Aloha3

On 8/26/2023 at 4:45 AM, Nikon1957 said:

This is one of the primary reasons we joined CC a number of years ago. We had great success matching up with others on our cruises that wanted to book a small group and needed people to join (most of them charge per group or per vehicle). We even set up a couple of our own. It seems that since Covid, (and maybe other social media sites) that isn't as prevalent. Disappointing to us.

On own HAL cruise recently there were private groups on each shore days, spreadsheets, meet ups etc. Join the rollcall for your particular cruise. Some are more active than others.

3 hours ago, cwd79 said:

We will be on the Zaandam in an interior room so there won't be any fridge. Was planning on getting ice from the Lido when the ice that was filled up in our room melts... but wasn't sure if that is a no-no... 

Get you Stewart to top up each day

On 8/20/2023 at 2:35 AM, AllTheSun said:

Can you buy the water package delivered to the room after boarding? We’re pretty picky about water but have read good things about HAL’s water. I’d like to try it and only order the package if we don’t like it.

Yes you can

7 hours ago, islandwoman said:

How about for women?  In my experience, women tend to dress up more than men - except me!  I'd rather eat room service or in the buffet than have to buy and pack "dressy" clothing.  Still, I'd hate to miss an especially good MDR meal.

tidy jeans are fine too on non dressy nights

18 hours ago, gaudi89 said:

Thanks for your response.

My husband called HAL about this question a few days ago and after a long wait on hold he got a HAL rep who told him she didn't know if you can get on and off when you want. He asked her to ask someone else there the answer and after another long hold she came back to say that getting on and off was at the control of the crew and they knew nothing else. Your answer is much more helpful.

We've never stayed on board in a port before but wanted to do it for part of our time so we can experience the ship when it's quieter.

What an answer 😞 We even go back and forward on the tender. Especially for lunch, a rest etc. Tenders are often quiet after the initial rush.

3 hours ago, lissie said:

 I like an "english" cup of tea in the mornings - by this I mean black tea (probably a tea bag) in a cup of boiling hot water and milk - is such a thing possible in the Lido without paying?  

Yes anytime. You can also call room service at 6am and they will bring it to your cabin. (for free)

On 5/5/2023 at 12:49 AM, terrydtx said:

We have a true B2B on the Edge next January in Sydney and I already know we will have to get off the ship and wait to get back on, even though we are in the Retreat and same cabins for both cruises.

if you are berthed in the CBD book a behind the scenes tour of the Sydney Opera House on that day.

Can we expect an update on this form with later dates. 

We booked a cruise for late June around Christmas and have received our SHB.

I also booked the cruise before that one( so B2B) on 10 March and have received the acknowledgement of application but no OBC as yet. I see on the info sheet it says book by 28 Feb 23 for cruises to 28 July 23.  Do they usual update these dates or have I missed out due to booking in March? 

https://www.carnivalcorp.com/static-files/50351a91-4dc0-4f6b-bfec-684647e6129f

Note. It is Dressy rather than Gala now so the best of your smart casual will do. Men should be collared shirt and long pants.

5 hours ago, iaae22 said:

Hello! We have not sail for 4-5 years and even then never on HAL so I have a few questions about MDR. We are planning Alaska this summer on the Westerdam.

1. Is there restriction on how many app/soup you can order. Sometimes we would like to order extra app to share just to try something. Is it allowed?  Extra charge or not?

2. Same about entry ( very rare but could happen)

3. Does HAL have cheese plate in MDR? Does they count it as app or desert? Can I just ask for one to go? If MDR does not have it is there ‘create my own’ option to grab it from Lido?

4. Is taking food from Lido back to the cabin OK or not? I know I can order room service but sometimes I just like to grab a few things from Lido and bring them to my room.

Thanks!

Cheese plates, although not listed on the menu, are available every evening in the MDR. As a GF option, I ordered it many evening either as my dessert or with a dessert. 

23 hours ago, KroozNut said:

Is wearing something orange a requirement to enjoy the party?

No but take something orange and decide on the day.  Can be something small - bow tie scarf, jewellery etc. Some people go all out but some have just a touch. 

19 hours ago, ewlj said:

Does anyone know if there are THEME NIGHTS on HAL ships? (I'm not asking about formal nights, I mean like 'color themes' or 'tropical themes', etc.) We will be going on Volendam through the Panama Canal shortly. Thank you! 

Every cruise has an Orange evening to celebrate their association with Holland . Alot of people wear something orange and there is an orange party that night.

They have good shop specials towards the end of the cruise. 

7 hours ago, AtleeH said:

 

Thanks for responding.  Good news is I got our boarding time late yesterday.  Unfortunately I'm now confused.  The check in time for my Group J is 02:00 PM.  The Rotterdam is scheduled to depart 03:00 PM.  I've read on one of the other many documents sent to me that we had to be on board no later than 1 hour before departure.  I'm not sure how a person scheduled to board at 2 pm can be on board no later than 1 hour before departure which is 3 pm.

show up earlier. We had a check in time of 4:20pm ( for a 6:30 departure) turned up at 3 and went straight on. Even if you have to wait awhile at least you are there and your bags are checked in.

