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

[Mocamps]

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).

 

The Signature suite IS midships but we really quite like a bit of rock 'n' roll so that doesn't bother us at all. I'm thinking that there may be better views from the aft and it may be easier to see whales and dolphins but my husband says that the views of the coastline will be better from the side. But he's happy with either and has left it up to me to choose. I'm really torn because I've always wanted to try an aft cabin but there has never been one available though I'm a bit worried that there still seem to be a few available on this cruise. Do you think that might be because my husband is right and the views aren't so good??

 

And it looks like the SS might even be roughly the same price so it's a bit of a bargain. Help!! Our current cabin is 7143 and the suite is 8077.

[kazu]

The Signature suite IS midships but we really quite like a bit of rock 'n' roll so that doesn't bother us at all. I'm thinking that there may be better views from the aft and it may be easier to see whales and dolphins but my husband says that the views of the coastline will be better from the side. But he's happy with either and has left it up to me to choose. I'm really torn because I've always wanted to try an aft cabin but there has never been one available though I'm a bit worried that there still seem to be a few available on this cruise. Do you think that might be because my husband is right and the views aren't so good??

 

And it looks like the SS might even be roughly the same price so it's a bit of a bargain. Help!! Our current cabin is 7143 and the suite is 8077.

 

We've done your itinerary and there are wonderful views on the side. You can see the sea life as well. You can also go to the Sea View area for spotting them if you want an aft view.

 

I'd take the 8077. Some of the views on the side are tremendous. Either way, you are in for a nice cruise and itinerary :)

[teamflames]

Hi HAL experts!

My wife and I have booked the Koningsdam June 19 2016 Baltic and Fords cruise. It is only our 2nd ever cruise (last was Celebrity Med cruise). As I can occassionally suffer sea sickness we reserved level 5 midship (5094 I think - it has a slightly larger balcony). I know it is a new ship so hard to give cabin advice but can anyone see if there would be any issues? Link to deskplan http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/DeckPlansFull.action?ship=ko&deck=g&deep=0

Also, I am trying to look at shore excursions but according to web page these are not available, when does this normally occur? We want to get St Petersburg organised!!!

Appreciate all thoughts

James

[Host Walt]

I am trying to look at shore excursions but according to web page these are not available, when does this normally occur? We want to get St Petersburg organised!!!

Appreciate all thoughts

James

Shorex's are never posted or available until the terms and contracts with the providers are finalized and signed. Frequently that can take a while, especially if HAL has had some recent issues with dissatisfaction expressed by HAL passengers or other matters.

 

Once the arrangements are fixed and final, the excursion will be posted. The target is that the shorex's are settled and ready for booking 90 days or more before sailing.

 

That means all of your shorex's should be posted no later than mid-March, 2016.

 

In the meantime if you plan to go independent you can do your research right now. Just be aware that, if you go independent in St. Petersburg, you will need to apply for an individual visa for each person, an exercise that requires time, photos and more than $100 and at least 2 months processing time.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Host Walt

[Heartgrove]

The Signature suite IS midships but we really quite like a bit of rock 'n' roll so that doesn't bother us at all. I'm thinking that there may be better views from the aft and it may be easier to see whales and dolphins but my husband says that the views of the coastline will be better from the side. But he's happy with either and has left it up to me to choose. I'm really torn because I've always wanted to try an aft cabin but there has never been one available though I'm a bit worried that there still seem to be a few available on this cruise. Do you think that might be because my husband is right and the views aren't so good??

 

And it looks like the SS might even be roughly the same price so it's a bit of a bargain. Help!! Our current cabin is 7143 and the suite is 8077.

 

I've been to both countries twice (land only) and both are one of my favorite destinations, especially South Island. You will enjoy yourself in the "Land of the Long White Cloud."

 

Did you mention which direction you are sailing? The Sydney-Auckland cruise will have 8077 facing the sea off NZ but the coastline for AU. Both cabins are good choices. It would be nice if they traveled up the west coast of the South Island as the NZ Alps are better viewed there. A great cruise itinerary none the less!

[Windsailer]

 

In the meantime if you plan to go independent you can do your research right now. Just be aware that, if you go independent in St. Petersburg, you will need to apply for an individual visa for each person, an exercise that requires time, photos and more than $100 and at least 2 months processing time.

