regnig

We docked at Havensight early 2020 and then again this year 2022 2 times all on HAL.  Yes, I've done the sky-ride, it was okay and the view is awesome.  I'd plan on spending at least a little bit of time to enjoy that view but if you want to get right back on that is allowed

For those who don't want to run or walk the 5km that is not a requirement. Just go to the desk, make your donation and if you want, collect your t-shirt. I have several of them and the quality is great.

bobpell the problem you encountered with the "400 kids" was due to the Holiday Week and the shorter length cruise.  This is not typical on HAL for 10-11 day cruises even over a holiday. I would not have been a happy camper either had I been on that cruise. Amazing how so many "orphans" there are in this world. 😬 The parents are the real problem!!! I did see deck staff ask children on the same ship last spring see to it that kids were removed from the hot tubs.  Mind you we were not at full capacity but even chair hogs, except bordering the pool, were not a problem.

Thanks to both of you for your response!

Can someone tell me what color the outside of the stateroom doors are on the Rotterdam? Deck 7 if that makes a difference. TIA

2 hours ago, lax19 said:

The first marriage license would be needed only if the second marriage license did not have her birth surname listed.

for example

Birth surname = Jones

Marriage license #1 - Ms Jones becomes Mrs Smith

Marriage license #2 - Mrs Smith becomes Mrs Johnson

Current ID = Mrs Johnson 

 

From what the OP has explained this appears to be her Mom situation.  I was advised years ago to use my birth surname on all legal or semi-legal documents.  It has taken the place of my "middle name". Over the course of my many many years (and marriages) I have never encountered a problem.  

We have booked onboard with an FCC several times and have never been rushed or treated with anything other than respect by the FCC. 

This threat begs me to ask a question.  I need 2 more sea days to become a 4*. I am currently booked on two cruises, B2B, but with 2 booking numbers for a total of 21 days.  After day 2 of the first cruise it sounds as if I am entitled to my 4* benefits and a new card showing that I am a 4* Mariner.  Have I gathered correctly from the previous posts or is this only something they do for passengers on the Grand Cruise? If yes, then I will wait to send out my 1st bag of laundry (traveling clothes) until then. TIA

The service is $25 but you will still have to pay whatever baggage fee the airline would have charged you were you to check them in at the airport yourself.

1 hour ago, sayvan said:

It’s nonsense really. We have a 21 day cruise coming up in February on Rotterdam. However, as with how HAL is running cruises these days our 21 day cruise is really a back to back. We will have guests leaving after the first leg when we do the turn around in Fort Lauderdale. Those on first leg leaving and those joining in the second leg will not require a test at any time,  yet anyone booked on the 21 day will be required to test.  It’s ludicrous really.  Fingers crossed they change again these ridiculous testing requirements come February… we also are fully vaxxed with two boosters! 

I am also doing a 21 day cruise on the Rotterdam in March. My booking was made as an 10 day cruise and an 11 day cruise, basically a B2B.  Yes, I have 2 booking numbers.  One of the people traveling with me has hers booked as a collector cruise, 21 days with only one booking number.  So are our protocols currently different?  I recognize everything evolving Covid is subject to change at any time but I'm curious as to what others think. TIA              

8 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

Is the suspect, you're looking for in this picture:

I do believe that is "Sir Howard". He ended up on the Statendam after having the misfortune to being on the Crystal Ship that dumped it's passengers rather than paying it's fuel bill.  He helped keep me entertained when my traveling friend ended up in Covid Prison for 5 days. We also got to experience being deposited, including being taken to the wrong hotel, in FLL for 2 days while HAL had the Azipod repaired. Howard was generous with his time and I now know far more about world geography than I did before that adventure.   

Bill & Mary Ann the next time you see Howard would you please tell him Barbara, Nieuw Statendam this spring, sends her best to him. I've enjoyed relating stories of getting goodies to our friends locked up in "Covid Prison".

Thank you both for always allowing those of us land locked to travel along with you. 

Barb

In addition, when booking on board you also get a reduced deposit usually $100 per person.

Does anyone know for sure about the doors on the Rotterdam... are they magnetic or not? 

