REOVA

sometimes on longer cruises, the food gets redundant. great if you like it. But there are so many restaurant options that you can switch up venues (plus you don't need to cook). On shorter cruises you want to get to ports with limited sea days. On longer cruises you need sea days to rest from the ports 🙂 On longer cruises (not B2Bs) its a special experience with more activities/events/lectures relating to the ports and usually the top crew to make it special. On shorter cruises your 4 and 5 stars have priority privileges. On longer cruises most everyone is 4 or 5 stars so less priority privileges. We did a few 12-28 days but when we did over 100, you don't want to leave the "family" onboard. 

we got rid of Verizon (for many reasons that included it doesn't work at sea on HAL (older) ships). What we found easiest was getting lowest HAL plan and using Facetime, Whatsapp or FB Messenger (or other internet based app) to message/talk and not have to worry about call limits or additional charges.

2 hours ago, grest said:

I understand that the promenade deck does not include loungers ....is there elsewhere in the ship for lounging/reading/watching the world go by in the shade other than the pool area?

 

Sadly no (and its not a "promenade deck" when only 1 person can fit around some areas - but don't get me started). What I had to do is check the location of the sun and ship and drag a lounger to a shady spot up top. Obviously it changes as the sun crosses and the ship turns but for a few hours you may get shade. 🙂 

On 1/21/2022 at 7:09 PM, FlorenceItaly said:

I believe NMCruiser posting live from the Zuiderdam was in a Neptune and he was moved out to a balcony.  His partner remained negative and stayed in the Neptune Suite.  ETA:  I many be confusing this with Celebrity.  There have been several live isolation reporting across all the cruise lines.

I think he was solo on his B2B (his partner got off) and their prior cruise was a Neptune. But even the nonpositive passenger has to move to another cabin so they can sanitize the current cabin. If they have a similar cabin available (which they should?) then the non positive would move there if selected. But then the FCC that the quarantine passenger gets does not go to the split passenger. So the question becomes, do you decide to quarantine together to both get FCC )and spend 10 days isolated together in a cabin) or split and separate cabins for one passenger to enjoy the current cruise while the other sits isolated, alone in a cabin. (DW is still deciding what she would choose. 😞 )

21 hours ago, teaberrry said:

I cancelled about two weeks prior to my January 16th cruise. I had private insurance, not insurance through HAL. Received FCC for full fare paid (though it has not shown up in my account yet as mentioned by others previously), but the taxes were refunded to my method of payment. I had cruise credits in my account before I booked this cruise and I used them toward my cancelled cruise. Those were immediately restored to my HAL account. I have to use the FCC by the end of 2022 and my private insurance policy will transfer to whatever new cruise I book so I don't need to purchase another policy. I actually have a little over 2 years to use the already paid for insurance policy. If I don't use it, I can request a refund.  

which private insurer did you use?

Supposedly was for Charter reasons but I thought NA is now handling quarantined crew only from other CCL lines in the SouthEast/Caribbean area. 

7 hours ago, NMCruiser123 said:

Also..should HAL consider changing their glassware supplier?  I’ve had enough “Rona” in my life this week.

can you take a photo of the outlet situation if there is any by the bed/nightstand? Thank you and continue to stay positive (no pun) and strong, as this will be a life memory for everyone here you've yet to meet and will enrich us all. 

Got both Moderna shots but remember, the vaccine is not a guarantee COVID will not be spread (or caught) so the precautions (distance, hand washing, sanitizing, and mask) may be here forever. (just like it was in some Asian countries pre pandemic). I would much rather see this than having passengers standing over top of me, breathing/coughing on my neck, not washing their hands (even after using restroom), pushing to get off/on ship, taking bites of food or handling and putting plates back on display and every other inconsiderate act that has gone on ships over the years as the industry grew out of control. Don't want those "normals" back in cruising. But finding a way to explore without corralled excursions would be key as my interests in some Countries may not follow ship designed tour. 

Agree with depends on your personal need. We've been in Neptune 4 times and none of them were initially booked. For almost half the price,  a Vista or Signature works for us as long as we have a balcony so we usually start there and have been upgraded (for a cost must less than initially booking) to a Neptune. Our last Neptune was on 113 day cruise and we found that it was nice but really too much space for what we use (depends on your personal needs) so we booked a Vista on our (supposedly) 128 day cruise which was fine. We did miss the lounge perks and being spoiled by the crew in there but still didn't justify the cost. However (we are 5 star mariners) the Neptune suites get priority boarding and tendering so if you are on a cruise where there are mostly 4 and 5 stars or your tendering does not follow Mariner status (as most Grand Cruises don't) it helps if you have a lot of tender ports and do your own excursions in port. (Not sure if this will be allowed in the immediate future in ports). We learned from many other seasoned travelers that sailing twice in a Vista was better than once in a Neptune (cost wise). Not sure what post COVID cruising will be like so you may want to wait until a later cruise to book direct  and just hope you get an upgrade call. They do tell you what cabin your upgrade will be so you can accept or decline but need to be quick so study the floor plan just in case. We try to stay just on the other side of the stairs from the lounge as you sometimes hear traffic in the halls but the most important for us in what is above you. Under the lido or pool is usually noisy at night while crew are cleaning and moving chairs. 8075-81 are our choices under the carpeted Canaletto. Good luck and enjoy. 

