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

[qsuzi]

I haven't rec'd a slip from the slots. I've cashed out on my card and have presented my card to the cashier. At that point I've been given a piece of paper to sign off.

 

Thank you for this additional information. Will you confirm my current understanding.

 

When you use your card in the casino you can enter an amount and that amount will be charged to your account and will be first covered by nonrefundable credit if you have a sufficient amount to cover it. When you cash out your card records the cash out amount. Present your card to the cashier who will give you a piece of paper to sign off on the amount you received at cash out; copy given to me/cruiser.

Edited September 29, 2015 by qsuzi

[cruz chic]

Thank you for this additional information. Will you confirm my current understanding.

 

When you use your card in the casino you can enter an amount and that amount will be charged to your account and will be first covered by nonrefundable credit if you have a sufficient amount to cover it. When you cash out your card records the cash out amount. Present your card to the cashier who will give you a piece of paper to sign off on the amount you received at cash out; copy given to me/cruiser.

 

Yup, sounds right except for I can't confirm it comes from the non refundedable obc. It would make sense that it would.

[qsuzi]

Yup, sounds right except for I can't confirm it comes from the non refundedable obc. It would make sense that it would.

 

:) Thanks

[Lizzie68]

Thank you for this additional information. Will you confirm my current understanding.

 

When you use your card in the casino you can enter an amount and that amount will be charged to your account and will be first covered by nonrefundable credit if you have a sufficient amount to cover it. When you cash out your card records the cash out amount. Present your card to the cashier who will give you a piece of paper to sign off on the amount you received at cash out; copy given to me/cruiser.

 

Now I know why I don't use the casino onboard - it's way too complicated for me.:)

[dakrewser]

Thank you for this additional information. Will you confirm my current understanding.

 

When you use your card in the casino you can enter an amount and that amount will be charged to your account and will be first covered by nonrefundable credit if you have a sufficient amount to cover it. When you cash out your card records the cash out amount. Present your card to the cashier who will give you a piece of paper to sign off on the amount you received at cash out; copy given to me/cruiser.

 

Its posted to your account like any other charge (drink, specialty dining, shops, excursion, etc.). All charges are first offset by OBC. Many have stated that the non-refundable OBC is used first.

[qsuzi]

Its posted to your account like any other charge (drink, specialty dining, shops, excursion, etc.). All charges are first offset by OBC. Many have stated that the non-refundable OBC is used first.

 

I didn't want to charge $200 only to find out later it did NOT come out of my nonrefundable credit. All these years/cruises and I have never been in the casino and have no idea how everything works. Also it is not uncommon to see conflicting information and I feel more confident getting it from those with experience. Thanks again!

Edited September 30, 2015 by qsuzi

[qsuzi]

Now I know why I don't use the casino onboard - it's way too complicated for me.:)

Really? :D

Edited September 30, 2015 by qsuzi

[seawaysinger]

Hi Everyone, I haven't cruised for 10 years and never on HAL, but am leaving on the Veendam for Panama Canal in a coupe of weeks. I am interested in the wifi and cell service and am quite confused. My cell carrier is metroPCS and I have come to the conclusion that my cell phone will not work anywhere on ship or in the countries we will visit (no international coverage on metro PCS) so now I need to go to a different carrier and get something that will work. I also am considering buying a tablet for wifi/cell service but want to make sure it will work on this ship for this particular cruise before I buy anything. Can anyone help shed some light on this for me? I understand about the packages/rates per minute plans, but I want to make sure I have the right equipment for it all to work. I'd rather hear from you experienced sailors than from a geek at the cell phone store who hasn't "been there/done that" and just wants to sell me something. Thanks so much for your help!

