VMax1700

Again they are not allowing you the amount already paid! Did you puchase the cruise from a travel agent? Can you ask them to refund the price of the Signature Beverage Pack or part of the cost?

I suppose as 'new season launch' is a bit flexible, the end date needs to be flexible too, but it would be reassuring to have a defined end date, even if it does get extended. I would just hate to decide to book one evening and when I log in the next morning to make the booking, find that the bonus is gone!

Yes! free number to Holland America in Rotterdam NL

@SAB017 Have you downloaded the HAL Navigator app? That offers the oportunity to purchase Have it All. The price is €65 per day per person (for 2 in a cabin). Did you try to sign into the HAL website. You can 'Manage your cruise' from there. Did you try calling 00 800 1873 1873 (HAL Rotterdam)?

Ok, that is something I have not seen recently. I am sure you could upgrade, but would it be worth it? Currently the price for HIA is €65 per day per person. You already have the main feature of the package (Signature Beverage Pack). The upgrade would only get you (a) basic wifi/internet; (b) credit towards overpriced shore excursions; and (c) a free meal or two in a speciality restaurant. Is there really value in that 'upgrade'?

I believe OP is asking for the experience of those who were on the similar cruise in September 2023. Perhaps the port of calls board would be a good source..... https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/8-europe/ https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/19-africa-amp-middle-east/

Do you mean upgrading the Signature Beverage Package (included with the Have it All Package) to the Elite Beverage Package? Then yes, it can be upgraded, but only when onboard the ship and you must upgrade before using the Signature package for any drinks. So almost your first job onboard! Both people in stateroom must upgrade. It may not be good value to upgrade, as you can just pay the difference between the menu price and the $11 allowance (+18% gratuity). Check the bar prices before commiting. https://rogerjett-photography.com/specialty-2/hal-regular-and-specialty-restaurants/

We will be waiting for you! It will be strange seeing Nieuw Statendam in Cobh, knowing that 4 days later we will board her in Rotterdam 😃

I believe (based on HAL's own information) that it is only available for 90 days from when the new season launches. https://www.hollandamerica.com/blog/recent-articles/whats-new/early-booking-bonus-for-all-mariner-society-members/

Our next cruise ends in Rotterdam on May 5th and there is an excursion available to Keukenhof for the flower gardens. May 11th is just about the final day of the show this year, so you could take this transfer (departs ship 7.30 am) and drops you to Schiphol for flights after 3.30pm. There is also the option of the Kinderdyke tour. I would not chance the 10.35 flight even if the ship docked in Amsterdam which would be closer!

It would also be good if they showed the date which the EBB is available until. Wouldn't like it to be an 'oooh it was there yesterday!' event.

Next year (2025) HAL has a couple of sailings from Dover. Interesting how they will handle that. Actually I don't care what they do........I don't want a kettle in the stateroom thankyou.

Thank you. That is great info!

Unfortunately not. There are a few gift shops and some clothing shops in Cobh, but not much of a range.

Yes, they have only just published the 2025 cruises. They sell out very quickly.

Rotterdam is deck 2 for (as mentioned on key card) "Open Dining".

The departure time is dictated by times for the locks sailing from Amsterdam, and distance to the nect port. Our April cruise departs Rotterdam at 3pm too. There are no formalities when disembarking at Amsterdam cruise terminal and it is quite close to the city centre. Centraal (train) station is within comfortable walking distance (beware of trams and bicycles!). Be sure to check the 'All Aboard" time for returning pax, but the rush of incoming new guests should be well ended by the time you return to the ship. Enjoy your day!

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Posting full menus for 1 day. Double space. Multi selected.

In 2022 there was only one train departure time from Katakalo 8.40am (arrive Olympia 9.30am) and the return departure from Olympia at 13.10 hrs (1.10pm) arriving Katakalo 14.02 hrs. (2.02pm). Fare was €10 per person round trip. There were private bus tours available at the port gate to Olympia, costs €15 per person, 30 minutes to the village, then 2 hours free time before returning to Katakalo. Bus driver /guides have excellent english. They wait until bus is full before departing, so no schedule as such and you may be waiting for a while at either end. Also at the far end of Katakalo, adjacent to the train stop, is the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. Really worth a visit.

aka Kir Breton or Cidre Royale.

Indeed you were very lucky. The previous weekend sees Florida State vs Georgia Tech in Dublin, so it will be pricey that weekend too.

The Irish take their tea seriously too! We have no problems in using the water boilers in the Lido. You will always find one that is hotter than the others. We always bring an insulated flask and DW enjoys her hot tea with breakfast. Always remember to warm the flask, mug or cup, just the same as you warm the teapot! 😉

Coldplay are perfoming in Dublin that weekend. The four gigs sold out in minutes. Hotel accomodation is at a premium.