Mary229

Are you trying on the app or on the web? Yes the app is not great, the website is functioning

When you walk up indicate you are checking in for yourself only. Don’t say anything. They will get their fees back and can talk directly with their insurance company. When they don’t show up they will be marked as a no show. Mums the word

The Zaandam has nicer inside cabins. I haven’t been on the Volendam but I am guessing they are nice size also.

Did you get the extra OBC etc…. There are a whole slew of benefits, some are not tied to early booking. Lucky you , such elegant digs. 😉

Here is the rest of the booking benefits. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/cruise-destinations/grand-world-voyage-early-booking-benefits.html

That is what they offer on grand voyages.

Here is the definitive source from HAL The basic formula is very simple: one Cruise Day credit is given for each actual day sailed (each overnight aboard a Holland America Line vessel is considered an actual day sailed). So, for example, a 7-day cruise results in 7 Cruise Day credits. The maximum bonus days is equal to the length of your cruise. For Holland America Line Alaska Cruisetours, a Cruise Day credit is granted for total tour days, including days touring on land. Pre and Post packages are excluded. Cruise Day credits are non-transferable. These credits apply to all guests, including 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom for suite bonus only. In addition, there are two ways to earn bonus days: Suite Bonus Earn double Cruise Day credits when you pay a published fare for a spacious suite or penthouse on your next cruise. For example, a guest who pays published fare for suite accommodations for a 10-day cruise earns 20 Cruise Day credits. Special paid or complimentary upgrades do not qualify. Onboard Spending Bonus Effective with cruises on or after September 18, 2009, one bonus Cruise Day credit will be granted for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases. This is calculated on the combined folio charges for all guests on the booking, regardless of who signs each charge and who pays the bill. Only the first two guests on the booking receive the limit of one bonus day for each day sailed; 3rd and 4th guests on the same booking do not earn the onboard spending bonus.

Definitely airplane mode. You are not close enough to any tower except in port

Chase sapphire, either one. They have good benefits including travel insurance. 2x points for travel and if you book hotels with them you get further discounts. If you book on their site you get 5x points. There are other benefits but the insurance is the real game changer. I haven’t bought insurance in years

For me it is good, I just want certainty. I need to set up new plans by July 15. I am happy to take the consolation package if only I have advanced notice.

That is very good news. Perhaps we will hear something soon

No one knows. It could be either.

I just tried from my iPad safari browser and had no difficulty. Try another browser

Perfect. You will enjoy a pleasant day, there is so much to see. You can catch the train right from the airport straight downtown within walking distance of some sight seeing sites.

She is not a first time cruiser but all of her past experiences have been on family cruises with large groups. And never on a sedate line like HAL. I think she is in for a treat

I know that but it far exceeded my bill and my days. It was almost double and no, I did not have a suite

I think it reflects their focus groups results. HAL really needs to start surveying a different group, a group who want to use technology

What I paid for HIA, not what I paid for my cabin. HIA has a value

I think my upgrade was some sort of HAL credit my sister, also my TA, received and applied to my sailing. It never showed on my invoice. I wasn’t informed of the details but when I arrived I had a an upgrade from inside to Vista.

Maybe it was the HIA I had not considered. I included all of the other expenses. I will have to go back and see what I paid for the HIA and see if that is the difference. Offhand I don’t recall my accounting but at the time I did account and couldn’t figure it out

Yes and as much as the DH would like to be there I would rather wait to the initial rush passes unless there is a nice sitting area. With the Covid protocols they make you stand in line. I am not sure I see the benefit of standing together in line as opposed to sitting comfortably. I guess Covid doesn’t land on people who are standing and miserable. This time I will try for early

I look forward to your reports and joining you July 2 in Montreal

My age has made me a fan of convenience, it is my number one luxury.

Easy is the HAL transfer. Currently the airport is having huge backlogs and waits are tremendous. I was just on their website and they are recommending arriving 4 hours prior to flights. Consider that HAL transfers usually don’t leave the ship until 9 or 9:30, allot 30 minutes to get to the airport. Taxis are pretty pricey by North American standards, expect to pay $75+ for a taxi/Uber. I prefer staying at one of the airport hotels and leaving on the early flights the next day (10-2). In that case you could take the HAL transfer with a tour or do your own driver with a full day tour

More or less everyone enters from one area then the airport spokes out from that central hub. Here is the official map. On the left hand frame click services then scroll to assistance/departures. it will highlight the assistance kiosk https://www.schiphol.nl/en/airport-maps