northernphoenix

Completed our Sept16/24 Norwegian fjord 7-day cruise reservation today.  I added the CO to an obstructed verandah; (4143) was designated.  We were not charged any fees, since I had two $100 FCC to cover the deposit.  I am using a TA ; and she confirmed the booking of the CO by phone to HAL.  There was no conversations about the promised upgrade.  The CO package is a new product for my TA.  Should I caution her to expect the off of the upgrade upon PIF?

This sounds like a “rookie” question; but we have always used FCC as our deposit. My cousin is joining me on this Sept/23 cruise.  Using this BF sale what would her deposit be?

At what point in the booking does one add the Club Orange option?

And I actually won a free cruise when i booked our land tour/cruise AK….have never won a thing in my long life!!  There was a draw for the pax who had booked a future cruise.

On 9/26/2022 at 7:39 PM, sergel02 said:

Okay, time for the final trip update. We're home safe, rested, and packing for another trip we had planned last minute before some credit expires. Traveling is tough work lol

 

Quebec

 

I don't have much specifically to say (though I'm open to questions) except that it's one of the best cities I visited. It really is like a slice of France and Europe in North America. Everything is in French, but everyone we met spoke some English. Everyone was also kind and helpful too.

 

We visited the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac up on the hill in Old Quebec I think and it was well worth it. We took the hop on hop off which wasn't all that great (should have booked a ship excursion maybe for that port) but there is a funicular nearby which will take you up, though it's a bit of a walk to get there from either port. The hotel has a Starbucks in it and many shops and restaurants nearby. The lobby is the only part open to the public, but there is a museum underground you can visit which was great to see. Plus our trip had a HAL rep to help people out in the lobby. 

 

Definitely would like to visit again, and I'm happy for the overnight the ship did.

 

The Cruise Overall

 

It was a memorable cruise for sure, and probably in my top 3 favorite cruises. It was our first time visiting the New England area and Eastern Canada. I was really thankful, because Hurricane Fiona seemed to cause a lot of damage in many of the ports we visited like Halifax, Sydney, and Prince Edward island. I'm happy I got to see them and try some local places. Also it seems The Canadian Red Cross is taking donations for the Hurricane damage for anyone willing to donate there to help out.

 

It was our first time going on the same class of ships, but the ship was really nice and we were busy so we didn't mind. I got a veggie burger at Dive In and I still need to go back to try a hot dog. And maybe we'll try a different specialty restaurant. 

 

Okay the big elephant in the room  for anyone on this cruise that I haven't mentioned...was certainly the embarkation. Been on 12 cruises and this was by far the worst embarkation I've ever had. I've been on HAL before so it makes me think it's more the Boston Port. Not sure how it's been for those getting on in Quebec. If you had VeriFly it was kind of quick. but otherwise you had to wait around 2 hours to fully get in. There were no areas by your boarding group number so everyone was just in 1 line for security and then for check-in. They are aware it was bad but not sure what the problem was.

 

The 2nd issue were charges onboard. Definitely check your statement! My parents ordered a water package on the first day, yet never received it. I got mine which I ordered the first day too though, so it was weird. We kept calling but it never arrived. They still got charged for it but that was fixed easily by Guest Relations, who said a lot of people were having issues. We ordered the water package every cruise since we don't drink much otherwise, and this was the first time we just didn't get it. Not a huge deal, but it was something we'll remember.

 

Still though it was a great cruise and I'm happy we went. HAL is becoming one of our favorite lines, which is a bit ironic because a year ago we would have thought HAL was "too old" for us.

 

Feedback to Holland America

 

I think HAL's strength is their more classic cruise experience with an emphasis on enrichment like education, music, and ports, at a reasonable price. 

 

Some things I think they do better than most lines I've been on and areas they can improve:

 

- The service is great. The staff seem super friendly, and less stressed than on other lines. Our room attendants Hari and Gus were so nice and friendly, and always asked us what we needed.

 

- The Lido is probably one of the best at sea for us. The variety is the strongest factor. The main dining room food wasn't as good as the Lido, nor as good as the main dining room food on Disney or new Celebrity ships, but better than most other ships I've been on.

 

- The Crow's Nest was nice overall. A lot of the screens and cool tech weren't actually working so I didn't spend as much time there as I wanted. Apparently on the Rotterdam the area Port side is a game room rather than presentation room which is better for the space I feel. I love observation lounges on ships, and so many ships are getting rid of them so I'm happy HAL and new ships like NCL's Prima have them.

 

- I like the World Stage as a venue. The screens are a great addition. I think the shows could be better though, and I really missed the BBC Earth video. I'd like to see more of those kinds of videos throughout the day, maybe even 1 or 2 days only if that's all they can do.

 

- I LOVED the EXC Talks. I love when ships emphasize the ports they are visiting, and help guests learn more about the areas so we are a bit less ignorant of the history and culture. Kind of wish they put them on their official HAL channel on YouTube, it would teach a lot and be good promo for the company. 

