Wants to cruise

FWIW, I tried a test booking from Annniston to the Amsterdam with Luggage Forward. The default pickup date was September 22. Either HAL is using someone other than their usual provider for this or they're adding a few days cushion in case of unexpected delays.

 

Roy

I called and booked my "free" bag service. Pick up is 18 Sep for me between 1 and 4 pm. She said it would be FedEx, not Luggage Forward so that may account for the difference. Rick

Thanks for the info. If a two-week time frame is typical, I can deal with that. Easier than schlepping the bags in and out of airports, cabs, etc.

 

One last question: How many bags pp. do you think would be practical/necessary/desirable - whatever? Besides a carryon, that is.

Let me start by saying that this is my first cruise with HAL (Grand Asia). Had a 50 day with Viking ocean and a 27 day with Viking river so I am not really the one to say. Given that, my wife and I are taking 2 bags each plus 1 carryon. We are over packing I know (50 day was 2 bags plus 1 carryon) but hope to learn from this trip. Each bag will have a little room since I hear that HAL gives out gifts during each segment of the trip. And since I don't have to pay extra, and don't have to haul them thru airports, I figure why not? :D

Roy, is HAL shipping your luggage and, if so, have they notified you when it will be picked up?

I'm not Roy but I called HAL to see when they would be picking up my bags. I was told that for me (Anniston, AL) the pickup was on 18 Sep between 1 and 4 pm. Not sure if it is different for different parts of the country. Lady at luggage services was very nice and helpful. Rick

We were in 520 last summer. To the best of my recollection, we had two chairs and an ottoman. The cabins are not identically furnished.

Interesting! Thanks. Was trying to be sure we had two somethings to sit on in the cabin besides the bed. 520 is on a corner of two passageways. Noisy? Busy? Do you remember if any cabins have coffee pots? Thanks again!

Hi, I am looking to sail on the AQ next summer. I have been to the web site and am considering AAA and AA cabins. AAA states the cabin has a chair, ottoman and sofa and displays those on the diagram. The AA says it has a chair but the diagram also shows a ottoman and sofa in addition to the chair. Does an AA cabin have a sofa? I emailed customer service a week ago but have not heard back. Anyone here know?

A number of countries require that you have your passport or other official documentation per country with you to produce if you are involved in any incident that involves the local police. It is a little known fact and for the most part ignored because passengers are not usually involved in such incidents. Often passengers are not informed by the cruise line. It may be more important in some countries but better to be safe than sorry if notified that you need your passport.

I took my passport when the Daily said take it. I took a copy of my passport all other times. Did I need a passport? I used it in St. Petersburg and I would add for all, if you are going to exchange currency in a bank (not the ATM, the bank) in port, you will need a passport. I tried without it and it was a no go. Didn't learn my lesson and tried it again in another port and had to go back to the ship to get it. Some of us are slow learners!;p

My wife and I were on the first sailing of a Viking Oceans Ship from Istanbul to Stockholm. She is one of those that wakes in the middle of the night. That's when she did laundry. She says she never had a problem getting a washer or a dryer! Me, I just slept thu the night! :D

You probably won't know for sure but you probably will be required to attend all 3. HAL doesn't seem to have a fixed rule; Crystal pretty much does and the rule is that people need to attend the first drill each month. I'm just on the first segment but boarding September 26 in Vancouver and I fully expect to attend both drills. You might get lucky and miss one drill but I would assume you will be required at all 3. If you are excused from one consider it a benefit.

 

I think some of the people on the Grand Asia are experienced world cruisers. I'll suggest you ask on the roll call; some of them may have a better idea than me.

 

Roy

Thanks Roy, I'm on that roll call (didn't ask there) but was reading this thread and thought people here might know. I'll ask there. Rick

Thank you, that does cover most of it! What did you mean when you said "use cash for your onboard account or a credit card?" I didn't even know cash would be an option in that case. How would that work?

