Gwendolyn&Olivia

Hello Cruisers, we are going to be on the MS Eurodam November 19-26 Western Caribbean Cruise. Would love to meet other Moms and their Daughters to hang out with during that week. Maybe even after. Mine is bit of a girly girl but likes every type of person. No need to be super girly whatsoever. I hope to do yoga daily in the AM and have been extensively researching shore excursions through HAL and non Cruiseline related excursions as well. I have about 10 hours of research in so far and would love to exchange, ideas, thoughts and information either before or after embarkation. I plan to do quite a bit more research in the final week before we leave. We want to Parasail, Dolphin Swin, (not just kiss) and horseback ride. Anyone interested, look forward to hearing from you. Not sure how to privately exchange intel. We do have a Stateroom assignment but I am not certain if we are permitted to post it here? Thanks

Speak for yourself! Yes I NEED MORE CHOCOLATE ALWAYS!!!!

Just back from a Canada/New England 14 day cruise on the Maasdam and while we were looking forward to the Chocolate Parade, I can't say it was a big event for us after all. Kudos to HAL for implementing it, BUT do we all really need MORE chocolate (or food) on a cruise. We were so well fed... and overfed with wonderful desserts and free anytime nibbles in the Exploration Café... that we really didn't need the chocolate concoctions, especially that late at night.

 

The only real negative I noted with the event was our fellow passengers. As soon as the crew members came out with the sweets, hundreds of passengers (I think everyone on the cruise was waiting on deck 6) descended on them like hungry seagulls. There was jockeying for position and I'm sure many a crew member feared for their lives. It was a sad example of Western World greed.

 

Having said that, the goodies were tasty (even the cupcakes) and the "entertainment" of the event the HAL provided was fun.

 

I didn't attend on the second event, but rather was content with being overstuffed by dinner.

Dear DEdwards25, This is very sad and shocking to say the least. Unbelievably COLD AND CALLOUS!!! Very sorry for your families loss. That said, my unsolicited advice is to write a letter to the President, Vice President President of Guest Relations, Public Relations etc. of Holland America Cruise Line. Be sure to include a Copy of the DEATH CERTIFICATE. Also offer to mail an Offically State Certified Stamped copy upon request. I always go straight to the top for these issues. Three recent example,

1.) INTEX has a zero return policy on their Air Matresses. I had 2 of them break after 2-3 uses each. I boxed them up, and great expense for mailing I must add, and mailed them to the Owner of Intexes Home. In what I learned is the most exspensive neighborhood in CA to live in. I received an immediate phone call and 2 mattress’s speedy quick.

2.). My daughter had a brand new jacket, the first time she tried to wear it the zipper broke. I sent it directly to the President of the Children’s Outerwear Company. A few weeks later the coat arrived in my mailbox with a new zipper.

3.) I purchased a new mobile phone that wasn’t working properly. I boxed it up and mailed it to the President of Customer Relations of the Top 5 Mobile Phone Service Providers. A few weeks later, a brand new upgraded phone appeared in my mailbox. I didn’t even ask for a phone. I mailed it to them so they could see what a piece of crap they were selling to their customers. If I had gone back to where I bought it I would have heard the usual, Once it is open we can’t take it back.

4.). Bear Paw Boots, only half the cost of UGGS but still $90.00 and when they fell apart after a few wearing I sent them back and asked that they inspect them for some defects, such as bad glue etc. I didn’t ask for new boots but, low and behold, in my mailbox a few weeks later, New Boots!

Point is, do the research, find out who is really in charge and then mail them a Death Certificate with a heartfelt letter, maybe two letters, one to their office, one to their home, with a note about how you were concerned that it may get rooted out at work and that you wanted to make sure he or she sees it. It has worked for me countless times. You may need to spend a few dollars on a people finder website for home addresses but your 5 figure investment is worth it. Good Luck.

P.S. As for Insurance, no one expects their lifelong partner to pass away immediately before a planned cruise. I do understand why you chose to save the money. I only bought it because my last vacation was ruined by a broken leg. I lost about $900.00 on that disaster. If I hadn’t just had that experience in August I very likely wouldn’t have purchased insurance either.

My wife and I retired earlier this year and to celebrate, we booked a 2-week Panama Canal cruise on the Oosterdam, departing San Diego on 10/21/2017. We have always booked Neptune Suites on HAL because we appreciate the extra space. This cruise would’ve put us into the 3-Star Mariner category, which provides additional privileges. My wife of 41-years was diagnosed with breast cancer 5-years ago and 2-weeks before the cruise, something totally ununforeseen by either us, or her treating physicians happened and she was hospitalized, spent 1 week in ICU, then 4-days in hospice and passed away...it was the worse day of my life. No, we didn’t purchase the cancelation insurance because there was no reason to believe we would have a issue because my wife’s chemo treatments were scheduled around the trip. After she passed away, I contacted our travel agent and asked her to plead my case with HAL because of the circumstances and also my long term association with HAL. Not good enough. Out of the $13K spent, i got back the taxes and the beverage and specialty dining package we purchased. HAL didn’t even offer a partial credit, you should be ashamed.