SetAnOpenCourse

I'm considering the Zuiderdam's 12/15/22 sailing, her first after dry-dock. Is there typically more work being done, perhaps painting or varnishing for which time didn't allow (during dry-dock)? My particular concern is fumes, or work being done on the promenade. I know one can encounter such work at any time - I'm just wondering if there's likely to be more of it on this sailing.

Do you know if the $1000 must be a single charge? I don’t (yet) have Amex, and my upcoming booking will be under that amount. At the end of the cruise, adding gratuities etc., total of all HAL charges will be over 1000.

It would seem the big box shared your credit card number with HAL, which surprises me, although it is in your best interest.

I’m talking only about CPP and if there’s a difference (booking direct with HAL vs. TA) in the form of reimbursement (FCC vs. credit card refund) for a cancellation where the CPP (platinum 90%) is applicable.

Does HAL refund money when booked directly with them, and only give FCC when canceling and booked through (some?) TAs? A big online “Vacations*” TA (specializes in cruises) is telling me that HAL Platinum CPP would be FCC if I cancel. At the same time they’re saying the CCP works exactly the same as if I got it directly from HAL. Plus, they’re saying the FCC in such a case would simply expire (no refund ever). Any insight?

As you probably know, other lines are an option for finding promenades. I mention this mainly for people who are interested and may find this thread when researching.

Thanks, all. There’s a sailing on the Nieuw Amsterdam that works for us, after all. This was good information, though!

Thanks. I guess the pictures I saw were of points where the path turns 90 degrees, giving the appearance of a dead end. I’ll assume a full wrap is true for all the Pinnacle sisters (if it isn’t, please correct me). Due to time limitations, cruises on HAL’s other ship classes doesn’t work for me this year. I may opt for an RCI ship which has a better promenade than the Pinnacle ships.

Can some confirm that you can walk ALL the way around the ship? I just saw some pictures which really seem to show that you reach a point where it simply ends.

Just in case there’s noise, you could use a white-noise app (e.g., Rain Rain) and perhaps a small portable speaker (there are some which are quite small if packing space is an issue).

Having a full outdoor promenade on Volendam would make choosing her a no-brainer for me.