Hi everyone.

 

We haven't cruised with HAL since the beginning of the pandemic and I'm curious about something.

 

Traditionally we wait until we are onboard to buy the Thermal Suite pass.  That is because they normally offer a special rate for "couples" (any 2 people actually).

 

If anyone is onboard (or has recently traveled), could you let me know if they still offer that discount and what the current price is?  Trying to decide if we should buy it online or wait.

 

Thanks in advance.

Hi there,

 

I just took a look at our booked cruise for next year.  It is a 16 day cruise.

 

Looking at the Detail overview for the Thermal Suite is states "Pass valid for the entire duration of cruise. ".

 

So my "assumption" is the 7 Day is just the title but you would buy it for the duration of the cruise.

 

Just my thoughts 🙂

1 hour ago, cabinluvn said:

We are currently on the Noordam doing Alaska. We are in 6162. We almost always sail in an aft cabin. This one is by far the smallest aft we have ever had. They have changed the bathroom door so you cannot open it flat to the wall where a magnet held it flat. That means the hallway for the closets is always dark, even with the hall light on. Two people cannot be in the hallway at the same time. If one is in the bathroom and one in the hall it is a traffic jam. Space between the end of the bed  and the wall is narrow as is the side of the bed by the wall.  Two people cannot move about in the cabin without bumping into each other. It is a configuration issue along with cutting cabin size for the deck space. For a long trip I wound opt for the larger cabin size.  They have removed the makeup mirror on the desk and  it seems they may have made the desk smaller, in my opinion. Not sure I would opt for an aft with that many sail days. Won’t do it again on this ship for sure. 

Wow.  That has really changed.  I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has recently been on the Noordam in a Deck 5 Aft cabin to see if they have the same issues.  Thanks

Hi there,

 

We just booked an Aft balcony cabin on the Noordam for the 39 Day New Zealand/South Pacific cruise.  I wanted to do a comparison with other aft cabins (size of cabin and size of balcony) as we might switch.  Currently booked 5188 but might switch to a deck that doesn't have the whole balcony covered.

 

I remember seeing on CC someone who posted the size of the AFT cabins and balcony for all decks but, for some reason, my CC searching isn't finding anything.

 

Any chance someone has this information?  That would be greatly appreciated.  If not, I'll contact HAL.

 

Thanks,

I agree with others that say to jump on the waitlist.  I've done that before and managed to book it.  Worth a try. 

One other tip :).  We take our own travel mugs with us for a few reasons.  If getting a coffee or tea from the Lido the HAL cups are small.  So we fill up our travel mugs instead.  Even if getting it from the Explorations cafe we use our travel mugs as it keeps it warm longer (plus no waste).

 

Also, the tap water is drinkable.  I'm not a big fan of bottled water when on board (especially if it is plastic bottles) so I use my travel mug instead.

 

Just something to think about 🙂

3 hours ago, FlyingCruiser2 said:

Just did this on Eurodam last week.  Was $5/day/person to upgrade.  You can do it at any bar or they'll have a table set up in atrium.

That is great news.  There is another thread where people are saying it cost them $10/day/person.  Did you have any issues with getting it for $5?

Congratulations on taking your first cruise.  This is a great "first time" cruiser option (imo).  You don't mention any concern about sea sickness so I'm assuming you have no concerns (so I won't post tips).  However this is a great cruise for fairly calm waters for most of the cruise.  We have done this cruise twice but in late May/early June (great time to see lots of whales with babies feeding).

 

We did our whale watching cruise in the port of Juneau (private tour).  It was a sunset trip and was great with lots of whale action.  In my experience best time of day for whale watching has been early morning or later in the day.  However, we also saw lots of wildlife (e.g. whales and otters in the water, bears and mountain goats on land) just from sitting on our verandah. 

 

Be prepared for weather changes quickly.  For me layers were my best friend (e.g. one early morning I had a fuzzy, coat, hat a mitts on and by the afternoon was in my bathing suit 🙂 ). 

 

You didn't mention if you are doing open or fixed seating.  I've been cruising for a long time (started when I was a kid) and enjoy traditional fixed dining.  It is a wonderful way to get to know your dining room staff and they are great for knowing your preferences (e.g. we like San Pellegrino with dinner and the bottle will "meet" us at the table once they are told). 

 

I think you are on the Koningsdam.  Personally I would prefer dining at the Tamarind over the Pinnacle (especially since you are doing Rudi's). 

 

Staff on a cruise ship really want to please.  If there is something you really want ask.  If there was a dessert from the night before you really liked ask if they might have any left.  You never know.

 

I agree with other posters.  Don't over plan your time.  There will be daily activities planned, including port lectures and HAL usually has some experts on board to give talks.  You never know what might appeal to you on any given day.  Enjoy the ship as much as the ports and scenery.

 

Any specific questions let me know.  Enjoy every minute.

 

 

Question regarding the different packages.  My understanding is the Have it All package includes the WIFI Surf package.

 

1 - is that true?

2 - is that good enough to upload one picture on a blog or another forum?

