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Kathyfromstl

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Posts posted by Kathyfromstl

    Does it seem QUIET around here? Have posters quit posting? Or ?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    The answer to your question is that Cruise Critic is owned by a travel agency and has paid advertisers. Therefore we are not allowed to mention other travel agencies or provide links to other sites that contain advertisements. CC is protecting their paid advertisers. :)

    Thank you, I didn't realize that. Is there another way to find these other sites?

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    Does it seem QUIET around here? Have posters quit posting? Or ?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I learned about cruise critic while on my second cruise. When I first started I mainly read posts and learned a lot of helpful information for upcoming cruises as well as how to book them. Once I had a few cruises under my belt I began to post and answer questions based on my experiences. At times I got my hands slapped for my answers and then I backed off of posting. After awhile I went back to posting but was very cautious about how and when to respond as not to offend the dire hard cheerleaders.

     

    Over the course of time I have met some very nice people and have booked cruises intentionally to be with them. I have sailed three times with one member and we have two more booked together. Others I have met and would like to see again. Still others whose opinions I value I would like to meet on a future cruise and that might just happen on next month's cruise.

     

    I am one of those who is not happy with the CC policy about mentioning a website that is a valuable tool and a certain social page that I also use to chat about cruising with HAL. On one of those other groups I often mention CC and a certain web site. Once the latter policy went into effect I did reduce postings and felt uneasy that I couldn't suggest a valuable tool making my CC experience less than desirable.

     

    I continue to use CC on a daily basis. I enjoy the sail away threads and the fleet locations, especially as my next ship is getting closer to picking me up. I will continue to help answer questions based on my experiences and hopefully will review a cruise once again.

    As a new cruiser (next summer to Alaska), I too wish helpful websites could be mentioned. Experienced cruisers mention sites that they use (like tracking prices to see if they come down) but then say they can't give out the name of the website. Why is that? Who is that hurting?

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    New promotion - National Plan a Cruise Month

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Talked to my TA today and she said to me......."your were on my list to call today".......she had already checked into this and had gotten us this promotion (OBC) added to the Explore 4 promotion. :D We really like our TA!

    I like that your TA was going to call you. When I booked with my TA she told me if there was a price drop I could get the better price but I had to be looking for it and contact her. Why don't these TAs with big companies have systems in place to match people with price drops and promotions?

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    Rebooking for Promo

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    My TA didn't need to cancel and rebook, I was just charged $200 (current fare increase) and got Explore4. I thought I might lose my OBC but the Explore4 OBC was just added on top of what I already had. Was a pleasant surprise.

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    Cruise insurance question

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    There are many companies providing travel insurance with a broad spectrum of coverage.

    Many of us have used Insuremytrip.com to compare the various policies from the companies. They have information on many companies posted on their site, and they have telephone representatives who can review the various policies with you.

    Thank you.

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    Cruise insurance question

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    You asked, "What do you do?" Here's my story:

     

    I have always purchased cruise insurance within two weeks from date of booking, to cover not only my own pre-existing medical conditions, but also those of my elderly parents (even if they weren't traveling with me). Sadly, our 91-year-old father died the day my sister and I were scheduled to fly down to San Diego to catch the Oosterdam to Mexico, a few years ago. Because I had the insurance including his pre-existing conditions, I recouped the entire cost of the cruise. (Just fyi, Ii don't use HAL insurance).

    As a first time cruiser with elderly parents I purchased the insurance at the time of booking. I'm not sure if it was through HAL or the TA. Where else would you purchase the insurance?

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    First time on Holland America--any tips?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Hi Hugger -

     

    They offer them on a small plate/tray and when they're gone, they're gone. Unless you're on a Grand Cruise itinerary, and then they seem to replenish them assiduously (that was on the Amsterdam). Check out the Explorer's Lounge early during the dinner process :) We had those "dam good" chocolates on the Oosterdam last October, and as that's the ship the OP (Nebraska cruiser) will be on, I responded.

     

    We'll be on the Westerdam in just a week, and I will be more than happy to do the research for you and report back here:D Wish me luck:D

    I'll be on the Westerdam next summer and would love to know about their chocolates.

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    Downfall to booking cruise & excursions early

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I'm a new cruiser needing guidance. My TA gave us $200 in OBC at booking. HAL chartered my booking so I changed my date and they gave me $250 OBC for this. I was able to get into the Explore 4 Promotion and HAL gave us another $300 OBC. Based on what I've been reading above, the $300 is not refundable if not used. What about the $250 for having to change our cruise date? I assume the original $200 from TA is refundable if not used. I don't expect to have a lot left over as excursions in Alaska look expensive. I assume the HSC will come out of the OBC and then if any minimal amount left over is automatically credited to my credit card. Did I miss anything?

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    50th Anniversary Cruise to Alaska (review)

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Thank you for the wonderful review of your trip. Can I ask a question about your time in BC? Did you need to exchange currency (if so where did you do this)? If you used a credit card, is one better than another for fees, ie. Chase vs Citi? Debit vs credit? Thanks to anyone who has good information.

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

    Live from Westerdam!

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Happy Anniversary!

     

    We'll be on this cruise next year and we have not been on the Westerdam. We also have sailed on the NA plus the Noordam so we're looking forward to your review. We also booked a Signature Suite, #8095 which is mid ship. By any chance are you in the same suite?

    Hi Kalliekae, we are on our first cruise next summer in 8043 down the hall from your room. We are leaving in July 9th. What day is your cruise? I would also like to know if anyone has been in room 8043 and what it's like.

     

    Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

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