510picker

HAL’s website has always been horrible. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. With cruise departing half full, I don’t expect it to change any time soon. 

I feel the same way about HAL. We've tried other lines and had enjoyable cruises, but keep coming back to HAL. The crew is what brings me back. I describe it to others as, when I get on ships from other cruise lines the crew makes me feel like a welcome guest. When I get on a HAL ships the crew makes me feel like I'm at home.

You are correct. You can test any tme on Monday for a cruise that leaves on Wednesday.

10 minutes ago, DaveOKC said:

While I cannot answer your questions directly with actual experience, I can say that tipping the casino servers a $1 or $2 when you get you free casino drinks goes  along way to quicker service and better pours.

This is good to know because when I had free drinks in the casino last November, it was almost impossible to find a server.

We cruised on the Nieuw Amsterdam last November and our cabin was serviced twice a day. We were never asked our preference. 

1 hour ago, blueknight222 said:

If you don't mind me asking, what is the cost of the cabanas?

The link below has the information you need. We love the Retreat Cabanas and have booked them many times. 
 

https://rogerjett-photography.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/HAL-Cabanas.pdf

It was in the Pinnacle on our cruise last November. Our cabin was midship and it was so nice to take a short elevator ride down to the Pinnacle for breakfast each morning. 

I feel the laundry package is one of the best deals on the cruise ship. It allows us to pack lighter and return home with mostly clean clothes. 

Show up when you want to and they will welcome you with open arms. Ignore what the boarding pass says. Have a great cruise!

I think the laundry package for the week is one of the best values on the ship at $7 per day. We send a bag out every morning and they do such a great job! It helps us pack lighter and come home with clean clothes.

2 hours ago, iflyrc5 said:

We are to arrive in Bonaire tomorrow at 1100 and if the weather looks good we are going to rent a golf cart from a company at the pier and tour the island on our own.

We rented a golf cart in Bonaire a couple years ago and had a blast! Such a fun way to tour the island!

We are scheduled to be on the April 6th for an 11 day cruise. Received an email today saying due to azipod issues, our cruise has been cut down to 9 days and now leaves April 8th. Have you heard any reports of azipod issues while onboard? 

I’ve enjoyed following along on your journey. My wife and I will be joining you April 6th for and 11 day cruise. I hope we get a chance to meet you both. 

49 minutes ago, mr. godfredo said:

What is the cost and what does the cabana include?

Roger Jett, a regular poster on this forum, has the information you seek on his site at the link below. 
 

https://rogerjett-photography.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/HAL-Cabanas.pdf

You can rent before the cruise by calling Ship Services at 800-541-1576. Renting before the cruise requires you to rent for the entire cruise. If you are interested in renting by the day, you can only do that once on the ship by inquiring at the bar I’m the Crows Nest. 

Being a full-time wheelchair user, the doors to the verandah has alwas been my number one complaint. The same heavy, swing open doors are in the accessible cabins. The Pinnacle Class ships now have sliding doors to the verandah in the accessible cabins. They still take some strength to open and should have an automatic opener. Unfortunately the regular cabins appear to still have the swing door. 

Favorite: Accessibilty has improved on the Pinnacle Class ships. 

Least Favorite: Cell phone use being encouraged. I loved throwing my cell phone in the safe and not seeing others with their faces buried in their phones.

Being a fellow Hoosier that will be on this ship in April, I will be reading along with great anticipation! Bon voyage!

Just received my "Denied" email from HAL. Apparently they only appreciate those that don't book discounted rates :)

I oirdered from emed.com last week and the tests I received have an expiration date of 12/9/2022.

4 hours ago, pilot said:

Have you updated your iPhones to IOS 15.2?  Someone on another board had problems,

No, our tests were done on November 11th. Not sure which operating system was in play then. 

We both used our iPhones mounted on a desktop tripod and had no problems whatsoever. 

2 hours ago, aliasyoshi said:

I'm assuming that the free drinks while playing in the casino offer is NOT considered a drink package and if we wanted the Elite package, we would need to pay the full amount for it?

Your assumption would be correct. 

55 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

you win some..........

Absolutely.....I have a cruise booked so I feel like I'm still winning!

I'm just following up on my previous post where I stated I had emailed my info to apply for the credit. I apllied on 12/13 and received a reply today. Unfortunately, my request was denied due to booking under a casin offer. I thought it might be denied but figured it was worth trying.