 

Actually that's not quite true. If you go with a licensed tour company (such as Alla) they will provide the visas. If you just want to get off the ship and wander on your own, yes, you need to get your own visa.

[Mocamps]

I've been to both countries twice (land only) and both are one of my favorite destinations, especially South Island. You will enjoy yourself in the "Land of the Long White Cloud."

 

Did you mention which direction you are sailing? The Sydney-Auckland cruise will have 8077 facing the sea off NZ but the coastline for AU. Both cabins are good choices. It would be nice if they traveled up the west coast of the South Island as the NZ Alps are better viewed there. A great cruise itinerary none the less!

 

It's actually the Auckland-Sydney cruise so 8077 should be facing the coastline by my reckoning!!

 

I've e-mailed my TA to get her to check on the price difference so we can make a decision. I'm happy with either so it will depend on just how much it costs. On the HAL site they are the same but she got us a good deal on the aft balcony so I'm not sure she'll be able to do the same with the SS. She's checking.

 

Thanks for your help. Any more HAL tips anyone? Does it differ much from Celebrity? We don't spend a lot of time doing much on the ship. It's mainly the balcony, the evening meal and the show that interests us.We usually go to the casino once or twice but that's about it. We have friends who cruise with Cunard and they go to lots of talks and have learned to do ballroom dancing and all sorts of things but we use the ship mainly as a moving hotel!!

[Lizzie68]

It's actually the Auckland-Sydney cruise so 8077 should be facing the coastline by my reckoning!!

 

I've e-mailed my TA to get her to check on the price difference so we can make a decision. I'm happy with either so it will depend on just how much it costs. On the HAL site they are the same but she got us a good deal on the aft balcony so I'm not sure she'll be able to do the same with the SS. She's checking.

 

Thanks for your help. Any more HAL tips anyone? Does it differ much from Celebrity? We don't spend a lot of time doing much on the ship. It's mainly the balcony, the evening meal and the show that interests us.We usually go to the casino once or twice but that's about it. We have friends who cruise with Cunard and they go to lots of talks and have learned to do ballroom dancing and all sorts of things but we use the ship mainly as a moving hotel!!

 

What a great cruise! I am sure you will have a fabulous time. It is hard to define what else you need to know, but perhaps a start would be to google HAL + cabins which will take you to a site with lots of info. Plus reading here on Cruise Critic where you will also find lots of information. Signature Suites are very nice, and for that price differential you can't go wrong.

[Mocamps]

What a great cruise! I am sure you will have a fabulous time. It is hard to define what else you need to know, but perhaps a start would be to google HAL + cabins which will take you to a site with lots of info. Plus reading here on Cruise Critic where you will also find lots of information. Signature Suites are very nice, and for that price differential you can't go wrong.

 

 

Unfortunately, although the price is the same on HAL's website, my TA can't get it for the same price (or even close!) as the aft balcony cabin.

 

She could have got us a standard balcony cabin at the side and for about $200 less than the one we have but I think I'll stick with the aft as I've always wanted to try one - unless you HAL experts tell me that there is something wrong with the HAL afts??:confused:

[IRL_Joanie]

Unfortunately, although the price is the same on HAL's website, my TA can't get it for the same price (or even close!) as the aft balcony cabin.

 

She could have got us a standard balcony cabin at the side and for about $200 less than the one we have but I think I'll stick with the aft as I've always wanted to try one - unless you HAL experts tell me that there is something wrong with the HAL afts??:confused:

I am an "After", one who adores the Aft Wrap Staterooms and would not even think of another stateroom choice if and Aft wrap stateroom is available:)

 

I know you are talking about Signature Suites and not Aft Wraps staterooms, but the gist is still the same for us. An Aft Stateroom is better than a Stateroom located on the Side of the ship. It is where we prefer to be:)

 

Go with what you want. If it is an Aft Stateroom you want and one is available, Go for it!!

