Xcelsior

The Onward struggled to get its sea legs, but was up to snuff last summer when I sailed her again after a rocky start during her first year. I still prefer the other ships over her though. She just seemed rushed with little details missed and obvious cheap outs (blamed on pandemic supply chain issues) when she was refurbed that have not been addressed since. Regardless, the crew is stellar and the size of the ship and itineraries are great. Entertainment sucks, but nobody sails this line expecting good entertainment. I remain concerned that this line is clinging to life by its fingernails, but I am booked to sail on Onward again regardless.

I know originally you were supposed to get priority for bids based on status, but do we know if they are still doing that?

Yes there absolutely was bidding onboard last year. Did it twice.

But these were bids you made onboard the ship at guest relations, yes?

I thought the other thread was just about booking online and not on board. Didn’t see current reference to the onboard booking. Perhaps I missed.

So did you actually bid Phil, or did they give you a price to upgrade? I have done both ways in the past, but last time I upgraded form a Cat 12 inside to a CC N1 for a very cheap price through the bidding onboard o the first day and I was thrilled.

Agree that they are great! I’m terms of peace and quiet on the pool deck, you’re just in the wrong place if that is what you are seeking. You can hear the blender going from the bar on the other side of the deck constantly all day long. The sun deck is a quiet albeit uncomfortable alternative if you don’t need shade, so since others on here like that area it’s the best of both worlds.

Providing an update on my situation. I was on Standby for Dec 27th sailing. I was told by the agent when I put down my deposit that I would be advised by email 7 days prior to sailing as to whether or not there was a cabin available. There was much confusion between the date I made the payment and today as to whether or not I was waitlisted for a Category N stateroom, or truly on the Standby program. The email confirmation they sent me said Waitlisted for Category N, no amount of money paid showing - just that a deposit was PAID and zero dollars were owing. Yesterday (7 days prior to sailing date) I was told that I would get an email most likely in the morning. Nothing came by end of day. Last night I called and I had a very rude agent tell me that I would be advised "within" 7 days of sailing -- with no deadline as to when one would actually know. Anything up to the day before sailing! The HAL website clearly states "approximately 7 days" prior....yet nobody could give me a clear definition of what "approximate" was. This morning I called again and got an even ruder resolution agent when I requested to speak to a supervisor. She literally shouted at me for 15 minutes --- telling me the agent should never have booked me for this, that it was again "within" 7 days...and when asked why their website stated something completely different she told me that she was "not the website developer" and "what exactly would I like her to do?". All I was seeking was clarification of a deadline that I would be notified as their actions were not in keeping with the spirit of what I was sold or the terms stated on their own website. I demanded it be cancelled and refunded if they could not keep their word as promised. She relented surprsingly. This entire ordeal has left a very bad impression of HAL - a line I haven't sailed on in over 20 years, but used to enjoy very much. Needless to say, I will never even consider sailing with HAL in the future. I will stick with Celebrity and Azamara. They're not perfect, but at least my dollars won't be going towards the salaries of the rudest customer service agents I have ever dealt with at any cruise line. In short --- AVOID THIS PROGRAM. At least for now. It's a total scam. I was never seeking a bargain when I paid this deposit - I called to make a reservation at the advertised rate --- but my luck the last cabin sold out same day I called. I didn't even know about the program - the agent recommended it to me. Never again! I hope this info helps others avoid the frustrations I encountered. The ill-trained and sarcastic resolution agent was literally blaming me for signing up when their agent talked me into it. Totally bizarre.

I must say that waiting to find out if I'm sailing on the 27th is starting to drive me a little bit nuts.

Completely agree. I have seen about 100 production shows too many. I have zero interest in them. Would rather have guest performers and good singers on board in the bars/lounges. Alternatively, give me a good playlist that doesn't not have overplayed wedding songs (Kool & the Gang, the Village people and Abba) on constant repeat. Just give me current TOP 40 songs and I'll be happy.

Interesting. I thought it was odd that two categories of staterooms sold out in a matter of a few hours. But I thought maybe so with it being the NYE cruise and they had really dropped prices on it yesterday.

Not from what they told me today. I am also going solo and they only made me pay the same $49pppd plus the port taxes. It came to $754 for the 11 night cruise and they emailed me confirmation also stating solo occupancy.

Trying this program out for the Dec 27th sailing on Nieuw Statendam. I was considering booking it today as there were cabins avaialble last night - but as of this morning ship is sold out so it's my only option. I have flights booked on points that are refundable, so it makes sense for me. Will see how this goes...have not sailed on HAL since December 2000!

I was on the Edge at Easter - there were things I liked about it and things I didn't like about it. It was a beautiful ship, but I honestly prefer the Millennium class over all others when sailing Celebrity. The Martini bar on the Edge was not as good as the other classes IMHO. I also could never get a seat. it felt like it was sunken down into a basement at the bottom of the atrium as well. The Music Walk sounds great - think I will enjoy that.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. This is very helpful information.

Thank you. Is the current pricing for HIA still $55 per day? Sorry - another question...do you know the price of a spa pass for the entire cruise?

Have just booked Standby for Dec 27th sailing. Has anyone used this new program yet, and could you please share your experience? eg. when were you notified; what type of cabin did you end up getting, etc. Thanks much.

I "may" be sailing on the Nieuw Statendam shortly on the NYE cruise, utilizing the new standby program. I have not sailed on HAL in 23 years! My preferred lines are Celebrity and Azamara. How does HAL, specifically Nieuw Statendam compare to Celebrity these days? I realize this is a forum for HAL fans, but would appreciate honest opinions on the comparison. Also, I am not sure if the Have it All package will be available for me to purchase with the standby fare if I do get onboard, but....at $55 per day it seems almost too good to be true. Do they charge 18% gratuity on top of this I assume? Is the Signature drink package good enough if you like cocktails? eg. Whiskey Sours, martinis etc.

Absolutely not. I don't think the line is going to make it much longer with current sales and all their IT problems. It's such a shame as the onboard experience is excellent. I will not be booking a future cruise onboard my cruise next month and I always book a future cruise onboard. This line is too big a risk right now.

I previously posted that my issues were resolved. Now I find out they haven’t been at all. Back to square one. It’s so frustrating.

Completely agree with you re: Eden - it was phenomenal on the Edge in April. Re: itineraries - if you re-read my post Host Jazzbleau, I didn't say Azamara didn't have small ports on their itineraries, I said it wasn't all small ports and there are lots of ports with the big ships too (on many, many itineraries), including my sailing in January where there was a large ship in port with us every day for 12 nights. I can post several here if I was interested in demonstrating same. As host, I would hope you would be a little less confrontational/defensive in your replies please. Perhaps not intended, but it comes off that way.

You may want to give them a try again. The food and service in the MDR on Celebrity is very good again. They had a problem for a while, but I honestly think it's great.