Some cruise lines let you deposit cash with them when you first arrive at the port (think in terms of 50 - 75 $ per day of cruise, per person in the cabin) instead of using a credit card for the on board account. Then they reduce the cash account as the daily charges mount up. When the account gets low, they call you to the front office and require more cash. NOT a way I recommend but some folks keep low credit limits and a card would be overpowered. Some only use a debit card and most ships require cash or credit card. IMHO, use a credit card, fewer worries.

Not looking to hijack the thread but a similar question. I'm new to HAL. I am on the 80 day Grand Asia. It is not a B2B but it does have several "segments" where folks get on and off. Do those on the full cruise need to attend the musters as each segment begins?

Hi all,

 

I'm trying to set a number to save up for a cruise next year, but I'm not really sure how much to aim for. If you don't eat at the specialty dining options and with the beverage package food and drinks are included in the price as well as most of the tips, so what would not be included that you usually expect to spend money on? I know you should definitely set some aside, but I'm not sure how much. Also, do you usually carry much cash? Are there ATM's and are the fees bad?

 

Thanks a bunch

- C

C

Not sure what you are looking for. Are you thinking in terms of everything (cruise cost, transportation to/from port, etc.) or just what you would need on the ship? Are your tips included in your fare cost? Do you plan to use cash for your onboard account or a credit card? If you plan to use a credit card, you do not need cash on the ship. Everything will be placed on your account and it will settle to your card at the end of the cruise. I tip baggage handlers at the ports so I have cash for that (3 - 5 $ per bag depending on the bag). I like to get coffee in my room in the morning so if there is no coffee maker and I order room service, I tip the steward (a buck or 2) when the coffee is delivered. If I had an exceptional waiter or cabin attendant, I tip extra at the end of the cruise, your call to do it and how much. If I order drinks around the pool, that is charged to the shipboard account and the tip may or may not be included for the attendant. Check your cruise line for that. Off ship, while in ports, I like to get a bite to eat and a local drink so I have cash for that but it can be charged to a credit card in most places. Any gifts to take home or T-shirts can go on the card in most places. You said 2 ports and $200 and that would be plenty. I carry a little cash and a credit card. I have not used an ATM but your bank will tell you what the fee will be. Remember though, there might be a local fee to use the ATM, a foregien currency fee if that is involved, a hometown bank fee, and a cash advance fee if that is how you draw your money. There will be a safe in your room so you do not have to take all your cash when you visit the port so taking cash is easier for me. Now, is all of that clear as mud?:D

That's correct. Whether booked in advance of sailing, or booked on the ship, the Mariner Day bonus credits are credited to your Mariner number after the cruise ends (it takes a few days to be tabulated and credited).

After all, if the Days were credited when the booking was made, there would be nothing to stop someone from canceling the booking, but using the benefits of the bonus Days.

Thanks RuthC! I thought I understood that from a previous thread I asked a question on but got a little confused by CrewNews' previous answer. First HAL cruise for me this fall and this is the first cruise "loyalty" program I have been a part of. Appreciate the info. Rick

Yes, since it is linked to your cruise, nothing special is required.

I have been given to understand that you will get spending credit but only after the cruise is complete, not before to add stars to your status.:confused:

Thanks all for the quick replies! We will be on a "Grand" voyage so we will get upgraded as we go but wondered about the pre-cruise spending and the on board spending. Guess I'll just have to "settle" for making 3 Star in one cruise!;p

On the Sky it was on Deck 2 port side tucked into a corner of the shop that sells the jackets, sweaters, and little souvenirs. Kind of expensive though.

And has limited selection and quantity! Needed cold capsules on my cruise (forgot to bring them) and they only had a few packs. Take what you think you will need when you go.

I see that you get extra credits for your Mariner status for onboard spending. Do you still get the credits if you book shore excursions, or dining in advance?

I'm curious. Does anyone know "when" you get the spending credits? My wife and I are taking our 1st HAL cruise on the Amsterdam Grand Asia this fall. Because of the Grand or the class cabin, we are getting double points. And according to a HAL rep, we will change status as we go. Thus, by the time we reach cruise day 38, we will be 3 Star. At the rate my wife is selecting tours :D, we could be a 4 star before we return. That is, if we get the credit as we use the service. Are points added as you pay, as you use the service or after you return from the current cruise?

