SeeSun&Sea
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OBCs: refundable or non-refundable?
SeeSun&Sea replied to SilvertoGold's topic in Holland America Line
Thank you! This is good to know. -
OBCs: refundable or non-refundable?
SeeSun&Sea replied to SilvertoGold's topic in Holland America Line
HAL uses the Non-refundable OBC first for all charges, including gratuities. Once you've used that up, HAL starts charging against the Refunable OBC. And if you use that up, they start charging your credit card. -
Impact of death of spouse before upcoming cruise
SeeSun&Sea replied to jimb cruisin's topic in Celebrity Cruises
My pre-Covid experience with another cruise line was that informing them before was extremely positive. No change in fare; the second set of port fees and gratuities was rebated/dropped; and every member of the linked family received flowers and a note in their stateroom. Also, Celebrity would be happier to have a grateful group extolling X's kindness than an angry family (loudly, publicly, and constantly) sharing tales of Celebrity's vicious greediness to widows and orphans. May you find content in your family & journeys. -
OP, you might enjoy trying fixed time dining. It's pleasant to walk up to your table to find your bottles of wine already set out -- or chilled beer glasses or a fresh hot pot of decaf with mugs ready. If you like to have fresh veggies&dip with or instead of bread, it's there. If you want a special dish the next night, it's available. If you'd like to have extra napkins, no ice in your water or 2 bottles of sparkling water served in goblets, an extra wide seat, a cushion because you're short ... no problem. Open dining is like going to a restaurant. Fixed dining is like having a butler. Variety is the spice of life. Enjoy your cruise!
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Sail Standby for $49 a day- new program
SeeSun&Sea replied to BermudaBound2014's topic in Holland America Line
"Page Not Found" 3 hours later ... and my standby bookmark also showed not found! Hopefully just a little tech glitch. -
Any classical music on Holland America Rotterdam?
SeeSun&Sea replied to cdales's topic in Holland America Line
Chordial played classical music, for ~30 minutes, on the Rotterdam World Stage on 23 April and will return every 3 days. Good music, well practiced, interesting transcriptions to piano trio. Success! -
Sail Standby for $49 a day- new program
SeeSun&Sea replied to BermudaBound2014's topic in Holland America Line
My sister & BIL got a 4th deck /interior standby cabin for March 23 out of San Diego. She called, and was offered a $500 upsell to an 11th deck / verandah. I think HAL is actively refining the protocols for standby! We are seeing more 5-7 days in advance of sailing and ... clever ... distribution of better cabins. As a stockholder, I approve. -
On Feb 19th, late summer, it will be twilight until 11pm. So this will be an evening cruise of the Channel with no stops for glaciers or wild life. (= the "only" part of the description) Be sure to go sea kayaking down there!
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First time on HAL - how is it different?
SeeSun&Sea replied to charliedalrymple's topic in Holland America Line
Pack lightly - overnight laundry is $30 for a cloth-bagful that holds 4-5 days for a couple. HAL does not have Princess's tracking system. You have to tell a waiter where you are and ask your travel companions for their location. Strategically, it is often worth purchasing the lowest level of cabin within a class (A, B, V, ...) then getting Club Orange for $25/day and upgrading for free to the exact cabin you want (within that class.) -
Cruised Princess to Alaska last August. 1. Princess ships are focused on the interior plaza - fewer casual sitting or walking areas have windows. 2. Light packer VS just-in-case packer: Laundry on Princess is very expensive and mostly by $5/piece. Laundry on HAL is by the bag ... and I can stuff 90% of my wardrobe into that $25 bag. 3. Compare Princess Plus or Premier very carefully to HAL's Have It All or Have It All Early Booking. 4. Very personal: I find Princess's tracking system, that allows the ship staff to know where you are, to be extremely creepy. Having the ship watch me at all times ... ugh. Many people love this feature, and enjoy having a hot dog & scotch brought to them. NOTE unless you have Plus, there is a large surcharge for the privilege of being constantly tracked.
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The fullest possible value of HIA is applied to the Mariner Points "1 point for $300" offer. So, even a sober couple gets Mariner credit for 2x15x$11 drinks per day = $330. Double Mariner Points for any cruise with HIA ... for couples. Less for us poor solos (arrggg gggrrrr and phooey) and maximum 1 extra $300 point/day.
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Sail Standby for $49 a day- new program
SeeSun&Sea replied to BermudaBound2014's topic in Holland America Line
Do you get any Mariner Points for cruising stand-by? Thanks for all the reports! -
Alternatives to Beverage Package: * You and your spouse may each bring one bottle of still or sparkling wine aboard without charge. You can leave your stateroom with a glass of wine but will be charged if you take the bottle to a public venue. * Black Friday sales via Celebrity web site .. "Classic Stateroom Bar Set Up" from $135.99 / per package: 1 liter of alcohol plus 6 cans mixer. (Was $118 last month...) .. Bottles of wine, 20-50% off, $23-$$$, which will be stickered, so you can take them to the dinning room.
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You are viewing place-holder activities. Real activities may appear on the evening of the 28th, but earlier is unlikely. All you can do is wait [im]patiently.
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Thank you, good to know!
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My 5-day Coastal Cruise departs at 11pm from Vancouver. I'm used to 5pm departures! When does boarding time begin & end? Will we be able to have dinner on board? Or perhaps even lunch? Will there be music the first evening? Any special issues or benefits? Many thanks!
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Yes. I booked an Aft Veranda and did NOT want a Spa Veranda. Ask for free laundry instead...
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Cabo, Puerto Vallarta & Mazatlan Excursions
SeeSun&Sea replied to SuzieeQ01's topic in Holland America Line
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are beautiful and offer an excellent walk, have (in 2019) fabulous food with tropical birds dining 10 feet away, and a stream at the bottom of the hill for a cool dip. Taxi, tour, local bus ... all go out and provide their own experience. -
Panama Canal - Fort Lauderdale to San Diego
SeeSun&Sea replied to asebastian's topic in Holland America Line
Starboard gives you -- somewhat -- more shade in the canal. Note that sailing north from the canal, you will have evening sun on the port side. Also, on the Pacific leg, starboard gives a glimpse of the continent rather than the mere Pacific Ocean. Sailing into San Diego, I prefer the port view of Point Loma rather than Coronado Island, but I have family at Rosecrans. -
The Dutch Pea Soup is greatly improved by adding 5-20% sambal ... sambal oelek, of course. [🦆 and cover]
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Consider upgrading from the included Signature Beverage Package to the Elite Beverage Package for $10 more per day. This gives you unlimited soda, coffee and personal bottles of water (but not 32 oz bottles) plus 15 alcoholic drinks priced up to $15 each (instead of Signature's $11 limit) Once onboard, BEFORE YOU BUY A DRINK, ask the bar tender to upgrade your Beverage Package.