ann1bell

Hello! Walgreens has a free and quick covid test called the ID Now, a NAAT test. 
 

There is updated testing info from HAL which mentions several NAAT tests. I cannot tell if this one is one on the list. 
 

I could call HAL but am concerned that the reps on the phone might give inaccurate information. 
 

Any advice on confirming that this test will or will not work? I have researched some online but am confused.  I guess I could go to Walgreens and ask a pharmacist there. Anyone else have any ideas? I can get a rapid antigen test at a local pharmacy for 90 dollars but would like to save some money! 

 Thanks! 

How are we going to know when HAL officially changes from 72 hours to three days? I guess we will have to check online every day.

Celebrity states that some vaccinated passengers may require testing depending on the home port. 

One of the main problems with the testing option is that the PCR test results are often not available in the 72 hours. That limits us to the antigen. Our insurance does not cover this so we are paying 90 dollars each for the rapid antigen test.  
 

We have located a local pharmacy that will do the test but hope HAL makes some changes before our 8/21 sailing to Alaska. 

Thanks so much fir the info about the Hilton and nearby restaurants. 😁

Thanks for your review! 
 

Question: were you happy with the Hilton provided by HAL? We are going on this cruise on 8/21 and have also booked this hotel through HAL. 
 

Were there any restaurants nearby for dinner the night before the cruise? 

7 day Alaska N Amsterdam, Aug 21-28, first cruise since 2/2020

Aug 21 7 day Alaska on the N Amsterdam ... first cruise since 2/2020

Our Sept. 21 cruise was cancelled by AQ on Sept. 2. We immediately asked for a refund instead of a FCC. Our TA told us we should expect our refund in ninety days, which was last week. He checked with them again today. AQSC told him our refund was approved on 12/4 and we should get the credit to our card in two weeks. We hope to get our money by Christmas! 
 

I am not sure I will ever book again with this company. We paid in full on Oct. 2019. I understand times are hard but this is distressing. 

Before the pandemic HAL promised us a non refundable hotel reimbursement in January. It was suppose to be received by late March. My TA and I had sent several emails, called, etc but had no result for months. In July I posted my frustration on the HAL FB page. They responded and suggested I email socialmedia@hollandamerica.com. I did that and got my check in a few weeks. I am not sure if emailing this address was a factor but am happy. I waited seven months but am glad I got the check. 

Thanks all for your opinions. 

Maybe I am being paranoid but wonder if people on canceled cruises will actually take their future cruise or receive a refund? I know a refund will take several months.
 

What is your opinion? Too bad there is not a crystal ball. I am hopeful everything works out for everyone. 

I do not know if my FB post on HAL’s page helped, but I got my reimbursement check today, Aug 27! Yay! The email approving the check from HAL was dated Jan. 23. I waited over seven months but got the money today. So relieved! 

We finally got our reimbursement today for our non refundable hotel charge we incurred as a result of the N.Amsterdam cancellation on Feb. 1. This was from the cruise cancelled by HAL because of mechanical issues. We were notified of our reimbursement approval in mid January and were told we would have the check by late March. This was before the pandemic. 
 

We are so happy. We had contacted HAL several times by phone and email with either no response or indefinite information. It took seven months but we are relieved! Good luck to everyone who is still waiting! 

AQ tried to tell us last week that they were sailing in Sept but wanted us to agree to move our 9/20/20 Columbia River trip to 2021. I figured the CDC orders applied to them even though they were not cancelling at that time. They finally announced they have suspended operations until October.  We are not going to accept the FCC offer but will opt for a cash refund. This will take longer but I do not know what the cruise future holds. We will get our money back. Best of luck to everyone! 

Yes, I am still waiting! 

My Hotwire room was quite expensive because it was during the Super Bowl weekend. The hotel refused to let me make any changes.

Holland America volunteered to reimburse me and informed me in writing that I would get a check from them. 

I have already disputed the charge with my cc company. It was denied. My hotel reservation was through Hotwire and was non refundable. Holland America’s reimbursing my room charge is the only option. 

Thanks all for your responses. I have sent them my info and will update here if I receive any positive response. 

Hello! I was notified in late January that I would be receiving a reimbursement From HAL for a non refundable hotel room charge related to the Feb. 1 cancellation of the N. Amsterdam because of mechanical issues. This was before the pandemic hit.
 

I was promised a refund by the end of March. My TA and I have called and emailed numerous times about this but have only been told to wait. I know others with later cancellations have gotten their refunds. I have not received my check. 
 

I posted my frustration on the July 10 HAL FB post addressing their refund process. I was surprised to see a response there from HAL requesting that I email my booking info to them at socialmedia@hollandamerica.com. I have sent and received emails from other departments like guest relations, etc, but have never been told to email social media. 
 

Has anyone used the socialmedia email address to contact HAL? Has it speeded up the refund process? Or is this just another way for HAL to kick the can down the road? Thanks! 

I have read their statement. It looks like they are giving 125 percent FCC but do not mention a refund. Can they refuse to pay a full refund if they cancel? Would they reimburse changes in air tickets? Thanks! 

We are booked on the Empress 9/20/20 for a Columbia/Snake River. The boat is listed as having 223 passengers and 84 crew. I see that CLIA has called for cruises to be delayed until 9/15. I wonder if this means the AQSC will pause until then. We paid in advance and have our air too. We have insurance and hope it will cover us if we have to cancel. We are in good health but are in our 70s. We do not want to go and are hoping they will cancel. Anyone have a good crystal ball? 

Yes, I have disputed the charge on my credit card. I am waiting to hear back from them.

Yes, I have called. They said they knew my situation but could not say when I wouid get my refund. This was from the Feb. 1 Nieuw Amsterdam cruise cancelled because of mechanical problems. 

I am still waiting for my refund. My Feb. 1 cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam was cancelled and I have an email from Jan. 24 stating I would get a check by March 24. This all happened before the virus hit. I am still waiting after almost four months. Very frustrated!