45 minutes is the minimum required layover time at MIA.  Are you changing airlines?  If not you will probably be okay provided there is no delay on your originating flight.

The connecting doors should not present a problem.  We have had many a stateroom with them and found them to be as sound proof as the walls.  Those SZ staterooms are under the very end of the Lido Market where there are tables. Unless you plan on sleeping until 9a/10a in the morning you should have little to no noise from above.

Ruth that is a very valid point.  I have a suggestion for you, although you are smart enough to have perhaps figured it out yourself, ... take an empty container with you and fill it up from the wall dispenser allowing you to use it anywhere in the stateroom. 

Hair dryers are allowed. I have taken my own hair dryer in my carry-on suite case every time I cruise with no problem. Although my hair is short it is very thick and I like neither hotel nor ship dryers. 

39 minutes ago, sofienummer said:

Hi everyone,

 

Just booked my first cruise on the Hal Rotterdam to Norway🙂 I already have a few questions I hope someone could answer.

 

First of all, can you keep your luggage/suitcase with you as you embark? Or don't they allow this because of the crowds? You can keep a carry-on (think airlines) at check-in but larger bags will need to be checked with a porter to be delivered to your stateroom.

 

Since this is a American cruise line, will it have the US socket/outlets? Or also the 'European'?

There are both American and European along with several USB ports

 

Since I'm from the EU, I have an internet 'subscription' with my mobile provider which allows for the same costs all through European countries. If you arrive at a port in Norway, how do you know you are using internet/4G from the country or you are still connected to sea internet? 

I hope this question makes sense...  No idea

 

I didn't buy a drink package because I only drink water and tea, but I was wondering what drinks are included on the cruise and more specifically in which areas? There is free iced tea and water in the Lido 24 hrs a day. Additional there is a large selection of tea bags along with a tap has really hot water.

 Can you drink water at the main dining room? Yes and your table servers will keep it full. Same is true for the Lido.

 

Or, if that's the only thing you drink, do you need to pay for bottled water? There is no reason to pay for bottled water.  Even the water out of your bathroom tap is potable.

 

And a follow-up question;

I believe room service is free, but if you don't have a drink package and you would like to order a cup of tea, do you need to pay for it? You can order tea from room service 24/7. They will bring you a pot of water with tea bag on the side.  If you want more than one cup just tell them you would like a pot for "how many ever" and you will either get a larger pot of several small ones. *I believe tea is included at the buffet

 

Sorry for all my questions and thank you in advance for those kind enough to respond 🙂 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME TO HAL! Feel free to keep asking question.

4 hours ago, Euby said:

Have you ever used it when you had a post-cruise stay for a day or 2?  How did that work?

No, sorry I can't help with that. 

3 hours ago, Euby said:

 

I can answer part of #10.  I used the luggage direct on a cruise last December.  I had a pre-cruise overnight in Fort Lauderdale, so I had a carry-on with me.  My cruise suitcase I booked (via phone) with luggage direct.  It arrived at my cabin without any problems even though I flew in a day early.  I can't answer the part about cabin to home airport as I didn't book that.

I've used luggage direct from the ship to my final airport several times and it is wonderful. The airlines provide your boarding pass(s) and luggage tags. Bags get placed outside your stateroom and you don't have to deal with them until you pick them up at your arrival airport. There is a charge for the service but it is well worth it. I believe it is $25 but by the time you eliminate a tip for the terminal porter, the driver to the airport, and the baggage handler at the airport it almost pays for itself. Prior to this spring I've always arranged for the service in advance but for some reason this year I had to wait until I was onboard to secure the service with HAL provided paperwork.

When bunkering at a port the aft pool does not close - they simply do not permit smoking in the smoking area. 

Yes.

Just put your laundry in the bag, fill out the contents form and mark Unlimited Laundry, remove your copy and leave the bag and form on the bed for your cabin steward.  Although I don't think it is really necessary I always write - Pre-Paid on the form with my 1st bag. After that I just mark N/A in the charge column.

Love mine, have several with plastic holders, and always have it with me onboard the ship. Even the stateroom door card readers work with the card still in the holder.  I do though take it off after leaving the ship at a port.