Loreto

I got the same reply from HAL when I sent in my shareholder benefit request. They will apply the $250 at embarkation, but must use Stockperks in the future🙁. I downloaded the app on my iPhone and created an account just to see if it will work. I uploaded a photo of my stock ( with the account # blacked out.)I got the reply that they are reviewing it.

We always use the Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel when we cruise out of San Diego! We will use them again for our March 14 day solar eclipse cruise on the Zaandam. Part of their garage is underground, but there is plenty of parking on the upper level. I am a Best Western Rewards member (free) and sometimes they have flash sales for members. For our 28 day B2B Panama Canal cruise they didn't charge us the $5 a day (which we are more than happy to pay) because we were Rewards Members🙂. I always call the hotel direct first to verify that we can leave our car with them and they will have a shuttle then I book the cruise! I book well in advance, there will be 3 ships in port on our sail date and it's Easter weekend. They run 2 shuttles you must sign up for when you check in. They are complimentary but gratuities are appreciated. A bonus is the restaurant Pizza Nova is across the street at the yacht harbor....more than just pizza! The shuttle will take you back to the Hotel post cruise, but we always take a cab.

I always am in wonder when I look at the final statement! My DH calls it "cruise math." It always seems to me very much in our favor.

It is important to mention on the survey that you appreciate having a catholic priest onboard ....I always do!

On my Dec. Sea of Cortez cruise on the Koningsdam the priest on board explained the organization "Apostleship of the Seas" whose goal it is to provide priests on every Holland America cruise. The priest also says mass for the crew, many are Philippine and Catholic. Sometimes it doesn't work out, which I have experienced, but they do their best to fill the cruises.

Sorry that this has happened to you. I would definitely send another email to mariner_society@hollandamerica.com. I did send documentation in my email....It was suggested to send copy of boarding pass, but that was long gone. Fortunately the navigator app had my statement, which I think helped. I also sent our mariner# in the email and was polite in my request as to the delay. Hopefully something will post for you!

When my Koningsdam cruise ended on 12/16 nothing posted. I called the Mariner Society # and only got a message to call back later. I emailed a PDF of my final statement from the navigator app and a copy of my itinerary. I received the above email, and the next day an apology from HAL. 2 days later all the info posted to my account and they also sent me a pdf of my cruise history with total sea days, which I appreciated! The mariner points didn't matter, but I am close to a medallion milestone(500) and wanted to be sure the sea days were counted. Thank you for the info, HAL🙂!

Hi Jacqui, Please add Loreto :Volendam 12-July-25 25 Day Canada, New England, Greenland and Iceland Celebrating birthday on board. I have wanted to do this itinerary for several years! Thanks, Karen

I received a notification that HAL has dropped our 2 calls in Israel for the 42 Day Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage cruise Nov.9, 2024. Very sorry for the strife there but glad HAL made a decision early on, following what other cruise lines have done. New itinerary has an overnights in Malta and Alexandria and a call to Algiers.

It all looks good, Lisa! We will be on Dec. 5 for the Sea of Cortez, and looking forward to the Tamarind! Karen

By mid Oct. we had not received our thank you for sailing email from Sept. 9 disembarkation. I wanted it for our Mexican Koningsdam cruise in Dec. I gave the TA the promo codes and she called HAL and was able to get it applied.. I was insistent, HAL said they were behind.

Holland America is taking a different approach with my Nov. 9, 2024 42 day Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage cruise. Prior to Oct. 7 excursions were posted for booking at the HAL website for Israel Ports of Haifa and Ashdod. After the 7th.they all were taken down and reappeared as "sold out but wait list available.' It costs nothing to be on the wait list. So it looks like HAL right now is not cancelling, but taking a wait and see approach. Our dates are in December 2024. I personally wish they would cancel and offer new ports. A number of members on our roll call booked for the opportunity to visit the Holy Land without an international flight, and are left in limbo as to whether to go or cancel. I have been to the Holy Land twice so it is not critical for me. This is just my observation and pray that peace comes to the region.. Karen

I was never asked if I wanted a monogram from Zaandam guest services, though I was aware of it. I know my name, so the monogram was not important to me🙂! I love my robe!

Last spring on our Panama Canal cruise on the Zaandam I was overflowing with ship board credit. I went to guest services and purchased one...I think it was around $50. It was delivered to my stateroom. I got the basic one with blue trim....warning, it weighs a lot so consider that if you are flying. Since we drove to the port weight didn't matter. I love my robe and wear. it more now than I ever did in our stateroom! On the Eurodam last month I mentioned at guest services how much I liked the robe....they said they didn't have any to sell on board this time.

You are welcome! I think your mom would be very happy with Holland America.

Yes, Holland America offers daily mass with a priest on board. Mass is at 8 am on sea days and 5 pm on port days, but schedule is subject to change. This was the schedule last month on the Eurodam, Alaska.

Thank you🙂! Karen

Thank you for the compliment☺️! I sent them as Christmas cards a number of years ago. I like water color and pen and ink. I use Sharpie extra fine black permanent markers...a lot easier to use and control than traditional pen and ink.

You will do just fine! Watercolor is full of many "happy accidents", just relax and enjoy experimenting. I have always used quality cake watercolors in a box as opposed to tube watercolor pigment. Here are 2 watercolors taken from my photos in Antarctica.

And to think, the "instructor" is no doubt being paid to do this. Pretty pitiful🙁.

I have a BFA in printmaking and painting. Watercolor is my specialty. Last month on the Eurodam I walked by the room where painting class had been held and all the paintings were propped up drying, obviously acrylics. They were of a cherry blossom branch. I was not impressed. I would suggest bringing a small box of Windsor&Newton watercolors and a pad of water color paper and several quality brushes available at craft stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby and enjoy experimenting. I have seen serious watercolorists on the Lido pool area painting and have been impressed. I would like to try origami....I have done it but could use some guidance with that!

Congratulations on 5*! Don't know what ship you are on, but I suggest you go to the restaurant as soon as you board and make your reservation. If you wait the Have It All people will book everything. You can also use the TV in the room to book. I booked right away on our Alaska Cruise this month, and was surprised a few days later to see no availability. Thermal suite is easier to do as others have said.

Hi Jacqui, Please add Loreto Koningsdam 05-Dec-23 11 day Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez Thanks, Karen Have a wonderful cruise!

Have a great cruise, Jacqui!

We spent 28 days in a Vista Suite on the Zaandam and it felt crowded with 2 people. Don't do this to elderly parents!