singleflyer

How do you see your offers online at all? Do you just log in to your account and search for cruises? Or is there a spot where they show up? I'm new to Holland America and just on my first cruise with them.

I am sailing tomorrow and applied today for AARP addition and was approved immediately. I'd say there is about a less than 0.001% chance I get the OBC 😉

I am taking the Greek Island Glow in August and have been hearing about a lot of evacuations on Rhodes. Have there been changes to current itineraries to avoid Rhodes?

The shower looks like some space is taken up by the fold down seat; but I think it is a worthwhile trade off for the larger balcony and additional window.

Is the boarding at all delayed because of the port workers strike?

Seems like NCL is expecting an impact to their ships in Vancouver:

I'm reading that the port union strike specifically excludes any impact to cruises. Maybe NCL is just being overly cautious with their warning...

Thanks for posting this. I am going to be embarking that day on the Spirit so I'm guessing we will be delayed getting on the ship if you all are delayed getting off.

Yeah, NCL has it listed as $69. I'm guessing that the port charges the cruise line $20 or so per person, so in order for NCL to make money after the $50 Free at Sea credit, they raised it to $69. I'm still not convinced it is worth $19 to go up the Gondola. Maybe I'll wait and see what the weather is like.

I thought the Gondola cost $50? Is there a free (shorter) one?

What is Tri-Bond Trivia?

The port area at Taino Bay is basically brand new and right off the ship. They have a lazy river and lots of bars and restaurants. I believe the pool area is free. I saw a lot of the Happenings cast hanging out there. It is right on the bay but no ocean swimming -- it's a large rock shore (see photo below). I did the cable car excursion just because I didn't know what else would be offered. We also stopped in the "town" which was just a tourist trap to be honest. It was all skippable. Some others I spoke to did the beaches but nothing really too exciting from the sounds of it.

1-800-330-2249

I booked a land based casino offer. Was able to upgrade to a balcony, HIA, and CO.

Please refrain from using the gym until after 10am 😉

I'm nervous; my cabin is just below the gym. Sounds like people start working out early. I guess I'll bring some ear plugs.

@Seas2mountains Looking forward to following along. I'll be on the Spirit from Vancouver to Seward on the next sailing (July 5). I am curious how the embarkation/boarding process goes tomorrow; please report back. I'm planning on arriving around 1:30 so I hopefully won't have to wait in as long a line to board.

I'm on the same sailing (July 5-12); just three weeks out. I guess I better start researching Sitka.

If you are not a big drinker, I think the $300 will be more than enough for you. Plus if you get status match to Deep Blue Extras you get another $100. If you are worried about reservations; here is my tip. As soon as you board, before going to your cabin or exploring, sit down on a chair or bench in the roundabout (area where you first board). Hop on the wifi, and make your reservations (dining, shows, and any other events you want). You'll have no problem getting what you want this way.

I sailed on Scarlet Lady back in April and had a great time. I went to the singles meet up before Sail Away; I guess it was nice to remember a few faces throughout the voyage. I did avoid Gunbae; both because the food wasn't that much of a draw and I didn't really want to sit with strangers. There were a few people on the ship I got to know and would have some quick conversations here and there. I felt totally comfortable as a single cruiser.

I'm 40 so about your same demographic. I took my first cruise in years on Virgin and LOVED it. Check it out for sure. I am trying HAL on Nieuw Statendam later this summer (followed by another week on Virgin). I am a bit nervous about HAL but willing to give it a try. I appreciate your perspective, and I'd love to check out your blog.

Thanks! It is there; at least in the confirmation email.

Thanks everyone for the help. I ended up upgrading to Club Orange. For my 7 day cruise I was told I'd get $50 OBC if no room upgrade was available. Originally booked in VA, was upgraded to my choice of V rooms. I ended up booking V5048 as it has a huge verandah plus it is a "sideways" room and looks like it has a large picture window in addition to the door to the balcony. Seems like that plus the Club Orange dining room makes it worth $175. I don't see anywhere on my reservation that I have Club Orange (but the stateroom has changed). Does it ever show up before boarding?

I just booked V5048 on Nieuw Statendam. On the map it looks like the veranda door is in the middle of the room; does anyone know if this room has the added window in addition to the balcony door?

I booked the NCL train from Seward to Anchorage Hospitality Center. It sounds like that means transferring to a bus at the airport. Do you think there would be any problem with just getting off at the airport and not taking the bus? For example, do they automatically load your luggage on a bus for you? Looks like my hotel is just as close to the airport as it is downtown, so it would save me time to just take an Uber from the airport.