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

[Bocker3]

On 3/24/2024 at 2:17 PM, Haljo1935 said:

Oh good - we know that went well for you! The last time I played in a casino I used my card, so clearly a change.

In fact, it's not either/or, it's both.  At least in slots, you can use your card or you can put cash in.  

I've not played the tables on HAL, so have no idea if they take cash - my guess is that they would, but it's just a guess.

[YourWorldWithBill]

I have a vague memory of someone putting cash on the craps table on HAL.

[Ready2go11]

They will happily take your cash at the casino table and exchange for chips. 

[Moriah]

2 hours ago, Bocker3 said:

In fact, it's not either/or, it's both.  At least in slots, you can use your card or you can put cash in.  

I've not played the tables on HAL, so have no idea if they take cash - my guess is that they would, but it's just a guess.

Last month on N.S. I noticed people trying to feed the slot machines paper bills were having a heck of a time.  Casino staff were always having to help them "feed" the machines.  My advice is if you plan to use cash be sure you have really crisp bills.  Even with those brand new machines, the cash feeds are very finicky.  Maybe just give Guest Services your cash to put in your account and then transfer the amount to the machine using your room card... (I don't have experience with table games, but I assume it's human hands taking your money and not those little bots inside the machines :))

Edited March 25 by Moriah

[librarylady19]

On 3/24/2024 at 4:51 PM, rwethereyet1969 said:

SO......a question for the ladies....

 

When sending your laundry in the HAL bag, do you put your bra in loose or do you bring a lingerie bag for your bra?  Just wondering if I should bring a lingerie bag to keep my bras from getting too twisted or snagged on other items or do the laundry staff automatically put bras in a lingerie bag when washing?

I hand wash bras as whatever you tell them in my experience bras are too delicate for their laundries. I forgot one time and the bra came back with the underwire broken.  Easy enough to bring along some hand wash (like Soak which doesn't require rinsing) and do the smalls in the sink!!

Edited March 25 by librarylady19

[Haljo1935]

25 minutes ago, librarylady19 said:

I hand wash bras as whatever you tell them in my experience bras are too delicate for their laundries. I forgot one time and the bra came back with the underwire broken.  Easy enough to bring along some hand wash (like Soak which doesn't require rinsing) and do the smalls in the sink!!

That was on HAL? Never had an issue on any of their ships. What did they say?

[librarylady19]

1 hour ago, Haljo1935 said:

That was on HAL? Never had an issue on any of their ships. What did they say?

Honestly, I don't remember if this was HAL or Celebrity but didn't complain as I figured I shouldn't have sent something I don't put in the dryer at home.

[KroozNut]

41 minutes ago, librarylady19 said:

Honestly, I don't remember if this was HAL or Celebrity but didn't complain as I figured I shouldn't have sent something I don't put in the dryer at home.

🤔

[rwethereyet1969]

I am lazy at home and I put my bras through the washer and dryer.  I always use a lingerie bag--thus my inquiry--and I wash on warm and dry on low.  The only thing I handwash on vacation are reusable cups/mugs.  I am pleasantly surprised by the reports of HAL's laundry services and the price is a steal.  I plan to send laundry a few times to avoid extra work after vacation.  If you have ever visited a WDW resort and looked at their laundry service prices, you might faint.  It would be cheaper to throw away your dirty clothes and buy new....LOL

[talpostal]

I haven't cruised since covid. How does the muster drill work for HAL these days? 

 

It sounds like you watch a video in your stateroom and then go check-in at your muster location and that's it. Is it a lot faster than it used to be?

 

No more lining up with hundreds of people at a certain time and hearing the ship blow its distress signal?

[Haljo1935]

16 minutes ago, talpostal said:

I haven't cruised since covid. How does the muster drill work for HAL these days? 

 

It sounds like you watch a video in your stateroom and then go check-in at your muster location and that's it. Is it a lot faster than it used to be?

 

No more lining up with hundreds of people at a certain time and hearing the ship blow its distress signal?

That is correct. Note TV will not work on any other channel until you play the safety video.

[FLCruiser97]

If I put my snacks (granola bars) in a bag that I am checking (not carry on), will there be a problem? I don't have room in my carry on and I don't want my luggage to get sent to the naughty room.

