Mariner Perks Reception?

[Storylady]

They lied ... We have been on several times since then on different ships and have attended both the Mariner Embarkation Lunch and the Mariner Luncheon one more than one occasion. We were even invited to sit with the Captain and his wife on the Nieuw Amsterdam's Mariner Luncheon in the Mediterranean.

 

There definitely was a Marniers Luncheon. This time we had more officers attend. In the past, I saw the Hotel Manager and Captain leave. This time they joined tables. Before the luncheon, we gathered in the Showroom at Sea for the medals ceremony. Than we went to lunch. We were lucky enough to have an assigned table and an officer join us.

 

And there definitely was a welcome aboard luncheon for Marniers besides the 2PM welcome aboard by the Captain.

[cruz chic]

They lied ... We have been on several times since then on different ships and have attended both the Mariner Embarkation Lunch and the Mariner Luncheon one more than one occasion. We were even invited to sit with the Captain and his wife on the Nieuw Amsterdam's Mariner Luncheon in the Mediterranean.

 

They also had both on the Noordam in March and the Veendam in May. Looks like more incorrect info from Seattle.

[Krazy Kruizers]

This reception is not for Facebook cruisers.

It's listed as a Mariner Reception.

If you click on the "Rewards" on the left you will see the full list pop up.

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/marinerSociety/Main.action?WT.ac=pnav_FBG_MarSoc

 

 

 

Thank you for the link.

I missed that -- will check out the rewards.

This must be something new. I will have to make note of it.

Where was it held?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Mariner Embarkation Lunch:

I can see discontinuing the Mariner (exclusive) Embarkation Lunch.

HAL is getting quite good at getting pax onto the ship earlier that they used to and that means a LOT of pax in the Lido for lunch. Much better to split them between the MDR and the Lido, instead of having just Mariners in the MDR.

 

VIP Parties:

I would be sorry and not a little bit miffed if HAL does away with the VIP parties. Just my own personal preference.

 

Captain's Reception:

This has become a joke. Since the "Champagne Toast" started, I have timed each "Reception". Some Captains really try hard: 10- 15 minutes! The last and least was 4 minutes, and this was from a really good Captain (so short as to be almost an insult to the pax and then the Bev. Manager didn't show up to pop the cork!)

 

Mariner's Brunch

If the senior Officers are being encouraged to attend and host tables, that is something! A bit of a surprise; I would see this as a trade-off with the Captain's Reception.

 

Things change. I wonder what will actually happen over the next few months as they shake this out.

 

 

We haven't gone to a Captain's Welcome Aboard toast in years.

And we also haven't gone to the Mariner's brunch in years. We do go to the Award's Ceremony. As I use a walker, I got sick of the free-for-all trying to get into the dining room and fighting for a table. And the majority of the time when we did go, the captain, CD and hotel manager literally ran out of the dining room as fast as they could after a short "glad to have you here" or whatever they said.

[sail7seas]

Storylady

There wasn't a party for 4&5 star Marniers on the 21 day cruise. There might have been one for collective, but this last cruise was not a collective for us.

 

The Captain and staff are at the one hour Welcome Aboard party. Dining Room Manager Kiki told us that it was happening. I inquired about why we didn't receive an invitation. Was told it was only for new Marniers coming aboard that cruise.

 

 

 

There definitely was a Marniers Luncheon. This time we had more officers attend. In the past, I saw the Hotel Manager and Captain leave. This time they joined tables. Before the luncheon, we gathered in the Showroom at Sea for the medals ceremony. Than we went to lunch. We were lucky enough to have an assigned table and an officer join us.

 

And there definitely was a welcome aboard luncheon for Marniers besides the 2PM welcome aboard by the Captain.

 

I am very confused by some of these posts about what was offered on Prinsendam for Mariners.

 

What is confusing me is the embarkation day Mariners event in MDR is Lunch.

The Mariners event that occurs during the cruise, after the Medallion Award Ceremony is Brunch.

 

For Collectors Cruises, in the past it has varied as to if there was a special luncheon for those staying aboard for the next cruise. Also, when we were on a Collectors Cruise, we were always invited to the Cocktail Party in Crows Nest for each of our cruises.

