New to Holland America? This is for you...AKA "HAL For Dummies"

Last time we were on Princess (2013), I think the unlimited non alcoholic drinks package for 7 days was $50 or less. I cannot find anywhere in the Oosterdam a similar package. In any event, seems for our consumption, we are better off just paying as we go. I do not think I will drink $288 worth of espresso coffee or lattes. Thanks!

Hi,did you purchase drink package on HAL ? I've had a few packages on princess & the 15% surcharge is inclusive.My question is,is this how HAL does it or are they going to added 15% on every drink I get from the bar . Thanks;)

HAL is finally introducing wifi packages this year. I was told by a cruise specialist on their website that starting this summer they will have a social package for $14.99/day, a surf package ()with no audio video calling) FOR $24.99/day and a premium package for $29.99/day. These packages can be shared as each user will have his or her own password. They just can only be used by one user at a time. Great news for those who have sailed with HAL before and have only had the pay per minute option available to them.

Has this been rolled out yet? We're doing our first HAL sailing in 14 years this coming November and would love to avoid the "per minute" plan if possible.

Has this been rolled out yet? We're doing our first HAL sailing in 14 years this coming November and would love to avoid the "per minute" plan if possible.

It's been available on the Westerdam for a couple of years now. I believe one on other ship had it on a trial basis (Zuiderdam/N Amsterdam?).

It hasn't been rolled out across the fleet yet and have had no word on it yet on the boards.

By the way the pricing was not the same as stated in in the post you quoted. It was cheaper on a per diem basis, but, both of our cruises on the Westerdam were longer.

Here's Cruise Critic's internet offerings summary, updated 3 weeks ago...

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=45#hal

It's been available on the Westerdam for a couple of years now. I believe one on other ship had it on a trial basis (Zuiderdam/N Amsterdam?).

 

It hasn't been rolled out across the fleet yet and have had no word on it yet on the boards.

 

By the way the pricing was not the same as stated in in the post you quoted. It was cheaper on a per diem basis, but, both of our cruises on the Westerdam were longer.

If they tried it on Nieuw Amsterdam - they didn't continue it. My 23-day holiday collector in December was a 'minutes' package.

If they tried it on Nieuw Amsterdam - they didn't continue it. My 23-day holiday collector in December was a 'minutes' package.

Thanks Carole :)

Here's Cruise Critic's internet offerings summary, updated 3 weeks ago...

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=45#hal

As you can see by Carole's post above, not on her N Amsterdam cruise contrary to the CC article. I find CC articles may be inaccurate at times. "Testing" is not implementing. Westerdam's "test" was over long ago. She had unlimited internet when it was a "test" back in 2015 (and I was on her and used it ) and still does to this day.

I have on board ship credits, and credits from paying my cruise with the HAL credit card. Is there a way I can use those credits to pre-pay for beverage cards, or massages?

I have on board ship credits, and credits from paying my cruise with the HAL credit card. Is there a way I can use those credits to pre-pay for beverage cards, or massages?

I've never heard of "on board credit" actually being credited to anyone's folio

on a CCL brand until they actually step on board.

I have on board ship credits, and credits from paying my cruise with the HAL credit card. Is there a way I can use those credits to pre-pay for beverage cards, or massages?

The only way you can spend on board credits is to use them when on board. You could delay purchasing a beverage card, or massages, until you are on board. They can also be used to pay your HSC, so if you don't have too much in OBC, then it may be worth it to make your other purchases in advance.

The HAL/Visa credits can be used to purchase things in advance, although this is not the most effective use of those credits. You get a higher rate of return if you let those build up to 40,000 points.

I have on board ship credits, and credits from paying my cruise with the HAL credit card. Is there a way I can use those credits to pre-pay for beverage cards, or massages?

If you prepay, it is charged to your credit card.

You need to wait until you are on board to use on board ship credits. Beverage cards can be bought at any bar and massages are not usually sold out on the first day ;)

Return home flight boarding passes

Airlines just changed our flight again and it is earlier. Wondered if HAL on the Nieuw Amsterdam has a service that you can print your boarding passes the night before disembarkation to speed up the process?

Return home flight boarding passes

Airlines just changed our flight again and it is earlier. Wondered if HAL on the Nieuw Amsterdam has a service that you can print your boarding passes the night before disembarkation to speed up the process?

Yes they do. They normally have a "special" internet rate geared for just that.

Return home flight boarding passes

 

Airlines just changed our flight again and it is earlier. Wondered if HAL on the Nieuw Amsterdam has a service that you can print your boarding passes the night before disembarkation to speed up the process?

You might also want to look into Luggage Direct. You won’t have to worry about picking up your bags at the cruise terminal and checking them at the airport. Just pick them up at baggage claim at your final destination. They print boarding passes the last night of your cruise for you as part of this. It’s $25 per person but I believe availability depends on your airline.

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OK, I see the unlimited water/soda, and I see the 1 bottle per passenger for wine, but what are the rules about beer?:confused:

Are you still allowed to bring water/soda onboard?

Are you still allowed to bring water/soda onboard?

Yes. You may carry it on at both initial embarkation and at every port.

Thanks so much for the prompt reply

Yes they do. They normally have a "special" internet rate geared for just that.

A special last-day internet package is nice, but the crux is would you have

to bring your own printer if you need hardcopy?

... would you have

to bring your own printer if you need hardcopy?

No. The computer area has a printer, but (AFAIK) you must be using the ship's computers.

A special last-day internet package is nice, but the crux is would you have

to bring your own printer if you need hardcopy?

I believe you have to use their computers if you want a hard copy. I believe that's been said before to use the printer they provide,

I'm sure someone else will know for sure.

I believe you have to use their computers if you want a hard copy. I believe that's been said before to use the printer they provide,

 

I'm sure someone else will know for sure.

No. The computer area has a printer, but (AFAIK) you must be using the ship's computers.

To print you need to use your login on one of the HAL computers in the Library where the printers are connected.

To print you need to use your login on one of the HAL computers in the Library where the printers are connected.

Someone else, in another thread, pointed out "Isn't that what the concierge is for?" ;)

Someone else, in another thread, pointed out "Isn't that what the concierge is for?" ;)

Correct, but the concierge is only for Neptune Suites and above. Most people on board don't have access to that service so they need to print their own boarding passes ;)

yup, just finished 147 pages😱, took 4 days! Amazing info, thanks to everyone.

 

Question, I'm trying to figure out the internet costs and our budget during our upcominng westerdam alasaka trip. Did I read somewhere that you can access the New York Times and access ship info without buying any internet package? DH must be able to read some kind of print news. I'm thinking of just doing the "social media" package just for basic texts/messenger but that really isn't even necessary as I can do whatever I need while in port. And really, unplugging is a good thing😉

 

 

Any info is greatly appreciated.

I don't know how you finished 147 pages in 4 days; I keep checking out a variety of links and losing my place. I need virtual breadcrumbs. I'm a news junkie but I'm just going to try to unplug for a bit. I'm going to Alaska also so I figure if I need a fix; I'll find a place with wifi and catch up. Have you thought about putting together a Cliff notes version of HAL for dummies? I'm still practicing the steps for what to do if I confront a bear.:)

We will be on our first cruise on the Amsterdam to Alaska in August. I drink coke zero but my husband doesn't. Would we both have to purchase the beverage package. Also do they only have fountain pop or do they have it in cans too. Their literature says they will give you a cup you can keep that is used for fountain drinks. Are you using the same cup for the entire trip? Also, are there lockers by the pools?