Sea42

It's been many years but I still was able to log into my Princess account, different numbers.

We use our balconies more in cooler weather than in hot. I can always bundle up but at a certain point I find they are just too hot to enjoy.

We have enjoyed the advantages of CO both times we've used it and have it booked on both of our future HAL bookings. The cabin upgrade was worth the price. We consider it money well spent. We also loved our Oceania cruise but they lost us when they went to the required Simply More. We do not want to pay for their shore excursions, we'd rather do our own thing. For us, it would not be money well spent. If Simply More becomes optional, we would definitely consider Oceania again!

We had the aft wrap balcony for our fjords cruise. It was wonderful! Sometimes the side of the balcony would be windy so we would go to the aft facing area of the deck. In the fjords, the ship was moving slowly and wind wasn't an issue. We went to the lounge a couple of times. I didn't feel it was a big draw. There were a few self serve snacks that got picked over very quickly. I would only ever pay for a Neptune Suite if it was an aft balcony cabin.

I believe it is only the package, mini bar purchases and speciality restaurants. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/plan-a-cruise/get-ready-for-your-cruise/mariner-society

We have stayed at Hotel Mellati. Marcello and his sister were wonderful hosts. In the past they provided a ride to the port but I'm not sure if that is still the case. The hotel and restaurants I mentioned are not fancy by any means. They do offer good food and service at very reasonable prices.

We found a few good choices for lunch and dinners on our 2019 stay in San Antonio. This one was down by the waterfront market

For my recent booking of a fall 2026 cruise, the cabin I wanted showed as available on the 10 and 11 day segments of the cruise but not the 21 day version. I just emailed my TA with the cabin number I wanted and she took care of the rest.

We took the public bus to the Sunnmore outdoor museum and the nearby Middle Ages exhibit. There was also a nice church in the area. A very nice, inexpensive outing. Bus stop was very convenient.

We have had them in signature suites and they were much more comfortable than a pull out bed.

Very jealous! Still waiting for it to show up on our Jan 6th Oosterdam sailing.

That's what my husband calls me when he wants to let me know that I'm nagging him😁

This thread may be helpful

So true. Not with milk but many products are now a higher price for a smaller package.

At some point your old phone will not work with the app. I'm actually surprised it still does!

There is plenty of misinformation out there. Unfortunately, it does show up here on Cruise Critic too. We recently had a thread with a title based on misinformation that went on for days.

You do not pay extra, it is included.

HAL is show the 35 day starting at $7809 for an inside https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/find-a-cruise/e6t35a/u659

As to your excursions, you can see them by logging into your account and selecting your booking, then itinerary. The itinerary will show what excursions, spa appts, and dining you have booked for each day. You should also have received an email confirmation for your pre-cruise purchases.

The Capital Grill doesn't include transportation and lodging in their pricing 😁

I've found the snobbery on CC is more prevalent than onboard ships!

Thanks, found it. From the website: Is there a dedicated resource I can speak with about shore excursions? ; The shore excursion reservation office is available to assist you Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 4 PST. Guests may call 1 (888) 425-9376 to speak directly with an agent.

Where did you get the contact information for this specialist. I haven't heard that term before.

That's good to know, thank you.

I wondered though if it is really just a placeholder. Is that the cabin people actually end up getting when they board?