syesmar

I hear you! On one cruise, I can't recall which ship, they did have something that resembled a chewy bar put out each morning in the Explorations Cafe. Instead of a bar shape, they were more like the shape of a brownie, but the ingredients were like a chewy bar. I remember how tasty it was. Would be nice if that was consistently offered, especially for those who really need something like this on hand.

The newest ships have a big screen for movie time at the Lido Pool. While these are generally at night, I recall some also shown in the afternoon (in 2019). https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/onboard-activities/cruise-activities/movies-on-board.html

@erollerThanks for taking the time to share your experience! I wonder if the lack of live music was illness-related? Seems really odd to have so few options. All the Best!

The reality of our times is that protocols may be reinstated during a cruise as needed. Sometimes things progress in such a way that a lot of advance notice isn’t possible. Cruisers should go into any sailing with this understanding, as unwelcome as it may be for some.

I think that’s the best policy, just be honest and give the passengers the information.

@DrTee On the CDC’s website under “Cruise Ship Travel” they have this FAQ: “Q: How can travelers find out about COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships? A: Cruise travelers have the option of contacting their cruise line directly regarding outbreaks occurring on board their ship.“ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/cruise-travel-during-covid19.html I’ve yet to hear of anyone who’s been able to get an answer from the cruise line directly. I do wish the info was still available to the public now that there’s fewer protocols. You might try searching social media; sometimes there are groups that discuss conditions on a particular sailing. Glad you remained healthy! All the Best!

@Anne614 @LJProk @SDARCH @Destiny0315 Are these offers via Email, mailed flyers or by logging in? I haven't gone through all my Emails lately and need to comb through the mailers. Thanks!

I recall having access in 2019 when we were in Norway.

The bathrooms near the gym at least used to have the small bottles. The attendants said they were fine to take.

Agree that a bottle or two isn’t always enough in port. We have CamelBak backpacks and fill up the water reservoir before leaving for a port day. I believe on our last cruise on Nieuw Statendam, there was a station for water bottle, etc., refills. Previously, we asked for a pitcher of water in the Lido to fill the reservoir with cold ice water.

Glad to hear your wife is negative and you are safely home! That is something to ponder regarding for how long HAL will reimburse, in the event flights are not available. Thanks for all the helpful information you have passed on from your experience.

@OHCruiserglad you are okay. I recall earlier this year, some chatter about PCPs prescribing Paxlovid in advance. Not everyone has been able to get it, but it’s helpful hearing of those who have been. Do you happen to know if your table mates were also infected? I wouldn’t be happy in these times if I were “forced” to share a table. Thanks for sharing your experience.

HAL, please bring back: -the Rijsttafel lunch -Indonesian Tea -Royal Dutch High Tea -Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza (even if not late at night, how about on a Sea Day afternoon?) -complimentary cappuccinos after dinner (I’d always get decaf:>) -chilled soups -Tamarind lunches -Cooking Demos with food samples -Guided craft sessions for HAL travel journals, lanyards, etc. -flambé desserts after dinner in the Explorer’s Lounge, with an ensemble playing live music

The Know Before You Go still has “hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hours” listed. I’ve been told they’re still available in some lounges upon request.

Great ideas! Agree the artwork needs to be highlighted more, as many guests would be interested. For those wanting to listen to the old Art Tours HAL used to have for guests to download or borrow an mp3 player onboard, they may be found linked on this Thread, taken from archives:

Thanks for the info. Interesting in light of potential risks, mentioned here.

@Bedford Wifeis HAL doing this again in the World Stage on the first evening? My last few cruises, BC, they had stopped. I always enjoyed having the preview. Thanks!

Agree! Love Tarquinia, makes a great day out from Civitavecchia.

@AV8rixthanks for sharing your plan. It seems like you are very conscientious of aerosol transmission and it’s worked for you so far! With this being your 4th cruise, has this been what you’ve done on the previous 3?

🤣😂🤣😂

@LoraJ See this page. Under “delayed bags”> tucked under “for bags still lost after five days”, it says “Customers whose baggage was delayed in a location other than their place of residence may submit a claim for reimbursement of interim expenses for the period during which the baggage was delayed, providing receipts. If the baggage is not found after five days, the customer may submit a claim for the lost baggage. The interim expenses will be deducted from the legal limit of reimbursement if the bag is permanently lost. Use the link below to submit a claim.” link to Submit a Claim Wishing you the best, hope your luggage arrives soon!

@LoraJ I am glad you are relaxed now! When our baggage was delayed, the airline told us they would reimburse us for clothes and supplies (an average set amount for each day of delay, which could be purchased all on one day if needed) and our travel insurance would have done so if they hadn’t. We shopped in the HAL shops onboard. I hope the bag arrives and you get what you need! Have a wonderful rest of your cruise!

@LoraJ, glad you made it to Juneau! Hope you get your luggage soon. Thanks for sharing with us. Have a wonderful cruise!

@LoraJ I really feel for you. Glad they're allowing you to board in Juneau. When our luggage was delayed for a trip that included a Baltics & Norway cruise, we gave the lost luggage office in Copenhagen our HAL itinerary with the various ports of call and addresses. It seems like there may have been a HAL representative nearby (there were 50+ other HAL passengers in the same situation). Though we started the cruise with several sea days, the bags arrived on our first port day. Your travel insurance and also credit card very likely has some coverage to get supplies, clothes and perhaps alternate accommodations and transportation in the meantime. In our case, the airline reimbursed us for all our expenses for these items. I wish you the best. We're all rooting for you!

Before the pandemic, when our flight to Seattle was cancelled (as we were checking in that morning at the airport), I had a list of other available flights and AA put me on a non-stop with Alaska Airlines. I have had some success in the past communicating with an airline rep via their Twitter account, sometimes you can get someone to help. I am unsure about boarding in Juneau (I know some things have changed in light of the pandemic). HAL’s website has a Chat feature, but sometimes it’s not available. I am sure this is incredibly frustrating! I pray everything works out for you. Best wishes!