LindaO

I can tell you the answer is No.   I can also tell you that if, and that is a big IF, you have to board the survival crafts and you are not assigned to the same craft, you will be allowed to stay together.   But, your concern should be well below .005 percent chance of ever having to deal with this.   

46 minutes ago, 0106 said:

You can bring snacks on board.  I bring a few protein bars for excursions otherwise I get mine from the Lido.

 

Here is the link to HAL’s FAQs:

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/faq.shipboard-life.can-i-bring-alcoholic-beverages-onboard.html

Thank you for the quick reply.   I appreciate your response and will pass it along.   I think her main concern is the potato chips.... she is addicted to the chips!!

46 minutes ago, Cruise Suzy said:

The potato chips are fine, but not the soda. Water cannot be in bottles, only cans or cartons.. Wine is allowed, but you pay corkage.

 

This is in the boarding pass (page 11 of 12 for mine)

 

Alcohol Policy
Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages
on board for consumption with the exception of limited wine and
champagne (corkage fees are applicable) and limitd amounts of water.
Plastic water bottles are not allowed. Please refer to our complete
Alcohol Policy online at hollandamerica.com or in the online Know
Before You Go section.

 

 

 

Here's what's in the Know Before You Go on the HAL Website

 

Revised Policy effective June 1st, 2021

 

Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use except as follows:

 

Guests may bring Wine and Champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of USD $20.00 (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to each bottle (max 750 ml in volume or less). Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the vessel or security will be refused.

 

Wine purchased during company-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).

 

Items such as sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic items are not allowed on board in any form. Plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom.  Any amount in excess of this allowance will be not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding. 

 

Thank you for the quick reply.   I appreciate your response and will pass it along.   I think her main concern is the potato chips.... she is addicted to the chips!!

Please forgive me, but I've searched and am now asking the experts.   I've never sailed on Holland America.   My friend is driving to the port and asked me to find out if they can bring on board bottled water, soda and pre-packaged potato chips (the small bags).    I did find they cannot bring wine or a catapult.  I have searched and can't find the information on the Holland site.    The search feature her is frustrating.   Please, if you know let me know.   They are on a Caribbean Cruise, tomorrow leaving from Fort Lauderdale.   Thanks for any help!!! 

Thank you for your reply.   I appreciate the information!

It has been a few years since I've been to the beautiful Belize City.   Last time we were there we walked to the Post Office with no trouble (My sister and I are both in our 60s)   Her husband, who doesn't like to cruise, is a serious stamp collector.   We have walked to the post office from the port (about a 15 minute walk) without any problems before.   It is a walk up N Front Street and The Swing Bridge is appx half way along the walk.   I've seen warnings on some sites to not leave the port area on foot.   Also some US Government warnings of increased personal crimes against tourists.   They mention the south part of the city.   We really have little fear walking in most Caribbean ports, but these warnings are giving us some pause, wondering if we should venture to the Post Office on our upcoming trip, by foot.   We could take a taxi, but rather do enjoy walking.   Anyone have any information about this section of Belieze?   Any information or suggeations are welcome.   Thanks for your help!!! 

22 hours ago, AC Stew said:

TRUTH, NOT RUMOUR: She was told during a luncheon held for a small group of Back-to-Back guests, that the revised DL policy would be in place for her cruise. THIS MORNING, SHE TOLD ME THAT THE SERENADE DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THAT DECISION. DIAMONDS WERE STILL ALLOWED IN THE DL. 

 

I believe she was told that... but WHO told her that.   It makes a big difference.   If another passenger told her... it is a rumor.   If the Hotel Director told her that... well, that is a different story.   But just being 'told' and not stating who said it lends to discredit.   I am still curious as to who told her, but I do understand if this matter is over for you.    But, as a precaution in the future, you might want to find out the source of the information before repeating it.

On 11/18/2021 at 5:20 PM, AC Stew said:

A friend on the current November 18 Serenade out of Tampa has advised that Diamonds are going to be restricted from accessing the Diamond Lounge. Only Diamond+ and Pinnacles are allowed! This is an entirely separate issue from vouchers, capacity monitoring, and no more "self-serve" from the coffee machine.

