REOVA

Once you get off ship, good luck. Need to clear it up before disembarkment. Still waiting to hear from HAL but going through credit card company for refund since emails are not being responded to (except the auto - "will respond in 48 hours")

2 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I generally find comments such as yours from people who have never tried it.   Actually the food is not the same.  It’s actually hot, something I rarely experience in the mdr.  They do have a daily special for dinner which was really nice when I tried it.  It’s actually every bit if not more comfortable than the mdr and usually you are not sitting there for hours.  Not once did anyone watch me.  Did you see people peering in for extended periods?  I just find that odd.  I’m very cognizant of people that stare and I can’t say that I’ve ever noticed it.

We actually did have people stare walking buy (probably curiosity not knowing the venue) but we just stared back while eating😆. Didn't feel any different than sitting in a Cafe in Europe and people walking buy (at least on RDam, KDam is more glass/open). And yes much better than dining in Pinnacle Class MDR. 

3 minutes ago, IPB4IGO said:

We took four cruises, on four different HAL ships, this year. In three of the four cruises my VPN worked, but not in the fourth (the first cruise). Interestingly, the cruise on which my VPN would load, Wi-Fi Calling would not work on my phone although it did on the other cruises. 

 

That said, our most recent cruise, on the full Koningsdam, the Internet was so slow that web pages usually would not complete loading and would often time out before even starting to load.

 

We had the Premium Internet plan in all cases.

 

Now, I just have to sit home and save money for the next couple years to return to cruising. Sigh...

Was each cruise in different parts of the World? Was curious if the differences were ship location, ship size or passenger count. I find the "premium" wifi means nothing if there are more passengers or in drop spots. 😒

1 minute ago, *Miss G* said:

 

It’s great to sit there and watch the sea instead of a giant room full of people.  The best part, however, is the intimate atmosphere and personal service.

Haven't sailed NS yet but we loved Rotterdam CO restaurant. Very quiet, intimate and easy. On KDam we didn't try it but it looked more industrial and not as comfortable than RDam. 

1 minute ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Have you actually experienced breakfast in the pinnacle grill with club orange on non pinnacle ships?  I’ve heard this repeated a few times but I’m pretty sure that is not correct.  I actually had Peruvian chicken in club orange on the the koningsdam as a special one night.  When I saw it on the plate it looked so so but it was delicious.

CO breakfast in Pinnacle Grill is similar to Neptune Suites benefits which we've done. It's a nice breakfast but same options each morning (you could probably ask for something unique) but I prefer the variety of Lido as I eat a large breakfast so ordering  in the restaurant makes me feel gluttonous🤪. 

I thought I read that a recent (6 mos ago) cruise had to test passengers onboard to enter a port (Mexico, Aust?)  I may have dreamed that however I remember pre covid, we had to line up and walk past an infra red camera to take everyone's temp before a port, so I would say, in these dynamic times, anything is probable. Otherwise testing for HAL was pre embarkment  but other lines (including parent corp) had to test before entering next port. Another line used to do the "spit in tube" testing daily instead of nasal swab. Hopefully we don't regress (like I have here 🙄). However, if you feel sick (or another passenger calls medical on you), expect a call that they will be coming to test. 

4 hours ago, fellswoop said:

So having just read this full thread I am so confused as to how to handle potential Covid. Our 2 cruises last year we masked indoors except for eating and drinking. (Retired RN who takes reducing transmission risks seriously) We are still Novids. So if we were to test pos with our own tests and chose not to report to Medical and just isolate in our room, what does one tell the room steward?  Our next cruise we splurged on a Neptune....We wouldn't want to be pulled from that to isolate elsewhere.  Also if you didn't report it to Medical then not sure if you could still file a travel insurance claim should added hotel stay needed or flight changes...or could you??? I certainly have no shame or embarrassment about wearing a mask to reduce risks...and to the person who said they don't want to see anyone wearing masks...well you do you and I'll do me. I know I would never get in a packed elevator without a mask but wearing it is worth it to us to keep cruising. 

We continue to wear masks on ships, in stores, at restaurants. But when eating is an issue if crowded.  I am also Novid 🤞🤞 but DW got it on ship in July, we both quarantined. Fortunately (?) Ship ran out of rooms set aside so we stayed in our booked cabin (we always book a balcony now). Masks work as medical staff know for years. Difference is yours are thrown away each use and hands sanitize. Many people don't realize how often they touch hand to face, eyes, nose, etc thinking the mask doesn't work. And if their hands are not cleaned...viola. DW said she wouldn't report to Medical after our experience. 😁

Don't you need Dr test result for insurance claim? 

