2LoveBikes

As long as they are not the new more sophisticated electronic ones issued on Konigsdam (etc), you can still get them punched. Always have mine punched on all older HAL ship cruises. I get it punched first thing at the front desk and put it on a wrist coil.

I love the use of lanyards and here are the reasons why. Firstly, mine has a clear plastic sleeve which allows places for 2 cards. One for my ships card and the other for my govt photo ID when I leave the ship. (I know different strokes for different folks)

1) Less likely to lose. A card in your pocket, bathrobe can get misplaced.

2) Less likely to get de-magnetized with your phone or other electronics.

3) It easily slides out to open your room but it stays in without fear of falling out.

4) It is very convenient when getting on and off ship as the bar code reader scans easily without removing the card.

5) On the newer ships like Koningsdam and I believe Carnival Breeze I just tap the reader on my stateroom and it opens. No need to remove card.

I bought my lanyard from Amazon. It is called a top loading ID badge holder and is sold by Specialist ID. They ID holders for 2 or 3 cards.

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It would be nice if they would change the bed sheets between guests. Oh wait... They do that already! :) We enjoy sailing HAL. We enjoy ships that feel like ships. We really enjoy the gracious crew. We enjoy the itineraries. By no means are we HAL cheerleads. We sail HAL mostly but have also enjoyed Princess, Celebrity, and Oceania.

Jim

 

 

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HAL is my favorite cruise line although I too have experienced the unfortunate changes over the years and months. I still enjoy the spacious rooms and even the drawers under the bed. We always completely unpack all of our suitcases and find organized space to put all of our clothes and personal items. The bathrooms also have enough space to put all of our items and the showers are a respectable size without a lot of anxiety. I have experienced limited size rooms (and we usually book balconies, mini/ signature suites) on other cruise lines. The other cruise line with ample space is Carnival. I also enjoy having my stateroom ready when I board and not having to wait at the Lido deck with my carry-ons until 1:00 to 1:30 PM. These perks matter to us and are where we draw the line when choosing who to cruise with. Customer service on HAL is for the most part outstanding from our stateroom stewards to the dining room staff on the Lido and MDR. The food for the most part is very good.

Showtime entertainment from the dancers and singers is hit and miss but the Lincoln Center Stage group, BB King Band and others keep us coming back. In addition we enjoy the interesting ports of call. We really enjoy the Crows Nest and the Greenhouse Thermal Rooms too.

Thank you. I'm told this will be repaired during dry dock in March 2018

Does HAL limit the number of guest for the weekly thermal spa package (steam rooms and thermal beds)? Are the thermal beds and steam rooms and pool usually crowded since the pool is small? Are their changing rooms and showers also?

Finally does any one know if the thermal beds and steam rooms are working?

I was recently on the Eurodam and I sailed on Nov 04 2017 and returned on Nov 26,2017

and the same thermal bed was not working (1 out of 6).

Thanks

Just received emaiL from Holland America yesterday indicating that based on conditions in Tortola the Veendam sailing from Ft. Lauderdale on Jan 31 will go to St. Thomas instead.

Thank you.. Very helpful information.

I believe they do, but the far better place for your research is the HAL board, here:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=171

Thank you very much

I have been recently on the Eurodam and Koningsdam which have USB ports in the

cabins. Does anyone know if the Veendam has USB ports also?

Washing machines -- $2

Dryers -- $1

You can make change at the front desk to get the quarters for the machines.

Thank you. Very helpful information

I was with you 100% until you said Carnival has the best loyalty program. It’s the worst IMHO. I'm Platinum and need another 100 cruise days for Diamond. What I would get for Diamond is:

 

- A small private event with captain (not a big deal), been to one of those on HAL and its just ok. On my first Carnival cruise we got invited to the captain’s dinner and a tour of the bridge, it was very cool.

 

- More free laundry, six bags is enough for a week as Platinum.

 

- One and only one free specialty restaurant ever, yes ever. What a slap in the face, this should be every cruise.

 

- I think there is some cabin upgrade (one time only) and priority reservations which has never come in handy as Platinum.

 

Now Royal has a bad ass loyalty program. HAL you have to live on a ship and the good stuff doesn’t kick in to 4 or 5 stars. I just made three so it’s going to be awhile but hey I’m in the younger 10% demographics of a HAL cruiser so I hopefully have a few more decades to go.

I have to agree with you about Carnival platinum vs. Diamond. Platinum is just as good. Love their "gifts" although some are less valuable than others. We have some that we've had for years and still using and loving. Also love the fact that our rooms are always ready when we board (although this is a norm with HA). Can't say much about RC program except that I like the fact they give you credits for sailing on other ships in their brand. Haven't progressed far enough to experience their "elite" program.