I am also going my first HAL cruise on the Amsterdam doing the Grand Asia this fall. I have heard many good things about the food both to quality and quantity. Given my love for eating, I wonder if there is a set of scales for folks to weigh with. I plan to walk the decks, walk the stairs, do lots of tours but it seems people talk constantly about the food and knowing me, I will partake of a lot of it over the 80 day cruise. Are there scales? I really will need the incentive.

Only one beverage card is necessary as anyone can use the card. My experience is that what is not used is refunded to your stateroom account.

Thanks Crew News! Don't mind getting a larger card knowing I'll get a rebate if I don't use it!

You can even buy a round for the house! ;p You can buy for anyone you want, as it is your money. And yes, whatever is not used is refunded.

thanks RuthC! I'm on the "Grand Asia" this fall for my first HAL cruise and am just trying to learn the 'system'. I appreciate all the helpful comments you post.

A beverage card is a one-time payment to purchase an equal amount in various beverages; both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included.

There is no bonus amount, but it does simplify checking your bill at the end of the cruise. There is only the one charge, instead of each drink being tabulated separately.

You can purchase the cards in $50, $100, and $250 amounts.

Does that mean that If I buy a card, both my wife and I can order drinks (or I can order drinks for her) without both of us needing a card? Is any remainder refunded or is it lost?

As Barnhand suggested the information is on Cruisemapper. Check out http://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Viking-Star-974#itineraries and click the itinerary button for the year you want. It is just above the "review and specifications" section a little down the page.

You can also use the list on the left of that page to go to Viking Cruses and from there to any of the Viking ships - both river and ocean.

However I think it would be great if Viking provided the same information directly on their own site. Lots of us are vicarious as well as actual travellers and it would be nice to see where "our" ship has been as well as where we are going. The Viking website is already better than most but wouldn't it be great to have an interactive world map added showing where all the Viking ships are and their planned routes for the coming months and years!

Thank you Photopro2!! I really appreciate the info. It will help a lot and a quick check shows that I could do several back to backs that I have been dreaming about. Also to all who took a chance on what "Fining a cruise..." really meant and answering. I too hope that Viking Oceans will add a search capability to there web site so that we don't have to rely on 3d parties. Thanks again to all!

Has anyone found a way to research Viking Ocean cruises either by ship or by port? Is there a way to know where the next segment goes? Example: If I get on the Star in port A and cruise to port B, How do I find where the Star goes next? Or, If I want to take the Midnight Sun cruise and I want to take the Great Britain Explorer, both arriving/departing London and Bergen how can I track the dates to see if I can link them? I'd like to do this before I talk to a PCC or TA.

Also; The Forcastle (Fos'cil)..sp..is the area on the Bow where the wenches are located. The Bow is forward and Aft is the stern or Fantail. Midships is just that. You are supposed to walk forward on the Starboard side and Aft on Port. It's not a ceiling it's an overhead and the Bridge is where the ship is controlled. It's not called a bathroom it's a head. "Passing with flying colors" means the ship is flying all its flags. "Let the cat out of the bag" was a form of punishment using a form of whip called the cat of 9-tails. Being keel hauled dragged you under the ship so barnacles would cut you. Happy Sailing.

If my wife loses track of me, she will now know to look on the bow to find me staring at the "wenches"! Oh, you mean winches, I stare at those too!:halo: :D

I am also new to CC (though I replied but don't see it anywhere) but thanks again RuthC and Ken the Cruiser! I'll opt out of becoming disabled if possible (although hearing is a problem) and go for the increased sailing days! I do want to cruise! Ken, I guess I head for the dining room arrangements table 1st day on board. Thanks for the advice.

Thank you for your kind words.

I'm sorry, but I don't have a lot of advice. I do have my TA request specific tables by number, shortly in advance of a cruise