 

If true, Diamonds will no longer be able to sit in the Diamond when it's quiet and enjoy a cappuccino. (Subjective of course, but I think that the machine coffee is decent.) For me, this is one of the benefits that I truly appreciate. I haven't noticed any "official" changes to benefits. Could this be an arbitrary "ship specific" ruling? Seems like a real slap in the face to an awful lot of loyal Diamond customers.

 

Can anyone confirm or comment on any repercussions?

Who told them this?   Did they get a letter in their cabin?   Without 'official' notification this is just a rumor.   AND.... several upper tier people I know have reported that this is not true.   And one other thought... did your friends turn diamond on this cruise?   Because if they did they are not allowed in the Diamond lounge until their next cruise, they do not get benefits until the next cruise.   Just a thought... if they turned diamond on this cruise.   

I think fit is amazing that this topic is even being discussed.   The OP, with good intentions I'm sure... posted that a friend told them... well.  That friend is WRONG.   Totally WRONG.   I have no idea why they thought this... but no one Diamond and above has been removed from any diamond lounge on any ship for any time (either temporary or permanent) .   Check your source of information if you are going to report such information.    Or... just keep discussing something that has not happened.   Your choice. 

Purchase Travel Insurance that includes trip interruption.   Also know that Royal CAN NOT just put an infected person off the ship in a foreign port without arranged transportation through that country and back to the US.   The port will not accept the person or allow them to be 'left' in port.  There are protocols.   This is why Royal has insisted that un-vaccinated carry insurance that will reimburse Royal in the event they have to fly that person to their home.   It is complicated.   There are no precedents here and it is an evolving situation.   I suggest that if this is a real concern of yours, you discuss with your insurance carrier and choose a policy that will cover expenses.   Or, just do not cruise until all of this is resolved.      

Have you checked out www.CruisetimeParking.com ?   I'm  looking at the for my September cruise.  

1 hour ago, truffles2 said:

Hi Linda,

I am sure you are the same LindaO who started the thread for the Serenade inaugural  transatlantic....and I think that was about our first introduction to Cruise Critic.  Quite a few years ago!   As it turned out, we did not make that cruise--thanks to United Airlines last minute cancellation of our flight and the improper way it was handled.  That was many years ago.  Perhaps we will meet on Allure.  When are you sailing.  We will be on for the 5th and the 12th.

Barb

Barb... that is just horrible missing the Serenade... That was a great cruise... a long long time ago!    I'm on the Allure, September 5 Sailing!   It will be so good to see you!   Are you on the Sept 5 Allure thread??

Looking forward to being on any ship, with any CD... 🙂   Looking forward to seeing Mark in September on the Allure. 

3 hours ago, molly361 said:

51 days out until our capacity reached Mariner cruise and no Royal Up offer and can't get one yet using the link on the website.  The only category I would bid on is the VP and I don't see them offered on any of the above.  Wondering if they would be on there since there are only 2 of them.

VP was offered on mine... but I did not get it.  I'd say if it is offered on yours (offers come about 30 days prior to sailing) I'd suggest bidding the most as I'm sure they go quickly    Good luck

July 5 sailing of the Freedom (4 night cruise)   Bid the minimum on all categories.    Went from a standard outside to a large balcony.   🙂   

23 hours ago, CruiszBug said:

For those people that are thinking of bringing home onboard-purchased alcohol how will you do it? The Bahamian website said 2 liters are duty-free, but one of the bottles has to be from a local bottler. Is direct shipping to your home city an option onboard?

