blizzardboy

They keep track of the number of play sessions, duration of sessions, and average wager to determine discounts/comps.

Last summer I was taken to task and my intelligence questioned in a thread that wondered why Hal didn't have summer Caribbean cruises when I listed hurricanes and other strong, seasonal storms as a consideration. I just looked at the weather-sat videos, and the gulf is all shades of red and orange again, that RC ship may still be at sea after Harvey, and Irma is going to wreak havoc on the Eastern Caribbean and more. There's no last laughs in this one...but maybe a "told you so".

Sorry - CC said first reply didn't take.

The ship's water purification exceeds most if not all municipal systems.

Hi Everyone! I have seen some discussion back and forth on whether with the drink packages (by itself or with the Explorer4 deal) that the top value went from $8 a drink to $9 a drink. This is not accurate. I checked with my PCC and then also called the Onboard Package services number and they confirmed that more recently it went from $7 to $8 but it has NOT increased to $9. I just wanted people to be aware so you have the right expectations on the ship.

 

Cheers!

"Signature Beverage Package has a daily limit of 15 beverages, which includes all beverages priced at US$9.00 or lower. Guests must order beverages one at a time and must be 21 years or older for alcoholic beverages. Sharing is not permitted. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the package if misused and refuse service for any reason, including service of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated guests. Package excludes purchases made in Signature Shops, Mini Bar and In Room Dining, or beverages on Half Moon Cay."

Here's a link to the "Suites and Staterooms" page on the HAL site where you can check amenities for your suite:

https://www.hollandamerica.com/pageByName/Resp.action?requestPage=ships_suites_staterooms&showHeader=true&showFooter=true

Warning: Suites are addictive.

bb

I'm getting close to time to renew my passport and I'm considering ordering the additional Passport Card. I've never had one before so I'd like to hear what others experiences are with this and what advantages it would provide. Thanks for your thoughts. m--

They are easy to carry in port as ID, but if you have to be medivac'd or fly home for some reason, you have to have a "real" passport.

I assume you're going to the Caribbean or somewhere warm. There's a whole different demographic (up to a third kids) on a Christmas cruise, and HAL plans accordingly with activities for kids of all ages. That being said, with kids 18-21, they are adults, will expect to be treated as such, and will find their own way. They will explore the ship, ports, and enjoy the beaches. I would agree that you want to be on Vista class ships or larger, but I've been in your shoes and our kids the same age had a blast. No matter what ship or line, prepare them for being "unplugged". They have never experienced internet as slow or as expensive as onboard ship. They probably have music on their phones, but prep them for lack of streaming service so they can download in advance if needed.

I posted this on the "dummies" board, but received no answer so I thought I would try it here

 

I am so excited to be on this board! Thanks for all the info. We will be going on our first cruise ever to Alaska in 2018. We got the explor 4 deal included, but we don't drink. In addition, we have 2 cabins booked, and each one will have an adult and a teen. So, how do we get the most out of the signature beverage package? What will they do about the fact that 2 of the 4 of us are under 21?

 

Thanks

 

Forgot to mention, we did this through Costco. I think they messed up. because we got the package included for no extra cost. Checked HAL and the rooms were more expensive. Now when I go back on Costco, they are more expensive as well. I think they forgot to mark them up the day I booked!!

we are wanting to travel over Christmas with our two young adult children ,ages 18 & 19. We are concerned that they will not have any peers to " hang out" with . After reading the reviews it seems HA is geared to older adults and does not have music by the pools Ect.

Any experience seeing younger folks on these ships or should we search elsewhere?

I was asking about smoke from the designated smoking area, I believe it's on the port side. Hopefully nobody will be smoking on their balconies anymore.

Every time I wander around HAL website just to view and price things, I get a phone call and/or an email from HAL.

 

It appears that they are aggressive in trying to books ships.

 

I keep telling them to offer solo pricing and rooms more otherwise stop bothering me.

 

Be warned they will bother you and don't get me started on the many mailings they send in the mail.

