Sherry H

Just looked again.  The video in the "In the Loop Travel" is from the Nieuw Amsterdam.  There is no couch.  However, it appears on the Pinnacle ships there is a couch or loveseat.  

No couch or loveseat in this cabin?

Hi WriterOnDeck!  I will ask but I have found sometimes if you ask 3 different people you may very well get 3 different answers.  I was hoping to hear from others who might have ordered a wine package will still in port.  I am leaving from Ft Lauderdale so WDW1972 answer is encouraging that I won't be charged until leaving Ft Lauderdale.

Conflicting reports!  Some say charges will be processed the next day, others that they will be charged tax if still in port.  I am hoping to hear from more fellow cruisers who actually had the experience of ordering a wine package while still in port.

Thanks FlaMariner, I had read after I ask the question that the transaction is usually not processed until in international waters.  Hope not!

I am under the impression local sales tax is not always charged on the wine package. Different ports different rules.  If I order on the first day before leaving Fort Lauderdale will I be charged local sales tax? Hoping someone can answer that question.  Thanks in advance. 

Hey CruiserBruce, I am on the Koningsdam going to Hawaii Jan. 2025.  She heads back to Florida on Nov.1st 2025.  She is there until returning to the West coast April 10 2026.  She will then be doing Alaska.  After that.......?

Ship matters to me!  Love the Koningsdam!  Would miss the Dutch Cafe, BBKing and more. San Diego is also easy for me but guess now I have to head across the country to sail on a Pinnacle class ship.

I know, there's always Alaska however, I am from the NW and have done Alaska many times. Very disappointing Koningsdam no longer does Hawaii.

Does one have to purchase HIA to receive the free prepaid gratuities?  Anybody know?  

Something not right.  Last week I purchased the Platinum Plan for our 21 day cruise.  We are in a Veranda with club orange.  The cost for the two of us was $558.  We did not purchase HIA. 

Always wait until on board and always receive my 50% discount.

Moriah, same thing happened to me.  Please get back and let us know if the Players Club ever replied to you.

Laminator, is there a department at HAL I can contact?

I should also mention that the local library allows you to check out audible books at no charge.

Game changer! 

As my husband has lost most of his vision, audible books are a HUGE blessing!

Wow!  That would be a huge disappointment for us also.  With so many sea days, the spa is our big treat to ourselves.  So sorry!

Which ship repairing the spa?

Must admit that I don't like music in public places.  I find it irritating if I am trying to read.

Also, secondtime is correct that sometimes it is to loud to carry on a conversation and not always my choice of music. 

Hi Trish,

Considering booking the Hyatt (Value Trip) for our Nov. cruise.  The prices are fantastic!  I realize

posted price does not include gov. taxes but wondering if there were any other surprise fees?

Have stayed there before and really enjoyed the hotel and the location.

Thanks in advance 

We no longer have the Koningsdam sailing to Hawaii from San Diego.  Not happy!!  I love all the Pinnacle ships have to offer.

FlaMariner, that is correct!  If HAL picks, they are giving you a guaranteed cabin in the category you chose.  They will let you know later what cabin you receive.  If you pick you choose a specific cabin.  In the past, you would pay more for the privilege of choosing when booking.   

Well, this is interesting.  I just priced some cruises on the Koningsdam for 2026.  Normally you are giving the choice of "you pick your cabin" or "we pick your cabin".  "You pick" has always been priced higher.  I priced 4 cruises and with every cruise the price for "you pick" vs "we pick" was the same.  Guess they don't want us to say "but we paid extra to pick our own room".  

You really have 3 choices.  Refundable with HIA.......Nonrefundable.........and Advantage fare.

The "big box" TA books Advantage for us.  It is a bit more expensive than Nonrefundable but is refundable.  It is a lot less than Refundable with HIA.  We also received the early booking bonus OBC.

I believe our Jan. cruise on the Koningsdam to Hawaii was full!  I think the current Koningsdam cruise is full.  I question having a smaller ship for Hawaii, Tahiti and Mexico cruises.

I for one will miss the Koningsdam.  Love that ship!

I see no cruises for the Koningsdam from Nov. 2025 until April 2026.  What's the deal?  Anybody know?  The Nieuw Amsterdam is taking over the Hawaii and Tahiti cruises for 2026.

We must have been an exception and very lucky.  Got off the Koningsdam Feb. 17th (18 day circle Hawaii) when you got on.  Ate in the main dining room every night except one.  In at 5:00 out by 6:00.

Waiters were great and food was exceptionally good.  No complaints!