CHIEFWINEMAKER

On 12/18/2023 at 8:38 AM, Petronillus said:

 

As for DW and me, we have never splurged on a Neptune suite and don't find our verandah cabins to be attractive dining venues. Besides, we sort of pride ourselves on being low-maintenance clients. The very idea of a butler, for instance, we find abhorrent.

My feelings exactly ! Coffee and tea brought to our cabin at 7am is our idea of luxury. After we enjoy that treat there are plenty of venues, food and interactions with other travelers to keep us occupied and entertained.  

I just logged into my account and my upcoming cruise January 2024 is not there!

Our January cruise on the NS has been changed to include Amber Cove. I understand Amber Cove tends to be overcrowded. A 5,000 passenger ship will be in port the same day we are so I am looking for an excursion to see the actual Dominican Republic as opposed to touristy Amber Cove. Does anyone have any recent experiences at the port? Also I have been getting conflicting reports on what type of forms have to be completed to enter the DR as a cruise passenger. I am a US citizen with valid US passport. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Earlier this month I cruised on the NA from FLL. At check in they had problems scanning electronic bar codes at the pier. They had to print each passenger's boarding pass bar code to get onboard. They had 2 lines, one for folks with electronic passes, which moved slowly as they printed each barcode, and a second fast line for passengers like me, who had a paper copy. Paper and electronic boarding pass, belt and suspenders redundancy.

11 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

Related question. Can I do the health questionnaire on the Navigator app or must I use the HAL website?

It can be done on the navigator app, but I found everything HAL related easier to do on a web browser on my laptop. Navigator app could use some improvement in many aspects.

9 minutes ago, Cruise Suzy said:

Did you use your Complimentary Dining credit for your Pinnacle Grill reservation? If not, you were charged for it.

 

On a 7-Day cruise your Complimentary Dining is for just one meal. It will be applied to whichever reservation you first check the Complimentary Dining box when making the reservation. 

Thanks for the quick and accurate response. I checked my account and it shows my dining credit was applied at Pinnacle. I was able to see that using a web browser. The navigator app doesn’t show that detail. It appears HAL could do more work improving it. 

Booked a 7 night Caribbean cruise on NA. I have the HIA package that includes a night of premium dining. I already booked pinnacle grill , I am interested in dining at Canaletto in addition to pinnacle. How will HAL apply my HIA dining credit? Will they do it based on price, pinnacle being higher than Canaletto  or chronologically based on which dinner I have first? 

Going to be on NA in January. Curious about your MDR experience and What is SODC ? 

My upcoming January NA cruise now lists a Seafood Boil “ a one time dinner at Lido Market , charges apply” in the Navigator app.  I have not seen anything mentioned about this on the HAL website or this forum. Does anyone here have any additional information on this dinner? It’s listed on the evening of our day at HMC. 

I don’t see the advantage to pre-paying the gratuity. If you have OBC remaining at the end of your cruise you can use that to pay for the gratuity. On a 7 night cruise do they charge you the gratuity for 7 days or 8 ? 

Great review! Do they still present America’s Test Kitchen on the NA ? 

44 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

The only question is why did you not do that in the first place?

Because I am a stubborn old do it yourselfer 😀

Initially I attempted to book online. When I had questions I called HAL several times. Each time I called I had terrible service from the HAL agents, language barrier and just lack of specific knowledge of the cruise. Frustrated, I contacted a local independent travel agent I know and she got me a great price, and additional shipboard credit on top of the have it all package. Gave me great advice on insurance etc. 

Thank you for the very well presented review of your cruise. I am looking forward to visiting Bimini in January and your review answered many of my questions about the island.

While we have some travel coverage on our Chase Sapphire credit card, our travel agent advised us to use Allianz and we took the coverage for our upcoming cruise on the NA. As others have already mentioned, the high costs of medical evacuation is the big concern.  

Departing Jan 8, I will report nothing but the facts!

Rather than start a separate topic, I have similar questions. Specifically charges and limitations on second starters and entrees in the MDR and Pinnacle Grill. There seems to be conflicting reports on here about HAL charging  extra for  2 starters or entrees.  Booked 7 nights in January on the NA and looking forward to it.

Safe travels, interested in hearing about your cruise experience, particularly the food!

Thank you for the daily update and  much respect for my fellow Veterans and those who are thoughtful enough to support us. Safe travels to all. - >>>Chiefwinemaker USCG Retired

Personally,  if the residents of Key West don’t want me there, I am happy that I am not going to spend my time and money there. Looking forward to seeing Bimini, where I am welcomed. 

For what it’s worth, my January 8 NA cruise still advertising Key West on the website. Received email notice this morning that key west was canceled 

Recently booked a Nieuw Amsterdam January 8 , 2023 cruise in a VH cabin. I did not choose a specific cabin, left that up to HAL. I am new to cruising and curious where on the ship I will eventually be assigned. There appears to be only a few VH cabins on the NA.What is the likelihood of me being offered an upgrade? Thanks in advance for your help.