friendswithdave

Thanks for the note about the Pan Pacific. Sounds like a good back-up if HAL isn't ready for our bags. Anyone else know how early they should open to accept bags?

We did an Alaska cruise on her in 2017. Not exactly recent but newer than 2000 LOL! We had a great time. I remember the ship was well-maintained and comfortable. It was our first HAL cruise and we've had many more since then. Definitely a smaller ship with fewer venues and entertainment options, but I expect you knew that. Food was top notch like on all HAL ships.

Coming from the east coast, we expect to get up early in Vancouver, head to the cruise port, then walk the downtown area. How early could we expect to be able to drop our bags for our HAL Koningsdam cruise this Saturday? I'm hoping for 9:00 AM.

I recently purchased 100 shares of stock to earn this credit. Stock was purchased on 7/8 and credit was requested on 7/8. I just received notice that $100 credit was received even though I did not ask for confirmation. Lesson - you don't need to own the stock for a certain amount of time. Two weeks from request to confirmation. We cruise on July 29. Stock is up about 4% since purchase.

HOWEVER, I believe the Have it All package is $50 per day with no added gratuities. This is obviously the better deal if you can get it. Also includes some other free stuff like fancy restaurant meal and internet.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. There are plenty of readers - but most are quietly admiring your trip!

I also got the automated response immediately when I applied on July 7, but I don't believe this means anything except they received my message.

We booked the "Quick Shuttle" round trip bus service from Seattle to Vancouver since we are flying in and out of Seattle but cruising out of Vancouver. Prices were around $80 pp each way but there are quite a few times and drop off / pick up points. I think these prices are higher than usual because Amtrak is not running right now. Worth a look.

Hello All, I've read in a number of posts here that Covid testing must be done within 2 days of boarding. However, reading from the HAL website and the travel.gc.ca website on Covid testing you may test within 72 hours if you meet all requirements. Specifically, those who have received all vaccinations and eligible boosters (1 or 2 depending on age) can PCR test within 72 hours. Therefore if you are scheduled to board at 11:00 on Saturday, you may test any time after 11:00 on Wednesday. My current plan is to PCR test three days prior to sailing at our local county health testing site. They say results returned within 12 hours. Details pasted below, accurate on 7/7/2022. https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/cruise#pre-embarkation-test https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/covid-guest-protocols.html

Removal of Blend seems an improvement, thanks for that note. Is there anything special about the Half Moon Bar?

Hello All, Has anyone been on the new Rotterdam that is able to make comparisons to the Koningsdam? I've been on the Koningsdam and enjoyed that trip. I know they are both in the same class. Are there any "real" differences, or just cosmetic stuff like art and other decorations?

I am trying to buy shares right now as well. That said, I understand this is not a risk free purchase.

Where is this sailing?

Wow, thanks for sharing! The times, they are a changin'!

Crystal clear... pun intended or not? 😅

We had spectacular whale watching from Icy Straight Point a few years back. It was near the entrance to Glacier Bay. Definitely be on the whale watch when you are cruising around Glacier Bay.

Continuing the Econ 101 theme - supply currently exceeds demand at this time. Price increases by one line cause customers to move to another line. I heard that there are currently more ships at sea now than before the pandemic. This excess supply will continue to prevent price increases by the industry. Good for consumers, bad for cruise companies. We are taking our first post-pandemic cruise soon and I can see us doing more in the next few years if prices stay low.

Glad you're having a great trip, thanks for sharing your experiences so far. We're cruising on the K five weeks after yall.

I also appreciate the comprehensive review. We have been to Alaska and the Kdam before, but am always looking for up to date info. We are sailing on the Kdam in late July and it's good to see your positive review. Glad you had a great experience, and thank you again for sharing it with us!

Yes, thank you. We are cruising to Alaska in late July and would love to hear how things are!