2 hours ago, gadabout60 said:

It seemed to me that Viking and P&O both handled things a bit better

Its probably for a different thread but we were looking into Viking World next time just to see the difference. Its more $$ but more inclusive and some folks seem to like (others not) this cruise line (We have never sailed on Viking..yet). For you it begins in US but ends in UK so may be worth it.

For this cruise, we never had any COVID issues on board but HAL knew the difficulties coming up with getting into ports so that was the reason for disembarking. We had issues with internet and getting flights on our own (which were being cancelled as they were being made) and Aussie authorities changing procedures and plans but in hindsight, things went well for the most part. HAL treats us like family, but even the President's (Orlando) family waited more than an hour for transportation to show up to take them from the terminal so its was equal treatment for everyone. 

On 9/10/2020 at 9:45 AM, bay guy said:

If health issues allow, we would both go on another WC in a heartbeat

How is your DW doing? We sat at the back of the lounge with you in 2018. 

On 9/12/2020 at 11:37 PM, prescottbob said:

Interesting.

 

Several cruisers refused to disembark (or so they said, prior to arrival in Fremantle) due to some sort of perceived / real disability or just plain ‘entitlement attitude’.

 

it appeared to me that those folks were treated quite adequately and several were accompanied by HAL staff not only to the airport but continuing on to their place of residence.

 

Regardless, “Monday Morning Quarterbacking” and review of posts for the ‘Westerdam’ situation and resolutions gives one pause management-wise for the WC crowd at that particular time.

 

More importantly, 

cruisers and staff aboard both ships have been reunited with loved ones & the pleasantries of being ‘home’.
 

No worries...

 

Be well.

Bob
 

 

 

 

What I found interesting while everyone was complaining how well the Westerdam passengers were treated: As I waited over an hour for the transport bus to take us to the hotel in Perth, I watched Orlando's wife and son (who were already waiting when we got out of the terminal) still not having their ride pick them up before we left for the hotel. That told me our situation was different yes, but even the President's family suffered the same treatment as the passengers. It was chaos equally spread among the WC passengers.  

On 9/3/2020 at 3:36 PM, Mary229 said:

Preselling excursions is always a way to raise cash.  They are allowing cancellation of the excursions and some who have canceled excursions say those refunds have been very quick.  My cruise isn't until mid summer so I am pretty confident.  I don't think I would bother buying excursions for a December cruise.

IMO. The difference in the current environment is there is no revenue coming in for CCL and its sister companies. They won't raise enough cash to continue operations this way and they only can take on so much debt with the remaining ships if cruising does not start sooner than later. So saving 20% now may sound good, but as a previous post mentioned, there is a risk of not getting anything back if HAL ends up in BK and your refund is cents on the dollar (if anything). I think its too soon to know what will be happening  next year so I like being 100% sure I will keep 100% of my current money. The 20% "savings" is worth giving up to know my money stays with me. I also finally received funds from HAL after waiting months and that was without cruise lines being in trouble.  Not yet thinking about excursions. We just want to cruise. 😮 

Unfortunately I don't think we have even touched the problems this will cause the cruise industry. Its great that TUI will pay for your flight back home, but what happens after that in your hometown hospital and treatment or if you don't survive. Is that really worth the gamble to get on a ship? We've seen multiple ships that have already started to cruise and already have "cases" (whether false positive or false negative). People can't even  follow guidelines on land now, how will we expect them to follow on ship in close quarters. Who decides that 10, 50, 250 people or 50%, 60%, 75% capacity is safe to travel. It only takes 1 person affected and not following protocol to infect everyone else. In past years (and I am sure now) people would not admit when they had a fever or were sick for fear they would miss out on their cruise or be quarantined. I am hopeful my booked cruise mid 2021 will sail (and safely) but realistically if the cruise industry cannot sail and get revenue for the next 12 months, they will be downsizing and possibly selling off pieces of partner lines. I wouldn't be surprised if CCL puts HAL on the "market" to pay down debts and losses. If the only way to sail is half full ships, that leaves only the larger ships being close to profitable and that is not the market demographic for HAL. Making HAL a Carnival or Princess model makes little sense to hold on to it as a separate entity. We will probably see other companies/investors continue to buy the smaller ships and hold until its safe while CCL looks to divest itself from holding a lot of unprofitable ships (or even filing BK) so it can restart. HAL's restart will probably be with a new owner if things don't change by Q3 2021. 

That is the third item in your profile. The first is the amount of FCC for bookings to use. The second is future cruise deposits (if you booked a cruise with a deposit and it was canceled and that deposit was credited for a future cruise). The third would assume to be any future onboard credits given by HAL for cancelled cruises. Some cruises that were cancelled (before sailing) passengers are offered up to $250/pp ($500 cabin) onboard credits on a new cruise (in addition to promotional items). 

