Blackduck59 Posted May 25 #7326 Share Posted May 25 I would suggest that people remember that the United States Dollar is NOT a universal currency. It is not gratefully accepted everywhere. Just like foreign currency is never gratefully accepted in the United States. Make your currency plans accordingly. On our voyage next year we will be dealing with at least 5 different currencies including Canadian and US. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted May 25 #7327 Share Posted May 25 16 hours ago, Jensue9 said: Forgive me if this is a silly question but we are sailing on westerdam out of Auckland to Sydney. What currency do I tip in? I don’t mean the normal gratuities I mean things like room service etc. Australian dollars? US dollar? NZ dollars? The crew is used to US currency, so if you have that available fairly easily, it would be easier on them if you tip in US$. Otherwise, use what you have, and they will appreciate that, too. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 0106 Posted May 25 #7328 Share Posted May 25 1 hour ago, Blackduck59 said: I would suggest that people remember that the United States Dollar is NOT a universal currency. Yes but US currency is the only currency accepted on HAL ships. @Jensue9 ask about tipping on the ship for room service etc. I was just replying to her question. Servers have told me tips in US currency are the easiest for them. If you tip in Australian dollars, the only place they can easily spend them is if they are lucky enough to have time on shore in Australia. HAL does provide currency exchange but at an unfavorable rate. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jensue9 Posted May 25 #7329 Share Posted May 25 Thanks everyone for the advice. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare richstowe Posted May 26 #7330 Share Posted May 26 (edited) On 5/25/2024 at 2:30 PM, Blackduck59 said: I would suggest that people remember that the United States Dollar is NOT a universal currency. It is not gratefully accepted everywhere. It is the closest thing to a universal currency and in tourist situations is accepted as such. As a Canadian I carry credit cards (always 2) and US currency. On Med cruises I also carry Euros. This is not applicable advice when spending significant time in a specific country or in the countryside but certainly works for cruisers. On 5/25/2024 at 2:30 PM, Blackduck59 said: On our voyage next year we will be dealing with at least 5 different currencies including Canadian and US. At least 5? Wow. Edited May 26 by richstowe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackduck59 Posted May 26 #7331 Share Posted May 26 3 hours ago, richstowe said: It is the closest thing to a universal currency and in tourist situations is accepted as such. As a Canadian I carry credit cards (always 2) and US currency. On Med cruises I also carry Euros. This is not applicable advice when spending significant time in a specific country or in the countryside but certainly works for cruisers. At least 5? Wow. See how happy they are if you try to use US Dollars in Australia or New Zealand. I would not even try to use it in Europe or the UK. It may be readily accepted in parts of Canada but not necessarily given a favourable exchange rate. We travel with Credit Cards as well, that being said many places in Oz and New Zealand charge a % fee to use them. Yes 5 currencies, Canadian (leaving and returning home), US (4 ports), Australian (we're there for about a month), and New Zealand (3 land days and 6 port stops), and don't forget the Fijian dollar. So we will have US dollars with us but we never think of it as "universal", good everywhere. Nor are any of the other currencies we will have. That is just this Canadian's opinion. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted May 26 #7332 Share Posted May 26 17 minutes ago, Blackduck59 said: See how happy they are if you try to use US Dollars in Australia or New Zealand. I would not even try to use it in Europe or the UK. It may be readily accepted in parts of Canada but not necessarily given a favourable exchange rate. We travel with Credit Cards as well, that being said many places in Oz and New Zealand charge a % fee to use them. Yes 5 currencies, Canadian (leaving and returning home), US (4 ports), Australian (we're there for about a month), and New Zealand (3 land days and 6 port stops), and don't forget the Fijian dollar. So we will have US dollars with us but we never think of it as "universal", good everywhere. Nor are any of the other currencies we will have. That is just this Canadian's opinion. The only universal currency is chocolate, hands down😁 7 1 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackduck59 Posted May 26 #7333 Share Posted May 26 2 minutes ago, Mary229 said: The only universal currency is chocolate, hands down😁 Give the lady a Purdy's "Hedgehog" 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jensue9 Posted May 27 #7334 Share Posted May 27 Hi again 🤗. When booking my cruise on westerdam I had to take the last accessible cabin left and unfortunately it’s not a balcony. It is oceanview which is fine (hey I’m on a cruise!) but my question is in an oceanview cabin will I have an armchair or a couch? It’s just I’m not a good sleeper and sometimes need to get up and sit in a