Haljo1935

Having Elite Bev, Premium I'net and Gratuities, you have the best HIA (have it all) package - congrats! As others have said, you should really look at booking specialty dining and excursions that really interest you as soon as possible as they do fill up. Enjoy your cruise!!

My experience aligns with Florida Gal - gratuities are more often not included except for early booking bonus. Very clearly outlined on the page when booking and on the invoice after booked. Welcome to HAL to your friend!

Eurodam 3 weeks ago, the temperature was fine for wearing sandals and regular clothes on the ship. Only time we had need to bundle up was when hanging out on the decks.

Typically $50. If you decide after using it that you'd like a weekly pass, they will usually let you upgrade and pay just the difference.

Looks like it has a camera in it.

We were on Eurodam April 29 - May 6, deck 6. 1) That Starboard glass midship elevator did not work that full week, either. Hmmm... 2) We were in 6056. Cabin was spared the sewer smell, but it was very strong at the midship elevators from day 1, got stronger and creeped up the hall as the week progressed. We use the forward elevators. Being a couple weeks since we disembarked, I hope that odor she experienced was a new one, not the same untreated one. Either way, ugh.

@BlerkOne where is this bench located? Trying to match up to the deckplan to identify some of mystery "blobs." Thanks!

@MisterMatthew yes those are actual Park Rangers that come onboard for the day. Usually HAL also brings on photographers from Alaska Geographic (think National Geographic but focused on Alaska). They are brought out to the ship/taken away by a Pilot Boat, or maybe it just looks like a Pilot Boat - they just transfer from one vessel to the other. We really enjoy their talks and most are very receptive to passengers asking questions. They'll have a National Park passport stamp somewhere (usually Explorations Central) for collectors to get the Glacier Bay National Park stamp.

Nooooo - we were having such a good relationship and our future looked so 🌞. Now I'm afraid this may be the end. How can a Dallas Stars fan stay here?! We were so bummed - and it's too hot for Vegas to be a hockey town, does not compute. Lol I'll say congrats, but it will be without enthusiasm 🤯🤕😓😭

Stunning - you do seem to have a primo spot!! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.

Photos are awesome - thanks for sharing!!

Based on a close-up aft picture comparing to the deck plan, it looks those rectangular things on the deck plan are metal panels (or similar) that obscure the view and block part of the balcony. The balconies for those cabins (2476, 2497) are huge so it may be ok as it looks like you still have usable space in front of the panels? Of course, if they're loud mechanics of some kind, that would not be good. Or if they block most of the view from the cabin. Maybe occupants will post pictures...

Thanks so much for fixing the font and reposting the first few days - we're excited to read about your trip!

Yay for the new font!! Recent cruises (Nieuw Statendam Oct '22, Koningsdam Nov/Dec '22, Nieuw Amsterdam Feb '23, Eurodam April/May '23 (have been mixed as to luggage being put in cabin or left in hall. Eurodam it was both - 1st and last of 4 suitcases were put inside, other 2 were left in hall. Completely agree about not leaving things (trays, anything [scooters]) in those skinny hallways - hard sometimes to get people or service carts through them, much less a wheelchair & a scooter.

Absolutely, for sure!! They bring a smile every time I see one and always stir up a good cruise memory when I see one. Just looked at the statement from Feb cruise - single vases were $17.50, 2 for $30. I think for signed handpainted vase that's reasonable. The florist should have some at his show that you haven't seen in the GDC.

Inside cabin deck 10 Nieuw Amsterdam category IQ had USB ports at bed but don't remember if there was an electrical outlet there. Used the electrical outlet at the desk w/an extension cord we brought so we had all the charging capabilitieswe needed. If you take one, be sure the extension cord does not have a surge protector. Enjoy your cruise!

@loveandpeas yes the vases are for sale during the flower arranging presentation; they aren't in the gift shops (at least not on any cruises I've done past 5 years). Usually the presentation is the first sea day, but the past 2 cruises it's been on the last sea day, so just be sure to check the planner - it's only done once per week. Arrive early as it fills up quickly. Some florists will give away the arrangements they make during the show - Feb on NA he did a drawing - I won first week, sister won 2nd week, so be sure to get tickets if they're giving them out. But they're not in the vases you want - gotta buy those. You can buy them individually or discounted for 2. There are several different patterns, all handpainted. If you're on a B2B and he's out of what you want, let him know - he may be able to get it for you for the 2nd week.

No, no - jk, they all deserve to be here.

Maybe she's filming her own personal commercial, needs multiple takes for the editing she's gonna do later. When you stumble across it on the Web, you can say "I knew her when..." Lol

You just take what you want then return it to the book drop - Honor System. Books are labeled as property of HAL and hopefully passengers respect the system & who owns the book. As my DH needed every minute possible to finish the 800+ pages in the book he selected, he left it in our cabin for the steward to return. I have to believe he wasn't the only one. 🥸🤓 And no, no librarian. Books are stacked multiple copies deep like in an Old School Blockbuster store 🙂 empty spaces indicating titles are not available.

Hey @3rdGenCunarder we did indeed feel blessed to make the port as well as encounter minimal damage. More blessed to be greeted by such welcoming locals who no doubt had their hands full and minds occupied. The Bell museum was great.

That's what we did and turned in their key. As mentioned, it took about a day for us to see the name disappear from the TV statement. All worked out fine. Cruise was Feb 2023.

We had no expectations as to what would be available; only that a new stocked library would be there as the ship was fresh out of dry dock. DH found an 800+ page book which he managed to get through (to say he's not a reader is generous) with so little time to spare we had to leave it in the cabin, but it was read cover to cover, so I consider that a successful library experience. 🙃🤭

We had this happen Feb this year on Nieuw Amsterdam - to avoid penalties and last minute unplanned expenses for the roommate, the person just didn't show up (was a No Show). Guest Servics called to ask if they were coming and when they said no, they removed their name and had us turn in their key, which we had because we'd already gone by the cabin to drop bags. Because the cruiseline keeps the forfeited payment, they've received their $$ and don't charge the other person anymore. It took about a day for us to see the other name drop off, but it did. FWIW it was a HAL customer service rep that suggested this when we called in to ask about options. First question we were asked was if the person had travel protection. Since they didn't, this was their suggested action. Said if they did cancel, the remaining passenger would be charged single rate which have to immediately be paid (so it was received, of course, before they boarded). The No Show person did not receive taxes and fees - they got no refund of any kind. Hope it all works out - wishing him well.

Not sure when the boarding group was received, but we did the screenshot on April 17. The departure date was April 29, so we had it at least 12 days before departure. You can also print a hard copy so long as it has the barcode on it. You don't need all 14 (ugh) pages - everything you need is on page 2, so you can print just that one page.