Haven't been on Zaandam but multiple times on Amsterdam (same layout) usually in a Neptune suite.  Had a major issue on a 6th floor Vista Suite. Evidently just above deck 5 there are exhaust vents (trash or incinerator?) and if you happen to be above and aft of these you get a rotten odor on your balcony as the ship sails (and the exhaust goes up and back). Happened to us and about 2 or 3 other cabins in a row. In the photo the vent is circled in yellow and the rooms affected are below the red area. I think there may be vents on both sides of the ship and maybe also forward (not sure) and it may have something to do with the bump out of the Lido above deck 7 not allowing air to move up to dissipate but it was a definite problem with these cabins and no one on the ship could offer any fix other than heavy cleaning chemicals on the balcony or air fresheners which only made it smell worse. We paid for a balcony and could not stand to sit out there. So besides noise above and below you, try to see a profile of the side of the ship when booking. 

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

 

Whenever, wherever, I step aboard a Holland America Line ship, I have that sense "of coming home".  

 

If I recognize some crew members or they recognize me, such only adds a much appreciated feeling of "Welcome".  

 

Even if the entire ship's compliment is new to me, I still have that feeling that "this is still my cruising home".

Agreed.

I enjoy meeting new crew members on each cruise (and passengers) and possibly seeing them on other ships. That to me is more of an experience and "family" than having the same crew on each time. This last GWC was not the same as others and honestly, it wasn't the best crew (a few had never sailed on a ship). Obviously we retired a great Captain and to me the rest could be replaced by other crew that have as much experience and have not become "influenced". I witnessed a few of these people that are being requested as definitely catering to specific passengers and ignoring requests of others. Once things get to that point, it becomes a problem for other passengers. Obviously they cannot please every passenger but I would much rather experience the best crew for the sake of overall passenger experience and not just because I personally like a crew member. IMO

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

Maybe I am wrong, but there does appear to be some "staging" of ships in a few locations worldwide.  Would there be a specific purpose in doing so?  

Could it be for selling purposes of certain ships in these locations? 

2 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

There were reports and pics that the GWV luggage was off-loaded into shipping containers on a barge which was alongside Amsterdam at her stop in Singapore a couple of days ago 

Yep I saw Ali posted pics of the Barge but it looked like supplies and HAL has not sent any official confirmation.  Previously someone was told our luggage was sent on Princess to LA which turned out to be false. Just didn't know if anyone has received factual knowledge on luggage. Seems if they didn't already offload, they will be past MY ports to stop and do it before Suez. ty. 

16 hours ago, Copper10-8 said:

Amsterdam now at the Pasir Gudang anchorage off the southeastern tip of Malaysia, her home away from home until a clearer picture arrives as to what the future holds for her. To the west is Singapore's Changi International Airport and to the south Batam and Bintan Islands, Indonesia 

Looks like they may be heading for Suez now. Did the luggage get offloaded near Singapore or are they still carrying it?

2 hours ago, oofroggie said:

Since I can not remember what I packed when I open up my suitcases it will be like opening packages at Christmas.

Lets hope they arrive well before Christmas. 😮

Does anyone know what the passenger ship in front of the Amsterdam is? Its between the cruise ship and tender 10. 

Yes Sorry. someone mentioned Alaska and I was thinking Amsterdam and the old Alaska trips. We did a HAL Montreal - Boston years ago and was great (on Masdaam). Drove up through NE into Canada, sailed to Boston and drove home. Our own land tour with a cruise in between. Enjoy. The Neptune concierge will spoil you. 

On 6/3/2020 at 5:46 PM, Sher61 said:

We are going to call back. Note sure if changing is already an issue or not, but will check tomorrow. Now 7026 and 28 are across from the elevators and under the market. Is that not an issue? or are the elevators and users quiet? Only other options are to go further forward like 7016? or back like 7030? What would you ask for for you? Hope I hear from you before the morning. Hubby is very efficient and likely to call first thing. 🙂

Isn't land on Starboard side as you go North on the West coast? We did 7029 for 113 days and had no problems. While you don't hear elevators - as you move forward towards the openings, people do sometimes gather there at cabins doors - but Neptune suites are set further back with desk and bathroom towards the hall so you should be ok. Its the Lido or pool areas that become an issue. The crew is up moving chairs around on deck 8 and cleaning so at night if you are under these hard areas, you may get noise. Under the Canaletto has worked best for us. We did 6th level mid ship but towards back this year and unfortunately got stuck downwind from one of the trash vents. Had to smell rotting trash for months until cruise got cancelled part way through (unforseen blessing). Now we look for these vents on similar ships when booking. 

18 hours ago, Captain Ricky said:

Well, we got a refund, money credited back to our account, and over the last couple of days several other people got refunds. It took just under 60 days for our refund.  Ours was substantial.  It was the third refund we have gotten. The first,  a little over a week ago, was the port fees, the second, a day later, was the amount for pre-paid tours, and this weekend's was for the cruise fare.    If they go bankrupt they will not owe us any money.

Rich, Did you get travel/flight reimbursed? (and don't forget still need our luggage back after they get to Malaysia. )