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Lauranne

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Posts posted by Lauranne

    Why I Am Not Surprised

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    Since reading this post I have gone on the Holland America website, logged in and looked for any kind of possible special. I am only a 1* cruiser, soon to be 2* after our cruise in July. I have never received a HAL email regarding specials nor have found one by logging in. I have requested email specials but have yet to receive one. I guess that I am not worthy!!

     

    Laurie

    Lawsuit Filed Against HAL After Horrific Attack

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    food can be delivered by a variety of people - dining room, Lido, yum yum men. Other than stewards and concierges (I think that completes the list), none of them have a key to the stateroom. They can't bring it in - you have to open the door

     

    Actually, Kazu, while on the Amsterdam we ordered breakfast one morning for a certain time. We went for an early walk on the Promenade deck and arrived back a few minutes later than the requested breakfast time. It was sitting on the table when we arrived back at our stateroom. I have no idea if the room service attendant brought the food in or our Steward let him/her in. I didn't think to ask at the time. As I am travelling with my daughter in July, rather than my husband, I am a bit concerned.

    Laurie

    Open seating question

    in Holland America Line

    Posted · Edited by Lauranne

    I know of several people who have been able to ask for a certain size table at a certain time and were able to make reservations for 3 nights at a time.

    Reservations can only be made from 5:15 - 6:15 and 7:30 - 9.

    Good luck.

     

    We must have been an exception to this rule. When we were on the Amsterdam to Alaska, our group of 12 requested a standing time for 6:00 for the entire 7 days. Although they couldn't give us 6, they allowed us to dine at 5:45. We had two tables for 6 aside the window. It was wonderful to have the same wait staff each evening.

    Laurie

    Disapointted

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I guess you just don't get it Laura.we paid just as much for this cruise' date='if not more as any HAL cruise.Im just saying that Hal is going down hill. Yes I have gone on other cruise lines and have paid more,but that is not the question DiD I get GOOD SERVICE".......YES .Which we didn't get on HAL[/quote']

     

    Actually it's Laurie :o

    And I guess that I don't get it. Sorry if the opinion and suggestions that I offered were not acceptable/agreeable/or of any use.

    Laurie

    Disapointted

    in Holland America Line

    Posted · Edited by Lauranne

    Very sorry to hear this report. If HAL is losing longtime cruisers such as yourself then it is truly a shame. We have sailed mostly mass market lines (more cruises for less money) but once, somewhat recently, we cruised with Silversea. It was close to double what we would pay for a similar room on a HAL ship. The food was very good, the drinks were included but I still wonder if the experience was worth twice the price. I certainly don't go on cruises for gourmet food. That is what I like to do on land vacations. Find a great restaurant and have the chef's tasting menu...with wine pairings :p Like many others, cruising is about the itinerary or getting extended family together for a vacation that everyone can agree on. Unfortunately we can't go back and I don't think that the mass market lines will increase their prices to allow food and service of yesteryear. Perhaps try a luxury line as this may be what you are looking for.

    Laurie

    I'm younger than most on this board but I remember getting a soda and bag of chips for a quarter!

    First cruise of the Alaska season - May 2-9

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    I don't see that statement as condescension, just merely a statement.

     

    It certainly is condescending. It basically says that "if you, like me, dined at upscale restaurants on a regular basis then you might appreciate the Pinnacle."

     

    As we say at the school I teach at, "Is this helpful or hurtful?"

     

    Think before you post!

    Laurie

    mariner status update

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    This is a case where it is good to be in the know! Those who read Cruise Critic will contact the Mariners Society and make the information correct. Those who don't follow message boards may never catch the "glitch" hopefully HAL makes it all right.

    Laurie

    Royal increases gratuities...will HAL follow?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    We sailed Silversea to the Galapagos last April. The gratuities are included in the fare. We loved it. We were informed that this was the case and were able to budget the cost into the total cost of our vacation. I like this. I have taken the time to calculate the HSC into our fare for our July 2015 cruise but I would rather pay it advance. I didn't feel pressured to tip extra on the Silversea cruise but I certainly do on HAL...interesting.

    Laurie

    What topics are off-limits?

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    This is a strange thread for me as DH and I have traveled quite a bit, in many scenarios. Bike trips in Europe, family land travel in Europe and Asia, Land travel in US and South America, vacations in the Caribbean and Cuba and a number of cruises thrown in as well. We have made many life long friends during our travels by not avoiding topics but by being accepting and respectful of others beliefs and opinions. We start conversation gently and keep topics general. As days go by we become comfortable with each other and conversation becomes more direct and often on the "taboo" subjects mentioned by others on this thread. I was raised to accept all. We are no better or worse than others and we might learn if we take the time to ask and listen. Just my humble opinion. :p

    Tipping the Cabin Steward

    in Holland America Line

    Posted

    We have sailed Princess, HAL, as well as Silversea. I loved not tipping on our Silversea cruise. Certainly I payed a premium but how refreshing not to feel the pressure (real or imaginary :)) to tip.

    We will be sailing HAL again in July in a suite. Yes I will tip extra and thank you for the suggestions to tip a few days prior to the end of the cruise. I like this idea.

    I have read on other tipping threads to tip on day one to insure good service. This goes against what I believe in as I prefer to reward but if it works for you...

     

    Laurie

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