Mary229

1 hour ago, KAKcruiser said:

Was there a promo code to use?

No.

11 minutes ago, sambamama said:

Well, you can't make dining reservations with Chrome.  What a bunch of junk this website is!  When I logged onto Chat today, there were 76 people ahead of me!  76!!!

There is a little feedback button on the left margin of the website.  Leave feedback, if nothing else send them a link to this thread. 

Try this!  Scroll to the very bottom of the page and click site map.  The links from that page seem to be working. 

Frustrated I finally recalled an old trick which worked.  I scrolled to the very bottom of the page, clicked on site map and used the links on that page.  Those links worked at least for the task I was trying to complete. 

12 minutes ago, Nickelpenny said:

You have to manually put in your booking number.

 

 

Getting a blank page when manually inputting booking.  The site was working for me this morning but has steadily deteriorated 

Though much I did not like I did like the stateroom.  I wonder if AI also calculated fares for that stateroom ?  

2 minutes ago, lenm said:

If you get the AARP gift cards and they are digital do you have to have a printed copy or can they ship just scan your phone app.

Membership requirements have changed since I posted this.  I download the card to my digital wallet and hand it over at the desk. 

In recent days when logging in I have learned to watch the url line to make sure the page is fully loaded then another few seconds for it to auto refresh.  If it doesn’t auto refresh try refreshing.  Not defending HAL’s worthless IT department just trying to help you gain access

I did not receive an email but in early November people on my roll call did get an email to pay a few days early and get $100 OBC.  I was a bit miffed as I had just paid mine off early.  My TA got HAL to apply the offer. 

23 minutes ago, Xcelsior said:

Trying this program out for the Dec 27th sailing on Nieuw Statendam. I was considering booking it today as there were cabins avaialble last night - but as of this morning ship is sold out so it's my only option. I have flights booked on points that are refundable, so it makes sense for me.  Will see how this goes...have not sailed on HAL since December 2000!

I think HAL now has been listing cruises as sold out a few weeks prior to sailing.  I know with certainty my upcoming cruise is not sold out yet it shows as sold out.  Perhaps this new system is a new method to handle late bookings. 

The HIA package was just increased to $55 so it should be set for a while.   I do not know about the spa pass, sorry.

It just started. It is too early to gather experiences yet

I can’t compare but the N. Statendam is a clean, fresh newer ship and one of my favorites. The tips are included in the HIA package.  My understanding is the new program notifies you at least 7 days in advance and that is sufficient time to purchase the HiA package. 

Interesting.  Our early January itinerary shows all ports intact so far, maybe I will get an email tomorrow 

Unless you can keep up with the capriciousness of all of the various world governments it is best to carry them.  My yellow fever card has been stored with my passport for over 20 years so it goes on every trip 

3 minutes ago, Aquahound said:

 

I'm struggling to understand how your idea could be proprietary.  Spill it.  What is it? 

It could be.  We don’t know the background of this individual and he may have ideas related to his own commercial expertise.  We could start another thread called “suggestions for cruise lines” but you know where that would go

2 hours ago, 81Zoomie said:

First time using Flight Ease. Just booked one way flexible flights to Europe with FE online.  Screen shot the confirmation.  I have been able to find the flights on the DAL website.  However, I have not received confirmation from FE or HAL.  I booked through a TA.  Will conformation come from the TA or FE?  Will the air show on our HAL reservation?

Your TA will send confirmation.  It will now be included on your official invoice also

On 12/8/2023 at 9:31 AM, HappyTexan44 said:

Well, this is interesting.   We'd had to go into the post office.   For both DH and I, our previous passports were expired too long to just be a renewal.   Plus, I'd married since the last passport, and then we had daughter's first passport to do.   We did that shortly before Thanksgiving. 

 
At the post office, they told us that they'd send the supporting documents back separately and that they'd probably come a month after we had the passports.   I wasn't expecting any movement on the passports, but I've been checking the passport status every now and then.   I see this:

"We sent your supporting documents via First Class Mail on 12/01/2023 to the mailing address you provided on your application."

I had to reread it because my mind didn't believe it was still "processing."    That is amazingly quick.  Of course, I don't have the passports in my hands, but still.   We do live in Texas.   

 

 

I don’t know where your are in the metroplex but for future reference check the universities.  UTD has a manned passport office now which I hear is a better experience than the post office

Thanks for your response Hank.  I had just never really thought about it but after being detained for the third time in South America last year (at a frontier crossing) I am crossing all of my Ts.   My usual plan is have credit card and passport will travel but that is not necessarily a quality plan.
 

The folks on this thread have given me great insight into the procedures and I appreciate all of your responses

I met a person who made a small but impactful suggestion to a hotel director onboard.  She was rewarded with small gifts and a nice OBC and her idea was implemented fleet wide.  I remember her telling me about it and thinking “good idea” but for the life of me I can’t recall the details😂
 

As long as you accept you may not receive compensation go for it.  Customers aren’t always right but sometimes they are awfully clever 

We thoroughly enjoyed Malaga on our own and made a full day of it.  Safety was never a concern. Using GPS my city app or alltrails app is helpful.  
 

in Greece my sister and I used the hop on bus to orient ourselves and to have a convenient ride back to the ship when we tuckered out.  Again safety never was a concern. 
 Hop ons are easy and cheap transportation to major tourist sites and also make independent touring easy

My group actually had this discussion yesterday. The myth I defused is cruising is all about eating and drinking.  
 

Of course the lines advertise the food but in reality you will find much better food in any big city and secondly many of us don’t focus on the food. 

Another issue they brought up was being claustrophobic and I couldn’t disagree.  If someone is bothered by limited spaces then cruising may not be for them.

I prefer to find a great spa onshore than on the ship.  I travel occasionally with a sister who loved the spa until I turned her on to booking onshore.   The only spa assets I will occasionally pay for are the thermal suite (steam room, sauna, hydro pool) and on longer cruises I will get my very curly locks blown out and straightened.  I have tried a variety of other treatments and did not care for them.  I am a spa person at home.  Treat yourself to a great facial before and after the cruise at home, it will help with any sun damage 😉

I have read all of your posts. You are not cut out for a world cruise if the humdrum is so bothersome. 

7 hours ago, notmyfirstname said:

I'm in Canada and joined AARP for the benefit of gift cards. Then I found out I couldn't access them. I do not plan to renew my membership as that seems unfair.  Money is money. 

You should be able to get the AARp OBC which is $100 which easily defrays the cost of membership.