7 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

You booked FF and got E, which is supposedly an upgrade. I understand that it doesn't feel like one. I find it odd that these "partial view" locations aren't a lower category, but they're shown as E.

 

If you booked through a TA, call them to find out what can be done. If you booked directly through HAL, call them. 

 

I just got off the phone with my TA (big box store).  HAL was already closed, so I have to call back tomorrow.  His theory is that, because the original agent checked the "any upgrade" box at her end, HAL felt free to put us in an obstructed cabin.  I asked TA several times at the time of booking to make sure that our guarantee was for an unobstructed oceanview, and she confirmed that it was.  She did not ask us if we would be willing to accept any "upgrade" that might put us in a cabin that obstructed our view.  

I feel like I've been scammed -- not sure if it was by HAL, big box Travel, or both.


 

So if I book an unobstructed oceanview guarantee,  isn't HAL obligated to at least put us in the least expensive unobstructed oceanview?  Do they really have the option of putting us on a higher floor with an obstructed view?  If so, then why are they charging more for the  unobstructed oceanview guarantee, if the "guarantee" isn't worth the paper it's printed on?

2 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

FF is oceanview. E, which is what you got, is a higher letter, which means HAL considers it to be "better." My guess is because it's on a higher deck than the FF oceanviews. I thought only H and HH were sold as obstructed or partially obstructed, but perhaps the partial ocean view designation for your cabin is  because your window isn't on the side of the ship where you would have a direct view of the ocean. I don't know why the other aft-facing cabins near you don't have that little triangle notation.

The photo posted by crystalspin shows quite a bit of obstruction

On ‎3‎/‎3‎/‎2015 at 10:05 AM, CuriousC said:

Has anyone had any experience with the aft cabins on Main Deck of the Amsterdam, specifically #2713? It looks a bit larger than the other OV staterooms and the location seems very convenient (ie, just out the door and up the stairs to the promenade deck).

WE have been assigned to cabin 2713 on our next sailing.  Was wondering what your experience was with that cabin?

3 hours ago, oaktreerb said:

You have been assigned a partial view.  In the HAL deck plans E2713 is designated with a triangle which means partial sea view and an * showing shower only.   I would follow up with my TA or HAL about this assignment if I had actually paid for an unobstructed.  Rooms in the same category on either side of you are not considered obstructed (no triangle on the deck plan).

I  looked at our booking confirmation, and it shows category FF guarantee, which I understood to be unobstructed.  There were also less expensive guarantee cabins for fully obstructed, partially obstructed and porthole, which we chose not to purchase.  I'm not finding where an "FF" is actually defined, other than it was the only category that doesn't describe some type of obstruction.  At the time of booking, the Travel Agent also verbally confirmed that it was unobstructed when I asked her.

3 hours ago, oaktreerb said:

You have been assigned a partial view.  In the HAL deck plans E2713 is designated with a triangle which means partial sea view and an * showing shower only.   I would follow up with my TA or HAL about this assignment if I had actually paid for an unobstructed.  Rooms in the same category on either side of you are not considered obstructed (no triangle on the deck plan).

When I googled Amsterdam 2713, I came up with  cruise line dot com, which shows the little * for shower only, but it doesn't show the sideways triangle signifying a partial view.  I did see that triangle on another site, though.

3 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

2713 is a partial sea view because your window doesn't face the sea directly. The area outside your cabin is a little open deck space. It isn't a "through" walkway, just a little outside area. Most people don't know it's there, so I don't think you'll get a lot of noise from people outside. 

 

I don't know how much of a view you'll have, but it will be a quick walk to get outside.

 

Do you know who has access to that outside area?  Is it for the  crew, or passengers?

3 hours ago, oofroggie said:

Are you on the Amsterdam or the New Amsterdam?  On the Amsterdam cabin # 2713 is a partial sea view as it is on the very tail end of the ship.

The Amsterdam.  I called my travel agent this am, and HAL supposedly told them that it's an unobstructed view.  Looking at the diagram, I don't see how it can be unobstructed.  

We booked our sailing on the HAL Amsterdam about 2 weeks ago, and there were only guarantee cabins available.  We chose an unobstructed oceanview guarantee.  We received our cabin assignment today -- 2713.

What can you tell me about this cabin.  It's on the back end, which we've never had before.  From the diagram, it looks like there may be some type of walkway or something in front of our cabin?

Is this cabin likely to be noisy?  We don't mind walking to the staircase or elevators, but I'm hoping there is a quick way to get to the outside viewing areas from here.

1 hour ago, bartexas said:

We (couple early 40s and mid 50s) leave on our first cruise a week from today. Oosterdam 7 day Alaska RT Seattle. We're big travelers, but first time cruisers. We're trying to give a sincere effort in sampling what cruises offer. Signature Suite, Elite Beverage Package, specialty dining, excursions booked via HAL.

 

We had Rudi's booked, but after looking at sample menus, DH liked the Pinnacle menu better, so we switched (and saved a few $). 

 

Couple questions:

• I know you can order multiple "first courses" in MDR, can you do the same in Pinnacle Grill? For example, a soup and lobster bisque? The menu mentions a $15 supplement for a second main, but doesn't mention first courses.
• Does EBP apply in the Pinnacle Grill?
• On the sample menu, there are only 4 wines listed (one is on the EBP), are there more available in the Pinnacle? Similarly, can I order port with my dessert?
• Is the Pinnacle Bar a full bar?
• On a lighter note, DH is set on Key Lime Pie (it's a point of contention with him and the owner of our favorite local steak house that they took KLP off the menu), do I want chocolate souffle or baked Alaska?

