gadgetlady

It seems like this thread is pretty much all about beverage prices.  Does anyone know 1) how much the specialty dining costs (if someone only has Plus), and 2) when it says 1 WiFi device, does that mean at a time, or does the system register a specific device (i.e. phone, computer, tablet)?

This is so helpful - thank you!

3 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

 

$15/day is a good price but not for the Rotterdam.

 

Here is the Club Orange Room Service Breakfast Menu

 

The dinner menu is the same as the MDR with one daily special.  Those vary but include such things as short ribs and peri peri chicken.

The menu helps - thank you. 

3 minutes ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

I've added it to bookings where we have a lot of long days in ports, so we may be seated quickly in MDR at the time of our choice.  Otherwise, not worth it to us on a Non-Pinnacle ship.

Thank you.  I just checked and the ship is pretty empty, so I think we're going to pass on the offer.  If they upgraded us to a higher category cabin it might be worth it, but to just change from aft to mid-ship, or one deck up, doesn't seem like it's worth the value.  Complimentary bag - meh.  Robes - meh.  We don't need the concierge.  So really all we would get is no line at dinner, which ... it's not like we're going to starve while waiting.

10 minutes ago, twodjs said:

I agree with Miss G - only worth it on Pinnacle class ships. One extra entree per night. There are no breakfast specials. Normal MDR menu. You would get free mimosas.

Thank you.  I think it'd be tough to drink $1000 worth of mimosas 🤣

1 minute ago, RocketMan275 said:

How much would it cost you to pay directly for the upgrade in cabin?

Would it be worth that much to you?

 

I realized it's not fair to ask if it's "worth it" because that's a decision only we can make lol.  I guess what I'm asking is what perks have been a benefit to others, what did they really appreciate, etc.  It's a small ship (1400 guests, and obviously not full if they're offering a room change), one of our group doesn't eat breakfast, and we plan on taking ship's tours in most of the ports, so the priority disembarking most likely won't matter to us.  The "you get extra things on the menu" seems a bit vague. 

6 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Not in my opinion.  You don’t say how long your cruise is so I can’t comment on the cost but I would definitely purchase CO on a Pinnacle Class ship.  I loved the CO restaurant on the Koningsdam.

It's a Panama Canal transit.  16 days.  They're offering it for $15 per day.

What are the extra menu items and specials at breakfast? 

Was just offered CO for Rotterdam, sailing at the end of February.  Total would be $480 per stateroom (we have two staterooms).  We would be upgraded from aft to mid-ship on our stateroom, or one deck higher, aft.  We don't really mind aft positioning, especially on such a small ship.

Are the rest of the benefits worth almost $1000 for 5 people (we have 3 in one cabin)?  

I just spoke with Ship Services, and they confirmed that with the pre-purchased premium plan there is 1) no limit to data, and 2) no limit to number of devices you can use (it just has to be only one at a time).

9 hours ago, richwmn said:

 

While each plan lists a data limit per day it doesn't appear to be enforced. I am a heavy user and have never been cut off or slowed down.

(posting at same time as Kazu)

 

Yay!  Good to know.

9 hours ago, kazu said:

 

HAL calls it unlimited to differentiate from when they charged by the minute.

 

The premium package does have the limit that @kwb101 stated but the only effect I’ve seen on board is the the internet slows down if  you hit the MB limit.

 

Hope this makes sense?

Absolutely - thank you.  That helps a lot.

1 minute ago, Vict0riann said:

We have used multiple devices on the ship's internet.   But only one person at a time can use the internet - at least that was the way in November.  I believe you can pay more now to use additional devices.  The person wanting to use the internet has to log out as him/herself, and log in again as the person who "owns" the internet package.   Then when finished, would have to log out again and log in as him/herself.  It does mean that when someone other than the person with the internet package is on line, he can't access his own account, etc., or check Chat or dinner plans, etc.  How long would you want to be on the internet, or want other to be using your internet?  You are given the opportunity to "bump" someone who is on line, but they do have to log out again to have access to their own intranet.

 

You can use the internet anywhere on board, but some areas are better than others.  There are "cones" in the ceiling that are the best locations.

Thank you.  I was told only one person can use it at a time, which is fine for us.  Mainly we just want to download email to each of our phones a few times a day.  However, on one of the days we will need to use the internet extensively to handle payroll (there is no such thing as a vacation for a business owner).  It would be preferable for us if we could use 6 devices total (4 people with phones, two people also have laptops).
 

On 1/29/2020 at 7:53 PM, oceanmom said:

I am cutting and pasting from that topic titled something like "Now up to four devices!!"--

 

 

Thank you!  I did see that thread but it didn't seem to answer all of my questions.  I will read it again tonight a little more carefully.