chair or on a couch due to my back. I know in princess who I’ve cruised mostly they have removed armchair or couch from all cabins below suite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasick Sailor Posted May 27 #7335 Share Posted May 27 4 minutes ago, Jensue9 said: Hi again 🤗. When booking my cruise on westerdam I had to take the last accessible cabin left and unfortunately it’s not a balcony. It is oceanview which is fine (hey I’m on a cruise!) but my question is in an oceanview cabin will I have an armchair or a couch? It’s just I’m not a good sleeper and sometimes need to get up and sit in a chair or on a couch due to my back. I know in princess who I’ve cruised mostly they have removed armchair or couch from all cabins below suite. Can you give a cabin #? You can also check halfacts.com westerdam and look for your cabin. Lots of times there are pictures. We are booked on Westerdam in an accessible signature suite cabin. It has a couch and 2 desks with 2 desk chairs (not a recliner) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted May 27 #7336 Share Posted May 27 13 minutes ago, Jensue9 said: It is oceanview which is fine (hey I’m on a cruise!) but my question is in an oceanview cabin will I have an armchair or a couch? An outside cabin on the Westerdam should have a couch, or at least a loveseat. I haven't stayed in outside cabins, but am basing my answer on experience knowing the inside cabins have a couch or loveseat, depending on the category. If the lowly insides do, the outsides must. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jensue9 Posted May 27 #7337 Share Posted May 27 11 minutes ago, Seasick Sailor said: Can you give a cabin #? You can also check halfacts.com westerdam and look for your cabin. Lots of times there are pictures. We are booked on Westerdam in an accessible signature suite cabin. It has a couch and 2 desks with 2 desk chairs (not a recliner) Cabin number is 1082 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasick Sailor Posted May 27 #7338 Share Posted May 27 11 minutes ago, Jensue9 said: Cabin number is 1082 I will check for pictures.. Large Oceanview Stateroom Deck: Main Category: C Size: Approximately 174 - 180 sq. ft. Occupancy: 2 guests standard - some sleep 4 Amenities: Two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, some staterooms also have a sofa bed and one upper bunk to sleep two additional guests, private bathroom with bathtub and shower, window, flat-screen TV and DVD player, luxurious bathrobes for use during the cruise, Elemis Aromapure bath amenities, massage showerhead, hairdryer, safe, telephone, complimentary fresh fruit, and complimentary shoeshine service and ice service. Fully Accessible Stateroom - Single Side Approach: 1081 and 1082 have a roll-in shower only. Smoking Policy: Smoking is not permitted in staterooms or on balconies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jensue9 Posted May 27 #7339 Share Posted May 27 1 hour ago, Seasick Sailor said: I will check for pictures.. Large Oceanview Stateroom Deck: Main Category: C Size: Approximately 174 - 180 sq. ft. Occupancy: 2 guests standard - some sleep 4 Amenities: Two lower beds convertible to a queen-size bed, some staterooms also have a sofa bed and one upper bunk to sleep two additional guests, private bathroom with bathtub and shower, window, flat-screen TV and DVD player, luxurious bathrobes for use during the cruise, Elemis Aromapure bath amenities, massage showerhead, hairdryer, safe, telephone, complimentary fresh fruit, and complimentary shoeshine service and ice service. Fully Accessible Stateroom - Single Side Approach: 1081 and 1082 have a roll-in shower only. Smoking Policy: Smoking is not permitted in staterooms or on balconies. Thank you! Let’s hope! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crystalspin Posted May 27 #7340 Share Posted May 27 3 hours ago, Jensue9 said: Cabin number is 1082 Hi! It appears this is a handicap-accessible cabin and as such it does not have a sofa, rather a firm chair (desk chair) and a storage cube shown AT the desk. Here it is the mirror-image on the Oosterdam (sister ship): https://halfacts.com/1081-oosterdam/ It also has a curb-less shower, per the diagram here: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jensue9 Posted May 27 #7341 Share Posted May 27 (edited) 1 hour ago, crystalspin said: Hi! It appears this is a handicap-accessible cabin and as such it does not have a sofa, rather a firm chair (desk chair) and a storage cube shown AT the desk. Here it is the mirror-image on the Oosterdam (sister ship): https://halfacts.com/1081-oosterdam/ It also has a curb-less shower, per the diagram here: Oh dear. Once onboard, if I asked nicely for a more comfortable chair or sofa they would bring me one? I’m happy to pay for it. Edited May 27 by Jensue9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crystalspin Posted May 27 #7342 Share Posted May 27 19 minutes ago, Jensue9 said: Oh dear. Once onboard, if I asked nicely for a more comfortable chair or sofa they would bring me one? I’m happy to pay for it. I'm sure it's not a charge-able request -- either it is available or not! You should start by asking your room steward(s) when they come around to introduce themselves. Escalate within housekeeping (ask stewards to ask their