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@Trish Traveler I am SO happy to hear about an upcoming Indonesian Tea! I used to enjoy them so much, as well as the Royal Dutch Tea. Thanks to HAL for bringing this back! Here’s a Thread with info on HAL’s teas.

We have encountered this before at AMS. Usually at security. Only once was at the check-in counter where passengers were attempting to re-book our canceled flight, staff ignored the AA Priority Lanes completely so there was absolutely no time savings. The next day when we eventually flew out, the lane was functioning and everything went smoothly.

While I have done this before and made it, the last time we traveled through Amsterdam the airport was not efficient. Though we were in Business Class, AA did not honor the Priority Lane for our canceled flight (to re-book), it was a free-for-all. We’ve also had issues in numerous trips not being able to access priority security lanes (my point is, even if you have some built-in strategies that should save considerable time, it doesn’t always work out). We have done the train to the airport many times, and have flown in/out of Schiphol, Rotterdam, Brussels and Paris after cruises ending in the Netherlands. Last time we took a taxi to Schiphol (due to a time crunch) and rather preferred it. Also, one cruise our planned disembarkation was 7am, but it didn’t begin until 8am due to some logistics hiccups arriving. Have a great cruise!

Wasabi and Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin is my favorite entree. I also enjoy the following Starters: Thai Beef Salad, Shrimp Tempura and Chinese Five Spice Baby Back Ribs. Enjoy! PS: what was the name of the dessert they used to have that looked like a giant fortune cookie and had chocolate ganache inside?

This Thread also has some opinions on this topic.

I remember when HAL used to have them! Can anyone here share when they stopped offering the bento boxes via room service?

I know that some of the big box agencies have a “teacher rate,” too. I believe the rate may be combined with the OBC credit, as well, for extra savings.

This Thread has some first-hand experience with the Standby Program:

Do you just ask the server about the Indian items, or can a list be found somewhere? Thanks!

We had such a nice time in Homer! I would return in a heartbeat. I will never forget seeing the area from a distance as we sailed, several days before visiting the port. Oh, my, the sky was simply perfect and the snow-covered mountains were majestic. I can remember being in such awe of the scenery.

Yes! They could also have a second, or even third, category of Standby if they are trying to fill it with truly last-minute passengers. They could keep those who are notified "approximately 7 days" out, but then if others are fine with having less notice, whether it be 4 days or 2 days, so be it. But at least be honest about the product people are purchasing in good faith! There is zero reason for this current situation to be so confusing. Do better, HAL!

HAL should ensure their website information is accurate, immediately. It’s so unfortunate that what is stated at https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/cruise-deals/standby-program is clearly not the experience of all customers. I would imagine some media attention on the current disconnect between what a guest is told initially, and what the reality is might make a difference. There is no definition of “approximately” that would conform to what has been expected of some standby passengers.

Thanks. On my last sailing in 2019, they stopped giving ATK recipe cards mid-cruise. Previously, the host would keep a file drawer with printed cards for each show. I can still access the HAL page on ATK’s website and retrieve recipes featured onboard here.

Years ago, I was price shopping and was very surprised to find that a big box agency had put a booking on hold without my consent. I only found out when I called the next agency on my short list to check their price and perks, and they said, “we see you have a booking already!” I was not amused….

Are they giving out paper recipe cards?

@Mary229 how and when did you request to move once onboard? Which department did you speak with? Thanks!

I realized a while back that with some who have serious time management problems, it doesn’t matter what the excuse is. There will ALWAYS be one for repeat offenders, as there is a consistent error on their part to properly plan for the unknown. A meeting time is kind of a joke to their loved ones and colleagues, who pad the start time just to get them there in a reasonable time-frame. There shouldn’t always have to be 2 sets of times: one for the punctual, and another for the habitually tardy. I don’t know how it can be corrected! Can anyone give us a good news story of someone previously always running late, but are now reformed? What got through to you/them to change your/their habits?

In different seasons of my life, I may find various things relaxing over another. There have been trips where I just wanted to binge watch something, and that was relaxing to me at the time. Other trips, I didn’t want to miss a moment in a new port of call. On one land trip to the mountains, I found cooking my favorite foods relaxing. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks I should or shouldn’t do.😀

I don’t have the itinerary, but this entertainer is on board the charter January 14-21: https://karengrainger.com/appearances.html

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Is a Shore Excursions representative still at the gangway for a couple hours each day once the all clear is given to get off the ship? Another way to find a representative is in the World Stage (or other shore ex meeting places) if shore excursions are meeting there before departing the ship.

@3rdGenCunarder thank you for this excellent information! Before the pandemic, Iceland was next on our list—though no reservations had been made, just materials ordered and trip research begun—and our plans got stalled. I’m hoping we’ll go sooner than later!

In addition to the suggestions above, requesting to be seated with others at dinner would likely give good opportunities to chat.

If HAL doesn’t intend to notify people “approximately 7 days prior” then they need to update the wording to be more accurate, or have a “B” option for those who could sail in an even shorter window (I would imagine there would still be some willing to do so, though certainly not all). There is a vast different between 2 days and 7 days when it comes to preparing for a trip. The customer should be able to depend on a common sense definition of “approximately” and in Raybit’s case, it was not.

I’m curious what their response / behavior was to you fellow travelers that they caused to miss the walking tour? Somehow, “oopsie! I’m sorry, how ‘bout that time!” just wouldn’t have cut it. Absolutely inexcusable. Good for you that they had to find their way back after St. Peter’s!