17 hours ago, kwb101 said:

The Premium plan has a 500MBper day limit. 

When I called HAL I was told it is unlimited.  I wonder if it varies by ship?  I will call again tomorrow to ask again.

We are cruising 2/24 out of FLL on the Rotterdam.  I pre-purchased the unlimited internet premium package for $200.  The notes I took from the phone conversation I had with HAL say there is no data limit (obviously speeds may be slow) and we can connect up to 5 devices but only one at a time.

Does anyone know if we can use the devices all over the ship or only in our stateroom, and if we have to sign into the app to use the internet?  We are planning to share across 5 devices in 2 staterooms (a few doors away from each other).  I'm concerned that if we have to use the app, everyone will need to sign in with the same account information and then we won't be able to use the other functions of the app, such as on-board chat, because we'll all be signed in as the same person.

Also, can anyone confirm that it is indeed: 1) unlimited data, and 2) 5 devices?

We were hoping to possibly connect a 6th device using a hotspot, but it appears from reading other threads that we won't be able to do that.

I just purchased an unlimited plan for a 14-day cruise.  The premium package, purchased in advance of the cruise, was $199.99 and accommodates up to 5 devices (only one online at a time).  I was told it doesn't have data limits.

On 1/24/2020 at 8:07 AM, TriumphGuy said:

Does anyone know if using a phone as a hotspot will allow other devices to use internet on board? For example, if my wife buys a plan for our 14 day cruise and enables the hotspot function, would she be able to share that connection with my phone or laptop? 

Thanks.

I had the exact same question.  Sad to see it won't work with iPhones, which all of us traveling have (except one who has a Samsung).

Thank you everyone for your responses.  I am so happy no one has had any issues with scent.  This will definitely simplify packing 😉  We have 3 people in our room (our [adult] daughter is coming with us), so we will definitely get our money's worth with the unlimited laundry.  I have to talk to my parents and see if they want it for their room too.

15 hours ago, gmg613 said:

I’m also a scent sensitive asthmatic. Our first two HAL cruises did not create any laundry problems. 

 

We’ll be on the Rotterdam through the Panama Canal at the end of February and do not anticipate any laundry issues. 

 

Which cruise are are you taking?

 

Gary

 

Out of FLL on 2/24.  Same cruise?

3 hours ago, StartrainDD said:

You can still buy a $50 "Soda card" for $25 before the cruise.  It's not the easiest thing to find, in your "Cruise personalizer" but look under beverage cards.  I get one for every cruise.  Some ships will limit use to 'fountain soda' (which I actually prefer) but the last few cruises they would do the cans as well.  This brings the cost down to just a little over $1 per glass.

If you REALLY like your sodas, you can order multiple cards!

Thanks for the tip!  That's really good to know.  Do you have to carry the card with you or does it just go on your account and get discounted every time you purchase a soda?

4 hours ago, avian777 said:

 

Just curious, how do you deal with this issue at theaters, symphony halls and restaurants at home?

I don't purchase drinks at locations like this.  I drink water.  I generally just drink my favorite sodas (Fresca and Sprite Zero) at home.  If I'm at a casual or fast food place where I'm going to be spending a lot of time and they have a fountain with refills, I might buy a small and keep filling it up, but otherwise it's water for me.  

Thanks, kazu.  That's not what HAL told me via chat but I was really surprised to hear it.  I've never been on a ship on any line (and we aren't brand-loyal -- we move around quite a bit) that doesn't allow soda and water in every port.

We are scheduled on the Rotterdam out of FLL in February - 5 people traveling together in 2 cabins.  We are planning to go to the Total Wine & More near the port to get our allotted 5 bottles of wine and also some sodas and bottled water.  I know if we purchase alcohol at any ports during the cruise it will be held for us until the end, but is it also true that we can't purchase sodas and bring them aboard (for consumption during the cruise) at the various other ports we stop in?

I just have a knee-jerk reaction to paying $4 or $5 for a can of soda that I can get for 40c in a supermarket.  If I have to load up a carry-on with sodas in FLL I will do so, but it just seems silly to do that if I can get replenishments in other ports.

I bring my own everything, everywhere.  I could never travel with only a carry-on because of all the stupid products I have to bring on any trip.  I am a chronic overpacker anyway, so having to carry so much product for self care makes my luggage ridiculous.  On a 16-day cruise, the option to pay just $112 and have my laundry done every day is a lifesaver.

I was told you can only bring sodas on at embarkation, not at every port.  The wine also at embarkation, but that I understand because there is a limit of one bottle per person.  Sodas are unlimited, but they told me only allowed on the first day..