 

We had lunch in the Pinnacle Grill several times last summer on the Amsterdam.  We had a hard time choosing between the crab  cake and the shrimp for our first course, so waiter brought each of us both appetizers.    He did that each time we dined there, and there was no extra charge.

3 hours ago, geocruiser said:

Thank you and every one else for the helpful info.  It has been a while since we have been on HAL, so I have to get reacquainted with the product.

For me it sounds like buying from the min fridge might bet better for me.  Does any one know the price of the water from the mini fridge?

The Quench Beverage Packages would be more that I would spend for what I would drink.  I drink one or two diet cokes per day and the rest is water.

I can't seem to find this info on HAL's web site.  I don't see where to log into Mariners either.  Do I need to have a cruise booked to see all of this?

I don't know how much the cost of water from the mini-fridge is.  Buy for soda, you can buy a $50 soda card for $25.  I think I read somewhere on these boards that the soda runs around $2.75 with the tip.

I just spoke with HAL's Ship Services dept.  He says the only bottled water on the Amsterdam is Evian.  You can bring as much water and/or soda onboard as you want, but you must now carry it onboard and to  your cabin yourself.  No more checking it in with your luggage.

Regarding HAL internet, he says it's satellite based, and not very fast or reliable.  The HAL rep will check further and call me back, but he isn't optimistic that it will work with a VPN/Jetpack.

3 minutes ago, geocruiser said:

Thanks.  There is a discount for 3 stars?

I don't know, as we're only 2 stars.😊

For $288.96 pp, there's also this:
 

14 Day Quench Beverage Package

Enjoy unlimited mocktails, juices, bottled water (sparkling 330ml or still 500ml), Exploration’s Café Beverages and sodas.

1 minute ago, geocruiser said:

Are they the large bottles?  I have been sailing Princess lately, their package is much different.

12 - 1 liter bottles.


 

$48.30 for 12 bottles of Evian, or $2.95 per 1 gal. bottled of distilled water.    There's no  "unlimited bottled water" option listed.

  I can't find any other water shown on their website.  Not a fan of Evian -- just looking for Arrowhead or Crystal Geyser.

We'll be arriving on a Sunday morning.  Will need to check out the DoubleMap app.

Thanks, everyone, for your replies!

7 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

HAL generally assigns guarantees in the last 10 days and often the last 3-4 days.  It is different than in the past, as IMO HAL is "working" the upsell process harder now in order to make a few extra dollars (cannot blame them).  Because of the upsells, they wait as long as possible to assign the guarantees (at least this is how I  THINK it works).

The only cabins showing as available are inside guarantees and unobstructed outside guarantees.  Not sure what they have to gain by waiting, unless they expect last minute cancellations.  Do they ever let people switch over to another HAL cruise at the last minute, if they have a lot of vacancies?   Thinking wistfully of the 21 day Alaska Maasdam sailing.

On ‎5‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 3:58 PM, Vineyard View said:

We are looking at booking a trip next year and there is the option of taking a GTY vs choosing our room. I have always chosen our rooms for location preferences. 

I am curious - is the main incentive of booking GTY for possible upgrades?  

We booked our 6/3/19 sailing last  week, and the only thing left was various types of guarantee (outside - fully obstructed, or partially obstructed, or porthole, or unobstructed-- unobstructed oceanview was the most expensive.  Apparently this ship doesn't have regular balcony cabins, and all the suites were sold out.

20 minutes ago, Glaciers said:

There's a stop in front of the Marriott Waterfront.

 

Does the waterfront shuttle allow luggage?  I know it's kind of awkward on the lightrail, if the train is already crowded.

18 minutes ago, Glaciers said:

There's a stop in front of the Marriott Waterfront.

 

Perfect!

6 hours ago, Gardyloo said:

From Westlake it's level until you get to the cliff above the waterfront, then, um, down.  There are a couple of elevators if you know where to look (through the Pike market parking garage is the easiest) or else a skybridge from Western Avenue at the north end of Pike Place over to the Bell Street terminal, then down and back across the street.

 

MUCH easier is to get off at the International District light rail station near Uwajimaya and take the free waterfront shuttle bus.  

Is the Pier 66 stop on the waterfront shuttle the closest to the Marriott Waterfront?

Thanks to everyone who took time to reply!

Thanks to everyone that replied.  I remember the elevator at Pike's Place now that you mention it.  Not sure how easy it would be to pull our luggage thru Pikes Market.  Sounds like the Uwajimaya stop and the waterfront shuttle may be a better idea, if they allow luggage.

We usually schlep a case onboard too, but I read somewhere that you can't check it anymore.  On our last 7 day, we went thru 72 bottles of water!

3 hours ago, zelker said:

 

If you are Three Star Mariner or more, you are eligible for a discount on bottled water purchased through your minibar or at the Explorations Café.  You can also buy a bottled water package online or when you board (log into your reservation, then go to Cruise Activities, then Beverages and you'll see it)  For sure they carry Evian.

 

As for the internet, I'd call ship's services to ask specifics about accessing your VPN.

 

We're on the 14 night at the end of July - 3rd time for this itinerary and second on Amsterdam.  You'll love it!

 

Not looking for "fancy" water, just something like Arrowhead or Crystal Geyser.  This will be our 3rd cruise on HAL -- each one 14 days.  Not sure how many, if any, stars that gives us.