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

[MisterBill99]

Pinnacle class ships have three-prong US outlets, right? I picked up a new charger for my laptop and realized that it's three-prong. I saw a post a while ago saying that all HAL shops had, but I just wanted to make sure that I didn't need to bring a 3 to 2 prong adapter.

[*Miss G*]

23 minutes ago, MisterBill99 said:

Pinnacle class ships have three-prong US outlets, right? I picked up a new charger for my laptop and realized that it's three-prong. I saw a post a while ago saying that all HAL shops had, but I just wanted to make sure that I didn't need to bring a 3 to 2 prong adapter.

Yes, as well as USB ports. 

[MisterBill99]

13 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

Yes, as well as USB ports. 

 

Thanks. Sadly, I can't charge the laptop from a USB power port, although the power adapter does use a USB-C cable. But it will be handy for charging the phones/fitness trackers so I won't need to use the power outlet for them.

Edited November 27, 2021 by MisterBill99

[MisterBill99]

Do HAL ships still not have ATM's? I seem to recall that they took them out a year or two pre-Covid.

[Cruise Suzy]

7 hours ago, MisterBill99 said:

Do HAL ships still not have ATM's? I seem to recall that they took them out a year or two pre-Covid.

 

Didn't notice any last week, but wasn't looking for one.

[kazu]

8 hours ago, MisterBill99 said:

Do HAL ships still not have ATM's? I seem to recall that they took them out a year or two pre-Covid.

 

I haven’t been on the Pinnacle Class so can’t address them but have not seen ATM machines on any of the other ships I have been on.

 

 

[terrydtx]

9 hours ago, MisterBill99 said:

Do HAL ships still not have ATM's? I seem to recall that they took them out a year or two pre-Covid.

None on the Noordam in 2019. 

[JackOnTable]

On 10/10/2021 at 5:07 PM, RGEDad said:

does not look like your questions were answered. Let me give it a try...

♦Shampoo - Yes, Shower has Shampoo, body wash, and conditioner dispensers. Hand soap dispenser also by the sink (since COVID - no more bar soap)

♦Hair Driers are provided (typically in the cabinet next to the desk). FYI: NO Heat producing devices of any are permitted - and no surge protectors of any kind either.

♦You can cancel the pre-paid cruise tour - I think up to 3 days before the cruise on-line - money is refunded the source funding. Can also cancel on-board - cut-off times can vary so check with the excursion desk. Good thing about doing HAL excursions is - if the tours is cancelled - they automatically refund. We just had a tour - and the tour cancelled the dinner portion for some reason - we got a partial refund the next day - credit to OBC.

Hope that answers some of your questions

Thanks for the details! It's good that even in the case of a dinner cancellation, the money is refunded. But it is strange that there is nothing for warmth. Wasn't it cold?

[kazu]

20 hours ago, JackOnTable said:

Thanks for the details! It's good that even in the case of a dinner cancellation, the money is refunded. But it is strange that there is nothing for warmth. Wasn't it cold?

 

RGEDad was referring to what you are allowed to bring on board.  There is certainly heat in the cabins 😉 

[KrausHaus]

Not exactly new to HAL but have a question. When choosing a cabin, is there still an option for an upgrade? I've always been fairly happy with my choice and afraid that I might get something I don't really want. I've just chosen a cabin that I like as it has a larger balcony and is category V, the highest of the V categories. If I were ask for a possible upgrade would it at least kick me up to the next category which is a Vista Suite? 

[Mary229]

6 minutes ago, '51 Pinot said:

Not exactly new to HAL but have a question. When choosing a cabin, is there still an option for an upgrade? I've always been fairly happy with my choice and afraid that I might get something I don't really want. I've just chosen a cabin that I like as it has a larger balcony and is category V, the highest of the V categories. If I were ask for a possible upgrade would it at least kick me up to the next category which is a Vista Suite? 

When I book I always book with "No Upgrade" but then near final payment date or soon thereafter I or my agent contact HAL to explore upsell opportunities.  I have always gotten an opportunity but haven't always taken it.  

[kazu]

4 hours ago, '51 Pinot said:

Not exactly new to HAL but have a question. When choosing a cabin, is there still an option for an upgrade? I've always been fairly happy with my choice and afraid that I might get something I don't really want. I've just chosen a cabin that I like as it has a larger balcony and is category V, the highest of the V categories. If I were ask for a possible upgrade would it at least kick me up to the next category which is a Vista Suite? 

 

Not necessarily.  Depending on your cabin class (ie.VC) you might get upgraded to the next category (ie. VB).  Note, what HAL considers a better cabin may not be in your opinion.

 

If you really like your cabin, I would have it marked no upgrade.  You can still get upsell offers and, if you use a TA or PCC let them know you are interested and you may receive one.  With the upsell, you do pay for it but it is not the cost that you would if you booked.  Some can be really good offers and sometimes, they are not worth the price.