 

I still have not figured out which of these events were held and what 'category' of Mariners were included. :D :confused:

 

Edited September 10, 2015 by sail7seas

[B and J]

We were on the Zaandam last month. There was not an embarkation lunch only an invitation from "Mariner Society -- Please join us in the Crow's Nest, Today, 3;00-4:00 pm." Invitations were checked to get in.

 

The Mariner Society Brunch was held on our last full day at 11:00 a.m. Being a "newbie" I was so looking forward to receiving my tile. We were seated next to a couple who did nothing but complain about the cruise and the expense. And then I found out this was their first cruise, obviously they just walked in to eat lunch because invitations were not checked. I enjoyed the brunch, got my tile, and received my two star pin in our room.

[Loreto]

On the Statendam July 27th 14 day Alaska there was a Mariner Reception on Embarkation Day from 2-3 terrible time....we were given an "invitation" when we checked in. This seems to be as a result of the HAL facebook page (which we don't do) it seems to me it was in the room where they do the digital photo classes.

 

I don't think there was an embarkation lunch in the diningroom. Prior to the Mariner Brunch a 4-5 star reception/award ceremony was held in the showroom. This was very enjoyable. We were then escorted to the diningroom for the brunch where tables had reserved signs.

 

Karen

Edited September 11, 2015 by Loreto
spelling

[chrismch]

On our cruise next month the FB roll call meeting is on our first sea day in the Crow's Nest, right after our CC M&G. .is 11 am, the FB one at noon.

 

With all these different posts, I'm confused as to whether we can have lunch in the MD on embarkation day.

[erewhon]

This reception is not for Facebook cruisers.

It's listed as a Mariner Reception.

If you click on the "Rewards" on the left you will see the full list pop up.

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/marinerSociety/Main.action?WT.ac=pnav_FBG_MarSoc

 

Thank you for the link.

I will have to contact the Mariner Society and again request that the Mariner magazine be sent to us, as we have never received one.

How do we obtain the ship photo?

Several cruises ago, a photo of the Volendam was delivered to our stateroom, the only ship photo we have ever received.

[AV8rix]

Wow! I didn't know that they had discontinued the Welcome Back lunch on embarkation day. They certainly had one four months ago on Amsterdam. I VERY rarely eat in the Lido and CERTAINLY not at lunchtime on embarkation day!

 

If they have discontinued the Mariner Welcome Back lunch I'll eat a large brunch prior to going to the port. So I wish there were a way to know in advance. Please don't advise me to contact Ships Services. I've had more than one encounter with folks in that department who don't know what they are talking about. I only have three more days to find out.

 

But, heck, if I have to miss one meal I hope that's the worst thing that will ever happen to me in my life.

[hugger]

Maybe other ships do but the Eurodam didn't on the back to back Nov 9 to23.

 

One the Euodam last Nov 9th to the 23rd. In fact, we went to both of them first one embarkation day. Second one on turnaround day - didn't receive any invitation just went down at the designated time for lunch.

 

We didn't get an invite for the 2nd week Mariner's luncheon with the captain ans staff - I noticed they were having it. But, we didn't receive an invite for it.

:confused:

[Storylady]

I am very confused by some of these posts about what was offered on Prinsendam for Mariners.

 

What is confusing me is the embarkation day Mariners event in MDR is Lunch.

The Mariners event that occurs during the cruise, after the Medallion Award Ceremony is Brunch.

 

For Collectors Cruises, in the past it has varied as to if there was a special luncheon for those staying aboard for the next cruise. Also, when we were on a Collectors Cruise, we were always invited to the Cocktail Party in Crows Nest for each of our cruises.

 

I still have not figured out which of these events were held and what 'category' of Mariners were included. :D :confused:

 

As I understand it anybody who has sailed with HAL before is invited to eat in the Main Dining Room on embarkation day. It certainly has been true for most of the cruises we have taken in the last couple of years. I guess that is what is called the "Welcome Back Luncheon".

 

The Prinsendam had so many Mariners that the Mariners Luncheon that follows the Awards Ceremony was on two different dates. I am not sure how they divided the group's up. We had quite a few back to backs and thus went to quite a few Marniers luncheons--one every two weeks..

 

During our 14 day "Around Great Britain" we were seated at the table with the Hotel Manager. During our last cruise the Captain was at our table. Up to this time, I believe the Captain and the Hotel Manager left after the brief announcement at the Mariners Luncheon. Several of the other staff did host tables for the higher star Mariners.

