SetAnOpenCourse

Do you need to be cleared (i.e. have a cabin) for the stockholder obc to be applied? I’m still waiting on standby for a sailing that embarks this Sunday, and do have 150 shares.

A simple and tactful solution: no cellphone speaker use (allow headset or earbuds) in all eating venues. I’d think the managers would feel fine about enforcing this.

No visa needed for USA passport holders, but possibly needed for citizens elsewhere?

That’s a good way of putting it. IMHO it’s not about looking fancy or financially successful, but more about willingness to adjust for a special occasion. I’ll be bringing a jacket and probably a tie for my next Caribbean cruise. I really don’t feel like I’m impressing anyone, and I’m pretty sure I’ll have just about the least expensive clothing of anyone on board, but I’ll be neat.

I hope I’ll always find at least a few traditions on board that don’t depend on the latest societal norms.

They can. Thanks. To my confusion, when I asked to get on standby for a sold-out cruise, the reply from my PCC was: “Sailing is sold out so no Standby available.” Not knowing if that makes sense, I then called HAL, and the rep put me on the list (taking payment, etc.). This PCC has been a HAL PCC for a long time. 🧐

I see. Makes sense, considering the history of website issues. And, on second thought, even if the system does select a reasonable new cabin, it can’t read our minds as to the true factors behind the original cabin choice.

It’s too late to edit my post, but I just need to say my comment is sincere. The three emoji-reactions thus far were HaHa’s. 🧐

If I get bumped into the same or better category, no obstruction, tub/no tub to match cabin I chose (fwiw I’m a tub guy), same fwd/mid/aft to match, same size or larger, no noise issue, and within say two decks of the one I chose, then I wouldn’t mind much. A major cruise line’s system is likely sophisticated enough to handle this.

Sorry if this info is up thread, but I’m wondering what HAL does with taxes and port fees for passengers who are selected but don’t go. A HAL agent told me taxes and port fees must be paid to get on standby, and they are not refunded if I’m selected and don’t go (I.e., I’d lose it along with the cruise fare). Can HAL really keep it? Even if they fill the cabin?

Can anyone confirm whether or not one’s PCC can put one on a standby list?

I have a $500 Holland America Line gift card, issued by AARP. Checking in online, I am asked for a credit card to pre-authorize $420, or, presenting to the front desk within 24 hours of boarding, a "Cash/Pre-paid Card". Has anyone used their HAL gift card for this? I can confirm tomorrow when my PCC returns to the office on Monday, but I'd like to complete check-in today.

For my upcoming cruise, I’m also VH Gty, and I’ve gotten two upsell offers to signature suite, $200pp (7 day). I don’t know what the big difference is though from verandah. I just want to get back out on the sea again.

If the sailing is undersold I’d guess that you’ll be upgraded to a “better” stateroom, so, possibly to waste money on club orange. Or they may try to upsell you, in which case applying the club orange towards it (as reported above - I haven’t done this) seems a good deal. But, if they have your money from club orange already, maaaybe they’re motivated to send the upsell offers to people who they can get more money from in the upsell (ie, not deducting club orange).

Thanks for your review. I’m no cheerleader, however none of the negative points are important for us. I’d take the NA over any Pinnacle, although our upcoming is on Zuiderdam, which I have a slight preference for due to the entertainment (less noisy) options.