zelker

12 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

 

You're welcome!  You might also be interested in this other thread that someone on our roll call posted on the same topic.  It gets even better - the green HOHO last year was picking up passengers across the street from the port and so you would only need to take the train back.  I didn't get that by reading the company's website.  

 

Thanks for the link.  I just emailed DoDublin to ask if they are offering the same thing this year by any chance or is the only option to take the DART to the Pearse station?  I'll post back here.

To the OP, while we love sailing Seabourn for the small ship experience, HAL is definitely our go-to cruise line (as evidenced by our 5* Mariner status).  Our first-ever cruise was on Westerdam's maiden voyage in April 2004 out of Venice, and she's still my DH's favorite ship.  We are partial to the Vista Class ships (Westerdam, Zuiderdam, Noordam, Oosterdam), with 3 of our next 6 cruises on Westie (two are B2B's for a total of 44 days and the other one is 28 days) and 1 on Zuiderdam (30 days).  I completely agree with @OlsSaltcomments/advise to you about evaluating your priorities and expectations.  HAL's outstanding crew are second to none and that, and the awesome itineraries they offer, keep us coming back.  Good luck in choosing what works for you!

49 minutes ago, Iamthesea said:

Is Osso Bucco available anywhere else on the ships?  I have never tried it.

We've only seen it served in Canaletto. If you like melt-in-your-mouth veal shank, try it! 😋

41 minutes ago, ScottishMaid said:

Looking on the HAL website I see that once I make a dummy booking a cheaper fare is available without Have It All. But the deposit on that fare is non refundable and there isn't a low price guarantee.

In order to get the Advantage fare, with refundable deposit, you have to call HAL or your TA.  It will be slightly more expensive than the nonrefundable deposit fare.

Wow!!  They have really cut the menu back.  Although a happy camper that I can order Osso Bucco every night, where are the soups (minestrone or tomato-based seafood)???  And the braised short ribs with gnocchi???  So far the original menu still shows for the Zuiderdam TA/British Isles that sails May 12th but with the newly raised price so guess we'll see how quickly they roll this out to all ships.

11 hours ago, lissie said:

Have they been to East Timor before? That is really quite a difficult country to get to and I've never seen  it on even an expedition style cruise itinerary? 

It was supposed to be on this past year's OZ Circumnavigation cruise but was cancelled.  

1 minute ago, gumshoe958 said:

The DART runs every 15 minutes on a Saturday.

 

I would suggest getting off at Tara Street station, then it’s a 5 minute walk over the river to Abbey Street where you can catch the Luas (tram) to Heuston which is a 10-15 minute walk to the Guinness Storehouse.

 

Alternatively it’s a 30-40 minute walk from Tara Street station, past Trinity College and Dublin Castle.

What if we just grab a cab to Guinness instead of messing with another tram and walking?  Would you still suggest we off at the Tara Street station or is there a better location for that scenario?  Thanks!

How frequently (approximately) does the DART run from Dun L into Dublin?  We're there on a Saturday.  And where would the closest stop be in Dublin to get to the Guinness Experience?  Thanks.

1 hour ago, terrydtx said:

I hope this is something that goes fleetwide this year. The Ossobuco is delicious and we will be on the Koningsdam in November. 

Another Ossobuco-lover here and yes, I always make sure I book at least one Monday night in Canaletto just for that reason.  If offered every night and on all ships, I'd be in heaven!  

9 hours ago, Roktory said:

I was looking at the chart of HAL ships and it says Zaandam does not have on demand TV , 

but on the reservation page for a Neptune suite says room included "TV with On Demand movies, programming" 

 

anyone been on her lately in a Neptune suite who can confirm which is correct?

We were in a Neptune in January when they were installed.  Really nice!  They were still working on some of the system programming when we disembarked on 1/21 so things like onboard accounts and ordering room service weren't available yet but on demand movies were.  

If you log in, then click on Already Booked, then Manage My Bookings and enter your booking number manually, it brings up that booking.

35 minutes ago, Cruise NH said:

Yes they are.

 

 I saw someone in a Neptune suite posted before me and said it was interactive.  My definition of interactive would be if you could place orders, etc from the tv.  Also it would know who you are and give you access to your account.  Short of those two things I wouldn’t call it interactive and my tv at least doesn’t do either of those things.

 

if they do in the Neptune suites that’s good news that it’s coming.

You’re right.  I hadn’t tried to dig into the menus deeper when I posted earlier and we just did … not able to order room service either.  At least TV is “on demand”. 😉

We’re in a Neptune, TV installed last week, interactive TV operational today  😄 Can’t see our onboard account yet but everything else appears to be there.  YAY!!  👍

1 hour ago, faerievert said:

Waiting out the big weather system hitting Florida right now in the sky club at ATL. Hope we and our luggage make it to FLL together today!

And we’re stuck in Houston doing the same.  Current delay is 4 hrs, we’re in the United Club.  And like you, hope our one checked bag makes it with us and that we make it in time to board.  🙏🏻

See everyone onboard soon! 🙏

24 minutes ago, lizinindy said:

Does anyone have a phone # to call to try and wheedle our way into an upgrade/upsell?

Maybe they're feeling generous at Christmas! ha ha ha

1.888.628.8107 

No "wheedling" involved - if they have an upsell offer available, they'll tell you the price and if you like it, have your credit card handy.

Here she comes!!  We are supposed to be on her but had to cancel yesterday.  😞  Hopefully can still embark on January 5th.

7 minutes ago, Happily@Sea said:

 

Zaandam confirmed for 4 pm.

Which is back to the original departure time  LOL

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see any obvious way to upload our HAL boarding passes to Apple Wallet ... help appreciated.  Thx.

Does anyone know if the bathrooms in the Vista and Neptune suites have the automatic nightlight in the ceiling that lights up when the regular lights are off?

@Scrapnana  DH and I have found relief for lower back pain/sciatica using Advil Dual.  It’s a combo of Ibuprofen and Tylenol, take 2 every 8 hrs as needed.  Don’t know if you’ll be able to find any before the ship gets to FLL but something to keep an eye out for.  Hopefully you’re also doing some stretching.  Good luck. 

1 hour ago, Mosaic said:

Here is a video link.... Holland America Zaandam Neptune Suite

Thanks for posting.  Yep, that's the video I saw and it's not new (we had one in a Neptune on the same-class Amsterdam in 2019) and if memory serves, it isn't a full interactive system like on the larger HAL ships.  I've read on other threads that Zaandam has already been rewired for the interactive system; now they just need to install the new TVs on the walls.  

2 hours ago, Mosaic said:

I did see a video from a few months ago where a Neptune Suite had a new---looked like a 45" TV.  For what that is worth.

I found one video on YouTube from this year and it's still the old TV on the desk.  Will be in both a Vista and a Neptune soon (on a B2B) so guess we'll find out!  Thanks.

2 hours ago, Mosaic said:

So anybody know if the new TV's on the Zaandam have the interactive capabilities that the newer ships have? Bow and Stern cameras, etc...

 

Thanks!

I emailed someone that's on the current Grand Africa voyage and she said they still haven't installed the new TV's.  We were really hoping it would be done prior to our embarking on the 20th for a month but I'm not too optimistic at this point.