Embarkation and other queries

[jwh]

Do we carry our hand luggage on board and store it directly in the cabin on embarkation - even if the room is not ready or do we need to keep it with us over lunch etc until the rooms are ready? Our tickets show 12noon embarkation but this has been amended via email to 1pm (Zaandam 10 Jan - BUE-SCL) Are the rooms generally ready that early??

 

If we arrive early are we given numbers to board in some sort of order when the ship is cleared?

 

Where is the calmest place to have lunch on embarkation day? Are there any specialties available only on embarkation day that anyone recommends?

 

Is sparkling water offered at the dining table as complimentary or is it still water only?

 

Who would believe I've been on Zaandam and on this same cruise itinerary only a year or so ago!! I am however a frequent Crystal cruiser and just off Symphony last week so need to get my head around these differences from one line to another. Many, many thanks for your responses.

 

Judith

[CruiseRQA]

Generally your room will be ready upon embarkation and so you can drop your carryons off and go off exploring if you wish.

 

Lunch in the MDR is likely the most civilized - check the hours though.

 

I think still water only is complimentary.

 

Enjoy!

[erewhon]

Holland America try to have staterooms ready by 1130 am when boarding begins, but this may depend on the port, for instance in October for our Noordam cruise, check in at the OPT Sydney Australia, did not begin until 1130 am, by then there was a big queue outside the terminal doors.

At White Bay last year, we were checked in before 11 am.

[Krazy Kruizers]

HAL is pretty good about getting the cabins ready by the time people embark.

Sparkling water -- no matter whether you eat in the dining room or the Lido or a specialty restaurant at any time -- you have to pay for it. Just plain water is free.

The dining room hours for lunch on embarkation is usually from Noon until 1:30. We have encountered times when the dining room was closed on embarkation because of a special event. When that happens you have the choice of the Lido or the Dive In.

[Caribbean Chris]

Isn't the main dining room still designated as a Mariners' Club (past passengers) venue on embarkation day?

 

I’ve always thought that was a valuable perk to know about and use.

 

I don't think HAL's specialty restaurants serve lunch on embarkation day. (Some lines do have a paid venue open like Celebrity Bistro on Five for avoiding the buffet.)

[take us away]

Once you check in, some times you will be given a number for boarding sometimes not. The assistants in the terminal will direct the boarding process by sections in the waiting area so there is not a huge line. Priority boarding goes to handicapped, higher starred Mariners and suite passengers.

 

It is rare that you cannot store your hand luggage in your cabin on embarkation but does happen. Do not know why the embarkation time has been delayed to 1 pm but there must be a reason. If you do not board before then, you will have to ask if the MDR is still open (may be a delay for their hours as well) or go to the Lido.

[rafinmd]

Judith, welcome to the HAL forum (or at least my first encounter with you here). Are you in a suite or a regular room? I've found that sometimes HAL checkin can involve some waiting unless you're either a high starred Mariner or suite passenger. Other times it may be very quick for everybody.

 

I think HAL does assign numbers for checkin if the port facilities have the appropriate seating. You're about 3 weeks ahead of me in Buenos Aires so I have no idea what the facilities are there. Lunch is served in the MDR, probably through 1:30 and is very nice.

 

Have a wonderful cruise on the Zaandam. I think after the Prinsendam it is my next favorite HAL ship.

 

Roy

[Tom O.]

We never arrive early for embarkation. We usually aim for about 2 hours before departure. The reason for this is that there are a lot of lines and waiting around if you get there early, although this depends on the port. Arriving in the afternoon, lets us check in and walk onboard in a matter of minutes. We much prefer to have a quiet lunch on land, then proceed to the ship. Then we can relax on our balcony, while most people are struggling to even find a place to sit in the Lido.

[jwh]

Thanks so much for all your replies. I have one other question I forgot to add yesterday.... is the Maitre 'd available at a specific time/place to amend table sizes? I know there is someone taking reservations for open dining on the lower level, but need to have a table size adjusted for a confirmed reservation. Do I stand in line to see this same person?

