oakridger

Check here also for specific Spain port information. Spain Ports - Cruise Critic Community ~Nancy

I don't know where you are looking for official dress code information but tux/suit have not been required for many years!! Here is the code from HAL website right now: Frequently Asked Questions (hollandamerica.com) A: Yes, some refinements were made to improve consistency and the policy now reads: Most evenings smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool/beachwear, distressed jeans and men’s tank tops are best left to the daytime and are not permitted in fine dining restaurants. Dressy Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including our five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirts and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants. Just adding the reference on the website to what @renee00 just posted. ~Nancy

Check out what people have found on this other thread regarding HIA excursion credits: Even though someone on the phone and also on @gregma's cruise said they were refundable, it doesn't look like they really are refundable. ~Nancy

Ask your travel agent or HAL.

Thanks for clarifying this, Pete. ~Nancy

You got the canvas tote bag version! Nice! I had one from my first HAL cruise and gave it to my friend. My next cruises they stopped giving the canvas ones out and gave the grocery type fabric bags and now the plastic ones. I use them but the canvas just seems nicer to me! Have you gone to any of the evening entertainment? ~Nancy

It depends on the ship and the specific cruise. The Pinnacle ships have more choices. The list on the current HAL website is not totally up to date based on reports from current cruisers across the fleet. Add in music in the Ocean Bar on the non-Pinnacle ships which I enjoyed. Some evening trivia or a game show sometimes. Movies on the Lido Pool deck on Pinnacle ships. There are usually a couple comedian shows per week. Cruise Ship Entertainment | Holland America Line Read some of the "Live From" reviews on the ships you are interested in and they will have the most up to date info. Have fun researching!! ~Nancy

If you have the Signature Beverage Package, the cans of water count as one of your 15 drinks per day. If you have the Elite Beverage Package (is that what you mean by Premier Package?) then nonalcoholic drinks, including waters, sodas, etc. are unlimited and alcoholic drinks are a maximum of 15 per day. Refer to the list from HAL that @cbr663 has in post #4. Have a great cruise to Alaska next year! ~Nancy

The only excursion in Alaska that I have had cancelled was a float plane trip. It was pea soup fog that day. My brother who lives near Austin Texas is going on his first cruise ever to Alaska in two weeks and they are actually looking forward to some rain and cool weather.....I wonder why??? 🤔

Just to add to the information, I have never had binoculars in a HAL veranda cabin on any ship. The website does not state there are binoculars in veranda cabins either! What a hassle for @Geo1688 and pretty inexcusable on the part of the "customer service" people. They should know which cabins have binoculars and which don't. Good luck! ~Nancy

I wonder if going through room service for the request would be the way to go now. After all, they handle food every time! ~Nancy

This is what @gregma60 was told on the Volendam today..... "So far I haven't been able to get a common answer. The neptune lounge consierge said more than likely they would. A lady at the excursion desk said no. -gregma " I really appreciate that they tried to find out for us but unfortunately, as all too often happens the answers are not consistent. Dang! A lot of people would like to know the true policy! ~Nancy

@gregma60 thank you so much for asking! I will share your answer with the other thread where it was asked. Unfortunately, as all too often happens the answers are not consistent. Dang! A lot of people would like to know the true policy! I hope you are having a great cruise! ~Nancy

No, not at sea unless using something like Cellular at Sea. It would cost a fortune! I was referring to the OP using his cell phone off the ship while in ports in Hawaii. He does not want to get a WiFi package on board. If your phone supports it and you are connected to the WiFi on board, you can do WiFi calling. Others can explain how all that works if you are not familiar. ~Nancy

I was really pulled into all the pictures from yesterday and today! You, as usual, really take advantage of all a location has to offer! I'm inspired to do more on my next travels now. Thank you and good night! "See" you tomorrow, ~Nancy

The whole time I was reading your "rant" I kept thinking..."But what about those gold statues?". I feel the same way about them as you do about the ceiling! On my last Symphony cruise in 2019 I brought it up to the Cove bartender one evening and he said he liked them. I wonder if it was just the company line he was espousing. 🤔 I did manage to ignore them and have a wonderful time anyway!! 🙂 ~Nancy

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People report that it can be done upon boarding. Go to the MDR as soon as you board and ask them for the reservation. I haven't personally done it though. ~Nancy

Yes, this is the current program for the Elite. Unlimited nonalcoholic plus 15 alcoholic drinks $15 or less per day. I checked specifically because I have the Elite package from my Early Booking HIA on Zuiderdam next May. ~Nancy

Another fun and informative post! Good for my Sunday evening read. Thanks, ~Nancy

Thanks for starting a new thread for your questions. I will copy here the response I gave: If I were on a non-Pinnacle ship and wanted a guaranteed two top right at 5pm, I would book fixed early seating. CO offers one extra menu option at dinner along with the other perks you have read about. Club Orange would be a consideration if you want to upgrade your room category at booking when you purchase CO. I haven't done it but several posters here on CC have explained the process and advantages of doing that. Check out what they have done. ~Nancy

I'm happy that the pastries and rolls were better after the crouton like cinnamon roll! Last fall on Nieuw Amsterdam and Rotterdam the bread and pastries were really excellent, so I am hoping it's fleetwide. ~Nancy

@gregma60 If it's not too inconvenient, would you be able to ask onboard if it is true that unused HIA shore excursion credits can now be converted to Onboard Credit? This thread OP was told by a HAL agent that it is possible but that hasn't been the case in the past. It would be fantastic if it were true, but......... Thank you!! ~Nancy

In November I didn't use it and I lost it. It would be fantastic if they changed the rules to convert to OBC!!! Anyone onboard any ships currently who can confirm?? I asked @gregma60 who is onboard Volendam in Alaska is now if they could check for us. I'll let you know if they post the answer. ~Nancy

Bon Voyage!! Have a blast! ~Nancy