[Crew News]

Hi Everyone, I haven't cruised for 10 years and never on HAL, but am leaving on the Veendam for Panama Canal in a coupe of weeks. I am interested in the wifi and cell service and am quite confused. My cell carrier is metroPCS and I have come to the conclusion that my cell phone will not work anywhere on ship or in the countries we will visit (no international coverage on metro PCS) so now I need to go to a different carrier and get something that will work. I also am considering buying a tablet for wifi/cell service but want to make sure it will work on this ship for this particular cruise before I buy anything. Can anyone help shed some light on this for me? I understand about the packages/rates per minute plans, but I want to make sure I have the right equipment for it all to work. I'd rather hear from you experienced sailors than from a geek at the cell phone store who hasn't "been there/done that" and just wants to sell me something. Thanks so much for your help!

 

Most carrier cell phones should work just fine as long as you are using the ships cell service ($$$$) but as the ship nears port, that service is discontinued. It would be best to check with MetroPCS to verify that.

 

If you want cell service in a country other than US, you will need to purchase a SIM card with international connection capability. Some folks keep their old cell phone for just that purpose. I would recommend buying the card from a cell phone provider and not an electronics store.

 

The ship's WiFi stays on while in port and you can use it with a tablet or PC for internet connection.

 

Ask a crew member and they can point you to the free WIFI locations in most ports since that is how they keep in touch with their families back home.

Edited October 7, 2015 by Crew News

[crusinpsychRN]

When are cabins ready on embarkation day?

[Tangocherie]

The staterooms are usually available at around 1:30 pm.

[Lizzie68]

Actually for the past several years they are available when boarding begins around 11:30 am, unless there is a deep cleaning going on. We usually board then and drop off our carry-ons before going for lunch.

Edited October 10, 2015 by Lizzie68

[crusinpsychRN]

Actually for the past several years they are available when boarding begins around 11:30 am, unless there is a deep cleaning going on. We usually board then and drop off our carry-ons before going for lunch.

 

Hope that's the case. I don't want to lug a carry on to the MDR for lunch.

[FloridaTourist]

Cruising on the Oosterdam april18 after dry dock. I assume ours will be ready immediately

[Jodad]

HAL has a very good record of preventing outbreaks. They offer hand sanitizer every time you return to the ship and also have stations throughout the ship. A nurse told me that hand sanitizer doesn't kill all bugs but soap and hot water will get the rest and is a smart move to stay healthy.

 

The alternate dining options where well worth the modest upcharge. On an Alaska cruise, I had an osso bucco worthy of a fine dining restaurant. The service is also elevated at these venues.

 

Have a great trip!

[Gojirart]

Cruising on the Oosterdam april18 after dry dock. I assume ours will be ready immediately

 

When is the Oosterdam going into dry dock? What is being done?

[FloridaTourist]

When is the Oosterdam going into dry dock? What is being done?

 

 

Don't know what is being done for sure . I assume they are replacing carpets and furnishings and the addition of some new cabins from what I have read on cc. It goes in dry dock early April. If you go to the Hal site you will see 2 different floor plans for the ship before and after dry dock

[Stratheden]

When is the Oosterdam going into dry dock? What is being done?

 

Do a search for Zuiderdam dry dock or Noordam dry dock. It will be the same.

[Cynlyncho]

We are new to HAL. Our trip is Nov. 9th 2015, Panama Canal sunfarer. How dressy are "gala" nights?

[kazu]

We are new to HAL. Our trip is Nov. 9th 2015, Panama Canal sunfarer. How dressy are "gala" nights?

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic :)

 

Panama Sunfarer is a nice one.

 

Gala nights have changed a bit. Regular fare would be say, a sports jacket for men and nice pants, nice blouse or nice skirt or nice dress for women.

 

Gala nights appear to have changed and I think (think) you will be permitted sans sports jacket from what I am reading on the boards.

 

I would say you can definitely get away without the tie if you want.

 

On the other hand, you will see some very well dressed - tuxes, etc. - so wear what you feel good in and you should just be fine.

[Cynlyncho]

Thanks,

Was just wondering if evening gown , full length was necessary.

