Mary229

We had an issue earlier this month. It was a massive delay. Even though we had cruise air I recommended we work directly with the airline on the ground. We did, we were accommodated and at no further cost. As I said I buy it for two reasons 1. Price, can you beat AMS to DFW business class for $600? and 2. If the cruise is cancelled. as to once it is booked I manage it myself. I agree with in arriving at least one day early and with the current environment if you can manage 2 days that is better. In many current circumstances you may need an extra day afterwards too

For those that have never sailed HAL and plan to sail the Volendam I would ask “where are you going?” I like the smaller ships but they do come with fewer amenities.

I agree. Vaccinations have always been a requirement for some cruises and other societal/travel activities. It is an easy requirement to administer and comply with.

I agree. The traditional reason to use cruise line airfare is the discount they may have. Many of us recommended cruise air since Covid as the possibility of cruise cancellations was ever present and if the cruise was cancelled then the air would automatically be cancelled and money returned.

I was happy to see that they had some of those cookies in the Exploration Cafe on the Zaandam.

That sale last month had some gems. I picked up a transatlantic for me and the Sis cheap. You are right though usually they are not so great

I think many people were looking at that sale HAL was running for the past few weeks, now ended. When considering brochure rates, not sale prices, I usually find Princess and HAL almost the same and when considering the various packages I usually find Princess slightly cheaper. I always compare my chosen itineraries: HAL, Princess, Celebrity. Adjusting for the inclusions I find the prices more or less equal. I usually pick HAL as I sail longer cruises not offered by the other two

That is true. They can put in a request for a table size but you won’t be able to confirm until onboard. We always request table for 2 and always get it. Also I always have fixed dining and do not have problems rearranging my schedule. I simply tell my wait staff what my plan is for the following day and I am accommodated.

I think the cruise lines will go under if we are going to maintain this ridiculous zero Covid policy. I think they are still capable of a recovery. I don’t necessarily thing the industry model of the past 15 years of mega ships and low cost family vacations can be sustained.

No, only the beverages cost extra

Adding: They also allow you to book air departures and arrivals up to 30 days in advance or proceeding your cruise. And yes, you can change your selections, penalty free, up until final payment

You can bring a sports water bottle, I carry one every time. You know, you really shouldn’t drink over and over again from that cheap plastic, it can cause health issues. I don’t know about others but I get a serious case of throat thrush when i do so. Some say the BHP in them is dangerous

What are you talking about? Maybe I need to clarify, I use trip insurance for the cancellation in case of death or major medical injury. we were talking about cancellation. I have separate medical policies at home and for travel. But no worries, I can handle financially anything that comes my way or I wouldn’t travel

In the US we can have an umbrella policy. Chosen correctly it will cover just about any liability. It is not purchase protection but simply a very large liability policy. @Hlitnerthanks Hank for taking the time to delve into the policies. I agree with the others the best protection is time. Personally I only buy insurance in case of death or serious medical injury, that is my only expectation. I assume I should be financially able to manage my other risks

Never take that as the final word. Last week I sent message that I would pay the price we agreed upon but not that cabin. They said it was the only one, I said look again. In the two minutes lapsed either one became available or there was indeed another one. I think the former is probably true, someone cancelled while I was in conversation. This is a rare event in my experience but it is always worth being pleasantly pushy. 😁

I do believe capacity restrictions are lifted except for the reserve for quarantine cabins. My last sailing was There are always people cancelling, it you want an upsell call a few weeks prior to your sailing. My last sailing was 85% full

I agree, they could even offer an interior cabin across the hall for their exclusive use

I was stopped in New Orleans and my carryon searched. (I am a known traveler). I was told to always keep the coffee on top. I was carrying ground coffee and had packed it along the side of the bag not on top. The agent was quite pleasant and explained it as I described above.

I rarely want an upsell but last cruise I did. I gave my agent the phone number and while she talked to them I texted my response. I not only got an offer I was able to further negotiate a slightly lower price and better position. usually they contact the agent and she contacts me. Rarely do I take an upsell as I usually choose the cabin I want initially and the upsell offers aren’t all that compelling.

It happened on flights with Southwest and American. Each and every time I was offered money but because of family obligations I was unable to accept an offer. I did receive a $100 credit from Southwest for a delayed flight which was more than the flight cost . I think you must have the apps to see the offers

It is within the sauna. The ice shower and shower and the dressing are simply a large open area all in the “sauna”

There is a free sauna. I am not sure about the dressing room but I imagine they are free. Depending on the ship the sauna has a shower and depending on your modesty it has a dressing area too. Funny thing is when I use the sauna I am alone. I tend to use it fairly early in the morning or immediately after dinner when everyone else it at the entertainment venues

Don’t fly on holidays, don’t fly July and August particularly to Europe, go at least one day early and plan to stay one extra day. Try not to fly on Sunday regardless.

I haven’t read any news stories but check their website for recommended times. I also noticed they offer a fast lane pass for very little money. BTW, using Brussels is a good idea. I may consider that next time I go https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/passengers