48 minutes ago, knitter said:

Can someone provide some info on Club Orange- what is it, what does it cost (I'm sure there is a cost!!!), benefits, is it worthwhile? Thanks. Will be on Nieuw Amsterdam in February. Thanks.

Sandy

The benefits depends on what Mariner level you are, what cabin you currently book and number of days itinerary. You pay upfront for whatever the per diem at that time. So if it's $50 per day for a 10 day cruise, you pay $500. For me, it's not worth it unless on Pinnacle Class ship as I don't like the MDR on the big ships. On other ships you eat in MDR with 1 extra selection offered on the menu so not beneficial to me. IMHO There may be benefits for others but they don't entice me or the cabins I usually book. 

HAL's network does restrict VPNs and some commercial websites but you should be able to use those commercial sites. HOWEVER, remember on HAL's network any purchases or personal information entered may not always be secured. You may be safer using your phone protocol on shore. 

53 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

Well, reality is somewhat different than the website.

 

I checked with our HAL cruise consultant a week before boarding our cruise three weeks ago and she told me that decisions about corking fees are made on the spot, by folks on the ship.   She said that there was no hard and fast rule and that they seemed to target "egregious" behavior.

 

My roommate and I each packed three bottles of wine in our checked luggage for a two-week cruise.  No comment and no corkage fees.  We consumed the wine on our verandah.

As someone posted above, depends on how staff is feeling each time but it is a posted HAL policy. They probably expect an honor policy and if scanner doesn't catch you then you are expected to walk over to desk and "check in" with the corkage person. If you don't they follow up on CC posts and send you an invoice. 🤣

1 hour ago, cbr663 said:

For us the great feature of the Neptune was the large balcony.  For me, I am on a cruise when I am having breakfast on my balcony and the larger balcony of a Neptune makes it an even better experience.  HAL does an amazing room service breakfast and I encourage you to consider having breakfast on your balcony every morning.  Just check out this current thread and you will see pics of breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill and Room Service and for me, the PG pales in comparison.  And yes, I am a fan of a great breakfast. lol.

LoL. My DW (and I) were quarantined for 6 days and she says she will never do room service again 🤣 I guess it's ingrained now. 

1 hour ago, cbr663 said:

 

 

We are not fans at all of the Neptune Lounge.  We found it very disappointing and one of the least hospital lounges on the cruise ship.  It may have been just our experience and certainly it can change from ship to ship and cruise to cruise.

The lounge has downgraded (repeated or deleted items) post covid but it depends on who is working as well as the passengers as we have met some great friends sitting around. Still nice to pop in and see what is going on. 

1 hour ago, cbr663 said:

 

Best of luck.  The upgrade offer is a wonderful way for you to try it out and see if it is something that you would like to have always.  A common consensus is once you have a Neptune Suite you will always want one but this wasn't at all how we felt after sailing in one.  Different strokes, different folks.  

Yes. We go back and forth depending the itinerary, number of days and of course cost. Used to do it more with daughter. But we don't need the space now but every now and then it's nice. 

12 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

 

The first cabin I was offered was across from the Neptune Lounge so IDK if that is a best location or not? 

Usually near a door or elevator is busy and noisy but Neptune Suites are set back and usually the bathroom and closet area buffers the noise. But you also don't have as many people using the Lounge as the elevator/stairwell. Plus access to Lounge is from both Port and Starboard sides so not all Suite guests will use your side. Jumping across the hall to grab fruit, yogurt, juice, etc will be nice. Just remember what times the Lounge opens and closes. 

22 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

 

I just printed our luggage tags and they do say Priority on them so hopefully they will get to our room faster than the average. Our boarding pass still has a later time to board at 12:20 so I hope we will be able to still make it to the MDR for lunch. 

Ha. In theory. We were first to Port last month and bags first on empty luggage rack outside terminal. Didn't get bag to room until ship was moving 4 hours later. That was a 1 off but it happens. So much for priority luggage tag. 🤣 There will be bumps when traveling so just need to sail on. Would be nice to have tags scannable and tracked like airlines do. 🤔

Not unless the itinerary ports/countries require it or if someone checks "yes" on health questionnaire if they have symptoms...but who does that? 🙄

40 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

 

Thanks. I guess giving it more thought, it might be more difficult to keep something like that in stock unless there was a higher demand. Unlike beers and mocktails, if they open a bottle of wine and only serve one or 2 glasses, it would then so to waste.

