aprilsp88

@ScrapnanaI'm following your other post and blog. What do you think about the entertainment onboard Zaandam? Who's the band in ocean bar? Do they play Jazz only or other dance-able music?

I don't understand it either. Regardless it's openloop cruise, begin and end in different US port, visiting a remote port, why cancel one would make it work?

@Essiesmom So, if a cruise is closed loop, HAL won't allow embarkation in any other ports, which makes it open loop, because of immigration and extra fee. But if open loop, then it's possible to embark in a foreign port?

Thank you for reminding us. Sorry you missed your cruise. I asked a "missed connection" question in the insurance forum, and someone mentioned due to PVSA, you can't embark on a port of call. I wonder if this is the case, why cruise line still advertise that if cruiseline air is delayed, they will send us to embark on the next port? Is your cruise closed loop visiting Caribbean? April

Hi, I will take a flight to catch a cruise. I'm considering a policy which include "missed connection" benefit. Under each benefit (trip interruption, delay and missed connection), it says "These benefit(s) will not duplicate any other benefits payable under the policy or any coverage(s) attached to the policy." In case my flight is delayed, I missed the cruise, have to purchase another flight ticket to catch it from the next port, can I file flight ticket under "missed connection", hotel under "trip delay", unused cruise day under "trip interruption"? Thanks, April

OP, hope you'll test negative soon. On the bright side you're symptom free. Time will pass before you know it. I'm following your posts and blog.

Thank you for the info. It's very helpful.

Hi, There used to be a budget car rental in WICO (heavensight), but they're closed. Do you have any other recommendations? There are several car rental agency in airport, but pretty far. Thanks, April

Would anyone please let me know, what is the merchant name? Buyatab or hollandamerica? Who will charge me? Also, does the bonus card come together with the gift card? Thanks.

Are the e-gift cards delivered instantly after purchase? I called AARP today, asking what should I do in case there is problem with the gift card, the representative seems to be clueless.

Same here. If I saw NCL offer, does this mean I won't see HAL offer? Should I keep on checking? Thanks.

Yes, the COVID policy.

Yes embarkation is before that, but disembarkation after that.

Thanks for the clear explanation. It's a safe just to pay now. Inquiring mind just wonder, the email HAL sent says "Booking confirmation", and the pdf attachment also have "booking confirmation" as title, does this make any difference?

Yes I put this booking on hold, but I don't have to make payment until next week.

Thank you all for the reply. One clarification, I haven't make any deposit ($0 on the booking, but it's already created), I will pay in full when I pay final payment. Does this make any difference?

Hi, In order to qualify for "Flexible Cancellation", one needs to "Book a cruise by September 30, 2022". I called HAL, the agent said it's the initial booking creation date, not the final payment date. Just want to get your suggestion and experience, what's "book by"? The initial reservation creation date? Or the (final) payment received date? Thanks, April

Hi, In order to qualify for flexible cancellation (please see link below), booking has to be made by Sep 30. I called HAL, they said it means the initial reservation date, not the final payment date. Since sometimes different agent can give different answer, I'd like to get suggestion here, what's your experience or understanding of book by date. Is it the initial reservation creation date, or deposit date, or final payment date? https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/flexible-cancellation.html Thanks, April

This forum is wonderful, I've read each post multiple times, very informational, some pros and cons I've never think of before. Thank you all! If you have more to add please keep it coming 🙂 Thanks, April

Mary, Is the bathroom on Zaandam also refurbished? Last 2019 we were on Veendam, in bathroom paint was peeling off, looked not clean. Is there production show? The singers and dancers were excellent on Veendam, although there was no live orchestra only recorded music. Thanks, April

Hi, We're choosing between 2 sailings. Zaandam has better itinerary, but in terms stateroom, shows, nightly music suitable for dancing, , is Nieuw Statendam much better? We've sailed Veendam once, itinerary, food and service are all very good, but the stateroom is very rundown and entertainment lacking especially the nightly music (the band is good, but only jazz, no other choices). Zaandam is the same class, but refurbished in 2018, does it make a difference? Thanks, April

@dandee2Dandee, do you happen to have information on the Heiva in Moorea? I saw local kids practice and was told there will be a Heiva this Friday. I googled but can't find much info.

Thank you all for the advice. We decide to stay in Moorea. We prefer cruise, but price is very high this year, for the same budget if we do land based vacation we can spend more time there.

Hi, We plan to stay in Tahiti for a week. We like snorkeling and circle the island scenic drive. Will we enjoy Tahiti as much as we did for other island if snorkeling and scenery are our preference (we're not hikers)? Is there any good snorkeling sites with beach access in Tahiti, where we can see coral and shark just like in Moorea? Or even a boat tour that starts in papette? I can't find any. If so we don't need to take ferry to Moorea. Is it worth the effort to explore other islands? ie, take a ferry or airplane to tahaa and Huahine, find a tour operator or hotel who can pick us up from the pier/airport. Do you have any other suggestions? Such as which island to visit? Activities? Thanks, April

@wen_c82Wen, Thanks for the quick response and info. There are 2 discounts, pre-cruise ($5/day) and captain circle (50% off). Are you able to get pre-cruise discount at embarkation day? Thanks, April