 

It was during the August sailing that the Prinsendam had the "Welcome Back" at 2 PM on the Prinsendam for the first time I believe. Up to that time, the Captain's Toast was made on the first Gala night.

 

They still have the Collective Cruise Luncheon on the Prinsendam. We were served Indonesian food.

 

They have eliminated the parties in the Crows Nest for 4 & 5 Star Mariners. I don't know whether they eliminated the collective cruise party as our last cruise was not a collective cruise. And it was during this cruise that they changed the rules on the Prinsendam.

 

 

Hope that explains everything Sail.

Edited September 11, 2015 by Storylady

[Krazy Kruizers]

The more I keep thinking about it - this new cocktail party from 2 - 3 PM on Embarkation day sounds like some of us may get an invitation while others won't.

Also for those of us cruising the Caribbean, lifeboat drill is usually at 3:15.

By the time you have lunch (possibly finishing around 1:30), go back to your cabin for a few minutes and maybe get one suitcase unpacked, then it is time to go to this new reception (if you are invited), then go to lifeboat drill (our last ones were long), then if you are an early dinner like we are, run back to the cabin, try to finish unpacking and change clothes for a 5:30 dinner. Seems like the first afternoon is just going to be hectic.

JMO

[Krazy Kruizers]

I just ran off a copy of these new rewards.

I do not see anywhere about there being a Mariner Lunch on Embarkation day.

Am I missing something?? Is it being discontinued?

[syesmar]

How do we obtain the ship photo?

Several cruises ago, a photo of the Volendam was delivered to our stateroom, the only ship photo we have ever received.

 

Just visit the Photo Gallery to request one and show your key card.

 

Happy Travels!

Edited September 11, 2015 by syesmar

[cruiserzoid]

I think every voyage is different and it is a roll of the dice what events happen. You just have to go for the trip to the ports and back. Whatever happens on the ship is not predictable. Different captains, management and other factors make it so each voyage is a variation. Added to this is reduction of services. It is difficult to determine what is a reduction in service and a variation in service.

One now just has to go for the destinations.

[3rdGenCunarder]

We were on the Zaandam last month. There was not an embarkation lunch only an invitation from "Mariner Society -- Please join us in the Crow's Nest, Today, 3;00-4:00 pm." Invitations were checked to get in.

 

The Mariner Society Brunch was held on our last full day at 11:00 a.m. Being a "newbie" I was so looking forward to receiving my tile. We were seated next to a couple who did nothing but complain about the cruise and the expense. And then I found out this was their first cruise, obviously they just walked in to eat lunch because invitations were not checked. I enjoyed the brunch, got my tile, and received my two star pin in our room.

 

It's possible that the annoying couple were on their first HAL cruise, but had cruised with a "sister" line. Or, as you said, they just walked in.

 

On our recent cruise on Veendam, lunch was served on embarkation day in the MDR from 12-1:30. It was listed in the program as lunch, no mention of Mariners. We went and it wasn't terribly busy. I think a lot of people don't read the program first thing, so they assume the Lido is the only option.

 

The Mariner's Welcome Reception was in the Crow's nest from 1-2, which made it too close to lunch. We got there around 1:30, and it was very crowded. Nobody was checking invitations. There was just a sign saying "private party" or something like that. If there had been any initial welcome, we'd missed it. The champagne was pre-poured, as it always is at things like this, and by then it wasn't as cold as it should have been. (Not a complaint, just an observation)

 

Our first full day was a port day and the first Gala night. They did have the welcome toast at the first show. The captain introduced a few people, including the "employee of the month," a very nice young lady who works in the Lido. I thought that was a nice touch. Both he and the cruise director kept their remarks short. And they did the "popped" bottle.