 

I am going to inquire  about it in our upcoming cruise, and mention it in our post survey.

 

I guess it will have a be spritzers. Not a fan of the carbonation and would really rather just a glass of wine (with little or no alcohol) at times, but maybe the general demand is just not not there yet.

 

Between getting older and having my tolerance to alcohol diminishing and what seems like wines getting stronger - I just can't win 😑 

The non alcohol wines still have some alcohol unless they can capture all of the alcohol molecules in reverse osmosis process. They have the yeast and more sugar and most will have carbonation although I saw an oaked Cab "non alcohol" which would be interesting to taste and see in glass. And you are correct, they probably don't think demand is there but I know many who don't drink and don't like bubbles so maybe they should test (like having tasting to bring to passenger's attention). It would be an additional profit center for  HAL for those that don't drink alcohol. 

10 minutes ago, halifaxcruising said:

On Holland America's website, it said you could bring a bottle of wine in your carry-on suitcase to drink in your cabin but it will be subjected to a $20 corkage fee.  However, somewhere on Cruise Critic, it said you could bring a bottle of wine in your carry-on (per adult) and they would not charge you.  Can someone please clarify?  

Thank you.

Whether you bring 1 bottle or 12, you pay $20 per bottle. I used to bring a case on longer cruises since I have so much wine in storage (per DW)  but decided to just experience what they have on ship instead. 

52 minutes ago, Suncitycruiser1925 said:

Still waiting for our fcc to show up in our Holland America account.  Has anyone received their fcc for having to cancel due to a positive covid test?  If yes, how long did it take from cancelling to receiving the fcc?  It has been over a month.  I thought we would have received it by now.  We would like to book a February cruise.

See if your TA can help. If they know you are booking they might expedite the FCC. See my older post below: 

For those waiting on FCC, my DW and I were quarantined in July (she positive, me negative 3 times during 6 day quarantine). My brother and his DW also were on same ship, she tested positive, he negative and also both quarantined for 6 days. They booked a future cruise onboard and when they got home, called their TA who got the FCC into their mariner account and applied to the booking. We all got letters for FCC and dates, etc etc. My wife and I heard crickets until we got onboard in October and I stood at Guest Services to get someone on phone and miraculously FCC appeared in my Mariner account. Once you are off a ship, it's impossible to get HAL'S attention. It appears that having  someone (TA, onboard staff, etc) in your corner is required. I was told to email HAL to follow up on another issue we were not credited for.  Since we've been off the ship,, HAL has been silent for that. If you have a TA or currently on a ship, might be worth following up and pressing. The good thing is because our FCC came late, we have a longer time before they expire so we can wait for things to hopefully get better organized. 🤞

23 minutes ago, olya1972 said:

Can you please explain what does it mean "inset of the cabins so you don't get a full view down the ship from the balcony"? (we just received a gty assignment into VA Deck 8 Rotterdam). Thank You.

It's a minor thing but a personal preference. HALs older ships had a streamline portside and starboard. The Signature Class ships began widening at the bow and stern so midship cabins inset. The Pinnacle Class ships added a "bulge" in the middle so they have 2 lines of insets on each side of ship. These are all VA verandas on deck 8 so if looking bow or stern, you see V cabins at the corners of the "bulge". Look at the difference of VE cabins that are more forward/aft and are not inset so you can see down the side (be cautious that different categories within Veranda have different size balconies - maybe 1 foot diff if that matters - and either solid or glass railings). Like I said its not a big deal. You still get a view of the water and partial angles right and left. Most people look straight out anyway. I don't think VA balconies on Deck 8 are deep since on our last cruise we could look up from deck 7 and people were looking down over into our balcony (we had deeper balcony in Neptune). Also on your cruise you would be under Lido pool and and Lido market which is noisy at night and morning as chairs and tables are dragged around. So if you could choose a different VA on, say deck 6 or 7 it may be better but my guess is they have cabins open on 8 they want to fill. Attached are deck plans to compare when booking. 

hal-deck-plans-020522.pdf

8 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

 

Wow, thanks for all of that - everything sounds wonderful!! We could use some spoiling!  We will definitely go to the lounge on day one and meet the concierge members! 