Also, are any of the "Gatun" excursions, unforgettable??

[kazu]

Thanks,

Was just wondering if evening gown , full length was necessary.

Also, are any of the "Gatun" excursions, unforgettable??

 

not necessary at all but if you want to wear one you can. You won't stand out if you don't.

 

there are some nice Gatun excursions and I am not one to book a lot of HAL excursions. A lot like the tour of the Panama by boat (different view point). We did the Embera Indian Village based on a post by Dutch by Association (no longer posts - but he had a great thread for a long time). We enjoyed it very much.

[Mocamps]

Hi everyone,

 

We have just booked a HAL cruise around New Zealand in February and am REALLY excited about it but a bit worried as this will be our first time with HAL. We are usually Celebrity cruisers and to be absolutely honest, only booked this cruise because the Celebrity one in the same month has been sold out for ages. I've been waiting to try to get a cancellation but the only thing that has come up has been inside cabins and we have never done a cruise without having a balcony. I just love to sit on it first thing in the morning and with a glass of wine before dinner in the evening.

 

On the HAL cruise we have managed to book an aft balcony cabin which I'm very excited about because I've always fancied an aft cabin but there has never been availability.

 

My only concern is that I can't understand why this cruise has so much availability when the Celebrity cruise is so popular. It visits practically the same ports. Is there something about the Noordam that puts people off??

 

Also, I can book a Signature Suite (SS) for very little extra but then wouldn't have my aft balcony. Can anyone tell me if the balcony on an SS category will be comparable? And are the SS perks worth an extra $200?? Also, the only SS is on Deck 8 under the Lido restaurant so that may also be a disadvantage. My aft cabin is on Deck 7.

 

I am gradually working my way through this forum but there are a LOT of pages so if anyone has any useful tips for a first time HAL cruiser please do let me know.

 

Many thanks - I don't know how I would plan my cruises without Cruise Critic!!:):)

[kazu]

Hi everyone,

 

We have just booked a HAL cruise around New Zealand in February and am REALLY excited about it but a bit worried as this will be our first time with HAL. We are usually Celebrity cruisers and to be absolutely honest, only booked this cruise because the Celebrity one in the same month has been sold out for ages. I've been waiting to try to get a cancellation but the only thing that has come up has been inside cabins and we have never done a cruise without having a balcony. I just love to sit on it first thing in the morning and with a glass of wine before dinner in the evening.

 

On the HAL cruise we have managed to book an aft balcony cabin which I'm very excited about because I've always fancied an aft cabin but there has never been availability.

 

My only concern is that I can't understand why this cruise has so much availability when the Celebrity cruise is so popular. It visits practically the same ports. Is there something about the Noordam that puts people off??

 

Also, I can book a Signature Suite (SS) for very little extra but then wouldn't have my aft balcony. Can anyone tell me if the balcony on an SS category will be comparable? And are the SS perks worth an extra $200?? Also, the only SS is on Deck 8 under the Lido restaurant so that may also be a disadvantage. My aft cabin is on Deck 7.

 

I am gradually working my way through this forum but there are a LOT of pages so if anyone has any useful tips for a first time HAL cruiser please do let me know.

 

Many thanks - I don't know how I would plan my cruises without Cruise Critic!!:):)

 

SS (Signature Suite) has a lot more real estate so if it's only $200 more than sounds like a good deal to me.

 

Perks are no biggie IMO but the room is. The balcony is also larger than a standard veranda. The view is different of course than an aft so it depends upon what you like. But the room is definitely a LOT bigger.

[Heartgrove]

If the Signature Suite is under the carpeted area of the Lido, it shouldn't be a problem. Also, if it is midships or a bit aft, it may be better than the aft cabin on the Tasman Sea which can be rough at times. My rule of thumb for cabin placement is just forward of the stack(s).

Edited October 17, 2015 by Heartgrove