*Miss G*

14 minutes ago, swin26 said:

I believe in 2019 it was in front on the train station

That’s where it was in 2023, as well.

1 hour ago, Woofbite said:

Do they offer them to guarantee people?  I frequently book guarantees and as a 4 star Mariner have never had an upsale offer.

When I used a TA, I never received them.  The first time I started using a PCC, I received one, and have continued to receive them to the present day.  If you use a TA, you may want to ask them, because they are the ones who receive the offers and need to forward them on to you.  And, yes, as @Nickelpenny says, they do send them to guarantee people.  I am currently on a guarantee and have received one.

3 minutes ago, Cruisetrekker said:

Oops sorry ! I will be on the Holland America statendam

I wonder if your roll call will have the answer?  I would be willing to bet that the shuttle takes you directly to the city centre.  Perhaps it says in your booking under the excursion list for that day?  Or maybe ask on the HAL board.

10 hours ago, syesmar said:

 

For those who have experienced a cruise that uses a “ship’s time” that differs from that on land, do you find more passengers get left behind on such sailings?

I got left behind for breakfast!  I have been on only one HAL cruise where the clock wasn’t adjusted for port time.  When we arrived at the Pinnacle Grill, the Maître d‘ told us they were closed and we had to go eat in the Lido.  😭

11 minutes ago, Nickelpenny said:

I have no clue🤷🏻‍♀️

33 minutes ago, ONCRUISEMODE said:

Thank you.  I see that you too have a rare commendation on your user profile.  I still wonder what that means.

I went to @Nickelpenny profile and clicked on her badge.  Hers was for a Holiday Sharing… which I guess explains the use of the gingerbread man.  Mine are for live reviews, although not all of my lives were included so it’s anyone’s guess why only certain ones are chosen.

If you go to this thread it will explain the different badges:

FAQ: Badges

Without knowing what ship you’ll be on, I don’t know how helpful this will be, but…

Last year we arrived in Newcastle by train.  Our shuttle was directly across the street from the train station, so right in the city centre.  You may want to ask on your cruise line’s board to get a definitive answer, though.

On 3/3/2024 at 4:08 PM, Barwick Cruiser said:

Since you’ll be travelling before us, maybe you could come on here when you get back and let us know how you all made out? Enjoy your holiday!

Absolutely I can do that!  And thank you.  You too! 🙂

1 hour ago, crystalspin said:

Yay for you, no one more deserving! (If you took it...)

I didn’t take it!  I’m gambling on a better deal knowing that if it doesn’t come through I am good with what I have.  (Except I don’t know what I have because I have a guarantee.  I may be wrong!  😂)

Preferred location for the Family Cabana, for me, is port side.  Preferred location for the 2-person cabana is port side ocean view as opposed to aft view.  

Port side: because it’s furthest from the entrance to The Retreat, so there is less traffic.

Ocean view: because I prefer to look at the sea as opposed to the Lido Pool and jogging track.

I received a paid upgrade offer 7 weeks from sailing!  That is the longest stretch I’ve received to date.  Normally they come about 1-2 weeks prior.

I went ahead and chose the Rotterdam because it’s my next ship.  I haven’t sailed on it, yet, but I’m an optimist.  🙃

2 hours ago, RuthC said:

Not correct. The outlet in the bathroom can be used for shavers, tooth brushes, and Water Pics. 

And it also fits my night light!

My experience is the same as Ruth.  My husband uses it for his electric toothbrush and waterpik with no problem.

We were in a mini-suite on a Princess cruise and there was no pen or paper in the room.  I went down to Guest Services and they gave me what I required.  (Didn’t even occur to me to ask our wonderful room steward.)  I spend a lot of time in hotels (currently in one now) and there has always been a pen and paper provided.

Also, thanks to @nooligans for the Social Bar menu.  All I have to say is … wow.  (Actually, I had more to say but changed my mind.)

6 minutes ago, FLCruiser97 said:

I posted this question on my roll call also. Does anyone know what the electrical outlets look like on the Oosterdam? I am wanting to bring a multi outlet plug but don't know if it will fit.

Here is a pic of the outlets by the desk.  There is also a USB port over the nightstands on each side of the bed.

2 hours ago, islandwoman said:

 

I'm thinking about upgrading from a Vista Suite to a Neptune Suite for a cruise sailing in September 2025, but I'd like to wait a few more months until I have a chance to sail on HAL and hopefully get to see and compare the Vista and Neptune Suites because  the price difference would be substantial.  