Shame they can't price better for solo travellers but continue to spend money on advertising and contacting you each and every time you access the website.

I'm not sure if you're talking from the stacks or from the Lido deck smoking area. In either case you shouldn't have a problem. We've been in the corner suites on decks 5 and 7 repeatedly and never had an issue.

We had this happen once years ago. Flew to L.A from Indy to overnight with my brother before flying to Mexico for a week and our bags didn't show. For 5 days in Mexico, Continental repeatedly promised they'd be there before I finally quit calling them for fear the bags would show after we flew back to L.A. When we arrived in LA, they were sitting in a cage next to the Baggage office where they'd been since the day after we left according to their log. They never saw us on their flights again.

Hi all We are big Celebrity and RCCL cruisers who have decided it's time for something different. We are currently booked on the 11/25 Nieuw Amsterdam for a seven day cruise, Just wondering what amenities are given in the bathrooms We are in a veranda on deck 8. Thx

Verandah

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 228-420 sq. ft. including verandah.

Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. All information is subject to change.

Verandah Stateroom Amenities include:

• Our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
  
• Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
  
• 100% Egyptian cotton towels
  
• Premium massage showerhead
  
• 5X magnifying make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
  
• Room safe
  
• Mini fridge
  
• Fragrant soap, lotion, shampoo from Elemis Aromapure
  
• Complimentary fresh fruit on request
  
• Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
  
• Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
  
• Corner bar unit
  

We are leaving Seattle on the Eurodam next week and I have a bunch of questions! Thanks in advance for your help. :D

 

First of all...what are the minimum bets allowed on Blackjack tables in the casino?

 

Are there many video poker machines?

 

Thanks!!

Call Ships' Services at 1‐800‐541‐1576. They may be open today.

Hi Denise, We've been getting a 20% casino club discount for our VB balcony staterooms. Just wondering if you guys are in a neptune suite to get your 30-35% casino club discount.

We are Neptune Suite customers and our discount is in IndyDenise's range. It may be the special Hoosier casino discount. Indiana people are desirable customers!

I am glad I looked now for a hotel....so many are full in late March! It wasn't cheap but whatever....Im in Plantation and can get a shuttle to ship and hopefully from airport to hotel. Thanks all for ideas.

:)

I never fill out the surveys, but I write a "real" letter after each cruise, first complimenting those of the crew who were outstanding, then listing any complaints that need attention. I send it to Ashford's office which probably hands it to Guest Relations, but I've never failed to receive a written reply. If the written complaints have warranted it, we have received substantial future cruise credit. I've never been short of compliments, but I save dealing with more serious problems after I get home to avoid affecting our cruise zen.

We often stay in Plantation FL., which is 7-8 miles west. There are Marriott properties under $200 (others too I'm sure). Shuttle or cab under $30. Good shopping and restaurants as well.

I've looked at some photos of the category H cabins on deck 4 of the Nieuw Amsterdam. The windows look like full length doors that you would find in a balcony cabin but I'm wondering if they actually open to let in fresh air.

Windows open to let in fresh air would be on the "No No" list right next to blocking your veranda door open. It disrupts the A/C for more than just your cabin as they have zone air handlers of some sort. The humidity also affects the other cabins.

The consensus was that for approx $10/day, you could upgrade it onboard at most of the bars.

Greetings -

 

Planning on Eastern Carib sailing and just was curious if anyone has used another shore excursion company other than HAL.

 

St. Thomas, San Juan and Nassau

We spend some time in San Juan. You should do the Bacardi Museum/tasting tour, which you can book direct on the Bacardi website. If you need the name and number of a reliable driver, I can provide it (unless you're on the Nov 11 NA sailing - he'll be busy). Cabs are reliable and fares reasonable. I can recommend restaurants too.

bb

What I noticed about this version of Explore 4 was the total exclusion of the Fall-Winter 2017-18 Caribbean season. In past years we've picked up Exp 4 in August for our upcoming Caribbean cruises at very fair prices. Business must be good as the first Exp 4 eligible Caribbean sailing is October, 2018.