just_cruising_along

Anyone here board in Amsterdam recently? How was the embarkation experience? We have only boarded the ship from Ijmuiden. Thanks!

Yes a TransAtlantic crossing can be surprisingly warm, however, a TransPacific crossing through the Bering Sea, not so much :)

A fellow cruiser, @CruiseNews keeps up a wonderful website, you can find menus, etc. here: https://rogerjett-photography.com/specialty-2/ Here is the wine list: https://rogerjett-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wine-List-2023.pdf

We found with FlightEase, they combine our first and middle name as our first name. It matches the passport so we have never had a problem that way, (with many years flying on tickets booked via FE) but this time, the airline did not have our Known Traveler Number or Mileage Plan number attached. A quick call to the airline remedied the situation.

I have used both PCCs and TAs to book and now just use a TA. Whatever you choose it is always good to get expert help.

Thank you @VMAX1700 for the time and effort it takes to post this. I always find it interesting.

According to this news source there is no set date, nor plan yet: Amsterdam is set to ban cruise ships from the city centre as it seeks to lower pollution and reduce tourist numbers. However, there is no clarity about when the move will take effect. A spokesperson for the city council told The Independent: “The municipality of Amsterdam will now investigate how this proposal can be implemented... At present any ships scheduled to call at Amsterdam will be able to continue. Given that some cruise itineraries are published for 2025, it may be that the ban is introduced progressively. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/amsterdam-cruise-ship-ban-city-centre-b2379489.html

The Seattle Marriott Waterfront is a nice hotel that is walkable to many of Seattle's tourist attractions if you want to experience some of the city the day before your cruise. Although you will see cruise ships, it is not near Pier 91, where the HAL ships are docked. It is a quick UBER ride for less than $25 depending on size of car and time of day.

I would second everything that Gardyloo said in regard to hotels and transportation and getting out of downtown once you have a chance to se some sights. If you want to rent a car and remain in the city for the day, parking and keeping your luggage in the vehicle have their own issues. Traveling with a young child means ensuring you are near amenities and facilities. Some other options for ideas expressed in this thread are: Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (already mentioned, and slightly outside of downtown, but great to see salmon and boat watching going through the locks - depending upon how much your child likes to roam this is of great interest, but does requiring some standing and watching). If you child likes to run around (all my kids do) the free outdoor Arts at Play along with the Seattle Children's Museum or Pacific Science Center (in the Seattle Center with the Space Needle) are good options. Of course mentioned many times is the Seattle Waterfront (aside from the aquarium it has some touristy child-friendly activities near the Ferris wheel). You could take a Water Taxi to West Seattle, or tour the Theo Chocolate Factory (which is 13 minutes away from downtown by car), or going to the Museum of History and Industry which is on South Lake Union and near the Center for Wooden Boats. Whatever you decide to do, have a great cruise and wonderful visit Seattle.

Had this happen too. It is the country of the emergency contact as mentioned above. There may have been some type of change in the system that required everyone to reselect the country.

We have done multiple Transatlantic and 2 Transpacific cruise and mostly they were smooth sailing. And as noted by others, there can be choppy seas just about anywhere at anytime, just like there can be turbulence on a plane. We have booked two more of these type cruises.

In the past, we applied points toward shore excursions to get $100 credits, but just got the money applied to our account and could use it for anything on board. You can call or text Barclays if you would like more clarification.

That is interesting. Our tour went to the Bridge so we could talk to the Captain and a couple of the officers. I don't think they would have let us up there if they were busy navigating. I am sure it all varies on the ship, the captain, the available staff to take you around, etc.

Whenever we book open jaw flights arriving and leaving from different cities, we find that FlightEase can get us a better price than we can booking via the airlines's website. We also are able to pick the class and the seats in advance and not have to pay for the flight until final HAL payment. We have never had a "lost" flight. The only changes in flight are the changes made by the airlines themselves (which would happen if booked directly with them) and we have never had a problem getting to the destination or getting home. But like all things, when you do your research, you will pick the option best for you. Whatever you choose, have a great cruise.

For our experience, the Behind the Scenes tour was advertised but it filled up quickly. It was broken up into 2 days (both port days). It was a fascinating look at ship life and what it takes to keep everything running. Hopefully HAL can start these up again. Let us know what you find out.

Thank you for taking the time to review. I have been on cruises with multi generations of our family and those trips have made lasting memories. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 in Seattle is a fairly large and active place. If you arrive prior to when HAL allows folks to board, you will be in sitting in their waiting room. You may want to see how many ships will be there the same time as your family to determine how crowded it might be. >> https://www.portseattle.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/2023 Sailing Schedule Updated 4.13.23.pdf Have fun!

Hi. It depends on how you like to travel. Are you more price conscience or more convenience conscience? I have used HAL's air, hotel, and transfers, and I have used just air, just transfer, or just hotel, depending on whether I am looking for price or looking for convenience. Many times for me, it is about price of the airfare. Can I get a better price with HAL rather than doing it myself. Because I sometimes fly in and out of a different city (open jaw), HAL can get me a better price than I can. And I can still select our seats and class with HAL. If you have never been to Vancouver, and would like someone to handle all the arrangements, booking with HAL is a good option. Do you want a rep to greet you at the airport and help you transfer to the hotel? The one thing about HAL transfer is you may have to wait until they fill the bus(es) before you can leave, so the process can take a while. In some cases, HAL transfer includes a ride to the ship. In Vancouver, if you stay at some of the hotels mentioned above, you are already at the terminal. I was very happy with HAL transportation when the HAL hotel was in Amsterdam, but the cruise left from Ijmuiden. (About a 40 minute trip). Whatever you decide, have a great cruise.