 

Roy - we are in Cat A on Navigation Deck. Next door to a Neptune suite, and I'm happy to take a complimentary upgrade if they offer it. :) Others in my group were offered upsells to A or B from their standard ocean view cabins and most accepted as the price was very favourable. I booked A from the outset and the price we paid is ridiculously more than their end price once they accepted the upsell offer. It's one of the things about HAL that causes me grief when travelling with a group who compare prices and shipboard credits etc etc. A Neptune suite complimentary upgrade may pacify me! Travel safe, and have a great trip - I'll be following your blog like usual.

 

Best wishes to you all for a wonderful Christmas and safe, happy and very healthy new year.

 

Regards,

Judith

[rafinmd]

I know the Maitre'd (HAL's term is Dining Room Manager) does have hours on embarkation day but I could not find a reference to it in the On Locations. I would suggest you inquire about his location at the dining room desk if you go to the Embarkation Lunch or otherwise ask either at the front desk or personnel at the gangway as you board.

 

Roy

[jwh]

Thanks Roy. I'll remember to use the correct term of Dining Room Manager and will search him or her out as you have suggested.

[DaveOKC]

Roy - we are in Cat A on Navigation Deck. Next door to a Neptune suite, and I'm happy to take a complimentary upgrade if they offer it. :) Others in my group were offered upsells to A or B from their standard ocean view cabins and most accepted as the price was very favourable. I booked A from the outset and the price we paid is ridiculously more than their end price once they accepted the upsell offer. It's one of the things about HAL that causes me grief when travelling with a group who compare prices and shipboard credits etc etc. A Neptune suite complimentary upgrade may pacify me!

Judith

 

While I do alot of searching to get a good deal on HAL, there is ALWAYS someone who got a better one, so I do not fret about it. I figure I am happy with my deal, so thats enough.

 

I sat with a fellow recently who got a great upsell to my category and he did nothing but complain about the cabin "perks". You just cannot make everyone happy I guess.

 

Remember also, by booking early you may not get the best deal, but very often you get a much better selection of cabins to chose from.

[jtl513]

Isn't the main dining room still designated as a Mariners' Club (past passengers) venue on embarkation day?

It's now open to everyone on most if not all ships.

[ChristyS]

So we arrive in Fll at 1030 but my embarkation time on my doc says 1 pm. What do we do in that 3 hour span.?

[cshim]

It's now open to everyone on most if not all ships.

 

When did this change? It doesn't seem to mention it on the HAL site.

[TiogaCruiser]

So we arrive in Fll at 1030 but my embarkation time on my doc says 1 pm. What do we do in that 3 hour span.?

 

I'd proceed to the dock. Even if you're not a high star mariner or in a suite you may get onboard ahead of crowd.

[TiogaCruiser]

When did this change? It doesn't seem to mention it on the HAL site.

 

It's been discussed here.

 

Last week on Veendam at check in I received a written invitation to the Welcome back" function in the crowsnest (?) the afternoon of embarkation. Can't give more details as I didn't go.

[DaveOKC]

So we arrive in Fll at 1030 but my embarkation time on my doc says 1 pm. What do we do in that 3 hour span.?

 

We arrived at the PIER two weeks ago in FLL at 10:20 am. We went through security (no line, checked in (no waiting) and were seated by 10:40 or so. At 11:30 am exactly they started the boarding process (handicap, Pinnacle suite, Neptune suites, 4 & 5 Star Mariners went first).

 

Were in our cabin by 11:45 am. Dropped our carryons off and went to explore the ship and have lunch (the main dining room was closed however).

 

So, IGNORE the 1 PM time stated in your documents. I think HAL does that to space out the crowds, as we almost always get onboard before Noon.

Edited December 24, 2015 by DaveOKC

[frankc98376]

So we arrive in Fll at 1030 but my embarkation time on my doc says 1 pm. What do we do in that 3 hour span.?

