cruise101

Thanks JWLANE for the prompt response.

I would like to confirm the FCCs on my account with X. However, even after signing in to my account with X, I do not see any link that would show me my existing FCCs. Considering that it is possible that the link may be hidden someplace obscure, I'd appreciate any guidance on how one can check and confirm existing FCCs with X. Many thanks.

Thanks Haljo1935. To answer your questions, although I took up the matter with Guest Relations, no, the charge was not refunded. As for the $6 (plus gratuity), it was for one large OJ. It was definitely not for 2. Looking back, in the big scheme of things, neither are such a big deal. We had a wonderful cruise & I wouldn’t let one little incident taint that. As I have mentioned before, the sole purpose of my post was to make people aware that fresh OJ is not part of the HIA package - something we were not aware of. The thread seems to have taken an interesting (and at times, humorous) twist & turn.

The signature package that is included as part of the HIA.

Hi Torquer: just to clarify we were neither Club Orange or in a Suite, so that would not have applied to us. As one of the previous posters has noted, they were Club Orange and served fresh OJ at no cost.

Thanks for all the responses and feedback. Clearly HAL seems inconsistent in its policies (or their application) throughout the fleet. To clarify & answer some of the questions raised: 1. The Lido (at least when we tried) does not serve fresh OJ. They provide the one made from concentrate & which is freely available during breakfast. 2. We got our fresh OJ from the Gelato station. 3. Yes, we did follow up with Guest Services and were told that fresh OJ anywhere on the ship was not covered under the drinks package we had. To conclude, overall, and as noted in our feedback to HAL (end of cruise survey), we were very satisfied with our cruise. The OJ issue was not a deal breaker. I posted this primarily to ensure that people are aware of HAL’s practice in this area. We weren’t and were thus disappointed.

Good points Blackduck & POA1. As for Caps, just seems like misrepresentation by HAL when a $6 glass of OJ (non-alcoholic) is not covered in your drinks package.

POA1: Did you have to pay for it?

We are just back from a TA crossing on the Nieuw Statendam and were very disappointed to find that the drinks package does NOT cover fresh OJ during breakfast. The package says it covers most drinks within the $11 maximum, however fresh OJ is NOT covered. Not only that, after paying $6 + 18% gratuity, we realized that the OJ was not quite “FRESHLY” squeezed. It was poured out of a bottle stored in the fridge. Very disappointed.

Thanks for taking the time to take us with you on your journey. Looking forward to following you. ENJOY.

Thank you all for your suggestions - several of which are totally new to me. Very interesting & enjoyable, even just reading about them.

Thought it'd be interesting to poll folks on this board for their favourite drinks (alcoholic & NON) on HAL ships. If you know the main components of your favourite drink please list those, as it would further add to the knowledge share. Thanks & looking forward to an interesting read.

Which specialty restaurant are you trying to book? I understand that only 2 of the Spec Restaurants (Pinnacle Grill & Tamarind) are included as part of the HIA pkg. If you try to book any other spec. dining the system will ask for your CC. Also just before you get on to the booking screen, the system will prompt you with "do you want to use your complimentary dining" question, with the names of the passengers on your booking already pre-populated. Just tick off all the names on your booking and that will show the balance owing on the reservation as "zero". Hope this helps.

Thanks Banditswife. Yes, my questions were all answered. As always folks on CC are always so very helpful. Many thanks to all.

Thanks CrewNews & Crystalspin for your assistance.

Thanks PalmSprings & Blackbuck59 for your respective suggestions. Blackbuck, we too are from beautiful Victoria. If convenient, send me a short email & let’s connect.

Thanks Banditswife for the prompt response. Would you happen to know the cost for "by the bag" option?

Thanks Cruising-along for confirming the LF milk availability. 👍👍

Many thanks Nodakboiler for your insight and guidance.

Hello and thanks in advance for your assistance with the following questions. My wife & I have cruised with HAL before but not in the past 5+ years. Hence the unfamiliarity with the following. Your assistance is much appreciated: 1. Does HAL carry lactose free milk for their lattes etc.? I do not particularly like Oat, Almond, Soy or other substitutes, so am hoping that they carry real LF milk. 2. We do have the HIA package, but am curious as to the cost to upgrade wifi to Premium. We will be doing the 14-night TA from Rome to FLL. Also, can one use Whats App's calling feature on the basic wifi package. 3. I have read on these boards about HAL's Unlimited Laundry package. Any idea as to the cost of this (PP) for a 14-night voyage. Unlimited laundry is a great concept and helps you to pack light, so very interested in any info on this subject. 4. Club Orange: I understand that getting the CO package allows you to visit the special CO dining room and also associated with this pkg is a cabin upgrade. What is the PP cost for the CO upgrade for a 14-night cruise and is it worth it. We are booked in the highest available Veranda category (in a location we like), so am not sure of what the upgrade option might provide us? Also, how does one go about buying the CO upgrade ahead of boarding the ship? Once again your guidance on the above is much appreciated. Thanks.

To the best of my knowledge the “big box” TA opts out of upgrade offers, so you are unlikely to receive an upgrade offer if your booking is with that TA.

Thanks Cruiserbruce &Crystalspin for your prompt & informative responses. Much appreciated.

Is it possible for only one person in the cabin to upgrade or do both pax have to upgrade. DW is only an occasional drinker & sees no benefit in upgrading.

Thanks cruisestitch and Jim_Iain.

Many thanks hrhdhd and jelayne for your guidance.