New to Holland America? This is for you...AKA "HAL For Dummies"

[Haljo1935]

30 minutes ago, booms said:

Hi all,

 

Due to a family illness I have to cancel my cruise 2 weeks out 😞 Absolutely gutted, (but happy the family member has pulled through of course!). Unfortunately, we cannot be away for any period of time hence the cancellation.

 

We foresaw this could happen so went for CCP when booking.

 

1. 1. Has anyone cancelled theirs before? I see that written cancellation is required in advance, but I can't see details of where that is. The URL to more details on CCP from my booking goes to a 404 page. Also, is 80% of the non CCP fee what is refunded?

2. I presume it's not possible to change the 2 passenger names on the cruise? My mother and her friend would happily go, as they were planning to book something later in the summer but are interested in going on my cruise, if it were possible. I searched HALs FAQ but cannot find anything on it.

 

Thanks kindly 

Sorry you have to cancel, but happy to hear all will be ok.

HAL will sometimes change names for a change fee; when I did it last year, I was charged $50.

The main consideration is the name of pax #1 - the cruise fare is tied to pax #1, so that person has to stay to on the booking to get the rate that was booked (not necessarily show up, but has to stay on the booking). Keep that in mind when you call HAL to discuss options.

Interested in knowing the outcome if you'd come back to update us.

[crystalspin]

On 4/26/2024 at 10:37 AM, booms said:

1. 1. Has anyone cancelled theirs before? I see that written cancellation is required in advance, but I can't see details of where that is. The URL to more details on CCP from my booking goes to a 404 page. Also, is 80% of the non CCP fee what is refunded?

2. I presume it's not possible to change the 2 passenger names on the cruise? My mother and her friend would happily go, as they were planning to book something later in the summer but are interested in going on my cruise, if it were possible. I searched HALs FAQ but cannot find anything on it.

1- We cancelled with the standard CCP, last February, a day and a night early. 80% of fare and the whole of taxes+fees plus 100% of excursions and even a pre-paid floral arrangement were all refunded within a week. (I cancelled on the computer/website AND wrote my PCC.)

2- If it could be changed, one pax would have to be the same.

[booms]

Thanks both. I called HA earlier and as mentioned only one passenger can be changed for a csot of $50. 

 

I asked if it was possible to get credit for a future (instead of 80% refunded as we stand to lose 1K ) but they said to call back on Monday. I will update the thread with the findings.

[LAX]

Is the breakfast menu the same for room service and MDR (with Club Orange)? If so, the items should come from the same kitchen, correct?

 

LAX

 

[Steerpike58]

Thanks for all the info here!  I ended up booking two cruises on HA on Friday; a single-occupancy circle-Japan cruise next March with my buddies (the ones who will be in the Neptune Suite, requiring me to have Club Orange so I can join them) and one with my girlfriend to Malta in September. The price was so cheap (compared to Viking) that we upgraded to a 'Signature' room on the Malta cruise and it's still much lower than the Viking rate for a veranda room. We went for 'Club Orange' on the Malta cruise also; it seemed to give us a much lower price on the rooms, somehow (or at least, our HA travel guy was able to get us a better price than we could get on the website).  The HA travel guy was very helpful. 

 

We're going to have two nights (one full day) in Rome at the start, and 4 nights (three full days) in Barcelona at the end. HA seem to have fewer 'pre-' and 'post-' cruise extensions compared to Viking, but - we felt the last two pre / post extensions with Viking were not good value anyway so we'll just put together our own package.  

 

Now we get to see how the excursion booking process is, compared to Viking. 

 

 

 

[QuattroRomeo]

17 minutes ago, Steerpike58 said:

Thanks for all the info here!  I ended up booking two cruises on HA on Friday; a single-occupancy circle-Japan cruise next March with my buddies (the ones who will be in the Neptune Suite, requiring me to have Club Orange so I can join them) and one with my girlfriend to Malta in September. The price was so cheap (compared to Viking) that we upgraded to a 'Signature' room on the Malta cruise and it's still much lower than the Viking rate for a veranda room. We went for 'Club Orange' on the Malta cruise also; it seemed to give us a much lower price on the rooms, somehow (or at least, our HA travel guy was able to get us a better price than we could get on the website).  The HA travel guy was very helpful. 

 

We're going to have two nights (one full day) in Rome at the start, and 4 nights (three full days) in Barcelona at the end. HA seem to have fewer 'pre-' and 'post-' cruise extensions compared to Viking, but - we felt the last two pre / post extensions with Viking were not good value anyway so we'll just put together our own package.  

 

Now we get to see how the excursion booking process is, compared to Viking. 

 

 

 

Fantastic! Glad to hear you got CO with your friends, and again for another one! 

[booms]

On 4/27/2024 at 9:14 PM, booms said:

Thanks both. I called HA earlier and as mentioned only one passenger can be changed for a csot of $50. 

 

I asked if it was possible to get credit for a future (instead of 80% refunded as we stand to lose 1K ) but they said to call back on Monday. I will update the thread with the findings.

