Denverbri69

We got a great deal on airfare to Amsterdam with HAL... but with recent 'pandemic' flight cancellations going on... if our flight is cancelled, who at HAL do we contact if we need assistance? Also, does the HAL premium travel insurance cover cancelled flight costs?

On 4/5/2022 at 7:35 AM, LewiLewi said:

Today is our last day on board the NS before we reach Ft.L tomorrow morning. We have really enjoyed our ten days on board. Truthfully, we have purposely not taken advantage of the entertainment on board because we did not want to expose ourselves to other people, the greater majority not wearing masks, in indoor venues. 
The crew has been wonderful, friendly, accommodating, going out of their way to serve us. No request has been too much for them to handle. We have been very fortunate to be in a Neptune Suite, and have the opportunity to use the Neptune Lounge and enjoy snacking in there during the day. The Concierges, Vinny and Louisa, have been fantastic. Everything and more done with a smile. 
We have enjoyed dining in some of the Specialty restaurants, Tamarind is amazing and will prepare dishes just the way you like them. BBQ duck is just an example. Canaletto is also excellent and the gelato is wonderful for dessert.

Dinners have mostly been in the MDR for several reasons. We dined in Club Orange one evening, but found it to be small and enclosed, like dining in a fish bowl. There are no views other than the hallway as people pass by and stare in at you. Tables were uncomfortably close to each other, and especially with Covid out there, this is not a good thing. Chairs were uncomfortable to sit in for any long period of time, wood slat backs and no cushions. Also, the night that we dined there, service was incredibly slow to the point that we became annoyed. On the other hand, dining in the MDR  was a more pleasurable experience for us. We were able to choose a table that was a good distance away from other tables, ie 114. Service was excellent, not too fast and not too slow. Our waiter after the first night, knew what we liked, and brought it promptly to the table as soon as we were seated.

  All told, our experience on the NS was excellent, and yes, we will be back again.

Is CO an included benefit of staying in a Neptune Suite? 

On 1/12/2022 at 9:56 AM, YXU AC*SE said:

Thanks

Source:  https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/faq/know-before-you-go.html.   Scott. 

 

I have not been on HAL is a few years... You used to be able to bring on water and soft drinks. Is that still the policy?

On 11/13/2020 at 4:03 AM, PORT ROYAL said:

 

No idea, but have your booking person contact the Ship/Butler to liaise with Stateroom Services, to ensure all your requirements are met.  There should be no problem, as you are sailing Cunard.

 

Because of Covid regulations I have heard that the ship might be prohibiting passengers with a CPAP from boarding. The rule of not asking for permission but asking for forgiveness might apply here.

Traveling in a Q7 category cabin. Is there a power outlet by the bed for 'medical' device? Or in reasonable proximity that a extension cord would work?

If you are a Veteran I am going to assume you use USAA as  your insurance company. Their travel insurance coverages and rates cannot be beat.

On 8/12/2020 at 8:52 AM, fizzy said:

I honestly think that people that call themselves snobs are not going to be happy with any product and will be setting the stage for irritation both as a passenger and to the staff that will have to deal with the perceived mishaps.

Food snobs define themselves by being endlessly dissatisfied and take great relish in demeaning the food their served.  CIA graduate, class of '81. 

On 5/3/2019 at 9:35 AM, BaikG said:

I can help with this. So your last port before reaching Shanghai is Hong Kong so you won’t be able to use the 144-hour exemption, but as your flying out of China the day of disembarkation, you can just use the 24 hour visa-free transit. For that, you just need several copies of your airline ticket back home clearly showing you flying out of Shanghai within 24 hours of disembarkation printed out: one for RCCL when you check in in Singapore, one for immigration in Baoshan, and extras just in case. Lines could be slightly longer but hours is an exaggeration, it’s more like 5-15 minutes. In addition within the first couple days of your cruise, check with Shore Excursions as even though you are legally allowed in China for 24 hours without a visa, they may not allow you to join the private tour without an actual visa as they would be held liable if you didn’t leave China.