[Ileneilene123]

On 3/22/2024 at 3:12 PM, Sea Hag said:

I'm pretty much a HAL newbie, but I can tell you how it's worked for me. First off, I look at cabins available for the cruise I want to do. Then I call in and ask if CO is available for that sailing. If it is, then I tell the HAL person that I want to book it, add CO, and get the upgrade. I tell him or her what cabin I want to end up in, and he or she makes a booking for a cabin in the lowest category that can be upgraded to where I want to be. I make the deposit and pay for CO. I get an email confirmation. In the meantime, the HAL agent is working with the CO department to get the upgrade. When that's done, I get another email confirmation with the cabin that I wanted showing as booked. The last one I booked, I paid for a VF and got the VB that I wanted. There's probably an easier way to do this, but I find this very simple.

Complete Newbie as well, grateful for this site. 

 

How might a Club Orange cabin upgrade affect taking advantage of a future price adjustment or promotion? My PCC told me that I can take advantage of future promotions and discounts on my booking, but now I am considering adding CO. I would like to upgrade from an obstructed VH verandah to a V verandah cabin.

 

After I upgrade my cabin using CO, would a future discount or promotion be based on the original price/cabin category or the upgraded price/cabin category? Does this make sense? Thx. 

 

 

[Ready2go11]

2 hours ago, FLCruiser97 said:

If I put my snacks (granola bars) in a bag that I am checking (not carry on), will there be a problem? I don't have room in my carry on and I don't want my luggage to get sent to the naughty room.

I have put snacks like granola bars, nuts, candy in my checked bags to bring on board and have never had an issue. I think your luggage would be held longer if you had fresh fruits or vegetables that are not supposed to be brought on board.

[FLCruiser97]

5 minutes ago, Ready2go11 said:

I have put snacks like granola bars, nuts, candy in my checked bags to bring on board and have never had an issue. I think your luggage would be held longer if you had fresh fruits or vegetables that are not supposed to be brought on board.

Thank you @Ready2go11. 

[YourWorldWithBill]

5 hours ago, Ileneilene123 said:

Complete Newbie as well, grateful for this site. 

 

How might a Club Orange cabin upgrade affect taking advantage of a future price adjustment or promotion? My PCC told me that I can take advantage of future promotions and discounts on my booking, but now I am considering adding CO. I would like to upgrade from an obstructed VH verandah to a V verandah cabin.

 

After I upgrade my cabin using CO, would a future discount or promotion be based on the original price/cabin category or the upgraded price/cabin category? Does this make sense? Thx. 

We did what you're thinking about: booked an obstructed view, bought CO, and upgraded to a V cabin. Future discounts almost never happen, and might not apply, but it's still a good deal. But I wonder about any possible upgrade; that might depend on many factors.

[Stroopwafel]

Hi, apologies in advance for asking things that probably have been asked multiple times before. As first-time cruisers doing an Alaska cruise on Koningsdam, we are a bit overwhelmed.

We have booked a veranda suite and the Have It All package.

Some things not entirely clear to us:
- Are meals throughout the day included (also lunch/snacks)?
- Are drinks (below $11) free everywhere on the ship? Or only in particular areas/bars?
- Are drinks also free during dinner in the restaurant?
- Are specialty coffees also included?
- Maybe an easier question: which food/drinks/bars are not included, or when specifically?
- Should(/can) we make reservations for non-specialty restaurant(s)?
 

Thanks in advance!

[Haljo1935]

16 hours ago, FLCruiser97 said:

If I put my snacks (granola bars) in a bag that I am checking (not carry on), will there be a problem? I don't have room in my carry on and I don't want my luggage to get sent to the naughty room.

Should not be a problem.

[0106]

Are meals throughout the day included (also lunch/snacks)? Yes
Are drinks (below $11) free everywhere on the ship? Yes
Are drinks also free during dinner in the restaurant? Yes
Are specialty coffees also included? Yes, they count as one of your fifteen drinks
Maybe an easier question: which food/drinks/bars are not included, or when specifically? Specialty restaurants: Rudi’s Sel de Mar, Morimoto, Pinnacle, Tamarind, Caneletto are not included.  Make reservations asap. Gelato and Nami Sushi not included
- Should(/can) we make reservations for non-specialty restaurant(s)? Do you have fixed dining? If so you already have reservations.  If not, you can try to make reservations once you are on the ship.

[Haljo1935]

36 minutes ago, Stroopwafel said:

Hi, apologies in advance for asking things that probably have been asked multiple times before. As first-time cruisers doing an Alaska cruise on Koningsdam, we are a bit overwhelmed.

We have booked a veranda suite and the Have It All package.

Some things not entirely clear to us:
- Are meals throughout the day included (also lunch/snacks)?
- Are drinks (below $11) free everywhere on the ship? Or only in particular areas/bars?
- Are drinks also free during dinner in the restaurant?
- Are specialty coffees also included?
- Maybe an easier question: which food/drinks/bars are not included, or when specifically?
- Should(/can) we make reservations for non-specialty restaurant(s)?
 

