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My husband received this one today. I haven’t received one yet.

I recall my travel agency offering a "teacher rate," but I believe this is different, correct? My question is: "If you book through a travel agency, is a passenger still able to use the verification form for this OBC, or does that need to go through the TA?"

@Mom39 On one claim I had in 2019 for a cancelled flight, AA didn’t reimburse the total amount of our hotel room because it exceeded their daily allowance. However, we were not given a limit or a voucher or any guidance, just told by the agent in AMS to get an airport hotel until our flight (now the following day) and AA would reimburse us (I had even asked if there was a limit and was told “no”.) We returned to the same airport hotel (Hilton) that we had stayed upon arrival. At 10am, there was only 1 type of room available for immediate check-in, and of course at the last minute it was considerably higher than our previous pre-paid rate. While AA was being unreasonable, I went ahead and filed with my regular travel insurance for the difference and they paid it. Perhaps your travel insurance can kick in the difference if SAS continues to refuse. Do you happen to have a screen shot or documentation of the BA flight that was the same price as the business one you took? It has always worked in my favor when I have screenshots to send to back up that I haven’t been excessive. As we know, last-minute fares are sometimes exponentially higher. Since you were told SAS would not be available to help you, you had to take matters into your own hands. Hope everything works out for you!

@melsparIt’s so unfortunate you are having issues getting through. This Thread from a while back has some numbers and email addresses that may help: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2864907-hal-contact-info/ Good luck!

@DDDallasAlthough I have made it pre-pandemic, I cannot recommend it. There are too many factors that could cause a great amount of stress. Although certainly not on every sailing, the times our ship has arrived behind schedule were all in Amsterdam. In the past, it was either take the flight or don’t go; I had numerous backups in place + flew Business Class with expedited check-in. While it worked out for me, I would never recommend it. On a subsequent trip in 2019, AA at AMS didn’t even use a priority check-in lane, LONG story. Tip: always take your Airline’s local numbers in case of cancellations or delays (it would’ve been helpful in 2019 when the USA numbers were down due to a storm). In this day and age, there’s too many things that could go wrong to chance it.

@kazu Hope you have a wonderful cruise! Thanks for sharing.

@Gray Ladyglad you got the shore excursions expenses back; hopefully your other funds will come in soon. It’s so unfortunate that customers have to follow up repeatedly just to get reimbursement. Wishing you the best!

I’m curious about current indoor air quality, too. Among those who mask but still got it onboard, removing a mask for public dining seems to be a factor. I know there have been changes to mask policies among crew fleet-wide. Do they wear masks when cleaning staterooms? When I resume cruising I would need to let in fresh air anytime someone else had been in the room.

@birdie16How long have you been waiting to hear back? One would think the process would be more efficient, yet repeatedly hearing such similar stories among travelers sounds like without the customer following up, things might not get taken care of, unfortunately. I hope everything works out for you soon. All the Best!

I’m traveling at the moment so don’t have access to old documents, but I do recall pre-pandemic letters being sent to our stateroom. This was when there was significant Norovirus onboard and the color level was elevated. The letter conveyed that those with symptoms should report their condition to medical and if sick, would receive their fare back for days missed due to isolation.

I know what the COVID protocols are for HAL, but are there specific protocols for flu and RSV fleet-wide regarding days in isolation, refunds for missed days enjoying the cruise, medical care, etc? Best wishes for a quick recovery to those who are ill.

I hear you! On one cruise, I can't recall which ship, they did have something that resembled a chewy bar put out each morning in the Explorations Cafe. Instead of a bar shape, they were more like the shape of a brownie, but the ingredients were like a chewy bar. I remember how tasty it was. Would be nice if that was consistently offered, especially for those who really need something like this on hand.

The newest ships have a big screen for movie time at the Lido Pool. While these are generally at night, I recall some also shown in the afternoon (in 2019). https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/onboard-activities/cruise-activities/movies-on-board.html

@erollerThanks for taking the time to share your experience! I wonder if the lack of live music was illness-related? Seems really odd to have so few options. All the Best!

The reality of our times is that protocols may be reinstated during a cruise as needed. Sometimes things progress in such a way that a lot of advance notice isn’t possible. Cruisers should go into any sailing with this understanding, as unwelcome as it may be for some.

I think that’s the best policy, just be honest and give the passengers the information.

@DrTee On the CDC’s website under “Cruise Ship Travel” they have this FAQ: “Q: How can travelers find out about COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships? A: Cruise travelers have the option of contacting their cruise line directly regarding outbreaks occurring on board their ship.“ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/cruise-travel-during-covid19.html I’ve yet to hear of anyone who’s been able to get an answer from the cruise line directly. I do wish the info was still available to the public now that there’s fewer protocols. You might try searching social media; sometimes there are groups that discuss conditions on a particular sailing. Glad you remained healthy! All the Best!

@Anne614 @LJProk @SDARCH @Destiny0315 Are these offers via Email, mailed flyers or by logging in? I haven't gone through all my Emails lately and need to comb through the mailers. Thanks!

I recall having access in 2019 when we were in Norway.

The bathrooms near the gym at least used to have the small bottles. The attendants said they were fine to take.

Agree that a bottle or two isn’t always enough in port. We have CamelBak backpacks and fill up the water reservoir before leaving for a port day. I believe on our last cruise on Nieuw Statendam, there was a station for water bottle, etc., refills. Previously, we asked for a pitcher of water in the Lido to fill the reservoir with cold ice water.

Glad to hear your wife is negative and you are safely home! That is something to ponder regarding for how long HAL will reimburse, in the event flights are not available. Thanks for all the helpful information you have passed on from your experience.

@OHCruiserglad you are okay. I recall earlier this year, some chatter about PCPs prescribing Paxlovid in advance. Not everyone has been able to get it, but it’s helpful hearing of those who have been. Do you happen to know if your table mates were also infected? I wouldn’t be happy in these times if I were “forced” to share a table. Thanks for sharing your experience.

HAL, please bring back: -the Rijsttafel lunch -Indonesian Tea -Royal Dutch High Tea -Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza (even if not late at night, how about on a Sea Day afternoon?) -complimentary cappuccinos after dinner (I’d always get decaf:>) -chilled soups -Tamarind lunches -Cooking Demos with food samples -Guided craft sessions for HAL travel journals, lanyards, etc. -flambé desserts after dinner in the Explorer’s Lounge, with an ensemble playing live music

The Know Before You Go still has “hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hours” listed. I’ve been told they’re still available in some lounges upon request.