 

There is nothing wrong with them and you will be happier in one knowing you chose it because you wanted it. Hope that makes sense...(working on my 1st cup of coffee this morning)

 

Some will tell you that the Aft staterooms are to far from the "_ _ _ _ _ _" (Insert wherever they say). But our come back is that while yes, it is that distance to "_ _ _ _ _", it is only 2 - 3 seconds to the MDR, The Lido etc, and it is where we wish to be so we are happy:)

 

As I said, I am an "After" and proud of it:)

 

Joanie

Edited October 20, 2015 by IRL_Joanie

[Mocamps]

I am an "After", one who adores the Aft Wrap Staterooms and would not even think of another stateroom choice if and Aft wrap stateroom is available:)

 

I know you are talking about Signature Suites and not Aft Wraps staterooms, but the gist is still the same for us. An Aft Stateroom is better than a Stateroom located on the Side of the ship. It is where we prefer to be:)

 

Go with what you want. If it is an Aft Stateroom you want and one is available, Go for it!!

 

There is nothing wrong with them and you will be happier in one knowing you chose it because you wanted it. Hope that makes sense...(working on my 1st cup of coffee this morning)

 

Some will tell you that the Aft staterooms are to far from the "_ _ _ _ _ _" (Insert wherever they say). But our come back is that while yes, it is that distance to "_ _ _ _ _", it is only 2 - 3 seconds to the MDR, The Lido etc, and it is where we wish to be so we are happy:)

 

As I said, I am an "After" and proud of it:)

 

Joanie

 

Thank you, Joanie!! I believe you are a bit of an expert on HAL cabins so that is good to hear. I was looking for your website but I believe that it has now been taken down.

The cabin we currently have is 7143 (next to the aft wrap which we absolutely can't stretch to even if there WAS one available!!) so I'm hoping we'll be able to see a bit of the coastline from it as well as the wake!!

 

I'm an avid researcher and have been working on this for a while now so I'm gradually getting to know more about HAL and am really looking forward to this cruise now. In fact, if a balcony cabin suddenly became available on the Solstice I would have to think very carefully whereas before I'd have grabbed it!!

[IRL_Joanie]

Thank you, Joanie!! I believe you are a bit of an expert on HAL cabins so that is good to hear. I was looking for your website but I believe that it has now been taken down.

The cabin we currently have is 7143 (next to the aft wrap which we absolutely can't stretch to even if there WAS one available!!) so I'm hoping we'll be able to see a bit of the coastline from it as well as the wake!!

 

I'm an avid researcher and have been working on this for a while now so I'm gradually getting to know more about HAL and am really looking forward to this cruise now. In fact, if a balcony cabin suddenly became available on the Solstice I would have to think very carefully whereas before I'd have grabbed it!!

 

We have been in 7142, next door to yours and had friends in 7143. They loved it:) It had slightly more coverage than the deck below does, though being a deck closer to Lido Deck....they and I, were shocked at 5:30 or so am to be hit with water from above.....Not badly just a little but we noted to ourselves to make sure to move under the overhang as soon as we heard the Lido Deck crew beginning their morning cleaning duties:)

 

You will see a bit more of the coastline from your stateroom than if you (obviously) were more towards the aft middle....... But you'd have to be standing at the railing....

 

I have no comparisons of any other cruise lines staterooms on the aft since we've only been on HAL.

 

Joanie

[ChristyS]

Okay what is all this discussion I am seeing about an aft cabin?

[IRL_Joanie]

Biggest balcony on the ship (other than Promenade). Deck 5 SB Suite. 5191 or 5190. And there's 100 more square feet of the balcony over on the side of the ship.

 

 

 

Okay what is all this discussion I am seeing about an aft cabin?

 

This is the reason for the hype of the Aft:)

 

As I said, I am an "After":)

 

Joanie

[Mocamps]

That balcony looks amazing!! But to be fair, Joanie, that is an AFT WRAP cabin, isn't it? So it actually wraps around the side of the ship as well as the back. And it is a suite, isn't it?

 

The true 'aft' cabins aren't as big as that but are just slightly bigger balconies. Is that correct? I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground and not have too high expectations!!

[IRL_Joanie]

That balcony looks amazing!! But to be fair, Joanie, that is an AFT WRAP cabin, isn't it? So it actually wraps around the side of the ship as well as the back. And it is a suite, isn't it?