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to cruising and to HAL!! You made a great choice for your first cruise IMO - we love AK.

I'll answer a few of your questions; I'm sure others will fill in the gaps.

 

Yes meals/snacks are included except for specialty or items noted as a surcharge. You are lucky - K'dam has the Grand Dutch Cafe (mid ship on 3, across from GS) which has fabulous sandwiches, soups, cookies and snacks at no charge (note the packaged items do cost extra).

 

You can use your HIA package to get drinks most everywhere,  including dining, except room service. Anything over $11 you pay the difference + 18%.

 

Specialty coffee is included w/HAL. In addition to dining venues, you can use it in Explorations Cafe and GDC.

 

When you booked, you selected either open dining (meaning you go anytime the dining room is open), early or main (which is called "late" dining, typically 7:30 or 8). It will be on your booking confirmation. So no reservations needed.

 

Safe travels- enjoy your cruise!

[islandwoman]

20 hours ago, Ready2go11 said:

I have put snacks like granola bars, nuts, candy in my checked bags to bring on board and have never had an issue.

Why?

Does HAL charge extra for snacks? 

After what I paid for my upcoming cruise, I would be really upset if I thought that I had to supply my own snacks 😒

Edited March 27 by islandwoman

[Ready2go11]

HAL provides a variety of food; however I like granola bars or other snacks for post-trip airplane rides or for excursions where food or snacks are not included and I want a non-perishable option I can carry with me. 
 

[FLCruiser97]

58 minutes ago, islandwoman said:

Why?

Does HAL charge extra for snacks? 

After what I paid for my upcoming cruise, I would be really upset if I thought that I had to supply my own snacks 😒

The snacks (granola bars, chocolate) are for shore excursions, etc. If DH gets low sugar, they come in handy.

[Crew News]

11 hours ago, Stroopwafel said:

Hi, apologies in advance for asking things that probably have been asked multiple times before. As first-time cruisers doing an Alaska cruise on Koningsdam, we are a bit overwhelmed.

We have booked a veranda suite and the Have It All package.

Some things not entirely clear to us:
- Are meals throughout the day included (also lunch/snacks)?
- Are drinks (below $11) free everywhere on the ship? Or only in particular areas/bars?
- Are drinks also free during dinner in the restaurant?
- Are specialty coffees also included?
- Maybe an easier question: which food/drinks/bars are not included, or when specifically?
- Should(/can) we make reservations for non-specialty restaurant(s)?
 

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Cruise Critic and the HAL Forum.  As you are learning, CC is a great opportunity to get answers to questions but also to learn a lot of insider tips to make your cruise experience a well-informed one.

 

The Koningsdam provides food 24/7 unfortunately, it is my experience that none of the food is packaged to take off the ship.  I pack granola bars in my checked luggage for every Alaska cruise for long excursions.  In addition to those dining venues mentioned by others, the ship has a Late Lido Market Buffet Snack service at 10:30 PM each evening.  Room Service is 24/7 with a few exceptions, at no charge:  Room Service Menu   Here is a link to the Room Service Breakfast card that you hang on your door handle when you retire for the evening:  Breakfast Card

 

Feel free to bring any food from the Lido Market Buffet back to your room for eating.  Bring gallon-size Ziploc bags that will fit a Lido Market saucer with chilled snacks (cheese, fruit, etc.) to place in your minibar for later eating.  Your Room Steward will remove the beverages from your minibar to make room for your personal items.  For potato or nacho chips, ask the Lido Market Salad Bar staff for an empty salad bowl, take the bowl to the sandwich station, and ask for it to be filled with chips.

 

The link in the lower right corner of my signature has the current beverage and dining menus.

 

It is certain that you will not lack many options for eating.  By the third cruise day, clothing may become tighter and some discretion might be necessary.  In my case, I eat only half of everything, except gelato, and have not gained a pound.

 

I am in Alaska aboard the Koningsdam next month and will be posting the current 7-Day daily programs and dining menus to help in your planning.

 

Make sure that you join your roll call to meet others on your cruise.

 

Feel free to ask lots of questions to help in your planning.

Edited March 27 by Crew News

[Southpaw97470]

Please excuse if this has been asked and answered or not the correct forum. Does HAL have 24 hour food options? For example if I'm craving a midnight snack or if I want a late breakfast, say 11:00 a.m.what are my options?

Thank you

SORRY! I SEE THIS HAS BEEN ANSWERED😳

 

Edited March 27 by Southpaw97470
Already answered