Icy Strait Point Tendering Question

[clueless2]

We are in the process of signing up for an independent excursion in Icy Strait Point that the operator says will start at 8am. The Statendam is scheduled to arrive at 7am. I'm just wondering if starting the tour at 8 is a bit optimistic. I assume that HAL gives tendering preference to those who are on HAL tours.

 

Thoughts?

[Kamloops50]

We are in the process of signing up for an independent excursion in Icy Strait Point that the operator says will start at 8am. The Statendam is scheduled to arrive at 7am. I'm just wondering if starting the tour at 8 is a bit optimistic. I assume that HAL gives tendering preference to those who are on HAL tours.

 

Thoughts?

 

Your probably right.

[sail7seas]

Yes, those on HAL tours normally board the early tenders.

[PathfinderEss]

You'll be fine, hope you enjoy your excursion. Icy Stait is and awesome port, hope you have time to tour the area. Maybe even do their world's longest zip line ride!:eek:

[Krazy Kruizers]

Those who are on HAL excursions will be on the first tenders.

In the daily program there will be a time and place listed as to where you can report to for tender tickets ashore. You need to stay in that area so that you can hear the numbers being called for the independent people going ashore -- which you are since you booked a private tour.

The tour operators will wait for you at this port.

[take us away]

Tour operators will wait for you but make every effort to have your entire group in line for early tickets and ready to board the tender as soon as their number is called. Have an excellent trip!

[ScriptOhio]

We are in the process of signing up for an independent excursion in Icy Strait Point that the operator says will start at 8am. The Statendam is scheduled to arrive at 7am. I'm just wondering if starting the tour at 8 is a bit optimistic. I assume that HAL gives tendering preference to those who are on HAL tours.

 

Thoughts?

 

It has been my experience that Holland America will try to accommodate passengers on private tours at tender ports if possible. You have to make prior arrangements with the Guest Relations Manager though. A few days before the tender port ask to talk to the ship's Guest Relations Manager, and bring along a copy of your tour invoice/voucher, etc. indicating the tour's starting time. Usually he/she will tell you where to meet at a designated time to make your tour and someone from the Guest Relations office will escort you to the tender. This has worked the same for group private tours too.

[clueless2]

Thanks to everyone for the info. Very helpful.

[RuthC]

My experience with a HAL tour at Icy Strait was that we met ashore. Therefore, there was no special tender for those of us in that group; we were advised to be sure to leave in sufficient time.

 

If it's operated the same way when you sail, then you should be able to make a private tour at 8:00 AM.

Remember, not all HAL tours have very early departures. Some are a little later in the morning.

[cb at sea]

The tenders hold A LOT of folks...if you don't get the 1st one, you'll get the next. You'll have time!