 

Thanks,

Hi,

 

I'm trying to decide if the Have it All is worth the extra cost (vs. buying a beverage package and internet package only), if we have to upgrade.  I know it is subjective but I have some specific questions that would help in my decision 🙂

 

1 - SBP (drinks under $11).  My understanding is it will cost $10/day to upgrade to Elite instead of the $5/day online difference (and also what was communicated to me).  Sadly some of the single malts and wines we like are only part of the Elite so trying to understand total cost. 

 

2 - The Wifi that is part of the Have It All is only the Surf package.  Is that correct?  Normally I don't care about Wifi but this will be a different trip.  Is Surf good enough to do emails, post live reports on a blog etc or do I have to upgrade to Premium (yes I know wifi is iffy at the best of times 🙂 )

 

3 - Also I saw a post of a bar menu (from Oct 2021) that showed Glenmorangie single malt to be $11 but the brochure for the comparing the packages has that listed until the Elite package.  Can someone who has cruise recently possibly post a current bar menu please?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

On 1/29/2022 at 2:34 AM, Btimmer said:

We're currently on the Zuiderdam with the HIA package.  To upgrade to the premium package for 12 days was $50 less the $30 5 star discount or $20 net. It was a bargain in my view.

Thank you for the information.  That is helpful.  Hope you are enjoying your cruise.

4 hours ago, ilv4cruising said:

Hi,

 

In the past we don't usually buy an internet package (as I try to disconnect on vacation).  However, I'm about to retire and plan on cruising longer so I can see the advantage of getting wifi now.

 

Since the Have it All seems to be the "surf" package.  Can someone explain to me the difference between Surf and Premium?

 

Also, has anyone tried to upgrade from Surf to Premium?  If so, what was the additional charge.

 

Thanks

Sorry I realize my question about upgrading wasn't clear :(.  I meant has anyone received the Surf package on the Have it All promo and then upgraded to Premium.  If so, what was the charge?  Thanks,

On 1/7/2022 at 12:23 AM, zelker said:

These are the most current guidelines, dated January 3rd which specifically state everyone must be fully vaccinated.  No fine print re: exemptions.

 

U.S. Sailings Questions & Answers 

Everything you need to know about current health protocols on sailings from the U.S.

Updated January 3, 2022

Your health and safety are our highest priorities.
Until further notice, our cruises are available for guests who have ALL of the following:

All guests also will be required to be fully vaccinated and produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within 2 days of their embarkation.

All guests regardless of age will be required to wear face masks at all times in elevators and in all indoor areas of the ship, except when eating or drinking or in their own staterooms. This includes wearing face masks prior to being seated in all dining venues and Lido Market, while dancing in public lounges, and outdoors if in large gatherings and physical distancing cannot be maintained.

As advised by health authorities, guests are recommended to use higher-grade masks indoors (such as surgical or KN95) that have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire.

Until further notice, smoking will not be permitted in the casino.

As the CDC has strongly recommended that all persons over 12 years obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination when eligible, we strongly encourage all guests who are eligible to receive a booster vaccine to complete the booster at least seven days before boarding.

So it looks like HAL realized that the "summary" description was missing the "fully vaccinated" requirement and updated their website (but kept the same date since it is probably retroactive).  I agree with other posters that in the details listed below it was mentioned but my experience is not everyone would read that :). 

 

Glad they updated the summary as well. 

Hi,

 

In the past we don't usually buy an internet package (as I try to disconnect on vacation).  However, I'm about to retire and plan on cruising longer so I can see the advantage of getting wifi now.

 

Since the Have it All seems to be the "surf" package.  Can someone explain to me the difference between Surf and Premium?

 

Also, has anyone tried to upgrade from Surf to Premium?  If so, what was the additional charge.

 

Thanks

On 1/3/2022 at 6:55 AM, kazu said:

 

If you have SBP with Have it All (or other promo), its’ considered priced at the online price where you can purchase before you cruise.  It is cheaper than if you buy the SBP on board.  If you bought the SBP on board and then upgraded the difference would only be $5 (why anyone would do that is beyond me)

So, the Have it All is considered as the pre-purchased package & the upgrade is more to reflect that.

 

Here is a screen shot from my 28 day cruise showing the difference in pricing if you pre-purchase versus buying on board.

 

 

And here is the pricing for the Elite package

 

 

Hopefully that explains it?

So I guess I'm really tired or not quite following.  Based on the amounts above here are the 2 options I can figure out.

 

1 - Moving from SBP Prepay ($44.95) to EBP Prepay ($49.95) – Difference is $5

2 - Moving from SBP Prepay ($44.95) to EBP Onboard ($59.95) – Difference is $15

 

How do we get to $10?

FYI - I phoned HAL to ask what it would be to upgrade onboard and they said $5.  I hope it is $5/per person/day when we try this 🙂

Thank you for the link.  I've bookmarked it 🙂

Wonderful.  Thank you everyone for the information.

Hi folks.  For those that have cruised recently, can you let me know what is the price for the Pinnacle and Canaletto now?