 

The true 'aft' cabins aren't as big as that but are just slightly bigger balconies. Is that correct? I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground and not have too high expectations!!

 

You are correct. Look at how deep the verandah is though. From the door to the railing the distance is the same for the aft staterooms also. Just not as wide.

 

Width wise on the Vistas, if you look at the first photo that AZNative posted the aft staterooms are as wide as 2 loungers a small table and a deck chair with Ottoman wide. There are also another deck chair and I believe a larger table. The aft HC stateroom verandahs are wider.

 

Hope this helps.....

 

Joanie

[Mocamps]

You are correct. Look at how deep the verandah is though. From the door to the railing the distance is the same for the aft staterooms also. Just not as wide.

 

Width wise on the Vistas, if you look at the first photo that AZNative posted the aft staterooms are as wide as 2 loungers a small table and a deck chair with Ottoman wide. There are also another deck chair and I believe a larger table. The aft HC stateroom verandahs are wider.

 

Hope this helps.....

 

Joanie

 

What is an HC stateroom?

 

And are you saying that our aft cabin on Deck 7 will be as deep as the one in the photo?

 

Morag

[Lizzie68]

What is an HC stateroom?

 

And are you saying that our aft cabin on Deck 7 will be as deep as the one in the photo?

 

Morag

 

HC = Handicapped accessible cabin. Less furniture, less closets, easier to manouever in a wheelchair. Lower sink, shower stall only.

Edited October 22, 2015 by Lizzie68

[Mocamps]

Its their company, they can do it any way they want. If enough people were to choose a different cruise line they might reconsider, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

 

I'm guessing this cruiser lives in the US!! I live in the UK and it infuriates me that some cruise lines do this. And it seems fairly random because we were able to book a Carnival cruise in the US but not a HAL one? And they're owned by the same company? We have had no problem booking Celebrity or Royal Caribbean in America either.

 

And what makes me even more mad is that when I have queried the price differential direct with cruise companies they tell me that they use the same pricing and policies across the board which they blatantly do not!! In the UK if you book and pay a deposit and then the price changes or you want to cancel before final payment then you lose your deposit. In the US you don't - one of the reasons why I much prefer to book in the US. That and the fact that it is usually much cheaper. And sometimes the drinks packages apply in one country and not in another. And yet the reservation staff still tell me that they all do the same. I just don't understand it!

 

We are in the fortunate position of having dual citizenship so that sometimes helps but I do wish they would just use the same pricing and policies across the board. It would make it so much easier.

[Mocamps]

Hi folks,

 

I need some advice on alcohol for our cruise to New Zealand in February. I understand that we are allowed to bring on one bottle of wine without paying anything. Is that per person or per cabin? And does that include champagne?

 

I also understand that if we bring any more wine then we will need to pay $18 corkage but can then take it to the restaurants. As our cruise is in New Zealand and they make great wine, our plan is to do that because we'll then get better wines for the same price or cheaper than ship's wines. So I'm sorted with wines!!

 

My question is about spirits. Whilst I'm happy with wine, my husband likes to have a small G & T on the balcony as an aperitif. I understand that we can bring on-board as much as we like in the way of soft drinks and I've read somewhere that you can get a bottle of spirits on-board for $35 so that we can keep it in the cabin. Is that correct? If so, how big a bottle is that?

 

Thanks

[kazu]

Hi folks,

 

 

 

I need some advice on alcohol for our cruise to New Zealand in February. I understand that we are allowed to bring on one bottle of wine without paying anything. Is that per person or per cabin? And does that include champagne?

 

 

 

I also understand that if we bring any more wine then we will need to pay $18 corkage but can then take it to the restaurants. As our cruise is in New Zealand and they make great wine, our plan is to do that because we'll then get better wines for the same price or cheaper than ship's wines. So I'm sorted with wines!!

 

 

 

My question is about spirits. Whilst I'm happy with wine, my husband likes to have a small G & T on the balcony as an aperitif. I understand that we can bring on-board as much as we like in the way of soft drinks and I've read somewhere that you can get a bottle of spirits on-board for $35 so that we can keep it in the cabin. Is that correct? If so, how big a bottle is that?

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

sounds like you have it all pretty well sorted out.

