Total newbie to HAL- many questions!

[QM2 fan]

Hi all, we usually use Cunard/Azamara/Silversea. What difference will we see with HAL please? Thinking of doing the March 27th California roundtrip from SAN in a Vista suite (??) . Have been offered an extra all inclusive drinks package- is that the "Have it all" deal? Most importantly, can anyone tell me what the current Covid protocols are? We are triple vaxxed, from the UK. I know I will need an ESTA for travel, but what else is required.. a pre arrival covid test? Pre boarding one? Any tips appreciated, thanks x  

[DaveOKC]

14 minutes ago, QM2 fan said:

Hi all, we usually use Cunard/Azamara/Silversea. What difference will we see with HAL please? Thinking of doing the March 27th California roundtrip from SAN in a Vista suite (??) . Have been offered an extra all inclusive drinks package- is that the "Have it all" deal? Most importantly, can anyone tell me what the current Covid protocols are? We are triple vaxxed, from the UK. I know I will need an ESTA for travel, but what else is required.. a pre arrival covid test? Pre boarding one? Any tips appreciated, thanks x  

We are on the same cruise.  We are from the US so do not know what restrictions you will have, but for us HAL just (2 days ago) changed our Covid test requirements from 2 to 3 days prior to the cruise.  Read the HAL website for exact details.

 

The Have it All drink package is basically 15 drinks per day, for those costing $11 or less (this includes specialty coffees, water, soda, etc).  If you do not buy alot of beverages on your cruise, you might want to price it without this.

 

As to the Vista cabin - it is basically a Verandah cabin, but a few feet longer and generally in a better location.  Most people are saying to save the money and buy a Verandah cabin.  We bought a Verandah originally, but two weeks ago were offerred an "upsell" to a Vista, Signature or Neptune suite for $249/$549/$899 more.  We took the Neptune for $899 more.  But you can see that the $249 for the Vista would be alot less than the current booking price difference today for the Verandah and Vista (just to give you an idea).

 

Hope this helps - hope to see you onboard.

[oaktreerb]

Covid test 3 days prior to boarding.   Covid test on Thursday for boarding on Sunday.  The updated requirement came out on 3/14/2022 and should be online.  You also have to fill out the health questionnaire a couple of days before boarding.

 

The special package HAL is offering is there on paper for you.  Don’t expect anything more.

[Kay S]

The Vista cabin has a better balcony.

[QM2 fan]

Thank you both for taking the time to reply.. will give it some thought.