 

Also if anyone has sample menus that would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

4 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

I am not aware HAL has allowed non-vaccinated pax on board AT ALL since the resumption of cruising.

So up until yesterday they policy for vaccinated passengers was set to expire at the end of March.  When I contacted my PCC to see if it would be extended she said she didn't think so and couldn't "imagine that vaccination status will be the new norm".  Since our cruise is in April (with final payment due in the next few days) I've been watching to see if HAL would change this policy.

Good morning. 

 

I took a look at HAL's website this morning.  They have changed their policies but I am a little confused though.  Under the FAQ for Vaccine Requirements it is saying all guests must be vaccinated (with no expiry date).  However in the summary section there isn't any mention of vaccine requirements, just a reference to the CDC guidelines for a booster.

 

I will try to contact my PCC later today (too early for her) but I was wondering if anyone can confirm that all cruises are for vaccinated passengers only moving forward.

 

Here is the section from the summary:

 

Thanks,

 

Updated January 3, 2022

Your health and safety are our highest priorities.
Until further notice, our cruises are available for guests who have ALL of the following:

All guests also will be required to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) result taken within 2 days of their embarkation.

All guests regardless of age will be required to wear face masks at all times in elevators and in all indoor areas of the ship, except when eating or drinking or in their own staterooms. This includes wearing face masks prior to being seated in all dining venues and Lido Market, while dancing in public lounges, and outdoors if in large gatherings and physical distancing cannot be maintained.

As advised by health authorities, guests are recommended to use higher-grade masks indoors (such as surgical or KN95) that have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire.

Until further notice, smoking will not be permitted in the casino.

As the CDC has strongly recommended that all persons over 16 years obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination when eligible, we strongly encourage all guests who are eligible to receive a booster vaccine to complete the booster at least seven days before boarding.

On 1/1/2022 at 12:46 PM, NengEuis said:

Before we sailed on NS on 12/19, I had a hard time figuring out the ins and outs/ pros and cons of upgrading a Have it All Beverage Package onboard, mostly because sailings had been paused and there weren't any recent trip reports to refer to. Instead of adding to page 9 of a two month old post, I thought I would share my experience so that others can make an educated decision. 

 

We are just off the Nieuw Statendam and upgraded from the SBP to the EBP when we got our first drink onboard. It's important that you do that because once you get a drink under the SBP,  you are locked in for the week. I got a little yellow slip that showed the upgrade purchase as proof, and it took about 15 minutes for the cards to be updated, according to the server. 

 

For a 7 Day Cruise, The cost for Have it All fares is $10 per person/day + 18% Gratuity = 82.60/pp charged to shipboard account. 

 

The per drink dollar amount covered for the SBP is $11, EBP is $15.  I think it is important to look at what the differences are in what you get when you upgrade and whether you yourself will spend $70.00 before gratuity if you don't upgrade. For us, it was worth it because I like to drink Miraval Rose'  - a $14 glass of wine. Included under EBP but not under SBP (I would pay $3 + 18% for each glass) I also like Oberon Cab Sauv - another $15 glass. My husband enjoys Glenmorangie 18 yr and Highland Park Scotches, and he loves the Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned at Ocean Bar. These are all covered under the EBP and not the SBP. 

 

Most people are totally happy with the SBP. I had to look at the differences to decide if it was right for us. I'll attach what we referred to when making our decision. I hope this helps others plan for their cruise. I think Holland America does an excellent job using the Seapass cards and making seamless transactions onboard. We were very impressed with Food and Beverage overall on this cruise. 

Hi there,

 

I'm not sure I followed how much more you paid to upgrade.  Was it $10 per person/day?  Based on the posting the difference in price between the 2 packages is only $5 per person/day.  Do you know why you had to pay $10 per person/day?  Thanks,

8 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I'm pretty sure they'll be requiring vaccinations for the foreseeable future.

That was my thinking as well so was quite surprised at the PCC response.  Hopefully that decision by HAL will be soon.

I just started to read all of the posts on the concern about making final payment for an April cruise.  We are also trying to decide what to do.  I appreciate all of the feedback from those that have cruised already and found the experience to be pretty good.  The one difference for cruises in April and beyond is that the HAL requirement for everyone to be fully vaccinated ends March 31, 2022.  Therefore, at this time, there is not requirement for April cruises and vaccinations.  When I reached out to our PCC at HAL to see if this would change her answer was she didn't think so.

 

So, at least for us, that is also a factor in our decision in making final payment.  Have others heard if this policy might change?

Hi All,

 

My previous PCC left in 2020 (used her for almost a decade) and I just found out after phoning my PCC, her voice mail said her last day with HAL was Sept 3rd. That explains the last promo email I received from HAL with no PCC name on it.  We are well over 4 star mariners so I'm finding it odd that we have no replacement given.  I'm just wondering if HAL is phasing out PCC's.  I plan on phoning on Monday but I was wondering if anyone had heard anything?

Thank you everyone for the very helpful responses.  I truly appreciate the feedback.  This helps a lot.   I will continue with our plans :). 

 

thanks again