 

Docs normally say 1 pm. We've always boarded at 11:30 or so (except once due to Code Red (Noro or GI virus) in San Diego- then was 12:30)

[Caribbean Chris]

It's now open to everyone on most if not all ships.

 

Interesting...HAL still shows "Welcome Back Embarkation Lunch" in the Main Dining Room from 12 to 1:30 as a Mariner benefit for all star levels, In addition to the "Complimentary Mariner Champagne Brunch."

Edited January 2, 2016 by Caribbean Chris

[DaveOKC]

Interesting...HAL still shows "Welcome Back Embarkation Lunch" in the Main Dining Room from 12 to 1:30 as a Mariner benefit for all star levels, In addition to the "Complimentary Mariner Champagne Brunch."

 

HAL is often slow to update its print and even online information. Trust us, lunch on embarkation day is open to everyone (if it is open at all - sometimes it is not).

[Ricktan]

Interesting...HAL still shows "Welcome Back Embarkation Lunch" in the Main Dining Room from 12 to 1:30 as a Mariner benefit for all star levels, In addition to the "Complimentary Mariner Champagne Brunch."

 

As stated earlier, there have been a couple of threads in this. On our cruise in Sept, we were told there was no "special" lunch (MDR wasn't even open for us although that is not always the case). Instead, there is was an "invite" to a reception at a different time, which we didn't attend, fro other posts on here, it seems that that the MDR Marniers lunch is no longer and if the MDR is open on embarkment day, all all welcome. As we all know, the website is not always as up to date as the info that cruisers on here are currently posting. Hope this helps!

[Ricktan]

While I do alot of searching to get a good deal on HAL, there is ALWAYS someone who got a better one, so I do not fret about it. I figure I am happy with my deal, so thats enough.

 

I sat with a fellow recently who got a great upsell to my category and he did nothing but complain about the cabin "perks". You just cannot make everyone happy I guess.

 

Remember also, by booking early you may not get the best deal, but very often you get a much better selection of cabins to chose from.

 

I wold never ask someone what room they are in, much less how much they paid! In Sept, while in the casino, someone at our table noticed our card color and said, "oh, you are in Neptune Suite. How is it? We thought about getting one......is the extra size worth it?" I just smiled but my DH said, "actually, we are in the PS" I wanted to kick him under the table because I could tell she had that personality that wouldn't allow her to stop with one question. :) Sure enough the next question out of her mouth was " do you mind if I ask you how much that cost?" I was floored! WHO asks questions like that???!!! And, why? The rates are on the website, if you really want to know. I just shrugged it off and changed the subject. On the 10th day of the cruise, she actually caught us at a table again and asked if she could see our room.:eek:

[Ricktan]

HAL is often slow to update its print and even online information. Trust us, lunch on embarkation day is open to everyone (if it is open at all - sometimes it is not).

 

 

Sorry DaveOKC, I think I was typing at the same time you posted !

[DaveOKC]

I wold never ask someone what room they are in, much less how much they paid! In Sept, while in the casino, someone at our table noticed our card color and said, "oh, you are in Neptune Suite. How is it? We thought about getting one......is the extra size worth it?" I just smiled but my DH said, "actually, we are in the PS" I wanted to kick him under the table because I could tell she had that personality that wouldn't allow her to stop with one question. :) Sure enough the next question out of her mouth was " do you mind if I ask you how much that cost?" I was floored! WHO asks questions like that???!!! And, why? The rates are on the website, if you really want to know. I just shrugged it off and changed the subject. On the 10th day of the cruise, she actually caught us at a table again and asked if she could see our room.:eek:

 

Some people know no bounds. I would never ask a person what they paid as its none of my business, plus I might not like the answer! You should have told her that the PS was comped to you from your play last cruise in the casino - that would have floored her.

 

I hope you did not let her into your cabin, as she next would likely have wanted you to throw a party for her and her friends!