Quebec_cruiser

On 4/26/2019 at 10:47 AM, rafinmd said:

I'm currently in 1021.  The bunk is essentially over the couch.  The head/foot of the bunk is about even with the side of the bed.  You should be able to see the outline of the bunk in this photo.

 

 

Roy

Seems like a great improvement from the Koningsdam family OV layout (bunk bed over the couch and folding bed not anymore between the main bed and the bathroom). Good job HAL!

Sorry for the double post!!

Hi! I just bought those Ecco sandals. Not the sturdiest but a  good compromise between style and comfort. https://ca.ecco.com/en/ecco-flash-t-strap-sandal-240873.html?dwvar_240873_color=57462#q=T%2Bstrap&lang=en_CA&start=1

This article was helpful too: https://amp.travelandleisure.com/style/shoes/comfortable-walking-sandals-womens

Hope that helps!

Hi! I just bought those Ecco sandals. Not the sturdiest but a  good compromise between style and comfort. This article was helpful too: https://amp.travelandleisure.com/style/shoes/comfortable-walking-sandals-womens

Hope that helps!

Hi! I just bought those Ecco sandals. Not the sturdiest but a  good compromise between style and comfort. This article was helpful too: https://amp.travelandleisure.com/style/shoes/comfortable-walking-sandals-womens

Hope that helps!

15 hours ago, Jareds_mommytoo said:

We booked directly with holland America not a travel agent. It was the Holland America agent that said we needed to purchase for the kids 

Looks like there is contradictory information out there, such as for upgrading to EBP. 😀 We shall see! Thanks!

12 hours ago, firecrewcapt said:

 

Don't know if this helps but check it out.

 

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/blog/topics/news/explore4-promotion-entices-travelers-with-complimentary-beverages-specialty-dining-and-reduced-3rd4th-fares/

Thanks! I checked Explore 4 terms and conditions, and it says nothing about an obligation for third and fourth passengers under 21 years old. I hope Jarreds_mommytoo has received a wrong information. 😁 Otherwhise, Explore 4 will become very expensive for us.

11 minutes ago, Jareds_mommytoo said:

We were told we had to buy them for our 2 for our March cruise

Really? Not very happy (I try to limit sugary drinks) but thanks! 

3 hours ago, Cruise Suzy said:

I've been told that ALL passengers over 21 in the stateroom must have the same beverage package. Those under 21 need to have the Quench package if the others have a beverage package.

We are cruising with our two teens. We booked under the Explore 4 promo. Does that mean we will Be charged for two Quench packages for our girls? Thanks!

Hi! This thread should give you some answers: 

I booked a Family Stateroom (category FA). 

4 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

It's pickle ball - they have the raquets and balls. It is a paddle ball sized court.  And they also have featured pickle ball events. Also table tennis at one end of the Lido. But a full tennis court at sea, no.. 

That’s very helpful, thanks! 

I would like to know for the Veendam as well. Can we borrow rackets or do we have to bring our own? 

How many days? We are 6 hours behind in time here in FL. Not too terrible. My husband can only get 1 week at a time off of work, so we can usually piggy back a couple of days off before and after to allow for travel/time adjustment. I just want to be sure it's feasible. We've done 11 days to Panama, but ship left and returned to FL so to fly time.

I think 1-2 days would be just fine! I’m sure you will have an amazing time!!

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I am slightly concerned with so many port days and total days my husband needs off work to travel/time change ( We live in FL). .

Hi! I never cruised before (first time will be in 2019!) but I went in Europe numerous times from Canada, often for short periods of time (for work). Flights are at night so the first days are pretty rough with jet lag and the lack of sleep. I would strongly suggest you arrive few days before your cruise, especially with a port-intensive itinerary. You would be able to adjust and rest a bit while enjoying Barcelona or Rome! Those cities have so much to offer!

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It’s no harder to put that berth above the sofa, essentially creating a set of bunks, than to put it above the queen. I’ve often wondered why any line would do that. It makes no sense.

Exactly! Anyway, for those interested in that topic, I found this YouTube video that shows really well the setup for quad in a Vista Suite when all the beds (including the upper and the sofa) are open (beginning around 8min 34 sec):

Sorry, Quebec Cruiser. Bringing this back because I notice we posted at the same time.

Thanks! Very much appreciated!

Salut Quebec Cruiser !

 

Avez-vous pensé à vous louer deux cabines (côte-à-côte) ? Ça pourrait être une bonne option.

 

Holacanada

Bonjour! J'y ai pensé, mais c'est plus de 1000$ de plus. Nous sommes déjà à la limite de notre budget. Merci!

(Sorry for the French hidjack! He suggested I get two connecting cabins, which is a good idea, just a bit too expensive for us!).

I recently saw a YouTube video where the parents had an aft suite with a connecting door to an Inside cabin for the kids. Perhaps that might work for you? I would hate to see you choose another line over HAL because it seems you are well suited.

I will check that out, thanks! I do think HAL would be a great fit for us and we are willing to squeeze in a little bit! This is a very port intensive itinerary, so I don’t expect to be in the room that much anyway. Thanks again to all for your help!

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We sailed in a Vista suite, but there isnot that much more room then in a regular cabin with balcony. We donot understand why it is called a suite.

Thanks! With four people, I figured even a few inches more could’nt hurt! The only drawback is we have the same daily charges as a real suite.

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I just booked this cabin, so I'll be happy to read the answers :-)

I think the koningsdam has a family Ocean view suite

Absolutely! I wanted a verandah, but I think it's a good option for families, perhaps showing HAL intends to go more towards this clientele for his future ships.

Regarding the two staterooms option: it was more expensive of course, so I finally chose the Vista Suite. I think it's a good compromise. Thanks everyone for your kind help!

Your better choice obviously is to choose those other cruise lines that suit your needs for four people in a single cabin better. HAL does not really accommodate or market to large family cabin passengers, nor provide the depth of activities for family cruising the same way other ships can offer. Consequently their four person bed cabin options will reflect this, mainly because of their rare use.

You are absolutely right! I considered this cruise line mainly for the itinerary, the food quality and the generally more upscale feeling. My teens and I are more into reading, museums, enrichment activities, etc. than waterslides and karting! :-) For this trip, we see the ship mostly as a floating hotel and do not need a lot of entertainment. But I understand we are not a perfect fit with this cruise line market. Thanks for your input!

Thanks to you both!

So, if I understand, in either rooms, the upper bed will be on top of the main bed. But the Vista will be roomier.

Indeed, other cruise lines have better sleeping arrangement for four people!

Hello!

I am a new cruiser considering a HAL Med cruise in July 2019 (12 days from Rome to Greek Islands). I am a long time lurker on theses boards and now decided to jump in :-)

We are a family of four (DH and I, two teens that will be 12 and 14 years old at the time of cruising).

I am interested in either a Verandah Stateroom or a Vista Suite. I am looking for information regarding bedding layout of those two staterooms. I understand that in quad verandah staterooms (marked with a square in deck plans), the pullman bed is located on top of the main bed. Is that right? That seems strange (and unpractical) to me. I would rather have it on top of the sofa bed (one kid in each). Can anyone confirm me it is the case? What about the Vista layout? Would it be the same bed arrangement even if the main bed in closer to the balcony?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Anabelle