 

I didn't remember about the breakfast in Pinnacle grill so that will be a nice. Is it crowded?

 

It can be, especially disembarkment day but don't let that discourage you.

8 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

The priority boarding and tendering sound great, do I need to ask for a ticket or something?

No. Your key card will be gold so that is your tender ticket when you show it getting off. 

8 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

What does priority seating/dining actually mean? 

There is a specific line/entry for Neptune and Club Orange members (to right of hostess) so less waiting. Seats are reserved usually by the windows in the MDR. 

8 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

I thought I read about High Tea in the suite, is that still an option?

 

 

Never did High Tea in suite (or on ship) as we usually would sit in lounge and meet new people (when not active on ship or on balcony). There is high tea and snacks there but I've heard mixed reviews on high tea in general. 

The app won't have "dressy" nights listed until you board. But you can expect at least 1 sea day to be dressy (HAL won't give up photo opportunities 😉). Possibly 2 dressy nights but on short cruise maybe not. 

28 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

Thanks so all of you for your opinions, they really helped me with the decision! 

 

I decided to go with the Neptune suite! 

 

Since the price of the suite $3199 pp is out of our normal range the upgrade allows to try it without the full expense. Our cabin was $1169 with HIA and crew appreciation so I think we did pretty good!

 

I only have three days to learn all about the Neptune. I have checked HAL's website and I will do some searching on CC. If anyone wants to tell me about any and all things that they like about the Neptune suite life, please do!! 🙂

Day one go to Lounge and meet your 2  concierge members. They will work effortlessly to make your cruise wonderful, booking excursions, dinners, ordering any special items to room (need a power strip, ask for one). If you do need to go to excursion desk or guest services, there is a separate Club Orange line you can use. The lounge has beverages (teas, soda, juice, alcohol) breakfast, lunch and snack items (mostly fruit, finger foods, etc to tyed you over until meal time). Enjoy snacks and drinks with other passengers or keep to yourselves in your cabin, no problem. As a Neptune guest you get priority boarding, tender, breakfast in PInnacle grill, priority seating/dining, Espresso machine in cabin, bose blue tooth speaker in room (if you have music downloaded on phone, etc. extra Orange Club menu item in MDR, disembarkment is anytime within early and late times. You will be spoiled...but if you need something just ask concierge.  Enjoy. 

Did 10+1 days in Carribean this month. Never had a problem but I have a relatively new (S10  - 2+ years so maybe not in phone years) and didn't have a problem doing video calls. DW has an ancient IPhone 6s and had problems. We use T Mob service (which is spotty at home) for what it's worth. I think specific problems occur with older phones and larger number of passengers using bandwidth so I imagine if I tried using it during lunch or other prime times, it may have been different. Of you're not looking for gaming speeds or VPN, you should be fine. 

6 minutes ago, mathed101 said:

That is a good question! We have thought about that too but since this cruise was originally booked in 2019 for March 2020 we had FCC to use so it didn't cross our minds at that time. So much has happened since then that it's difficult to say. Thanks for your input!!

The other question would be where the Neptune suite is located. It's nicer on 7 deck with the lounge but you may be on a different deck if that matters to you. 

Need more info:

Are you 4 star yet? If not free laundry in Neptune.

What is the blank space next to 4168? The balcony is great size but is there noise factor? 

The signature suite is almost similar size as Neptune but you won't have the Neptune Lounge and Concierge which is nice (used to be better lounge food pre covid). If you haven't booked a Neptune suite, why not try it. We used to travel Neptune but found we didn't need the space and SS is just as well (without the lounge 🙁). I would say try Neptune if you don't think you will ever get a chance although be careful you'll get spoiled. 

If you mean a cabin on deck 3 aft (lower Prominade) you will be under MDR (deck 4 Prominade) which may or may not be noisy as crew sets up tables (at least its carpeted). I would be concerned about ship vibration at the stern. We had breakfast a few times in MDR and 2 times (at 2 different tables which mirrored each other across room) our water glasses vibrated the whole time. We didn't notice any other tables doing it so it may be exact spots over engines or something. I know people that sailed on sister ships and like the ability to walk out of deck 3 door to lower prominade walking deck. If you are asking about stern around deck 3/lower Prominade here is a photo overlooking the ship wake.