debc

I embarked the Nieuw Statendam on August 2, 2022 for the 24 day Canada, Greenland, Iceland & New England cruise and it was a zoo.

We were getting conflicting messages from Holland America regarding check in times via email the day of, which superseded our original boarding times, which made things confusing as some people checked their email the day of and others didn't.  Apparently, as others have pointed out, there was a US Coast Guard drill scheduled.  We got to the pier at 2 pm and the line up was all the way down the terminal. It was a hot day and there was not enough room to inside the terminal to provide shade for everyone. 

Bottom line:  It was not a pleasant boarding experience.  Standing in the hot sun, in a very long line for a very long time. Getting through the terminal check-in process was also chaotic as the lines for those who had done their pre-check in documentation via the apps (VeriFLY etc.) vs. those who did not.

Not entirely the fault of Holland America and the staff at the terminal did the best they could.

We were late departing as they were still loading pallets onto the ship (which was also delayed due to the Coast Guard formalities).

Disembarkation was also chaotic - long queues for transportation.  I was lucky and was able to get a very good Uber.

Sounds like those who went in 2023 had a better experience.

Cheers!

DebC

I am booked on this cruise too.  Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time.  If I enjoy visiting Iceland will probably go back on a land tour.

I'm booked on the Westerdam for 14 days leaving Santiago, Chile to BA on October 30.  Given that South America is being hit very hard by the virus I am pretty much figuring this cruise will not be happening but no official word yet.

It will be interesting when final deposit comes due at the end of August to see if the Canadian and US Border will be open.  They have just extended the closure for an additional month.  Usually I transit through a US airport to get down to South America, so if that is unable to happen, then for me, sheer logistics will make it impossible to cruise!

To answer the question that was asked respecting why I was Canadian and paid in US funds - the answer is because it was a group booking and the group organizer was in the US thus the cruise fare that was negotiated for the group was in US currency.

I will just sit tight right now.  My cruise is/was the 14th day Alaskan on the Maasdam on May 4th leaving from Vancouver.  Canada has closed down Canadian cruise ports until June so we will wait for Holland America to cancel the cruise.  I do not believe it will happen, so I am not making flight or hotel arrangements.

Deb C

I have a different take on this.  You see because I am Canadian, and I paid for the cruise in US dollars, I actually LOSE money if I accept part of a refund in cash for my May 4th Masdaam cruise as the Canadian dollar is MUCH lower valued against the US dollar at this point due to the market fallout.  So I actually want ALL of my refund to be in FCC.  I have an already booked and deposited South America cruise for the end of October which I hope may still happen.  So I would just roll over what I paid for this cruise into that cruise and then only owe the remainder.

I am hoping in my case to get my TA to request Holland America to refund my entire cruise as a FCC.

DebC

To all of you going on this voyage have a wonderful cruise.  I will live vicariously through your blogs and posts.

I have a favour to ask.  Would one of you mind posting a copy of the Grand Voyage Activities log sheet for this cruise where HAL lists special events that are happening on the ship such as special dinners, activities and Gala and theme nights?

Much appreciated as I am considering this cruise at some point in the future.

Cheers and Bon Voyage!!

Deb

(and yes - this is my first ever post on Cruise Critic!!)