 

Think in advance how much you are willing to pay if you get such an offer as they are offered to many and the first ones to accept are the ones that succeed.  Note - you normally get to choose your cabin in that scenario.

[tupper10]

A question - we are new to Holland America. For internet do we need one package for 2 of us or do we buy 2 packages since we both have a cell phone and computer.  Thank you.

[RuthC]

31 minutes ago, tupper10 said:

A question - we are new to Holland America. For internet do we need one package for 2 of us or do we buy 2 packages since we both have a cell phone and computer.  Thank you.

If you want to be using the Internet at the same time, you need two plans. Otherwise, you need one plan, with one ID, password, and one device connected at a time. 

[tupper10]

8 minutes ago, RuthC said:

If you want to be using the Internet at the same time, you need two plans. Otherwise, you need one plan, with one ID, password, and one device connected at a time. 

Thank you.  

[cruiseguy56]

On 8/18/2014 at 11:27 AM, CowPrincess said:

You can get a copy of your onboard account statement any time, from the Front Desk (or from the Neptune Concierge if you are in a NS or PS).

 

If you want to minimize what you owe when you leave the ship, you can buy onboard credits in advance through the HAL website.

You can also get a copy of your onboard account anytime on the Navigator app. Additionally the app is useful for embarkation, ordering room service, chatting with other members of your party (if they also have the app) booking excursions, etc. AND, you don't even have to pay for internet on board to stay in touch with your other party members using the chat feature(A whole lot better than spending 5-10 minutes trying to find where your party members dissapeared).

[cruiseguy56]

On 9/5/2021 at 6:25 PM, Omilona said:

Hi All,

I've identified quite a few excursions that I would like to book from HAL. Is there any advantage to booking them now vs on board? Unlike the actual cruise, one needs to pay them at booking time (refundable). Is it more/less/same amount to book on board? No reason to tie up my credit line  a year in advance  if it's the same to book it on board. Also, can one choose which table they would like in advance in the MDR and reserve it?

Thanks!

Stephanie

To add to what Ruth C said. HAL, and probably other lines have a tendency to cancel excursions if bookings haven't reached a certain level BEFORE cruise date. Waiting til on-baord could mean that the excursion has been cancelled. As others have said, if excursions ARE cancelled, you get refunded.

[oceans45]

Does HAL still issue swipe cards or have they moved to bracelets? Wondering if I need to bring a lanyard?

 

Happy sails to you!

[Btimmer]

37 minutes ago, oceans45 said:

Does HAL still issue swipe cards or have they moved to bracelets? Wondering if I need to bring a lanyard?

 

Happy sails to you!

Bring a lanyard.  

[dropframe]

26 minutes ago, Btimmer said:

Bring a lanyard.  

Unless something changes!

Edited January 6, 2022 by dropframe

[mess622]

Nancy and I depart on February 13 2022 for 21 days on the Nieuw Statendam.

 

We like to play Slots in the Casino.... 

 

If anyone has had lots and lots of LUCK on a certain machine please let us know.   Or a few pictures would be Great.

 

It is Super Bowl Sunday when we depart !!!

 

Thanks 

[mrs.beachowes]

Does HAL allow sharing tables at this time?  We like to meet new people at meal times.  
 

Thanks

[KrausHaus]

Our cruise last November on the Eurodam from Barcelona to Florida had normal dinner service. You either chose to have set assigned dinner time in the upstairs main dining room with the same people for your cruise or you could eat downstairs in the main dining room whenever you want and choose to eat at your own table for two or choose to eat at a table for 4, 6, or 8 people. We usually opted for a six top and met some nice people.

Edited January 15, 2022 by '51 Pinot

[ski ww]

We like to eat at a big table & meet new people, makes the cruise more interesting. Good to know it's still allowed.

[lilybay]

On 12/3/2021 at 11:09 AM, '51 Pinot said:

Not exactly new to HAL but have a question. When choosing a cabin, is there still an option for an upgrade? I've always been fairly happy with my choice and afraid that I might get something I don't really want. I've just chosen a cabin that I like as it has a larger balcony and is category V, the highest of the V categories. If I were ask for a possible upgrade would it at least kick me up to the next category which is a Vista Suite? 

upgrade and upsell are two different things. I always refuse the free upgrade by having my PCC check that box. If they upgrade you for free they may do something you dont want like move you from the large verandas on deck 4 of a pinnacle class ship to the smaller verandas of the vista suites or from your preferred location to where you don't want to be. Once they upgrade you, you can't change back. You have no choice. 

 

upsells get offered to everyone but sometimes seemingly randomly. they are near the last three weeks and if you decide you want to do an upsell you get to pick your room. If you don't like any of the rooms you don't have to do it. If you wait the price may come down. I once got a veranda for 99 that started at $499 by waiting a week or so. the final offer came three days before sailing. This only happens if they are still available. If your reservation is linked to a reservation in another category you will probably not get upsell offers. upsells are not free!