8 hours ago, pghflyer said:

Holy hell, the buffet closes on Noordam at 8PM after a 6:30PM Sail Away? Wow this is going to be interesting. 

MDR closes at 9pm

19 hours ago, kcool said:

Hello I am a 67 year old male veteran cruiser with several other lines and will be trying HAL for the first time this winter. Traveling solo will I be in other company similar to mine or will it be mostly couples on board thank you

Join the solo cruisers group on board on the first meet if there is one. Many of us join these whether we are traveling solo or twins sharing with a companion. There were as many men as woman. That way we always see a familiar face to in activities eg trivia, joining a table etc. HAL also orgainizes join dinners etc  Also join the roll call especially to join private excursions and the FB site for your ship.

I see the day I am due to board, the ship leaves port at 1 pm.  Has any one had this? What time would I be expected check in?  The Port is an overnight stop but I board on the second day.  

19 hours ago, Gray Lady said:

First, I would like to thank everyone for sharing. It has answered many questions. We are not only new to HAL, but new to cruising. Never been on a cruise ship in our lives! We picked HAL based on reviews, and are going on a 14 day cruise tour to Alaska. I think we have figured a lot out…shore excursions, laundry, packing (sort of), internet (hopefully will support a proctored COVID test in the Inside Passage), but I have never talked to anyone who has sailed on our ship. It is the Nieuw Amsterdam. We are booked on the upper promenade deck. We know the room will be smaller than hotel rooms, so booked a signature suite. I just want to know how the dining on your own works ( assume we will be seated with others?) and tips about our ship from people who have sailed on her. Also, embarking and disembarking procedures are something we really don’t know about. We are excited and anxious all at the same time. Thank you in advance!

We always pick anytime dining and often a share table up to six. A great way to meet others and then if you want to join group, say for trivia or in a lounge, you see a familiar face.

Many thanks for the information here. My upcoming cruise in December is the first time I have been able to take advantage of this benefit. I emailed Monday and received it today, Friday.  I see it will be applied when I embark, I was hoping to book an extra excursion ( as a special treat)  now with it. Are you not able to use it until you get on board?  I will take my paperwork incase it doesn't show.

21 hours ago, richstowe said:

Wow . I thought that had been discontinued long ago along with bridge instructors and gentlemen hosts . 

I assume these positions are similar to the bridge instructors, lectures etc. If you have a skill or services you can apply to go on a cruise ( or several cruises) for a discount/free cruise in return for filling a activity slot. 

5 hours ago, kazu said:

 

I cancelled my April 19th cruise on March 7th, 2020.  I received my 50% refund quickly but  I have received no information whatsoever on my FCC so far.

Send an inquiry through your Mariners Profile. Ours was issued but not showing.

2 hours ago, billbunger said:

It is mind boggling to me that you canceled your cruise on April 22, 2020 and then HAL Informed you the refund was processed on May 27, 2020. Was your refund for the entire cruise fare?

Our cruise was to start March 21, 2020 and HAL cancelled on March 14, 2020. We requested a refund on March 15, 2020 and as of this writing have not received a cent of our cruise fare. We received a refund for internet packages within a few days of cancelling but that was chump change. We as well as many others are still owed thousands of dollars in refunds. 
 

I am not understanding how a cancellation made more than a month after ours received refund monies before us and other people in our roll call group. Maybe HAL needs to get their ship in order and address this short coming.

 

 

Think we were meant to be on that cruise too. Canceled on March 11 so only received FCC but received Port fee & Taxes last week. Slightly less that previously advised so have gone back for an explanation.

On 7/3/2018 at 3:04 PM, erisr said:

Thanks. I'll let you know when I get back.

Port charged notified today.

Was this an official ship excursion only?

What did you do on the day

On 2/8/2019 at 3:39 PM, cruises42 said:

Thanks. I know that is the rule for Carnival cruises but I couldn't find it on the website. I just wanted to make sure HAL followed that rule too before I mentioned it my by brother and sister-in-law (our passports are good for a couple more years). 

I traveled on HAL 2 years ago with out my passport having 6 months to go. The airline questioned it when I flew but found I was correct in that for Sth America I didn't need 6 mths but HAL never questioned.

On 12/23/2018 at 7:38 AM, yvonneh said:

I have been reading all of this helpful information, as I am planning for a visit this June.

Thank you of all those who have posted.

We will overnight one night at each Reykjavik and Akureyri, and will definitely rent a car at both ports and plan on seeing and doing as much as possible. One thing we really want to do is go horseback riding, they look so gorgeous.

Could you please tell me if you recommend doing this while in Reykjavik or Akureyri? The horses in Vik and the black sand beach looked fun, but the North looks amazing too. Any suggestions would be appreciated! 

Thank you!

 

 

Both town would be excellent for horse riding. When we disembarked at Akureyri there was a private tour at the wharf looking to fill a van. It was an excellent day and included an opportunity to swim at the mineral pool.  I would probably horse ride at Akureyri if the weather is good. There is an information office ( with wifi) not far from the wharf and they were happy to book Reykjavik excursions.  Check out the hearts in the traffic lights.