Would you be sailing on the same ship or ship class?  They are very different.  Have you checked HAL Facts to compare rooms?

3 minutes ago, islandwoman said:

What perks? 

Scroll down on this page for a comparison chart:

Holland America Suites & Staterooms

3 minutes ago, Skorpora said:

I have observed declining situational awareness at the retirement home where my mother lives. I think it's part of the aging process unfortunately.

Yes, I completely agree.

4 minutes ago, Skorpora said:

If you've ever driven on the 401, you'll know what I mean.  

I know exactly what you mean.  😂  (I grew up in Oakville.)

Seat Guru has been abandoned and left to die.  These are the new go-to’s:

Seat Maps: Porter E195

Aero LOPA : Porter E195

We’ve just booked a last minute sailing disembarking at Rotterdam so am now beginning the research process.  (Which is why I have resurrected this thread.)  My kids have booked the HAL transfer to AMS for that same 12:15pm flight on AC.  What option did you choose, @Barwick Cruiser?

The rest of us will be making our way to the train station to pick up the P&O shuttle to catch an overnight ferry to the UK.  @puppycanducruise, did you notice if there was a taxi stand at the terminal with cars waiting?  Also interested in any insights you have for the area around the train station.  The coach doesn’t leave until 5:00pm so we’ll have a bit of time in the area.  Was thinking maybe a HOHO but it’s King’s Day and… you know.  Thank you!

35 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

Really?  The old folks have more rights than younger more physically active people?

I wouldn’t call it “rights” so much as “consideration”.  Just as one has consideration for small children who aren’t situationally aware; one would/should expect the same consideration for the elderly.  As an in-betweener who has finished raising children, I now find I am using those same skills when travelling with my elderly parents.  It’s just common decency.

1 minute ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I agree. Plus isn't there some rule about when they have to finalize the passenger manifest? 

Yes.  Passengers are required to check in no less than 90 minutes prior to sailing.  Passenger manifest goes out no later than 60 minutes prior to sailing.

My last few sailings on Holland America there was a section in the Lido Market reserved for staff.  It had a sign saying “Crew Area Only”.  I like that they are doing that, now, instead of them having to spend their little time off searching for seating.

Wow, a Windstar journey!  That is so awesome!  I really appreciate you sharing your journey with us.  Ever since I watched them silently gliding into port in Montenegro I’ve been fascinated with them.  Can’t wait to read along!

3 hours ago, deeeeeeem said:

Hi all! First time cruiser here. I was just looking around at the website and found that you can pre pay the crew appreciation fee online. I saw that it was actually cheaper to do it online. Is this correct? At first, it said it was $16 pppd and later on it translated to €17 pppd. However, it shows €185,92 per person as a total for a 14 night cruise, which equals to €13,28 per day instead of the $16/€17. Is this normal? 

Welcome to Cruise Critic and Holland America!

@VMax1700 might be a good person to address this, if he can, as I see you are in euros.

8 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

My heating system (hot air) has a humidifier on it, and I have to be careful about the setting when it's at or below freezing because I get condensation on the inside of the windows. But I'm not asking for tropical humidity on a ship, just not the Sahara!

Yes, this.^^

There was a humidifier on the HVAC on one of my former homes (for the winter months).  I currently have a smart home with humidity sensors (one for upstairs; one for main level) and the device lets you know to add humidity (when the heating is on) for eco+ savings.  I run portable humidifiers, both upstairs and main level, during the winter months.  When the AC is on they are no longer required so they are put away for the season.

On 7/24/2023 at 9:55 PM, *Miss G* said:

 

You know, it’s interesting you ask that question.  I had read that it would be automatically applied going forward but I have no experience to know if that is correct or not.  Hopefully someone will post with their experience but my gut tells me we will have to resubmit with each booking.  

 

On 7/26/2023 at 7:47 PM, Infi said:

 

Also curious about this. I have shareholder OBC as well, and always take along the confirmation email as a backup in case it doesn't get added. It doesn't seem like there's any proof/confirmation of this OBC, so was hoping others could share their experiences with ensuring it was added onto their account. 

On 7/24/2023 at 9:17 PM, bennybear said:

Thanks for your encouragement! I tried again and it went through,  now to try and add the credit.  Is it good for just one cruise?  

Just thought I would follow up on this.  I just did an online courtesy hold because it is after hours and I wanted to lock in the price.  My PCC’s voicemail said to do the courtesy hold so he could address it when he comes in tomorrow… so I did.

Anyway, the question as to whether it would automatically be applied going forward has been answered: