A new HAL Blog! (Yes, I'm a HAL employee!)

[brucory]

Hey Dutch.....what can you tell us about the new embarkation brunch for Mariner members....and when do you receive your invite....Thanks!

 

Dutch, could you also explain the difference between the 2 brunches? They seem to be getting muddles up in various threads!!!

 

:D:D:D

[Warren1]

Hi Warren1,

 

I think the best bet is to ask to speak with either the lead or supervisor in the World Cruise department, and go from there. But I think it is likely to be much more effective if they call themselves, rather than have the story start with "Friends of mine..."

 

I know the World Cruise department's supervisor somewhat well and have no doubt that she directly or through her team will be able to make this right.

 

That department is open from (I believe 6am-5pm PT)

 

thanks for the help.

We phoned because our friends would let people walk all over them. We talked them into this cruise, and I want them to have a Dam good time.

 

My wife spoke to the person, who answered the phone in the world cruise department.

that person seemed so unsympathic, she said they assume you would be taking regular luggage as well, and would have no problems with your luggage showing up at the next port.

 

the rep did say she would make a note on it in there file.

We recomended that a least they give them a bottle of wine for any inconvience they had.

we also recomended that they have 2 kits with incidentals, like a razor and such. she didn't know what that was

 

we can't have razors on a plane up here, in carry on.

 

the international papers should have been sent with the luggage tags.

I assume she mean't customs papers, or with the fedex tags.

 

assumption by me. Hal had no intention of sending there luggage to Seattle. A cost factor maybe?

one rep said the paper work is too complicated for so few coming from canada.

this time the paperwork is done by the client.

when you get two competely different answers. RED flags go up.

Eather they do not know there job. or just don't give a DAM.

I think some reps in Hal need some public relations training. Just my opinion.

 

sorry to grip on you, and you have nothing to do with it.

all you did was try to help.

 

I know most of the people are getting on in Los Angles so maybe a ghost ship for a few days.

[Warren1]

I understand if i want to get some cash (for casino) there is a 3% surcharge. Does that go against my shipboard account. Or taken directly from my credit card.

if taken off my credit card i will be charged 18% a day until i pay it . Speaking of money since on a 66 day cruise do they give you a bill at the end of the cruise, or request payments along the way. biweekly, monthly? I do think they put on hold about $60.00 a day to the credit card company. Or do they request payment, if you reach your credit card limit, and ask for payment to clean up the account.

[Warren1]

Can you tell me if the dvd players can play mp3's music. Mine can but my players are newer than 2005. I'm on the Amsterdam. also can you tell me the format of the dvid players play for movies. are they pal or nstc(american format) or some other format.

I know airplanes have there own format. It stops people from bringing movies over from europe and playing them in north america.

[pms4104]

...if taken off my credit card i will be charged 18% a day until i pay it ...

Wow! That's more than 6500% APR:eek:

[Warren1]

Wow! That's more than 6500% APR:eek:

 

Look on the bright side if i win big, what will it matter.

On the down side, ever heard of someone winning big on a cruise ship LOL

[Storylady]

Hi, DBA

 

I, too, would like to know about the new Embarkation Brunch: on embarkation day or later during the cruise?

 

Do you know how many Silver and Gold Medallion holder there are? We have been told there are about 25 President's Club and 200 Platinum.

 

Our cruise is listed as the first for our ship to begin the new program. Will we recieve our already-earned star pins?

 

Thanks for all you do and congratulations on a great new progam.

 

SilvertoGold

 

What is President's Club? How many days do you have to cruise to belong? I know that Platinum is 700 days.

[pms4104]

What is President's Club? How many days do you have to cruise to belong? I know that Platinum is 700 days.

I believe it's 1000. At 2000, you join the Captain's Club, and they let you steer the ship.:D

[fun_seeker]

I believe it's 1000. At 2000, you join the Captain's Club, and they let you steer the ship.:D

At 1,000 a person would have spent two and three-quarters years cruising. :cool: We would love to be able to afford that! :D

[RuthC]

What is President's Club? How many days do you have to cruise to belong? I know that Platinum is 700 days.

I think it's 1400 days, but is not automatic when you've sailed that many. My understanding is that there is also a special invitation extended.

[Warren1]

I believe it's 1000. At 2000, you join the Captain's Club, and they let you steer the ship.:D

 

Let me know when that happens So i can get off the ship. Just because you seat as a passenger for a lot of years, don't mean you know how to drive???:eek:

[DutchByAssociation]

I understand if i want to get some cash (for casino) there is a 3% surcharge. Does that go against my shipboard account. Or taken directly from my credit card.

if taken off my credit card i will be charged 18% a day until i pay it . Speaking of money since on a 66 day cruise do they give you a bill at the end of the cruise, or request payments along the way. biweekly, monthly? I do think they put on hold about $60.00 a day to the credit card company. Or do they request payment, if you reach your credit card limit, and ask for payment to clean up the account.

 

The 3% is on your onboard bill.

[DutchByAssociation]

Can you tell me if the dvd players can play mp3's music. Mine can but my players are newer than 2005. I'm on the Amsterdam. also can you tell me the format of the dvid players play for movies. are they pal or nstc(american format) or some other format.

I know airplanes have there own format. It stops people from bringing movies over from europe and playing them in north america.

 

Ship Services would have the specifics on that, but my GUESS is that it ought to work

[DutchByAssociation]

The Mariner Society is going to have the most information about this. I would recommend that if the questions you have are not in the Q&As on the website, to call or email them with your specific questions and perhaps share the answers back in the HAL forum.

 

Since I'm not in this department, I don't have all the extensive details that many of you are asking for right now.

[catl331]

The 3% is on your onboard bill.

... as well as the cash advanced. :)

[Assateague Island Princes]

Hi Dutch,

 

First, let me say thanks for all the effort you put into answering our questions,providing commentary, and just generally giving all an inside look at HAL.

 

Now for my question - we are booked on HAL's new 14 day Alaskan Adventure, departing Seattle on May 31, 2010 (YEA!), and would like to book our rental car for the port of Anchorage (published docking time of 7am). Can you please tell me where the ship will actually be docking? It will make a difference in which Enterprise rental car location we book thru. Also, was thinking of booking an 8AM pick-up - is that being too optimistic? Perhaps a 9AM pick-up just in case of some unforeseen glitch while sailing up Cook Inlet or debarking the ship? Your thoughts please?

 

BTW everyone - saw on the Alaska ports of call that Enterprise is running some really great car rental deals out of Anchorage for 2010 booking. Give it a look see!

 

Thanks again, DBA, for your help!:p

[kazu]

Hi Dutch,

We are sailing on the Ooesterdam in just under two weeks. One of our cruise critic partners advises that the ship will be carrying euros that we can buy for a 'small fee'. I called Hal about 6 months ago, and then 3 months ago to see if they would have euros and they said no. Their currency is U.S. I found it strange but was prepared to plan for it. Now they are telling someone else yes. Do you know if they do normally carry euros and if so, is the service fee high? I'll share the info (if it's ok) with our board as many also did not think that the ship would have euros.

As always, I thank you for you kind help. You are a great benefit to HAL and an even greater benefit to all of the HAL fans out there. Thank you for joining cruise critic. Jacqui

[AFuncruiser]

Dutch,

 

Can you tell me how I can get an email address or get information to the Cruise Director of the Statendam for my October 16th cruise.

Thanks

 

Dennis

Jacksonville, Fl

 

319 days at sea

28 cruises

11 cruise lines

T/P, T/A, Hawaii, Central & South America, New Zealand & South Pacific

Booked

Holland America Statendam Oct 16th 28 nights

Carnival 7 nights Christmas 09

[DutchByAssociation]

... as well as the cash advanced. :)

 

Of course :D

[DutchByAssociation]

Hi Dutch,

 

First, let me say thanks for all the effort you put into answering our questions,providing commentary, and just generally giving all an inside look at HAL.

 

Now for my question - we are booked on HAL's new 14 day Alaskan Adventure, departing Seattle on May 31, 2010 (YEA!), and would like to book our rental car for the port of Anchorage (published docking time of 7am). Can you please tell me where the ship will actually be docking? It will make a difference in which Enterprise rental car location we book thru. Also, was thinking of booking an 8AM pick-up - is that being too optimistic? Perhaps a 9AM pick-up just in case of some unforeseen glitch while sailing up Cook Inlet or debarking the ship? Your thoughts please?

 

BTW everyone - saw on the Alaska ports of call that Enterprise is running some really great car rental deals out of Anchorage for 2010 booking. Give it a look see!

 

Thanks again, DBA, for your help!:p

 

I'm considering the September 6th Alaskan Adventurer. As I've been to Alaska a few times, this would be a great way to get those final few ports and glaciers out of the way and consider the Alaska region "done"... then move on to bolder destinations :D

 

As this city is new to us, I'm not entirely sure if this information is out yet, but try calling Reservations and if the agent doesn't readily have the info, try a Reservations "Lead." They can research the information if it isn't in the database and get an answer for you!

 

Enjoy!

[DutchByAssociation]

Hi Dutch,

 

We are sailing on the Ooesterdam in just under two weeks. One of our cruise critic partners advises that the ship will be carrying euros that we can buy for a 'small fee'. I called Hal about 6 months ago, and then 3 months ago to see if they would have euros and they said no. Their currency is U.S. I found it strange but was prepared to plan for it. Now they are telling someone else yes. Do you know if they do normally carry euros and if so, is the service fee high? I'll share the info (if it's ok) with our board as many also did not think that the ship would have euros.

As standard practice I don't BELIEVE that the ships do, however in some ports... I believe Tallinn was one of them (but I may be wrong on that,) the ship will have a local banker come on that can provide this service. Or just bring a major credit card (or debit card that has a Visa/Mastercard logo you have confirmed with your bank can be used overseas) and use that as it will automatically do the conversions for you. (Just keep in mind almost all of them have some sort of fee for the conversion!!)

 

As always, I thank you for you kind help. You are a great benefit to HAL and an even greater benefit to all of the HAL fans out there. Thank you for joining cruise critic. Jacqui[/size]

 

You are too sweet! Thank you. :D

[DutchByAssociation]

Dutch,

 

Can you tell me how I can get an email address or get information to the Cruise Director of the Statendam for my October 16th cruise.

Thanks

 

Dennis

Jacksonville, Fl

 

319 days at sea

28 cruises

11 cruise lines

T/P, T/A, Hawaii, Central & South America, New Zealand & South Pacific

 

Booked

Holland America Statendam Oct 16th 28 nights

Carnival 7 nights Christmas 09

 

Hi Dennis,

 

Can you go into what this is regarding at all? It may be one of a couple different departments depending on what the question/need/concern might be.

 

Look forward to your reply. (and if it's a more private matter you can email me about this... see my email address in my signature below)

[knitlady037]

Hi DBA, Thanks for taking the time to help everyone. I have a question. If I buy one of the 5 bottle wine packages, is the $18 corkage fee included?

Thanks. Also do you know how I can find out which ships will be in ports during ou March 5-15 cruise?

[momatibm]

Hi DBA, Thanks for taking the time to help everyone. I have a question. If I buy one of the 5 bottle wine packages, is the $18 corkage fee included?

Thanks. Also do you know how I can find out which ships will be in ports during ou March 5-15 cruise?

 

Only wine you bring on board is assessed a corkage fee and only if you take it to the dining rooms.

[Assateague Island Princes]

I'll take your advice and call HAL directly to see if they know about which port we dock at in Anchorage. Appreciate the advice. Oh, and instead of that later sailing, come along with us on the May 31st sailing - would like to buy you a brew on board!:p