supervisor -- explain you don't need the extra room (which is left open for wheelchair or scooter users), but do need a more comfortable chair. Hey, it just occurred to me -- this is a case for the Special Needs Department (which apparently has another name): "Holland America Line does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities. However, some needs require adequate time to prepare for a guest's arrival. It is recommended that guests make every effort to contact our Guest Accessibility Department and to submit a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form well in advance of the departure of their cruise and/or cruisetour. We recommend submitting an SRI upon booking or a minimum of 45 days prior to departure." The underlined SRI Form link takes you to a page to enter your booking number and last name. But I can't manage to embed it. Go here: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/about/our-company/accessibility and find the text I copied above, click link. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jensue9 Posted May 27 #7343 Share Posted May 27 Thank you so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise245 Posted May 27 #7344 Share Posted May 27 I am not new to HAL but this is the second cruise I have this issue. I cannot book the flights myself on flightease. When I am able to access it and very often I cannot, i select the flight and put the info and then I get the message that the flight is no longer available. Also when I monitor the price and it goes down I cannot do anything always the same message it is no longer available. I know it can happen but not every single time. Anyone else have issues booking their flight on HAL site? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandwoman Posted May 31 #7345 Share Posted May 31 Can I specify a specific type of cabin and location with a waitlist request? Do we have to book whatever is available in order to get on the waitlist for a different cabin? Since the cruise is sailing on August 4, is it already too late because guaranteed and upgrade passengers are already being assigned? We have an August 4 cruise in mind, but there are no cabins available except inside and one oceanview. DH won't sail in anything below a veranda and I can't sail in a forward or high deck cabin (sea sickness). I know: fussy, fussy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare terrydtx Posted May 31 #7346 Share Posted May 31 24 minutes ago, islandwoman said: Can I specify a specific type of cabin and location with a waitlist request? Do we have to book whatever is available in order to get on the waitlist for a different cabin? Since the cruise is sailing on August 4, is it already too late because guaranteed and upgrade passengers are already being assigned? We have an August 4 cruise in mind, but there are no cabins available except inside and one oceanview. DH won't sail in anything below a veranda and I can't sail in a forward or high deck cabin (sea sickness). I know: fussy, fussy. If DH won't sail in anything less than a Verandah, you may want to look at a different cruise and date. Sounds like the cruise you want is nearly sold out. Do you use a TA, if so have them answer this question for you. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moriah Posted June 1 #7347 Share Posted June 1 21 hours ago, islandwoman said: Can I specify a specific type of cabin and location with a waitlist request? Do we have to book whatever is available in order to get on the waitlist for a different cabin? Since the cruise is sailing on August 4, is it already too late because guaranteed and upgrade passengers are already being assigned? We have an August 4 cruise in mind, but there are no cabins available except inside and one oceanview. DH won't sail in anything below a veranda and I can't sail in a forward or high deck cabin (sea sickness). I know: fussy, fussy. I've never heard of the waitlist, but I can tell you that for a cruise in August there is no way they are already assigning guarantee guests - that won't happen for a couple of months, maybe late July at the earliest. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance1224 Posted June 3 #7348 Share Posted June 3 Hi, Where is the Club Orange restaurant located on the Zaandam? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise Suzy Posted June 3 #7349 Share Posted June 3 12 minutes ago, Lance1224 said: Where is the Club Orange restaurant located on the Zaandam? Only the Pinnacle ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam) have a separate Club Orange restaurant. On all others, there is a separate line to enter the MDR if you have Any Time dining. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare terrydtx Posted June 3 #7350 Share Posted June 3 28 minutes ago, Cruise Suzy said: Only the Pinnacle ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam) have a separate Club Orange restaurant. On all others, there is a separate line to enter the MDR if you have Any Time dining. The separate CO line in the MDR will get CO guests seated before other guests in the anytime dining waiting lines. Also you will get an CO menu with the extra CO special menu items for that night. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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