doublebzz

Thank you for the updated bar menus.

I see that our Grey Goose has gone up to $8.50 -- but I know that it is still covered by the Signature Beverage Package since that is now a $9 limit.

Looks like all the drinks have gone up even since my recent cruise on Zandaam in February. Could be my imagination, but I did feel the drinks were better in quality and perhaps even more alcohol than previous cruises but that may be the placebo effect.

And there is the wine museum in Boedeaux; although it was not as interedting as we’d hope. It had too much information unless you are really, really into the history and making of wine all over the world.

 

If you are referring to La Cite du Vin, I have to disagree with you. The building itself is a remarkable architectural achievement. Of course, you have to have some interest in wine to find the exhibits worthwhile. There is also a fine restaurant, moderately priced, on the roof with exquisite views of the city. We had a very nice lunch there. It is also easy to get to on the nearby trams.

As far as using FF miles you might be interested in learning that booking your flight with FF miles 5-7 days prior gets you a big discount 320,000rt of booked 300 to 10 days before your travel 120,000 rt- 140,000 booked 7 days prior !!! Play with your computer and see .

 

I've never noticed this on either American Airlines or United Airlines frequent flyer web sites. Seems the same number of miles whenever you book. Also, for someone who requires business class on inter-ocean flights, this seems like a pretty risky strategy; there may not always be availability 5-7 days prior.

I believe that the Princess and HAL flight programs are the same so that the fares and flights you see on Princess would be valid on HAL. On my current planned cruise, I first checked the Princess flights then reserved the HAL cruise, received a booking number and was able to confirm the flights I saw on Princess before submitting payment.

Most of the food restrictions deal with bringing food off the ship.

You will be told to be on board by 8pm, probably. That is when the muster will be.

 

Are your documents available yet...might mention this there.

I wonder why they do this? I believe U.S. Coast Guard regulations require lifeboat drill within 24 hours of sailing so I would think following morning would be more convenient unless itinerary dictates otherwise.

Unfortunately, that's precisely what it means. :(

You either have to send your clothes out for pressing, or use one of the make-do measures that involve steam or wrinkle removers.

Although, as a 4 star Mariner, this issue is moot for me, I still find it unconscionable. Is there no end to these cost savings/revenue enhancement measures? Obviously this is intended to promote the ship's paying laundry business and, at the same time, generate more revenue with the additional cabins. The self-service laundry was a vital service to many guests, particularly on long voyages, and will be sorely missed.

What am I missing here? Just checked the HAL web site and don't see any particular specials. The 5 December Nieuw Statendam cruise is listed with prices starting as $1,299 and $1,649 for the 14 and 18 day cruises respectively.

Pre-Christmas cruises are generally the cheapest of the year and crossing the Atlantic in December doesn't sound especially appealing to me.

On Delta, I needed a different number from my booking number to access my flight details when I went on their web site. I think it was called a "locator number". When my travel agent supplied that, I plugged that into Delta's web site and all of the details of my flight popped up. Maybe that is what you need for American Airlines as well?

There is no issue about seeing all the details of my flight. The issue is that the itinerary is not ticketed until shortly before the cruise - some have said 6-8 weeks out. I believe this is done because there is flexibility to change the flight until some period before the cruise. I had the same issue with another cruise line last year and finally called their flight department and they resolved the issue immediately. This is probably a non-issue but I still would like to have the certainty that my air was actually ticketed.

I agree with all of the above comments and am using FlightEase for my upcoming TA cruise. A one way business class is about 1/4 the cost of booking through the airlines and you do receive frequent flyer miles as well. The only downside is that is that HAL doesn't actually buy the ticket until shortly before the cruise so you are left with the uncomfortable message on the airline web site of "status unknown" and "contact your TA to purchase". As least, that is the practice with American Airlines.

There has been discussion about the premium experience provided by the "ship within a ship" concept such as MSC Yacht Club and NCl Haven. When I priced these out, they seem comparable to Regent, Seabourn and Crystal. So, if someone wants an "upscale" experience, why would not choose the latter cruise lines which are much more exclusive than the 4,000+ guest behemoths like NCL and MSC? I realize the latter will provide better entertainment but in all other categories it seems the luxury lines win hands down. Of course, its a matter of personal choice.