There is Duty Free and Customs allowances.   Most countries, if you are just transiting through and not staying overnight, will allow you to transit goods without paying duty.   Leaving you to deal with your own counties allowances.   Since transit through the Bahamas is new, I have no idea.   But usually if you get off the ship, proceed directly to the airport they would just consider you 'in transit'.   You might check when you get on board.    Duty-free refers to the act of being able to purchase and item without paying import, sales, value-added, or other taxes at the time of purchase. If you exceed custom allowances when you enter the US, you then have to pay the duty on the items not covered under your allowances.   For example, the US allows for 1 liter be be brought back duty free.   If you bring back 3... you pay the duty on the other 2.  Duty is determined by the proof and amount.    You can only bring back amounts for personal consumption and not for resale.   If you bring back a dozen bottles of wine they won't think twice.   Bring back a dozen cases and expect to have a discussion with an agent.   Duty is not as expensive as you think.   It runs about 3%.    I used to travel on a cruise to the Bahamas every December and bring back about 3 cases of assorted liquor for Christmas presents.   I would make a list of all the liquor, the cost of each bottle and the proof and present it at customs to pay the duty.   I can tell you it wasn't much and if it is under $25 they would usually wave me through.   They are very appreciative to have it listed and to have payment ready.  I always paid duty in cash, have no idea what is going on now.  It is acceptable to buy liquor as gifts.   

So, even though you can purchase duty free, if you exceed your limits be prepared to pay duty when you return.   Remember duty is per person traveling, though only adults can claim and bring back liquor.  Also, remember you are strictly limited to the numbers of cigars and cigarettes allowed.  No exceeding those limits.   

Hope this helps.   Good luck... fair winds and following seas!!!  

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Good Morning Adventure of the Seas!

 

After two relaxing beach days, it is time for a relaxing sea day. 
 

Who else cried when they saw this picture?    So happy for all who are sailing!!  Just a few weeks and I'll be leaving on my 118th cruise!  Been too long... Thanks, Bird, for making me cry!!  So happy (and jealous) for you!   

6 hours ago, misguy said:

They have to leave Coco Cay to open the casino.

 

Actually, this was changed a while ago.   The Casino is open in CocoCay by special agreement with the Bahamas government   Also, docked late in Nassau, the Casino will open up before the ship leaves.   

2 hours ago, Lady Hudson said:

Pinnacles onboard — could someone post the onboard C&A benefits usually left in the cabin?

I know Pinns are not being allowed in the SL but was wondering about breakfast in a special area.  Thanks.

I'm not on board... but here is the letter in the cabin.   Also, no special dining area for Pinnacles in the Dining room for breakfast, but from what I've read there is no need as there are at about 33% capacity.  

I have used the Hyatt Place MIami Airport/ West- Doral.. park and cruise one night prior.  Up to 14 nights parking.  Extra night you can pay for.  Free Shuttle to the pier.  I take a taxi or Uber back to the hotel.  Used several times.   Works great   If I'm leaving out of Terminal A in Miami I do just park at the pier.  Any other terminal... I never park at the pier

Also, my phone works on Wi-Fi with no extra fees (most of the time).   I can't pick up messages, but I can accept and make calls through the Wi-Fi.   Sometimes, depending I guess on the location this service goes down... but you can contact your neighbors or family or friends if you think something is going on at home.  

I have Ring and yes I get alerts while sailing (on several ships).   I've even carried on conversations with people ringing my doorbell.    Just a suggestion... add a trusted person to your ring account while you are not home.   Often while on shore, or if the service is acting up you won't get alerts.  My sister is on my account and she can see my ring and answer door bells or call the police if something is happening.   I'm sorry you had such an experience... but glad Ring came through for you.   Our local sheriff's office circulates ring videos and I love my system. 

On 5/14/2019 at 12:05 AM, Airrace said:

Rent early as I am told they fill up fast. Very nice lady (Debbie) will take your reservation.

 

Enjoy your visit

 

Did you reach them through facebook?  I can't seem to find an email.  Also, do they do the deposit on your Credit Card or is it best to do the deposit and rental fee in cash?   Thanks for your answers... just trying to plan.  

Dining room on sea days... 

Also, you can use your 3 drinks in the dining room.   Just tell the waiter you want your drink on your Diamond... Last week our waiter even reminded us if we wanted another round we needed to do so before the 8:30 cut off.  :)