 

- I like the music walk overall and emphasis on music...but I do think the layout of the venues could be better. I think having them right under the casino isn't the best, and since they rarely have Billboard on Board and Rolling Stone Rock room going the same time because they'd just singing over each other due to proximity, maybe combining them into one large venue kind of like how they do with Lincoln Center Stage and BB King's would be good. I do like that LCS and BB King's span 2 decks, so it's nice to pass by and watch a bit if I don't want to sit down. The music usually is not my taste but I do like the musicians having actual venues to play at, and being incorporated in the stage shows.

 

- Wish there was a Port to Table cooking demonstration.

 

- Really enjoyed the more modern décor and art. It wasn't as nice as how some Viking ships or the Prima look, but still nice. 

 

- This is for any future ships they may build, but the layout of public spaces could be better. There was some crowding, and it's weird having to walk through the casino with smoke to get to the theater, or walking past people eating in chairs in the Dutch Café to get to the dining room. The passenger-to-space ratio is lower on this compared to their older ships, and I feel for a premium line, a ratio of 40+ is needed to help feel premium. 

 

- I hope they add a garden to their ships. There were more plants, but an actual garden would be cool. My mom specifically looks at ships with greenery to choose to go on. Luckily more ships are adding them.

 

- The space aft on the ship, above the outside pool. Sunset Bar I think? It was so empty it makes me wonder what the purpose of it is.

 

- Speaking of pools I love that the main pool is covered.

 

- I enjoyed their approach to health and safety. They are big on it still, and recommend masks, but I liked that they made everyone feel welcome and nobody felt out of place to mask or not.

 

- Internet could be better. Hope that improves, and it will with tech.

 

- I know it's not a family-focused line, but I do wish there were more activities for families to do. My family travels together, but the music of the music walk isn't our style so there's not as much to do at night outside of watching a show/movie or playing on my Switch. Like, I don't think HAL is ever going to add a Galaxy Pavilion but having a few more family-friendly activities would be cool. You'd think something like a golf simulator would appeal to many people going on HAL too. They don't need rock climbing walls, or go karts, but an area that has activities indoors other than the Crow's Nest would be nice.

 

- Not sure if it's something about who HAL attracts but we met so many friendly people on the ship! Lots of great conversations.

 

HAL had some stereotypes we believed before we sailed with them last December, and there might be some truth to some of those. But HAL is honestly a great line for anyone of any age who wants maybe a little more subdued experience but still wants great food, service, enrichment, and nice ports. It's perfect for introverts like me, and there is a market out there for people who want a more classic but still fun and enriching cruise.

 

I'm not sure when my next cruise will be, or when I'll go on Holland again, but I'll be following news about HAL closely. For anyone who read all this, thanks for following along!

I will reinforce the Boston disembarkation experience ( in our personal Sept.17.22 HAL Nieu Statendam experience) that the port of Boston has been a heart attack about to happen.  We witnessed an elderly lady at the stage of physical collapse attempting to find her way to a safe space.  Your comments do reinforce our experience with HAL post-covid.  Cruise experience will of course be a reflection of our return to post-Covid life ; but we will certainly cruise HAL, once again.

On 8/26/2022 at 5:46 PM, VMax1700 said:

Greetings from Hotel New York, Rotterdam (former home of Holland America Line in Rotterdam).  It seems a wonderfully atmospheric hotel and we are looking forward to tomorrow in Rotterdam and then boarding the Rotterdam on Sunday for our 14 day Northern Isles cruise to Norway, Iceland, Shetland and Scotland.

During the next two weeks we will post bits and pieces about the ship, the food, the ports and the people.

We are tired and it is time for bed here, so more to follow tomorrow.

Stay tuned in!

We thoroughly enjoyed our Baltic cruise, and to add a few days at the Hotel New York was an awesome start, using the water taxi to cross the harbour to join our excursion to Kinderdyjk.

2 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Whatever you put out the night before, you will claim ashore in the bag claim area. You will then drag it to the bus, and it will be loaded into the bottom of the bus. Then, at the airport, you will take your bags that you wish to check to the appropriate airline desk and check your bags in.

We are taking a transfer to Boston Logan airport; but will then take a shuttle to an airport hotel due to a late departure to Pearson (Toronto) airport.  Retrieve all bags at transfer arrival ?? And then find shuttle to our hotel?

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

If you have iPhones and have WiFi internet you can iMessage each other 

To be clear…we do have internet as part of our package, as our travel partners.  Do we turn off “Roaming” on our cells; use the internet WiFi hide onboard???

Masking is a “ No Brainer” for our foursome.  We will be diligent on our QC to Boston itinerary(Sept 7- 17). Covid Denial can ruin many a holiday…mine and yours!

We are on NS  for the Quebec City to Boston itinerary.  A member of our Roll Call has questioned if HAL has prohibited use of private excursions.  Has anyone had this experience. TIA!!

