oldbluff

vacations to go dot com has an excellent custom search.  Just need your email to access.  They have never given my email to anyone else.

But how does square with their 'no sharing' rule? Sounds pretty scary that they can/will cancel your package (without refund) if you break the rules.. :(

Rereading POA1's always informative post that you referenced, he was referring to a couple or group where ALL have the same beverage package. Those folks would order a wide selections of wine by the glass and taste each one. Better than everyone ordering full glasses of unknown wines to see if they like them and probably leaving some to waste.

The purpose of the no-sharing rule is to prevent a package person from sharing their drinks with another not possessing the magic card. It is not to keep people with the same package from swapping spit in a drinking fashion.

Who did you book your excursion with?

You book directly with them. Just google Maya Chan. Mark, the owner, is very responsive with emails. They pickup/deliver at the back of the port area.

We are returning there on Friday (24-Nov) as our visit a few years ago was over the top. There are also plenty of reviews and feedback in this forum, to help you decide.

Have never gotten anything for being a senior.

Umm ... a long life with many wisdom-building choices and results. That doesn't lower your cruise fare but, oh my, what a treasure. :)

I've rather new here (as you can see from my post count), but I've been participating in forums, bulletin boards, etc. since the late 1980s. I'm retired from 32 yrs in IT, and I'm not often intimidated by strong personalities that usually show up on boards like these. My usual method when joining a new forum or board is to read for a few days to get a "feel" for the personality of the players/discussion, then jump in with my question(s).

 

I joined CC just after I'd booked my first cruise: a 14-day Alaska trip R/T from Seattle on the Amsterdam (September 11-25 this year -- it was wonderful!). Yes, I had a few questions and I'd say in nearly every case, I got the info I needed from folks who were friendly and generous with their time in explaining things.

 

Only one instance was a little bumpy: someone (an active forum regular -- not on this board) accused me of "obviously" not reading my cruise contract when I asked about the layout of the Seattle's Pier 91 cruise terminal and whether it was necessary to request embarkation assistance before I arrived or could I wait until I saw the layout and determined if I'd actually need help. Apparently, since I had "obviously" not read my cruise contract, I didn't realize that I was clearly "unfit for travel" and would get booted off the ship if I asked for help "too often." I have a couple of physical issues that make walking uphill or long distances or going up and down more than a few stairs at a time problematic, but I'm fine, although slow, on "level ground." The ONLY solution, according to this person, was to rent a scooter. ?!? (I've never used one, don't need one, etc.) Sheesh! So, I avoid posting on that forum, although I do read it occasionally.

 

Over the 7 or so months I've been "active" here, I've picked up a sort of "who's who" list of folks who 1) seem to know what they're talking about, and 2) are able to respond in a calm and ultimately helpful way to questions. As soon as I see that one of these folks is the author of a post, I immediately pay a bit more attention. No one is infallible, but these folks are quick to respond courteously if they happen to get something wrong, and go out of their way to explain alternatives/options where indicated.

 

I'm now looking forward to my next HAL cruise: the 38-day Voyage of the Vikings next summer, and I know I'll have some questions before that. But I know where to come for answers.

Thumbs up!

From an avid cruiser with a similar background (unretired from 40 years in IT). We've seen all kinds of kinds of computer users over the years. Same on CC. There are always the "special" ones.

One truism through the migration of EDP to IT, it's not about technology, it's the people that determine project success or failure. In my book, sincere generosity trumps knowledge with an attitude any day. Cheers!

Unlike HAL's website, the big-box TA based in the Great Pacific Northwest usually shows all available cabins in each category and deck. Right now they show 20 total available for the next (19-Nov) sailing. Not much opportunity to swap.

We will be joining you on it, Bill, so here's hoping lots gets done over the next six days. Regardless, it is always an adventure and beats another week at the office.

Yay, a fan club. Can we have a dress code? :D :D:halo::halo:

Maybe a Drinking Code instead of the well worn dress code.

I too greatly appreciate the enthusiasm and thoroughness of POA1's research and presentation of findings. He is a gem.

We'll be there on the 24th. Our idea of Black Friday. Thanks for the pics.

Ah ... missed the bit about the ruins. My bad.

Your plans sound great!

My experience is the Pinnacle Grill is open for lunch every day except embarkation. Unlike the pre-cruise dinner reservations, you make them for lunch once aboard. We usually go there for lunch a couple times each week and always enjoy it.

Bon Voyage Everyone! A special Bon Voyage to Cruiser Bill and Cruise Diana! We wish we were going with you guys!:D

Ditto. We'll be joining Diana and Bill on the Rotterdam Nov. 19th. Enjoy.

No, it is usually on sea days and thus occasional. My DW and I did this on the Regal a year ago and it was a grand experience. The string quartet played in The Piazza, next to the tea, and provided the desired ambiance. The champagne is quality and refilled as desired. Well worth the upcharge.

One word. OK, two. Maya Chan. Best beach day we've encountered. Returning there November 24th.

There are a number of threads on this forum describing cruiser's experiences there. They do fill up quickly as they get a lot of repeat business.