 

On our only sea day, they held the Mariner Society Lunch. Yes, "lunch" not "brunch." As happened on our Westerdam cruise last winter, there were so many Mariners that they had two sittings. We were at the 1:00 sitting. Considering the menu, it was definitely lunch/dinner food. Main courses were fish and beef, very large portions. The captain, CD, future cruise consultant (or whatever she's called) were there. Captain kept his remarks short and handed off to CD for the toast. Captain mentioned that they had ginger ale in their glasses because he had to go "drive the boat." They did the toast, took a sip, set down their glasses and left. To be fair, it was very foggy that day, and the captain probably did head right back to the Bridge. (The captain on Westerdam last winter did a nice little talk about HAL being an old and respected line, and how excited they all were about Koningsdam, etc)

 

The first sitting had been full, but the second was not. I think they did the medallions before the second sitting, because I saw quite a few people wearing them and I overheard one woman talking about just getting hers.

 

We were seated at a 4-top, with a woman who was sitting there alone. We said hello and she said "I'm very hard of hearing. Hello!" and then turned on her Kindle and didn't so much as look at us the rest of the time. She should have asked to be alone at a 2-top. But I think she wanted that table because it was close to the microphone and she could see the captain and other staff do their remarks. She had "only" a bronze medallion (the captain mentioned a couple of 500-day passengers, and one with 1400 days!), but acted like she owned the ship. As each person was introduced, she gave a little wave like that person was her BFF, instead of applauding like everyone else. And then she went back to her kindle. Sooo ironic, given that our dinner conversation the night before had included complaining about people who spend all their time with electronic gadgets, including sitting at dinner with family and friends.

 

Since there was an empty seat, I appropriated that glass of champagne. There were empty tables near us (we were in the raised center area), and one of the waiters "harvested" the glasses from those tables and offered extra champagne to nearby tables. And later, a wine waiter topped us up. By that time, I really didn't give a rat's about the antisocial table partner. :D

Edited September 11, 2015 by 3rdGenCunarder

[cruz chic]

Can you actually ask for a table at the Mariners lunch? Usually it's a free for all. I've had some table mates like that. It's uncomfortable for sure.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Can you actually ask for a table at the Mariners lunch? Usually it's a free for all. I've had some table mates like that. It's uncomfortable for sure.

 

There isn't time to ask for anything. They do have waiters seating you, but in the rush, I don't see how we could have gone elsewhere, especially since we were right in front of the captain and CD. It would have been awkward to get up and move ourselves or try to find someone to re-seat us. It's the first time we've had anything like this happen. Usually, it's very pleasant.

[cruz chic]

There isn't time to ask for anything. They do have waiters seating you, but in the rush, I don't see how we could have gone elsewhere, especially since we were right in front of the captain and CD. It would have been awkward to get up and move ourselves or try to find someone to re-seat us. It's the first time we've had anything like this happen. Usually, it's very pleasant.

 

I didn't mean for you to get up. You had mentioned that you didn't know why she hadn't sat at a table for two. It is possible that she didn't have the opportunity to do that. For a long time I didn't go the the Mariners lunch/brunch. In the last year I sat with people that wore baseball caps right through the meal. The were into their 70's I'm guessing so not kids. The last one I had an older guy next to me asking way to personal questions. I'd enjoy sitting by myself but it's rarely an option there.

[Lizzie68]

I do hope they haven't done away with the Mariner Lunch. (No, I am not talking about the embarkation lunch...) It was a delightful event on the Westerdam this year. The second I have attended - and it was a luncheon, not a brunch. Very well done.

[cruiserzoid]

Why is the embarkation meal called a lunch and the Mariners meal referred to here as a brunch when it is the same food and presentation of. The difference is the Mariners meal has Captain and Officers and sparkling wine.

I believe at one time that Mariners meal was call a lunch or luncheon. Maybe that is another variation depending on voyage what it is called. Makes it difficult to ask about it at front desk or HAL if they play semantics with you.

[cruz chic]

Why is the embarkation meal called a lunch and the Mariners meal referred to here as a brunch when it is the same food and presentation of. The difference is the Mariners meal has Captain and Officers and sparkling wine.

I believe at one time that Mariners meal was call a lunch or luncheon. Maybe that is another variation depending on voyage what it is called. Makes it difficult to ask about it at front desk or HAL if they play semantics with you.

 

It's not the same food.

[cruiserzoid]

It was similar food menu and set up. You came into the room with other people and they took you a table with others and the menu had 2 choices.

[frankc98376]

So....I'm totally confused :confused: I guess my question would be: Is the MDR open for lunch at embarkation? Don't really if it's open to all, just hate the Lido on embarkation day.