shanni-shanni

On 10/31/2022 at 8:24 AM, DaveOKC said:

Over the past 2 cruises and 4 meals in the Pinnacle and Tamarind we have experienced a problem with getting the free dinners for 5 Star members charged correctly.  This was on the Eurodam and the cruises were 2 months apart.

All 4 times we were charged 50% off (plus 18% service charge) instead of being free.  This happened despite me informing the reservation person and the main person in charge that it was to be a FREE meal for being 5 Star!

While I ended up getting the charges fixed (removed), if I had not checked my bill I would not have known, which could have been a real problem for meals taken the final day as no time to fix.

 

Has anyone else experienced this recently?  Or is HAL just picking on me??

It happened to us when we were on the Niew Amsterdam in Sept. except it was an overcharge for a 4 stars Mariner in the Tamarind. Front Office cannot fix the problem and the manager of Tamarind was not available and could not be disturbed. Took a long time to fix the mistake.

It also happened in the Exploration Cafe where they charged me with someone else's order of cocktail instead of a coffee. Also took a long time to fix. 

Extra hassle that I did not need on a cruise.

Tom.

We took 2 cruises when HAL resumed sailing. Dec. 2021 and Sept. 2022.

We found that our latest cruise was a disappointment.

1. Turn down service is by request only. The room stewards have 31 cabins to take care of. The room was never taken care of when we were away for breakfast. No more chocolates in the evening

2. King crab was not available, even at a surcharge. Strange for an Alaskan cruise

3. Lobster in the MDR gala night was gone

4. No more game birds (quail, pheasants, etc.) in the MDR menu

5. Duck was way overcooked in the Tamirind

6. Entertainment was marginal. The majorities of the daily activities were taken up by advertisement of spa, or shops

We spent the majority of time in our cabin watching movies which we have never done in 12 years of cruising.

Tom

2 minutes ago, Crew News said:

Real King Crab.

Did you order it when you were on your last Alaska trip?

It used to be just snow crabs.

Tom

Does HAL serve true king crab in Pinnacle Grill? Or are they snow crabs?

Tom

7 hours ago, kazu said:

 

Incorrect - sorry - yes OBC / SBC may be gifted but you can buy as much as you like pre-cruise.  

 

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Dreamer115 said:

No you can buy them, they are listed under gifts and indulgences.

Thought I already posted ' I stand corrected ' on # 5.

Tom

8 minutes ago, rochelle_s said:

I just purchased $1000 OBC for my Nieuw Statendam cruise in July. The purpose for this purchase is predominantly for the casino. I purchased 10 x $100 online and paid with my credit card. My credit card charged approximately 3% more than the exchange rate on that particular day, which is what I usually experience.  As an example the exchange rate is 24 percent, when I purchase $100 it shows at $127 CDN on my credit card- the 24% + 3% fee.

 

I was on the Eurodam in November and I assume other ships will operate the same way…but this is how it worked. In the casino at the slot machine I could load money to the machine from my ship board account. I could play the money in the machine or I could ‘cash out’ at which point the money would be on my casino account. At any time I could cash out my casino account at the cashier. 
 

I only played slots but I imagine there might be another way for tables. Or you could just use a slot machine to act as your bank machine.  
 

it is also very likely that you could just ask for funds at the casino cashier.

 

Not sure this is exactly the info you are looking for but it can be done, If our dollar stays strong I will likely purchase more.

 

Have a great cruise and good luck in the casino!

 

Rochelle

I stand corrected.

Tom

7 hours ago, mightyZ said:

We would like to have a sister's get away to Alaska and wondering if it will be too tight for 3 adults in a Verandah?  Is the couch (pull out) a 3rd bed?

It is certainly doable, especially you are sisters.

I have seen at least 3 girls, or more sharing a port-hole room to celebrate their high school graduation.

If I were in your shoe I would insist on it instead of splitting up into 2 rooms. I think it would actually be quite cozy for all of you.

Tom

As far as I know, shipboard credits are given to you by either your TA or Holland America ( for being a Carnival shareholder or rewards for purchasing a Future Cruise deposit etc.).

I have not heard anyone purchasing the SBC.

Tom

I sure would visit Tracy's kingcrab shack in Juneau.

Tom

Tom

HAL requires 3 days window for negative antigen test to embark their ships irregardless of country.

Tom

Vortex Diamondback has a new model now called the HD.

Really good quality binoculars for the price. Comes with the harness as well.

Tom

44 minutes ago, KAKcruiser said:

I tried to add it to my booking but they said new bookings only.  Why am I not surprised?

Me too. As well, the new prices have gone up approximately the same amount as the gratuity.

Tom

1 hour ago, icedearth15324 said:

I've only ever sailed on Norwegian, but my wife and I were looking at some other cruise lines. 

 

For being a company that advertises themselves as being a luxury cruise line, why are the prices for Holland so low? 

 

The same Alaskan trip I did in September is close to half the cost with Holland than it was for NCL. And I just want to find out what the primary differences are.

 

 

You must be referring to HAL's promotion of 1/2 price for 2nd passengers for 3 stars and up Mariners.

I booked an Alaskan cruise in Sept. and HAL's price is far from low.

Tom

3 hours ago, cfgrandma said:

I received an email from HAL yesterday for a  "Exclusive 3-Star Mariner and Above Offer" that said 50% off second guest.  I have looked up the cruises from California and the second guest comes up full price.  I was able to login today and see the offer, but doing sample booking results in both guests having same fare.

 

Anyone try this offer?

 

Carolyn

 

 

 

 

You'll need to sign in to see the 1/2 price.

Tom

19 hours ago, Btimmer said:

We celebrated with a Pinnacle Grill dinner!

 

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail 

 

Iceberg Wedge Salad

 

Alaskan King Crab Legs

 

Butter Pecan Ice Cream

That looks like the true King Crab, not the Snow Crab they used to serve.

Was there a surcharge?

Tom

19 minutes ago, OlsSalt said:

 

Cruise industry needs to get this feedback. Thanks for posting this. Hassles and uncertainties do not make this a vacation .......yet. Thanks to all those who braved the first trial rounds of this new world of cruise ship vacations.

The cruise line actually doesn't have anything to do with our stress. It is the airline and government regulations that did us in.

Tom

Although we enjoyed our cruise ( Dec. 22, 2021- Jan.9, 2022), the stress of flying back and forth ( with 2 connections each) and the 4 covid testings we had to do just does not make it worthwhile. 

We are not going again soon.

Mine is still all messed up.

Tom

We have a cruise coming up on the Rotterdam in Dec., 2021.

Without the ship's singers and dancers, I wonder what the entertainment is like nowadays?

Tom

Does anyone know if HAL still have the program where they will award you with extra SBC if you book within 3 months of your last cruise?

Tom

45 minutes ago, HollDoll said:

Thanks Tom.  Hope that applies to my cruise next week too! 🤞

I only asked about the Rotterdam.

Tom

2 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

 

The lady thought you asked  "Will lunch be available when we board?"  And that answer is always YES.  

 

And off you will go to Lido/DiveIn/NYPizza/DutchCafe....I would not count on the MDR being open.

I specifically asked if the MDR is open, not will lunch be available.

The lady actually left to ask someone else who knows.

Tom

I just spoke to Guest Relations and the lady said the MDR will be open when we board @ 1.20pm on the Rotterdam on Dec. 22, 2021.

Tom

Does anyone able to do so?

I haven't been all day.

Tom