DaveOKC

We were on the Volendam about 6 months ago for 12 days (Alaska and West Coast). I thought the ship was in very good condition, better than I had expected. The only issue I heard of was that the AC was running very cold in the aft sections of the ship.. I would not be afraid to sail on her. And the crew was fantastic! Only negative is that being a smaller ship there are fewer dining options. Positive note is that there is less walking involved.

Around 10 am. Sometimes 10:30. Boarding usually starts around 11 am, sometimes 11:30. This depends on how quickly the ship is "zeroed out" from the previous cruise.

Maybe the first step in eliminating the Medallion program?

Very Good IMO. Seemed to be fairly recently redone.

I just read a review from a person just off the Eurodam and they mentioned that their Bronze Medallions were just sent to their cabin. In the past these (and higher level ones) were presented at a special event on the last sea day. Is this the new program? If so, its just one more minor cutback by HAL. Funny thing is that one month ago on the Eurodam we were presented our Silver ones at a special event. At the time I do not remember anyone receiving Bronze ones, but a few other Silver and Gold ones. Come on HAL - enough of these cutbacks already!

I cannot believe that they just sent your bronze medallion to your cabin! We were on the Eurodam right after Thanksgiving and were invited to a special event where we (and others) got their Silver and Gold medallions. Not much of a ceremony, but we did get nice photo with the Captain. I do now recall that no bronze medallions were handed out, which I thought to be a bit unusual, so perhaps this is the new program.

My thought is that when there are empty cabins, the better the chance you have for an upgrade.

How was the assignment? Good or bad?

IMO, since most cruises have been selling out, booking a guarantee is really taking a chance. Especially since HAL is so aggressive with trying to upsell people during the last 2 weeks. A year ago, we got some nice upgrades, but during the past 6 months this is not the case (for us anyways). Now I always pay a bit more and upgrade to the cabin I want (sometimes using Club Orange) as its not worth the hassle.

It depends on the season - In the peak cruising period Hyatt House is normally less expensive, sometimes hundreds of dollars less.

You should not lose this credit as its tied to the original deal of purchasing the FCD. You might lose the additional Thank you for sailing OBC.

Use a HAL PCC. Book a refundable fare - that way if price goes down you can refare and still keep the same cabin. Remember that you might lose some extra perks though, as you have to accept all the new fare's deals and price.

Last month on Eurodam at the Dive In. Included in HIA package. Not bad, but certainly not great IMO.

We just received $29 refund on our 10 day Western Carb. Managed to spend it all plus I owed HAL $2.40! But then again I received a $2 credit from our upsell (to our card), so net, net was only 40 cents. Will try to do better next time. One way to use up extra OBC is to add tips to specialty dining and drink service. Easy to do.

We usually stay at the Hyatt Place Convention Center near the piers. After a recent stay there and one at Hyatt House in Dania Beach, we now will go with Hyatt House. More updated, better shuttle service, better free breakfast and nicer rooms. Plus less expensive!

It now seems that on every cruise we get a credit from reduced port fees to our onboard account. It makes me wonder if HAL is overestimating these fees so that they can refund them back to your onboard account, knowing that you are more likely to spend that money.

First night is seldom booked I have found, in Pinnacle and Tamarind. Great time to go.

Two weeks ago in FLL I saw in-transits reboarding around 10:30 am - they just showed their cards and went right on. The new passengers boarded at 11 am

Recently did the shuttle from the airport to hotel for $8 pp. Had to wait about 20 minutes and the driver seemed a bit confused when he picked us up. I think he was brand new. Also, very small sign on the shuttle- hard to see. To the pier was better the next day and in fact left about 10 minutes early.

Just to add more confusion - in early November I added HIA to my Nov, 29 sailing for $40 per person per day. I received all the normal perks and I have no idea why the website showed this low price, but I sure did not complain. For $800 (10 day cruise) we received $400 in shore excursions, 2 Pinnacle dinners (value $100), two Tamarind dinners (value about $60), free wifi and of course the free drinks! Could not pass up this deal!

If you have the HIA package you can use it very easily in the Lounge - just get as many Cokes (or other beverages) as you want, sign a slip with your cabin number and go. We had the steward empty our mini bar the first day and we refilled it from the Lounge. Say hello to CJ in the Lounge - she is very helpful and knowledgeable.

Just off a cruise where we were offered a last minute upsell from a Signature to a Neptune Suite. We had to ask, but HAL did apply the $250 pp that we paid for Club Orange at the time of the original booking. Just a "heads up" to ask when taking a paid upgrade to a Neptune.

I was just in 7051, right across from the rear door to the Neptune Lounge. I know this is not exactly the same cabin you are asking about, but I can report that we never heard any noise and did not see nor hear any unusual noises from slightly up the hall (same side of ship). The crew does use the supplu closet from time to time, mostly when refilling the Honor Bar, but I do not think it will be a bother. I think that you will love the cabin.

Looks like you are correct - on my deck plan it is a bit confusing (no handicap symbol). Still. you could be assigned one of these.

Each ship is different as to cabins in the Signature category. Personally, I would not like the far forward cabins on the Zuiderdam on deck 5. Now, an SS subcategory Signature should all be fine, as they are on deck 6. 6117 is my favorite as it has the angled balcony and cabin.