I will have a 'receipt' for my return flight but not the actual ticket until I check in at the airport. What can I use as proof for a return flight back to the US?

You might find yourself on Orchard Rd shopping. You might find yourself at ION Plaza, there is a MTR station there. In the lower lever is a food area... a modern day  version of a Hawker Mkt called Food Opera.... Your tongue can literally travel the world there. 

I bought these SIMs cards . You must have an unlocked phone, which you can find out how to do here. I put the card into my phone in the lounge before boarding my flight to Japan. When I landed at NRT and turned on my phone it set itself up automatically. You can only buy data plans, not voice or txt plans as a foreigner. 

I will not have a 'return ticket' until i get to the final destination. Of the 3 documents, all I will have is my US passport, ship's itinerary and a print out of my flight reservations. Will that be enough?

For cabanas, you want to be in the Retreat area. Totally serene.

Tipping for open seating on K Dam is the same as tipping on all the other HAL ships. The waiters are included in the Hotel Service Charge. Additional tipping is strictly optional.

 

We try very hard to reserve the same table every night, and as such, have seen the same servers every night. We may gave them extra at the end of the cruise, if they have earned it.

My theory, and it is only a theory, when a server knows from the get go that you tip for good service, you will be amazing service. These guys bust their asses, only to find out that their guests did not leave show a little extra appreciation at the end. I say, let's make it an informal contract, I take care of you and you take care of me.

First, I don't want to hear any comments criticizing tipping. If you are opposed to tipping then just like your cash, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF.:p

I have open seating. When I first board the ship I go straight to the MDR and make arrangements for my table (2 top). What are the more comfortable/desirable tables to ask for? I prefer to sit with the same server throughout the cruise. What is an appropriate tip to give the dining room manager for making the arrangements? How much is an 'appreciate' tip for the server each night?

P.S. For those of you who feel the daily gratuity is too rich or all you are 'obligated' to pay; then you do not have the appreciation of attentive service that others do. And who are happy to show their appreciation for receiving excellent service. :p

do you pick within a category or across the 3 categories?

Found a middle eastern restaurant in Alicante. The cultural influence of Moors and North Africans has to go beyond architecture. Found a place called Mish Mish. Anyone ever been there?

Yes, there are shows on the World Stage every night. Some are productions, and some are what I would call guest artists. The new stage allows them to do some pretty amazing things.

 

There are also some movies or BBC Earth shows on the large screen at the end of the Lido pool.

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

What's it like watching movies by the lido pool? Is it comfortable seating or do they use the lounges? Do they have alcohol &/or food service during the movies?

Going to be doing a T/A on the K-dam in October. We will begin the T/A portion on Nov 1st. I am curious to hear bad weather stories about crossing the Atlantic during hurricane seasons. Want to be ready for any contingencies. :(:(

Is the a price incentive for prepaying for internet service before boarding the ship?

What are the minimum bets at the Black Jack table, roulette and craps? Does the minimum change throughout the day?

Should I prepay for chips on the HAL website or purchase at the casino?:):)

I have signed up on Eatwith.com for a sherry and jamon tasting at;

Carrer de Blanquerna, 8, 07003 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

Should I taxi there or is there a simple bus to take from the cruise port?

Is dry cleaning included in the prepaid laundry service?:D

I live just outside the city of Alicante.

 

For the short time you are there you can find plenty to do in the city (eg Santa Barbara Castle, several museums, a stroll through the old town, a glass of wine or sangria by the marina, a walk along Esplanada de Espanya). There is no need to take a ship's tour or tourist bus to see it. All you need is a reasonable map.

 

The cruise terminal is not far from the centre of town and the port authority provide a free shuttle bus.

 

The only ship's tour you might like to consider, if available, is to Guadalest. This is a village up in the mountains about 65km (40 miles) north of Alicante about one and half hours drive. You would not be able to go there unless you took the ship's tour.

 

can you provide more info on the free shuttle into town? What do the buses look like, where we can catch a bus or a website with more info. Thanks!

Besides the kitchen tour, is there a more extensive tour of the ship? Cost?