CruiseMark

Thank you for posting this. 

38 minutes ago, richwmn said:

I believe the hold is still $60 / person / day for cruises under 30 days, and $30 / person / day for cruises 30 days and over.

I always have an amount of OBC on my account before the cruise begins due to Stockholder/Military etc and Travel Agent credit. Because of that, I check the box marked cash when checking in online. In the past I have been asked for a card at physical check in, but told the rep that I had enough OBC and was advised to check with the front desk. After verifying on the TV or app that I had my OBC in place, I don't go to the front desk. I haven't been asked about the amount, but I generally have close to the hold amount in OBC in place. At the end of the cruise any refundable OBC has been returned.

 

Not anymore. They changed it to $30 pp/pd a couple of months ago. This from the FAQ on the HAL website:  

I know that HAL puts a hold on your credit card for $30/day. I normally do 7 day cruises, so it’s no big deal. 
 

But next year I’m taking a longer cruise and that $30/day really adds up.  I’ve heard that you can have that amount either reduced or taken off if you go to Guest Services. Is that true? Has anyone done that?

(Please refrain from snarky comments about how I should have $25,000 in credit, just in case. Not all of us are so fortunate and I have insurance for emergencies)

Believe it or not, Holland America’s app is one of the best out there. Princess’ app was so bad they’re about to completely replace it, Royal Caribbean constantly crashes, etc. 

HAL’s website on the other hand…ugh. As a website manager for Microsoft for nearly 20 years, it pains me every time I get a “Bad Gateway” message. 

It’s so you can align that deck with the ones above or below it when comparing decks. A visual tool. 

I just rebooked to get the Black Friday deal. Slightly lower cruise fare ($100 less), but got more OBC ($225) plus the included gratuities, which for my 13 night cruise saved me more than $200.  So a total net positive of more than $500. While not massive, it was definitely worth it to me. 

Holland America announced what their Black Friday sale will be. Starting Nov 17th, 30% off select cruises plus free gratuities.

More info here:  https://www.cruisehive.com/holland-america-line-offers-major-black-friday-savings/115084 
 

I don’t know any details beyond what’s in the article.

@CPT Trips I don’t feel comfortable having my email permanently posted here, unfortunately. Oh well. I tried. 

@CPT Trips I tried to message you to get your referral code, but it says “Feature disabled”. Not sure why. If you could try messaging me with it, I’d appreciate it. Thanks!

Thank you so much, @JerseyGem That’s exactly what I wanted to know. Extremely helpful, thanks. 

I’m considering a Christmas Market cruise with Grand Circle cruise line (River Harmony). It’s hard to find recent reviews or feedback. 
 

If you have ACTUAL RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH THEM, say within the last two years, I’d love to hear it. Especially around dinner food. Please don’t post opinions on them if you’ve never sailed with them. 
 

YES, I know they’re a budget line and their ships aren’t anywhere near the luxury of Avalon, Tauck or Uniworld, but I like that they have some unique experiences for Christmas. 
 

Thanks in advance. 

So my question is…are you enjoying your cruise?

Cuz it kinda seems like you aren’t, based on all the complaints. 

On 4/24/2023 at 10:06 AM, EngIceDave said:

Oh yeah....there is some small little teeny tiny "bar" that has a racing theme, I have no idea what it is or was for, but it too is unused.

 

The little “racing theme” bar is part of the smoking section. The only indoor bar where smoking is allowed. 

On 4/13/2023 at 1:41 AM, Gretchendz said:

I should also note that this year, Hrtigruten has two new itineraries that will be much more fjord/destination intensive. Meaning, not dropping off the mail for 15 minutes. They will be on the Trollfjord which is being renovated right now.

 

The summer version is the Svalabard Express: https://www.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/svalbard-express-southbound/

 

The winter version is the North Cape Express. Bergin to Oslo or reverse. Our family is doing in November 2024 mainly due to the Northern Lights : https://www.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/north-cape-express-full-voyage-bergen-oslo/?_ccid=20927&_ccst=1794&_hrgb=2#key-info

I was looking at that winter 2024 version as well. I just wish their pricing was more competitive with Havila, especially for solos. I realize they have solo specials, but usually only for last minute trips and I’m a planner 😊

Thank you, @Flyinby. Very helpful. 

39 minutes ago, GottaKnowWhen said:

Sorry, what is a BKB?

From the Hurtigruten siting and the comment above, I am assuming a Norwegian coastal?

On my recent trip I used a medium format, 645Z, with a variety of lenses. I was surprised to find that I virtually never used my wide lens (35mm, 28mm equivalent in full frame), most often used my 55mm (=42mm) and 200mm (=160mm). When I needed wider, it was more convenient to compose a pano and stitch in LR later than to swap lenses.

Stan

Thanks, Stan. BKB is the Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen round trip Norwegian Coastal Express. 
I wish I could afford a 645Z!
 

3 hours ago, oakridger said:

Hi @CruiseMark.  Try asking your questions on the Cruise Critic photography forum.  You should get a lot of responses over there.

 

Photo & Camera Discussions - Cruise Critic Community

 

Have fun in Norway!!

 

~Nancy

Thanks, @oakridger, but that forum is pretty generic. I’ve been a photographer for 50+ years and know how to use my camera.    I’m looking for lens recommendations for this cruise specifically. 

Trying to decide on what photo gear to bring on a BKB voyage. I have a Canon 6D kit. I’ll obviously bring a wide prime for northern lights, a standard zoom for walk around. But what I’m unsure about is a telephoto zoom. I’m trying to envision what I’d be using it for. I have a 70-200 and could pick up a 70-300 pretty cheaply, but don’t know if I’d need longer than that. Thoughts?

Thank you so much, @Flyinby for such a detailed report. It’s tremendously helpful!

Thank you so much for your perspective, @hallasm

For those of you who have cruised on Hurtigruten or Havila to Norway, what made you choose that type of cruise vs a “normal” cruise line such as P&O or Fred  Olsen?

There seem to be pluses and minuses for each, and I’m wondering what swayed you?

Thanks.

Hello,

I’m considering a Norway Northern Lights cruise in December. Both Fred Olsen Borealis and P&O Aurora get good reviews and the itineraries are somewhat similar. 
 

I realize that this is a Fred Olsen forum and may lead to some biased responses, but does anyone have thoughts on the two ships? Any differences I should be aware of between either the ships or the cruise lines?  I’ve cruised extensively but never with either of these two lines. 
 

Thanks.

Mark

Is this available only if you book direct with P&O or will it be available to those who use a TA as well

48 minutes ago, Waju said:

Just ask your agent to price both grades - we usually do that.

 

It's easy enough then to work out if the difference is worth the extra money.  As wowzz said parking in Southampton has become quite expensive, although there are cheaper alternatives if you shop around.

 

Some cruises have a few port shuttles some have none - I suppose that's easily 'googleable' though.  Just be aware that if the port is a working port the shuttle is usually free.  Also, check the distance from the port to where you want to be as P&O have sometimes said its a 20 minute bus ride when its been an easy 10 minute walk!

Thank you, I have. It’s anywhere from a £500 to £800 difference, depending on cabin type.

I’ll be flying in, so parking isn’t a concern. 

Hi,

Does anyone have experience booking an “Outside Guarantee” cabin on the Aurora?  Did you actually end up with an Outside cabin or were you upgraded?  Or were you put in a bad cabin?

I’ve cruised extensively on other lines, but never with a guarantee room (due to Early Saver). The Select fare was significantly more expensive, so I’m trying to assess the risk of booking the lower fare.