship will be on that side as you enter. I'm basing this on the old locks. I don't know if HAL will start using the new locks which probably cost more.

Warning: The aft-wraps are extremely addictive.

5191 is an aft-wrap SB Neptune. We've stayed in 5191 and 5190. You'll love it. You should have 20-25 of your friends over for cocktails on your veranda.

The other obvious solution is to relax in Lisbon for the day, get a room and some sleep, then head to the airport whenever appropriate.