LarsenPNP

We are recently back from the Koningdam's 18 day circle Hawaii cruise. We paid for the unlimited laundry/dry cleaning and sent a stuffed bag 3-4 times. It was AWESOME. Cabin steward will pick it up before 9AM, and most times the clothes came back that same evening, even though we did not request express service. Shirts, blouses and pants came back on hangers, and things like lingerie or socks were folded and covered by tissue paper in a basket that was delivered and placed in the cabin by the steward. I had no problem with any of the clothing -- we sent socks, undies, chinos, silk blouses, linen tops, you name it. All done beautifully. In fact, if this were my local cleaners, I would be thrilled. Today I am sitting in my house doing my own laundry (boo-hoo) and procrastinating the cleaning I ought to be doing. I miss life on board....

Hi Matthew, First of all, let me say this is a great trip. I was on Eurodam and did the 7-day Seattle to Seattle cruise this past June. Glacier Bay is beautiful! You may not need the passport, but it's a good idea just the same. If for any reason you are unable to return on the cruise ship to Seattle, it makes things easier to get back home. For example, if you needed medical attention and were at a hospital in Canada, you would have an easier time getting home after hospital discharge (sorry, but I'm a healthcare provider, and no one ever expects to be admitted to the hospital. My mind always thinks like this, LOL). I can't comment on the shuttle. We used UBER, and never had a problem -- lots of availability in Seattle. Of course, the only down-side is if you need a ride when there is something going on in the city, you can experience surge pricing. We had this happen on our return to the airport, and the cost was about twice what it had been on arrival. We tend to always fly in a day (or more) earlier than embarkation day. I always plan for the worst on travel days. Recently, air travel is even more precarious given the flight cancellations that have occurred recently. There are two cruise ports in Seattle. Unfortunately, there is nothing to see at the port HAL uses here. All the more reason to fly in earlier so you can see the sites! I hope you have a wonderful trip! Christine

For those who have bought the multi-day spa access recently, do you have to make a timed reservation? I purchased the 14 day thermal spa pass on an 18-day circle Hawaii cruise. I would imagine that most would think as I do and want to use the access on sea days. Interestingly, there was no 18 day option. thanks in advance

The suite benefits are nice. We are only 2 in a cabin, so although space is nice, it doesn't carry as much weight for us. When we are making the decision, we tend to ask ourselves: 1. What is our total budget for this cruise? How are we willing to break-out the expenses? If we put more toward cabin, are we willing to spend less on other expenses, such as air fare to the cruise port, before/after stays, excursions, etc.? 2. Where is the new cabin located? If we have gone to the trouble to pick a veranda cabin in a good location, we wouldn't move to a signature suite in a location which we might not like. In that case, the perks of a suite might lose their luster. So, for us it comes down to money, and as the old real estate adage goes, "location, location, location". And no matter what your decision is, you will have a great trip. It sure is fun to be planning a trip!

And, currently Fidelity has a deal going. If you open an account with $50.00, they will deposit $100.00 into that account at the 90 day mark. You do not need to be a new customer to get this deal. Add that to the math... 🙂

We sailed on Rotterdam in an aft-view Vista Suite in the Caribbean last March. We were in cabin 7194. My husband noted some noise at night, but nothing objectionable. I LOVED this cabin. I often would go out on the balcony at night and it was amazing. I had a Signature Suite in June on Eurodam -- 6103 in Alaska. It was also nice. Mid ship, larger, and it is quieter. This is a Vista ship, and not the Pinnacle class that is Rotterdam I think the aft-view signature suites are those that are on the corners of the ship with a balcony that wraps. You can't go wrong with any of these (and I have both booked for upcoming cruises ;-). I think my husband might give the nod to a mid-ship location, but my heart goes to the aft-view.

Thank you!

Ugh. Looks like I will have to call. What a shame, if they don’t bring it back. It was a really nice way to meet people.

.Thank you for your prompt reply! But to clarify, I am looking for the window that open seating is available on-line. I like to have some early, some late dining times — depending upon my other plans that day. Additionally, we like not having a set table because it has allowed us to meet more people. 🙂 I just can’t remembre how soon before the cruise we were able to do this. I hope to do this on- line, as whenever I have called HAL in the past, there is always a long wait in hold…

When does the window open for reserving dining time in the MDR begin? I’m just under the 120 day window for my cruise, but I don’t see the ability to book on HALs website or in the app. Am I missing something, or is it still too early? Thanks in advance

I have ordered a gallon distilled water twice from room service once on board. In March 2022, it was on Rotterdam, and in June 2022, it was on Eurodam. I was not charged either time. Maybe it went toward the Have It All package and was counted as a drink? 😁

Only you can decide if it's worth it. Be cautious before accepting an upgrade. Look closely at the location of the new cabin. Even though it is a suite, if it's not located with cabins above, below, and beside, you might regret it. What HAL considers an upgrade may not be what YOU would consider a better cabin.