PROCRUISE

Bruno I extend my sincere sympathy. The love and continual care that you gave to your Dad is something that many of my current Hospice patients do not receive. You will probably never fully realize what that meant for your Dad - Bless You. Yes, you will cruise again sometime, and your Dad's love for you will be right there with you.

Typical ENTITLEMENT!

That type of "Service Dog" harness is easily purchased on line!!

We flew Singapore Airlines, round trip, out of NY. Fantastic service, food, comfort even in economy class.

Also completely agree. Took the Viking, Grand European River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Absolutely fabulous! Another aspect I really liked was having two different tour groups at each stop. One, for those in good health like myself, who can hike right along and see more, and a very thoughtful idea of a group for those with less ability to ambulate who simply needed much for time.

Have cruised with: CCL, X, HAL, RCCL, Norwegian, Princess, Viking and Windstar. Will pretty much stick with HAL now due to fair pricing, longer itineraries, good food and usually outstanding crew/staff members. I also prefer the Pinnacle class vessels where Orange Club is worth the cost.

The tour operator did contact the ship and NCL offices. The captain, of his STILL ANCHORED ship, refused to allow them to board.

Actually, the thing that had me book again with HAL for 12/24 and 3/25 was price! I'm elite with X but their prices have gone "out the window." So, rebooked on the Statendam and Rotterdam and particularly like the Orange Club dining area. One huge disappointment will be the lack of Lincoln Center. I was one of MANY to let HAL know I was displeased when they announced this, to no avail.

Sorry about the wrong ship name. Very sad situation.

Texted information from friends aboard the ship which was just announced and that the ship will be delayed in leaving Half Moon Cay.

Have two friends currently on the Nieuw Amsterdam which experienced an explosive accident aboard the ship this morning. Two crew members were killed. Very tragic information.

BIG mistake MSC!!

And boy do we miss Lincoln Center. Can now find more classical music on X than HAL.

Have stayed at the Crowne Plaza Airport/Cruise Port many times. Located directly across the street from the cruise port entrance and they have a shuttle to the ship, for a fee (we use Uber). Free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Not much around the hotel but the food in the hotel has always been good and nice pool also.

I booked with the perks and as a refundable deposit.

Just saw the $1 deposit, one day offer, at the last minute. Called my HAL cruise planner and caught her just as she was getting ready to leave. Booked March 2025 Sydney to Auckland balcony cabin of my choice with all perks available except paid gratuity but, $400 OBC to help cover it. Splurged and put down $25 refundable deposit. Thanks HAL.

Not completely done with Celebrity but I will now be traveling solo. So, when FIVE of the cruising website individuals, who all have a huge following, all address this X issue, it is worth paying attention to for future cruises.I checked it out for a December 2024 cruise. As an Elite passenger with X, I booked with HAL after looking at the ridiculous cost with X.

It is interesting that today (1/6/24) three of the major cruise information websites all talked about what Celebrity is doing to solo cruisers with ridiculous added on fare fees. At the same time, other cruise lines are noting the increased number of individuals who now must, or are making the choice, to cruise solo and making it more financially possible and with more solo cabins. I must now cruise alone. I was going to book a 12/24 cruise with X until I saw the solo prices. I just booked with HAL who treats solo passengers correctly.

There was a VERY large outpouring of displeasure on CC when HAL announced no more Lincoln Center, which fell on deaf ears at the HAL administrative towers.

The poor children could have done better at my small towns Santa House! Live music each night, plenty of time with Santa, picture for $5, small gift plus stocking filled with candy!!

I usually book cruises as much as a year in advance. This way I can usually select a cabin I'm happy with and decide whether to pay for perks or not. I have a cruise in March 2024 that I'm interested in and I know final payment date for this cruise is 12/24/23. I'm interested in experiences that others have had, both pro and con, with waiting until just right after final payment date has pasted and then booking that cruise. Naturally I have to assume that cabin choice may not be as great but are there other advantages, or not, that others have experienced? Cruise Critic always seems to be great place to get answers.

Previously booked balcony cabin, deck 8, slightly aft, for 2/22/24 9 day cruise. Total including paid gratuities, WiFi and drink page is $5110 double occupancy. Today (10/4/23) if I tried to book this cruise, I'd have to take a forward balcony cabin, deck 6, with only WiFi and drink page and the cost is $6565 double occupancy. Switching to HAL for additional cruises in 2024.

Have found CO most worth the price for the three pinnacle class ships due to the separate dining area. Excellent service, usually no wait to be seated ever. Priority boarding is nice but even though it says there is a special event for CO passengers, there isn't - the orange night get together includes the whole ship and isn't worth the crowds. HAL uses it to sell orange clothing another "stuff." Actually the OC tote bag isn't bad either.

Elite with Celebrity, soon to be 4 star with Holland America, I'd try Celebrity and would certainly then try Holland America. For me, the only real difference is atmosphere. Celebrity is a little "livelier" and HAL is a little more quiet. That being said, HAL is trying to gather more younger passengers (like yourself) on their pinnacle class ships with Music Walk. Really enjoyed this on the Rotterdam and Statendam and like Club Orange private dining.

Also booked 10/24 and 12/24 cruises with HAL last July of this year. Both have paid gratuities! That being said, I have to agree that stating now (October) all cruise lines will follow suit and drop paid gratuities from AL. Had to burst out laughing when the CEO and commentator both announced that all anyone needs is WiFi and a drink package! LOL