Enjoy whatever you choose. You are making memories with your family, which will be there long after your children move out.

Thanks for this, we're booked in February.

 

Did you need to rush from the ship to get there before others? Or are things set out in advance so you can relax getting there?

I believe there are multiple locations on the property for each size of your party. I suppose if you want the pick of the litter, you can try and be one of the first groups to arrive.

An alternative would be to email the owner (Mark) in advance regarding your options and preferences. That will give him the information needed to tag a particular area for your party, with no need to worry or rush that day. I must say, though, I don't think there is a bad location to be had. The daily limit on the number of guests, the distinct locations for each group and the excellent service are a magic recipe for a memorable day.

So you would chose to do this again? My husband and I are booked for a day in December. I’ve been thinking about buying a Nikon underwater camera to have that day but it sounds like that would be of no benefit. What time would you recommend getting off the ship? I can’t think of anything to ask.

We went to Maya Chan in March 2013 on a cruise port visit and had a top-flight experience. Each reservation has their own seating area, apart from others. They are shaded and have comfortable chairs and the larger ones have lounging beds. The grilled Mexican lunch was authentic border-quality, unlike that available at home. The magical never-ending drink genie kept us happy and hydrated. If you use the floatie chairs, your drink order is taken and delivered as you bob away the afternoon.

It was such an over-the-top experience that I must confess looking now and then for a cruise that hits Costa Maya, just so we may return. At last we are on a Thanksgiving cruise in a month. We will enjoy MC longer this time as our ship does not depart until 5pm, a few hours later than last time.

I would not bring your camera there. Save it for clearer waters such as at Grand Cayman or Key West. As far as time off the ship, this is a dock port, not a tender one, so the first big crush of people leaving the ship should not take long to disperse. You will make arrangement with Maya Chan, via email, on the time for them to pick you up at the port. It is a 10-15 minute walk from your ship, depending where it docks on the pier and how fast you amble.

Enjoy your visit. Prepare to have your expectations exceeded. :)

I’ve just booked my first cruise (total newbie), with HAL, and the Explore4 was included. Is anyone able to specify whether a 15% service charge will be added to my shipboard account for drinks obtained on the SBP - on a per drink basis - and therefore making the service charge element payable at the end? I don’t actually mind if there is a service charge added to each drink but it’s nice to know in advance what to expect.

Bretty, the Explore4 promo package also includes the 15% upcharge. You are good to go!

You and my DW would get along marvellously. She is quite partial to champagne, prosecco, sparkling, et al. A lovely bit of enjoyment as we age somewhat gracefully. :)

Does anyone know if Rotterdam has the self service laundry. We were just on Oosterdam and they had the $20 bag which was great if you had a good amount, but sometimes the self service was nice just for a small load. Anyone know? I've had a whole lot of Yes and No answers.

Yes, it does. They are on the Verandah and Main decks.

We have used them on a few sailings but usually do the $7/day unlimited laundry for the cabin. It allows us to pack fewer clothes and we leave the ship with some clean ones, which is convenient if we do anything post-cruise other than return straight home.

See you on the NA in San Diego next Tuesday!

Do you know if I transfer my booking to big box store Travel, will I keep the original promotion? Or does it change to the current one?

 

I already have $800 in onboard, looks like big box store Travel will give me $600. I'd love me some of that!

Yes, you are transferring the existing booking, with all promotions. You are changing who you pay the remaining funds to, not the price and extras already tied to your booking.

Cancelling and rebooking with them puts all extras at risk, just as it does when you do that with the cruise line. You are subject to the terms and conditions of the promotions in effect at the time you rebooked.

Be careful about adding the BBTA OBC to the cruise line OBC you already have to determine the extra you will receive. Depending on any active promotions, the BBTA OBC may be shown as two numbers. One is the cruise value percentage and the other OBC provided by the cruise line to anyone booking thru any channel. Transferring an existing direct booking to them will add the value-based OBC but not duplicate the cruise line portion.

My standard reply to ALMOST any problem on a cruise....FIRST WORLD Problem. I am just happy to be "out there".

Yesss! Mine as well. We are so lucky to have this opportunity.

Mom thinks Princess' buffet coffee is worse than 3 day old coffee. She knows as she does drink three day old coffee.

Heh. An informed comparison. I like it. Please thank your dear mother for me. :)

We have used TravelGuard for trip insurance on most of our cruises. They have much higher limits than the cruise line policies. If you happen to book your cruise thru a certain big-box warehouse chain, they have a link to TG that provides an even better value.

Speaking of raisins, I usually have the bread pudding with vanilla sauce at least once during a HAL cruise. My DW usually abstains.

She saves herself for daily helpings of the soft and moist Raisin Buns. I, of course, must show spousal support and also partake of these luscious morning treats.

Thanks for the Live From. We also board on the 27th and are enjoying the play by play. Especially with me being a popcorn lover.

My vote for the best Key Lime Pie in Key West is Blue Heaven. Funky outdoor dining at its best. Excellent food and drink. We are returning to KW on a cruise in a few weeks and will hit it again.

Walkable at 729 Thomas St. Enjoy.