We started sailing with HA in 2015. Prior to that it was Carnival for many years and cruises. I know this posting is about things missed on HA. I would like to celebrate the things we love about HA. We've fallen in love with HA for its mature venues. Below are the things we love or think the best on each line/ship.

Best use of cabin storage: HA

Best mini suite: Crown Princess (only sailed once)

Largest cabins: Carnival

Best food: Carnival

Best desserts: Carnival

Best production shows: Royal Caribbean, Carnival & Princess

Best service and engaging crew: Carnival & HA

Best thermal suites with thalosotherapy pool: HA

Best laundromats: Princess. One on every floor (full size machines, large room, tv inside, many ironing stations. Washing $3. Drying $3. Detergent 1.50). HA has none

Best cabin toiletries: HA

Favorite places on ship: Crows Nest on HA

Best quiet place: Silk Room on HA. (I think they renamed the room). Next to Thai restaurant

Best spiritual experience: HA. Church services every day

Best dancing bands: HA. BB King Blues All Stars

Best Lido buffet layout and seating availability (HA). (Crown Princess has all buffet foods in one area and you always have to search for seats)

Best pizza: Crown Princess

Worse theater: Crown Princess...must get there 1 hour ahead to get a decent seat. After that you have people crawling over you as the aisles are narrow and no breaks. Very uncomfortable theater.

Best and most unique itineraries: HA

Best walking deck: HA usually deck 3 goes all the way around

Most visible crew and officers: Carnival and HA

Most fun and unique activities: Princess

Best loyalty program: Carnival

Best Q and A with captain or officers: HA and Carnival

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Do take a walk around HMC. It's a beautiful island.

Walk to the Stingray Adventure and you can see the stingrays without getting in the water. if you go between tours you can ask the guides questions and they are happy to share knowledge. Or just go at the time of the excursion and you can watch the encounter.

We buy Allianz family policy for the year. It covers anyone who lives with you and any trip you take whether car, train, plane, bus, or cruise. I think they have 3 coverage plans for this insurance option. It is about $450 per year. If you and your family travel a lot it is well worth the peace of mind. Google it on line.

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There are volunteer opportunities right now to help St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

Click on the attached links

https://www.fathom.org/caribbean-effort

https://www.fathom.org/themes/fathom/assets/documents/fathom-spring-sailings-faq-1.pdfhttps://www.fathom.org/themes/fathom/assets/documents/fathom-spring-sailings-faq-1.pdf

We took the tour which included Mountain Top on our Dec 10-17 Eurodam cruise. We enjoyed tour, Mountain Top and the beautiful views of the nearby islands. Yes the store at Mountain Top is very large.

Thank you for your very helpful replies

Will be sailing on the Crown Princess in Januaryw 2018 for first time.

Are there any vanity make-up mirrors in the mini suites other than just bathroom mirrors?

Also are there cosmetic racks in the bathrooms on both sides or just one side in mini-suites.

Thanks for any help.

Thank you all for your very helpful responses

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We are departing on the 👑 Crown Princess on January 12, 2018. First check-in time starts at 12:30 pm and later according to deck number.

Is Princess strict about this check-in time process or are they flexible? If you are in a mini suite will they waive the check-in restriction?

This is my first cruise on Princess Cruises. Holland America does not have staggered boarding and all staterooms seem to be ready at 12 noon or earlier.

The gala (2) nights are the (2nd) night and the next to the last night (6th night).

Great review. My wife and I were on the same cruise and enjoyed it very much. Next time you are on attend one of the Lincoln Center Stage stage performances which varies from classical, movie classics, Latin, Jazz, female composers (including Alicia Keys etc.). They even played a rendition of one of the Star Wars songs). The interesting thing about the musicians is they were young but very talented an whenever they introduced their set for that hour they would give an explanation about the composer, and some of their less known facts and rumors. Reading their bios they enjoyed other types of music including hip-hop.

Not sure about RCL but for sure Holland America has daily Catholic Mass on all ships including Christmas.

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I have found that the daily Catholic Mass in board was truly special gift as passengers and priest can form a spiritual community on board. They offer confessions on request as well.

Yes. I was advised HAL is accepting shareholder request now for sailings departing up to July 2018 as well.

My wife and I are Carnival Diamonds coming up on 50th Carnival cruise in September. We discovered Holland America in 2015 and find that it is our new preferred cruise line. The excellent service and food, no water slides, the crows nest, the BB King Blues club and the unique ship itineraries are just some of the favorites.

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