Just to update on the above, I called HA today and was told they couldn't offer 100% credit (as opposed to 80% cash refund as part of the CPP). It was my thought I might be able to use that and book a new cruise for my mother/friend using the credit, but it's not an option. 

 

Thanks for all the help on my previous questions. Already keeping an eye on future cruise dates 🙂

 

 

 

[peachycruise]

New to HAL (usually cruise Princess). I have a quick question that may be kind of stupid. On Princess, we have found that the itineraries typically list an "End" time which is really the "all abord" time, not the actual departure time.

 

However, on our HAL itinerary for an upcoming cruise what Princess would call the "End" time is labeled as the "Departure" time. So is this time on a HAL itinerary actually the departure time or is it typically the All Aboard time like Princess? We are looking at a couple private tours and want to give ourselves enough time, but obviously all aboard vs departure makes a difference.

[peachycruise]

Here's an example if that helps.

 

Princess (the END time is typically the all abord time):

 

For HAL (is the Departure time listed really the departure time or is it actually the all abord time?):

[terrydtx]

8 minutes ago, peachycruise said:

Here's an example if that helps.

 

Princess (the END time is typically the all abord time):

 

For HAL (is the Departure time listed really the departure time or is it actually the all abord time?):

The departure time on HAL is the actual time the ship leaves the port. The all aboard time generally is 30 to 90 minutes prior to departure depending on local regulations.

Edited April 30 by terrydtx

[peachycruise]

Thanks for clarifying! 

[marco2111]

What is the the easiest way to depart from seatle port if you have trouble walking?  I understand Uber pickup is a shuttle away. Where is seatle express or taxi pickup? We have luggage and are going to hotel.

Thanks

[RuthC]

12 hours ago, peachycruise said:

For HAL (is the Departure time listed really the departure time or is it actually the all abord time?):

As you disembark to go ashore, HAL will have a board listing the 'all aboard' time; it is clearly marked for what it is. 
Many people who tour privately plan to return with at least an hour to spare. 

Remember, too, that HAL normally ALWAYS changes time on the clock as the ship changes time zones. There is no 'ship's time' vs. 'clock time'. 
There will be a note on your pillow the night before, as well as a notice in the Daily Program. And a mention at the show the night before. 

[Djb.zville]

I see dinner reservations for Pinnacle Grill as an option under "manage my cruise" but not lunch.  Can you make lunch reservations at Pinnacle Grill before boarding?  If so, what am I missing?  Do you have to call HAL? 

[QuattroRomeo]

42 minutes ago, Djb.zville said:

I see dinner reservations for Pinnacle Grill as an option under "manage my cruise" but not lunch.  Can you make lunch reservations at Pinnacle Grill before boarding?  If so, what am I missing?  Do you have to call HAL? 

Just on board. You can reserve when you embark, at the specialty dining kiosk. Also at the  Pinnacle Grill when it is open. Lunch is only available on sea days. Most times we just went at noon and walked in without a reservation!

[Mary229]

Just now, QuattroRomeo said:

Just on board. You can reserve when you embark, at the specialty dining kiosk. Also at the  Pinnacle Grill when it is open. Lunch is only available on sea days. Most times we just went at noon and walked in without a reservation!

I have never made a reservation for lunch and I do like the Pinnacle lunch. 

[Crew News]

1 hour ago, Djb.zville said:

I see dinner reservations for Pinnacle Grill as an option under "manage my cruise" but not lunch.  Can you make lunch reservations at Pinnacle Grill before boarding?  If so, what am I missing?  Do you have to call HAL? 

There is also a podium on every ship next to the Spa entrance (indoor pool area) where Specialty Restaurant reservations can be made on Embarkation Day.  There will be a beverage package display nearby.  Never a line.

[Haljo1935]

2 hours ago, Djb.zville said:

I see dinner reservations for Pinnacle Grill as an option under "manage my cruise" but not lunch.  Can you make lunch reservations at Pinnacle Grill before boarding?  If so, what am I missing?  Do you have to call HAL? 

Not available online. Once onboard, you can make them at the podium, as others have mentioned, or the Nav App (again, only once onboard) or at the PG itself. Or you can usually walk in - I've never seen it fill except during specialty brunches; for those, I make reservations. 

[Crew News]

This week aboard the sold out Koningsdam, I have seen the Specialty Restaurants only 2/3 full when I was dining there. 

[islandwoman]

How long after a cruise does HAL add those mariner points to the passenger's online account?  We disembarked from the Koningsdam on April 26.  While we were still onboard, we received a note saying that we had earned the next Mariner level, but my online account is still showing the same points and star level that I had before the cruise.

[Dismomx5]

22 minutes ago, islandwoman said:

How long after a cruise does HAL add those mariner points to the passenger's online account?  We disembarked from the Koningsdam on April 26.  While we were still onboard, we received a note saying that we had earned the next Mariner level, but my online account is still showing the same points and star level that I had before the cruise.

It will usually take 7-10 business days to update, however, I have heard some complain that their mariner account didn't update that quickly.