6 minutes ago, janmcn said:

Ok…a bit of a rant , but we did the right thing (we thought) last night when my husband developed a cough…after hemming and hawing, he felt it would be prudent (he’s an MD) to get a Covid test. Called about 6 (had dinner in the cabin) and eventually they came at 9 and swabbed us. At 11 they called and said we were negative and they’d test us again “in the morning and if that was negative we’d be good to go, but to stay in our cabin until then.”  It’s 3:30 and still no new test and husband is feeling better. (Many calls to front desk and medical center.) However….they’ve already canceled our shore excursions for tomorrow!!! I’ve found you are flagged across the system!

In retrospect, we should have brought those “free govt test kits” along and done those on our own. I’ve read about folks doing that and now I see why…no need to worry if you’re negative, and if you test positive THeN you’ll call the medical center. 

just sayin’ that’s what I’d do again…meanwhile, we wait…(and hope we’re negative…about 50 cases on board.)

That’s our plan!

10 hours ago, lcand1923 said:

The Panama Rolls on a Panama Canal Cruise are something I really enjoy.  Have not found them on any other cruise line doing a Panama Canal Cruise.

 

I also love the Raisin Buns in the Lido at breakfast.  I’ve found Raisin Buns on other cruise lines but none are as good as the ones that HAL serves in the Lido.

OMG!!  An absolute “Must have” every breakfast 

We made a very early trip to the Crow’s Nest and made the entry at this vantage point.  Made a trip to the Lido for coffee and pastries.  Enjoyed the presentation made by a canal expert.  We were on the Rotterdam Lanai category; so spent the rest of the traverse on this deck.  Wonderful memories. Enjoy!!

Any recommendations for antigen testing in QC?  Departing on HAL September 7th.  We are pre cruise for the 5-6th, and need a result 48 hours precruise.  TIA

We had reserved and paid for Rudi and Tamarind in advance.  We are three star …is the discount applied as a credit to or onboard account?

DH and I are arriving on September 17th (HAL Nieu Statendam); departing Logan to Canada on the 18th noonish.  We would like to enjoy the downtown but do need a shuttle to Logan in the morning…any ideas…TYIA!!

I have found a pharmacy 2km from our hotel.  Hoping that it is open for the testing on Labour Day.  If not the testing will have to be on Tuesday with a Wednesday departure.  This should fall within the 48 hour window.

On 6/3/2022 at 7:12 AM, lx200gps said:

Montrealer here. Lots of pharmacies offer testing, including the aforementioned Pharmaprixs (Shopper Drug Marts in the rest of Canada), but other pharmacy chains do as well.  Look for names like Jean Coutu, Familiprix, Uniprix.  There is a very useful Quebec government website

 

https://portal3.clicsante.ca/

 

that allows you to enter the desired medical service you are looking for (in this case "COVID Antigen Screening - No Symptoms), enter a postal code, then it will list out all the nearby locations offering the service. We most recently used it a few days ago to book our pre-trip tests for our upcoming Bermuda trip. The only caution I would note is that not all pharmacies and testing sites offer appointments EXACTLY on the day you may need one, so shop around.  A quick Google Maps search showed many pharmacies very near the Quebec City cruise terminal at Quai 30.  Good luck

Thanks, so very much.  I will certainly check this out.

On 6/3/2022 at 7:12 AM, lx200gps said:

Montrealer here. Lots of pharmacies offer testing, including the aforementioned Pharmaprixs (Shopper Drug Marts in the rest of Canada), but other pharmacy chains do as well.  Look for names like Jean Coutu, Familiprix, Uniprix.  There is a very useful Quebec government website

 

https://portal3.clicsante.ca/

 

that allows you to enter the desired medical service you are looking for (in this case "COVID Antigen Screening - No Symptoms), enter a postal code, then it will list out all the nearby locations offering the service. We most recently used it a few days ago to book our pre-trip tests for our upcoming Bermuda trip. The only caution I would note is that not all pharmacies and testing sites offer appointments EXACTLY on the day you may need one, so shop around.  A quick Google Maps search showed many pharmacies very near the Quebec City cruise terminal at Quai 30.  Good luck

8 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

I can't help you with Quebec City testing sites, but you should take a close look a Holland America's testing requirements. Based on my reading of their protocols at file:///C:/Users/gaiti/Downloads/0531-alaska-canada-health-protocols.pdf an antigen test needs to be taken within two days of embarkation . A PCR test can be taken within three days of embarkation .

Thanks for the reminder…i have heard of virtual testing, but would prefer an onsite testing.  We depart on Wednesday, so Monday or Tuesday would be the possible days to test.  I have googled an antigen testing in QC with no luck.

We are having a pre cruise vacation in Quebec City over Labour Day.  HAL requires a negative antigen test within three days of departure.  I have been searching for a possible site for this test.  Has anyone a recommendation?  TIA!

We will be staying overnight in Boston, September 17th.  Plan to transfer to Logan, drop luggage, then cab it to downtown for the rest of the day…which airport hotel would receive a thumbs up ???

We need to be on a 11:00 AM flight from Logan on Saturday September 17th….is this doable??

Have been very happy with the queen sized pull out on the Statendam and the Rotterdam.  DBIL and DH had dibs on the singles; and I thoroughly enjoyed the extra pillows that i commandeered.