newtocruiseinblue

We are booked on a Mediterranean cruise for next summer. There are three of us but now a fourth may join and we would want to have 2 each in separate cabins. we booked last April and have a really great price and the always included because we booked so far in advance. Will my price or booking perks change if we remove the third person and she goes in a new cabin? Thank you!

I'm always trying to find ways to save money (probably bc I'm married to an accountant haha). We do not have the all included package this time around. What is your best money saving hack once you're onboard? We are not cheap, just economical and being economical has led us to having a pretty good life. Please share if you have a fun or smart way to stretch your travel dollar. Thank you!

Good to know as we leave next week. Which package did you have? We do not have the all included but we're thinking of buying the Premium Internet Package. It is my understanding we can purchase the premium internet now for the same price as the basic once onboard. I'm sorry to hear about your experience. I'm already having anxiety about the possibility of being disconnected for a week. It's not that I don't want to relax, I want to be in contact with our daughter.

I am leaving 11/5. It is not available under beverage packages and our roll call has been discussing it. Not a big deal for me as we are only there from 8 am - 3 pm. The package was $ 29.95 per person and I don't think my husband and I need to drink $60 worth of drinks before 3 PM. To purchase any beverage package in advance, go to hollandamerica.com, sign in under manage my bookings, go to cruise activities and then beverages and you will see the available packages. have you signed in online to manage my bookings yet? There is a lot to see and plan if you have not yet done so. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/log-in/sso-log-in.html?login=myacc

Thank you!! I'm glad to know you enjoyed it!! Definitely on my bucket list!!

We were also waiting for our OV assignment. I heard the longer that you way, the better the deal gets and that some people get upgraded anyway. I am wishing you a surprise upgrade! I think right now they want everyone to be happy and I don't think the ship is going to be packed full based on the upgrade selections that we received. Almost there!!

I saw that! Nice!! We upgraded from OV to veranda and we also have a nice amount of onboard credit. i'm still trying to decide if I want to get the Internet package before we go and I better hurry and make that decision 🤣

Debbie - this is off-topic but I was looking at all of the places that you traveled and I was just curious about how you liked the Viking River cruise compared to all of your ocean cruises. We are thinking of doing a Viking River cruise in the future. Thank you!!

HAL removed the option of the HMC beverage package for our upcoming cruise that leaves November 5.

What is the beer bucket special?

Awesome! Thank you so much! That is a wonderful philosophy to have!! Happy hour all the time 😊 Looking forward to getting away ❤️

If I take advantage of one of the upgrade offers will I lose my onboard credit?

Is there regular cellphone connectivity on half moon cay?

Mary, do you know if you can split a pre-purchase between two credit cards? thank you!!

Thank you both!

If I have a HAL Amex gift card and want to use it onboard, should I converted to onboard credit before I leave or just take the gift card with me? Thank you!!

Do you happen to know - if one purchases a bottle of wine from gifts/indulgences, is there an 18% gratuity attached? Not that I mind gratuity....just crunching numbers for my accountant lol i guess that is another advantage of bringing two bottle on board for your cabin - you don't have to pay extra gratuity on them...again, I like to tip and tip extra for good service and I also like to save (and spend) money ☺️

I noticed a mention of Carnival Bermuda under one article. Not sure if it means anything..."As part of the deal, the company and subsidiaries will contribute 12 unencumbered vessels to Carnival Bermuda which will continue to be operated under of the company's Carnival plc's or another unit's brands"

Thank you everyone and cheers! 🍷

Yes, going to have to play with some choices...that is a good option. I think this change is new but not sure. Kinda bummed about it. I've been conditioned to love saving money as an accountant's wife haha

I'm following along the most recent venture on the NS and boarding in a couple of weeks. I noticed on the daily that was posted that it said happy hour second drinks are 25% off instead of 50% off. Is this a new change or am I missing something (as usual)? We do not have all included and my husband (an accountant) liked to attend happy hour, order a bucket of beers and get the second 50% off (or whatever it used to be)....then we would enjoy a few and bring the rest to our cabin to enjoy on the veranda. We aren't huge drinkers, but this was an economical way to partake while cruising and something we liked about HAL.

I'm on NS in a couple of weeks. For happy hour, I noticed on the daily under drinks it has changed from 50% off the second drink to 25% off...is that correct? We did not get the drink package so I'm wondering if this is a new change...thank you!! Thank you for posting about your experiences - I am enjoying following along!

Hmmm maybe I will try my luck! Thank you!!

No Oosterdam in Europe?

I see several complimentary spa clinics listed for my upcoming cruise. I understand these are to sell services, but was wondering if there are any benefits to attending from anyone who has participated? Thank you so much!