I recall only one 120V and one 220V outlet. However, by using a European plug adapter, you can convert the 220V to a second American outlet. The so called vista suite is really just a veranda cabin in which you pay a heavy premium; however, we considered it a necessity for our Antarctica cruise and well worth the extra costs. Don't know if it would be worth it for a more typical cruise. Our sofa converted to the third bed. Cabin attendants were outstanding as were the entire crew in general. Was not particularly impressed with the cruise director but never thought cruise directors or captains impact my cruise enjoyment one way or another. Considered the food in the MDR a step above other HAL ships excepting Amsterdam. It didn't appear to me that the ship was due for overhaul as it has been very well maintained.

$13.50 per day per person in regular cabins and $15 in suites.

We have done over a dozen Transatlantic s and, frankly, nothing compares to Cunard's Queen Mary. We found there were so many interesting activities you had to pick and choose. Guest lecturers ranged from Pulitzer Prize winning authors to British cabinet ministers along with members of the Royal Academy of Drama, lectures in the Planetarium and so on. Never was bored. You have to enjoy or, at least, accept the formal atmosphere, however.

There is hardly an item that can be bought in Caribbean ports that can't be bought cheaper in the U.S. particularly if you do some research on the internet. Cuban cigars excepted of course.

We just returned from Zaandam and purchased a 100 minute internet package for $55. It still is quite slow and used it exclusively for emails - would not want to waste minutes on web searches. We augmented our internet use with our tablet and iphone during port stops where free internet was readily available. I believe the per minute charge is $.75 which is not worth it in my view.

Very close to ours, thanks! Have you posted a review of the ship?

I have not but let me say we were very pleased with the ship. I understand the ship is going into overhaul in April although we found the ship to be in excellent condition and was surprised it was due for a refurbishment. The service throughout the ship was superb and the cabin attendants among the best we experienced in 16 HAL cruises. Food quality was also quite good. 4 of the 22 days we ate in the Pinnacle grill and the Italian specialty restaurants and thought the surcharge was worth it. Captain Norman was very informative and did his best to keep us out of bad weather. If there was a negative, and this should come as no surprise, it was the entertainment which I would rate as mediocre. I think you will be very happy with your cruise.

Just sailed on Zaandam in Cabin 7061 - no problems, great location.

Great link - thanks.

Don't believe you can transfer points.

As LadyVol1 indicated, you can read the time off the telephone. You can also set alarms very easily from the telephone any time of day. Actually, I prefer this system rather than alarm clocks.

When you go into My Reservations and go to your Booking you'll see "Purchase" (for Spa Treatments, Shore Excursions, etc.). Click on "Purchase" and on the left-hand side you'll see "Book Flights". Go into that and you'll be able to search the flights and book.

Yes, you can peruse/book flights online on HAL's website, as long as you have your booking number. Access your reservation, go to "Purchase" and you will see travel options. Just click on "flights" and it takes you directly into Flight Easy booking.

Thanks so much for your help. It shows that after a dozen or so HAL cruises and a 4 star Mariner, I can still learn something. I used to be adamant about booking my own flights but for the past few years, I've used the cruise line air programs. For international business class one way flights, I don't believe there is a better option.

I can book it myself on the HAL site.

Please advise me how. I have reservations currently and when go to "my Reservations," I don't see any link to Flight Ease. Thanks.

Thank you for your responses.... I live in Canada so pay in CAD $$...while the official exchange is about 1.26 its actually more like 1.29 unless you are an institutional investor... I have used TAs in the past , and some I have been happy with others not so much. There is not much competition on this route in October. Seabourn has an 8 night repo, but a significant different experience from HAL.( so I am told )

3455 CAD ($2770 USD) ( Total cost of Hal courtesy hold on Inside 8045 on Navigation)

Break down IN CAD $ 1353 plus 364 port and tax. HAL is also giving us a $150 OBC ( net cost in CAD ($3305) All 4 TA quotes I have are offering the same OBC as we are being offered for booking an inside directly with HAL

Our status with HAL is 3 star Mariner.

I can be happy with 8045 on Navigation Deck. Given the politics in the USA, it makes it a bit difficult to know where out exchange rate will go. If USA pulls out of NAFTA, then our economy will be affected and good chance our $$ will drop in value at least in the short to medium term. Have a great day!!

Are you saying the 8 day Seabourn cruise is 3455 CAD and the HAL 11 day cruise is 3305 CAD? Having sailed both lines, I can tell you there is no comparison. HAL is a mass market line and Seabourn is luxury which specializes in personal service, gourmet food and open bar throughout the ship. In a heartbeat, I would opt for the 8 day Seabourn over the 11 day HAL but others might disagree.

Please clarify - can you book a flight on HAL's web site or do you have to call to make a booking?