[Haljo1935]

30 minutes ago, islandwoman said:

How long after a cruise does HAL add those mariner points to the passenger's online account?  We disembarked from the Koningsdam on April 26.  While we were still onboard, we received a note saying that we had earned the next Mariner level, but my online account is still showing the same points and star level that I had before the cruise.

Generally w/in 2 weeks. I've not had an issue,  but some people have reported getting their Mariner level updated by either emailing or calling the Mariner desk.

[Steerpike58]

On 4/28/2024 at 2:22 PM, Steerpike58 said:

Thanks for all the info here!  I ended up booking two cruises on HA on Friday;

...

Now we get to see how the excursion booking process is, compared to Viking. 

One difference between HA and Viking that I've noticed while booking the excursions for our cruise seems to be 'shuttles' into town.  It seems like HA charge for nothing but a coach into town and back. With Viking, they provided coach shuttles at no cost. Eg - Athens (Piraeus) - 

 

HA: 

This transfer may suit you if you would like to explore on your own. It consists of a motorcoach ride from the ship to the city. You will be dropped off at a central location, and your escort will show you to the Old Town (Plaka) area and advise you of the pick-up time for the return journey. You will have approximately two hours and twenty minutes to shop and explore on your own.

 

Viking - in Athens (Pireaus), they just ran a coach to and from a central pickup location and published a schedule for the pickups (roughly every 30 mins or hour, with the last one clearly identified).  This was free, and as noted gave you as much or as little time in town as you wanted.  I do see that HA are providing an 'escort' to get you to Plaka. Google Maps did a fine job as our escort on Viking 🙂

 

So this is another way HA is charging for something that Viking 'build in' to their (much higher) price. So far, we've run up an 'excursion' cost of about $2,200 ($1,100 each), minus $400 (200 each) HIA credit so $1,800 so far. Viking guarantee at least 1 free excursion per port, so our excursion costs tend to be lower on Viking. The HA approach would seem to favor those who prefer to organize their own excursions, since you aren't already paying (indirectly) for the 'included' ones with Viking. 

 

At the end of the day, it will be interesting to see just how much cheaper these HA cruises are going to be! 

 

 

Edited Saturday at 08:58 PM by Steerpike58

[Happily@Sea]

57 minutes ago, Steerpike58 said:

One difference between HA and Viking that I've noticed while booking the excursions for our cruise seems to be 'shuttles' into town.  It seems like HA charge for nothing but a coach into town and back. With Viking, they provided coach shuttles at no cost. Eg - Athens (Piraeus) - 

 

HA: 

This transfer may suit you if you would like to explore on your own. It consists of a motorcoach ride from the ship to the city. You will be dropped off at a central location, and your escort will show you to the Old Town (Plaka) area and advise you of the pick-up time for the return journey. You will have approximately two hours and twenty minutes to shop and explore on your own.

 

Viking - in Athens (Pireaus), they just ran a coach to and from a central pickup location and published a schedule for the pickups (roughly every 30 mins or hour, with the last one clearly identified).  This was free, and as noted gave you as much or as little time in town as you wanted.  I do see that HA are providing an 'escort' to get you to Plaka. Google Maps did a fine job as our escort on Viking 🙂

 

So this is another way HA is charging for something that Viking 'build in' to their (much higher) price. So far, we've run up an 'excursion' cost of about $2,200 ($1,100 each), minus $400 (200 each) HIA credit so $1,800 so far. Viking guarantee at least 1 free excursion per port, so our excursion costs tend to be lower on Viking. The HA approach would seem to favor those who prefer to organize their own excursions, since you aren't already paying (indirectly) for the 'included' ones with Viking. 

 

At the end of the day, it will be interesting to see just how much cheaper these HA cruises are going to be! 

 

 

 

This is the 'usual' for Viking. They built their reputation on river cruises and this is a normal perk of all river cruises - no matter the line. River cruises also park right downtown - at least in Europe. They have had years of training doing this - but is it really a bargain for ocean sailing ships or just an extra reason to raise their prices?? Only the cruiser choosing a cruise can answer.

[islandwoman]

4 hours ago, Steerpike58 said:

So this is another way HA is charging for something that Viking 'build in' to their (much higher) price. So far, we've run up an 'excursion' cost of about $2,200 ($1,100 each), minus $400 (200 each) HIA credit so $1,800 so far. Viking guarantee at least 1 free excursion per port, so our excursion costs tend to be lower on Viking. The HA approach would seem to favor those who prefer to organize their own excursions, since you aren't already paying (indirectly) for the 'included' ones with Viking. 

 

At the end of the day, it will be interesting to see just how much cheaper these HA cruises are going to be! 

 

 

Are these Viking included shore excursions the ones that you would choose if you were to book them yourself or do you feel that since you've already paid for them, you ought to take advantage?

When I went on my one and only Viking cruise (it was a river cruise), I signed up for every one of the included shore excursions just because they were already paid for.  By the end of the cruise, I was SO tired of riding on busses and wished that I had done something different in many of the ports. But then again, I would have had to pay double for shore excursions. 

Also, when comparing Viking and Holland America, don't forget to compare their cancellation policies.