 

Champagne is a wine so it is included in the wine rules.

 

You can indeed buy a bottle of gin for your room. You can either buy it on line or when you are on board (or both;))

 

Prices vary depending upon the brand you want to buy but there is an economical one on the list and the price you are quoting sounds about right. might have changed by a $1 or $2. All the bottles are 1 litre unless a different size is indicated.

 

hope this helps ;)

[Mocamps]

sounds like you have it all pretty well sorted out.

 

Champagne is a wine so it is included in the wine rules.

 

You can indeed buy a bottle of gin for your room. You can either buy it on line or when you are on board (or both;))

 

Prices vary depending upon the brand you want to buy but there is an economical one on the list and the price you are quoting sounds about right. might have changed by a $1 or $2. All the bottles are 1 litre unless a different size is indicated.

 

hope this helps ;)

 

Thank you so much! This forum is great for a newby on HAL!! I have just ploughed my way through the whole lot and found the answers to most of my questions so apologies for duplicating some.

 

I am an avid planner so do tend to have it all pretty much sorted before we go. My thinking is that we have so little time in each place so I need to be well prepared. My husband says that I plan too much but I reckon I have saved us a small fortune over the years!! Probably paid for an extra holiday!!

 

And on the one holiday where we went without having much booked we didn't have such a good time so I think I've proved my point.

 

By the way, many thanks to the people who mentioned that you can get OBC if you have Carnival shares. I immediately bought some in our pension plan and, quite apart from the $250 OBC, the shares themselves are doing rather well - probably because of all of us who have become keen cruisers!!

 

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

[qsuzi]

Will someone confirm if the following information I received from HAL Customer Service is correct. In specific, those in Pinnacle or Neptune suites receive special disembarkation and in some ports special embarkation. For disembarkation you have the option to disembark prior to those carrying their own luggage (Self Assist) or those not carrying their own luggage. For embarkation in ports where there is no separate room/place you gather so that you embark first do you receive the first embarkation group number regardless of time you get to the port (assuming it is before embarkation begins)?

Edited October 24, 2015 by qsuzi

[kazu]

Will someone confirm if the following information I received from HAL Customer Service is correct. In specific, those in Pinnacle or Neptune suites receive special disembarkation and in some ports special embarkation. For disembarkation you have the option to disembark prior to those carrying their own luggage (Self Assist) or those not carrying their own luggage. For embarkation in ports where there is no separate room/place you gather so that you embark first do you receive the first embarkation group number regardless of time you get to the port (assuming it is before embarkation begins)?

 

HUH?

 

the special disembarkation applies to tender ports only - you just don't need a tender ticket and get in the lineup to get off.

 

Other than the embarkation port (where you start your cruise) there is no special embarkation for NS or PS passengers at any other port, at least not in my experience.

 

I have NEVER heard of being offered disembarkation before the self disembarkation people (carrying their own luggage). They go off first and you can go off any time after that as you see fit. You do not need to go when your number is called - but when you want. Your luggage will be waiting in the terminal.

 

I hope I understood & answered the question?

Edited October 24, 2015 by kazu

[qsuzi]

HUH?

 

the special disembarkation applies to tender ports only - you just don't need a tender ticket and get in the lineup to get off.

 

Other than the embarkation port (where you start your cruise) there is no special embarkation for NS or PS passengers at any other port, at least not in my experience.

 

I have NEVER heard of being offered disembarkation before the self disembarkation people (carrying their own luggage). They go off first and you can go off any time after that as you see fit. You do not need to go when your number is called - but when you want. Your luggage will be waiting in the terminal.

 

I hope I understood & answered the question?

Thanks for your information Kazu and yes you did understand my question. It was Michael at HAL and he said it applied to tender ports and port of disembarkation. He confirmed this information to me again when I pointed out we were 30 minutes early to disembark and we didn't see anyone disembark prior to those of us doing self assist. I thought his information was wrong and he has it confused with just tender ports.

 

Do you get a priority number when you embark? Say we arrive 30 minutes after those first there and they got the best embarkation letter/number. Would we also get that letter/number if we are in a Neptune Suite? I don't think San Diego has a special lounge/room for those who are Neptune/Pinnacle.