MagTravel

Wasted 2 hours this morning trying to check out and pay for beverage package.  Gave up and will call HAL next week.  The website is not being very user friendly right now!

Just off Marina this week.  We booked full day Oceania tour of BA and transfer to EZE for late night flight.  We enjoyed the tour and the comfortable bus but still had a long wait at the airport for check in.  If you are flying Delta be aware you are in the old terminal with very limited facilities.  You may check in 3 hours pre flight, go through securty , go upstairs for boarding where there are bars, food and comfy seating.  Makes for a long day but cheaper than day rate at hotel with taxi fares.

After 38 HAL cruises and 38 surveys filled out I have yet to be contacted about any comments, complaints or compliments. Nor have I ever received any acknowledgement of my loyalty to Holland America other than the inclusion at the appropriate Mariner events. I am ok with that obviously since I will be sailing again on the Zaandam in 3 days. Happy to be a HAL fan!

Have stayed in both 205 and 220. Double width balconies with privacy and cover on half. Some noise from slamming doors going outside but the extra space is worth it. We especially enjoyed 220 on VOV years ago.

Considering the TA in April.........do they sell still beverage packages and how much are they? Has anyone dined in Sel de Mar?

Thank you for your wonderful, down-to-earth and most informative blog.

Forget New Orleans........by-pass the long trip down the Mississippi and sail from either Mobile or Pensacola to the Western Caribbean. It is a straight shot south and Mobile already has a cruise port ready and waiting. Either port would be a good fit for HAL.

If you like sparkling wine try the Champagne Mango Dream in any bar but the Crows Nest seems to have the best ones. Can't find this drink anywhere except on HAL and they are really good!

We try to find unique Christmas ornaments from the cruise ports we visit. We have a Christmas travel tree and every year when we decorate it we remember our 50 plus cruises. They are usually small and easy to pack and bring home.

This March we took the HAL excursion after debarkation and still had a very long wait at the airport. Airline check in desks weren't open until 3 hours before flight time and the waiting area has limited seating and amenities. Once you check in and clear security the terminal is fine with lots of comfortable seats and restaurants plus shopping. Enjoy your day and take a private tour of the city that includes a leisurely lunch before you get dropped off at the airport.

We renewed our vows on our 10th anniversary on Carnival - with many other couples and it was wild but fun. We celebrated our 20th on HAL and it was dignified and lovely. We had a Tahitian ceremony for our 21st on Regent and finally the 25th on the Zuiderdam. Each time was special to us and we look forward to renewing again on our upcoming 30th this New Years Eve.

Mango Champagne Dream! We always start our cruise with a Tequila Sunrise but at some point in the trip I find my way to the Crow's Nest for at least one Mango Champagne Dream. Just writing about it makes me more ready for our upcoming November Caribbean cruise. I forgot about the Martini Flight....those are wicked good.

Of the eight HAL ships we have sailed the Maasdam is our clear favorite mainly because of cabins 205 or 220. Check them out. The crew is always outstanding.

So many good ports to choose from; Boston, Quebec City and San Francisco stand out. The big cities are easy to get around and there is always so much to do.

My mistake.........we do receive OBC for using the Future Cruise deposit. This week we received a Thank You letter from HAL for cruising last month and for purchasing a Future Cruise deposit. It came with an offer of $100 shipboard credit if we booked a specific cruise within a certain time. We usually book direct with HAL and have not received an upgrade or upsell offer.

Try whatsinport.com. It was accurate for our recent Eurodam TA and Med cruise.

I always book Future Cruise and have never been offered discounts, deals, OBCs, upgrade or upsells. But I've only done 26 HAL cruises so far, maybe next time.

We order Tequila Sunrises and toast each other and the start of a new cruise adventure.