A new HAL Blog! (Yes, I'm a HAL employee!)

[cp556]

I am booked on HAL's 21 day Prisendam May 17th trans Atlantic cruise. Presently I am 8 days shy of my 100 day 4 star cruising status with HAL.

Please..is there any way I can achieve the 4 star status and benefits after I have completed 8 days while still on the cruise.

 

Dennis

 

 

Dennis ... Others are correct that it's 75 cruise day credits for 3-Star; 200 cruise day credits for 4-Star.

 

The new booklet that came out explaining the designations has this in the FAQ's:

 

Q: If I become eligible for a higher benefit tier while on board, when can I take advantage of the additional benefits?

 

A: Elevated benefits will take effect on your next Holland America Line cruise.

[pms4104]

We did book both of the cruise dates that we wanted -- just so that we got the SA that we wanted. Way back at the end of November. Mainly because we know how popular these Noordam cruises are. Believe me we were paying way more for the 2 separate cruises than if we could have gotten them as a collector's cruise. Our TA had us and HAL on the phone for over an hour yesterday working on this situation as HAL only wanted ti give us the discount rate if cancelled our 2 cruises and rebooked as 1 cruise -- and maybe losing the cabin we wanted. We even tried working on different dates. Tough morning but we did get the price reduction and it is now a Collector's cruise for us.

Thanks for the update ... sorry it was such a chore for you to merge the two 10-day into the Collectors voyage.

 

Yes, I know that the two 10-day are somewhat more $$$ than the 20-day sailing. I didn't have a lot of confidence in what the onboard consultant told us about the simplicity of merging the shorter sailings into one longer trip when the Collectors opened up ... hence, our $100/person for a to-be-determined cruise.

[DutchByAssociation]

Thanks for the update ... sorry it was such a chore for you to merge the two 10-day into the Collectors voyage.

 

Yes, I know that the two 10-day are somewhat more $$$ than the 20-day sailing. I didn't have a lot of confidence in what the onboard consultant told us about the simplicity of merging the shorter sailings into one longer trip when the Collectors opened up ... hence, our $100/person for a to-be-determined cruise.

 

camp - I think the difficulty lies in the fact that this is something that is very easy to do, but involves a department, Ship Inventory (aka the Upgrade Fairy department :)) that does not speak with the guests or travel agents directly. If it's a matter of them allowing the room that maybe has been delegated to the 2 10 day voyages and swapping it for a room on the 20 day, if both are of the exact same category, I can't think of a reason (not being in that department of course so keep that in mind) why this would be difficult to manage.

 

More likely, I'm guessing that the question was not relayed correctly... not placing any blame on which person could have maybe communicated the wishes a little better... but it sounds like just your more common, run of the mill communication problem.

[Sunshinelady55]

Hi B--the literature says we can bring wine onboard. Is that 1 bottle per person (like on Carnival) or is there a larger limit. Thanks. We like having a bottle in our room.

[pms4104]

Hi B--the literature says we can bring wine onboard. Is that 1 bottle per person (like on Carnival) or is there a larger limit. Thanks. We like having a bottle in our room.

Unlimited quantities of wine and chamnpagne:D

[DutchByAssociation]

the literature says we can bring wine onboard. Is that 1 bottle per person (like on Carnival) or is there a larger limit. Thanks. We like having a bottle in our room.

 

As much wine and champagne as you would like. Corkage fee applies if consumed in public venues. No fee for those enjoyed in your room. (Corkage fee is $18/btl)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hi B--the literature says we can bring wine onboard. Is that 1 bottle per person (like on Carnival) or is there a larger limit. Thanks. We like having a bottle in our room.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!!

I have people bring on a case or two of wine/champagne.

[GeriatricNurse]

As much wine and champagne as you would like. Corkage fee applies if consumed in public venues. No fee for those enjoyed in your room. (Corkage fee is $18/btl)

 

 

 

How about beer, water and soft drinks?

[onthegogirl]

G'day DBA,

 

Do you know the officers who will sail on the Circumnavigation of Australia cruise?

 

Carole

[SilvertoGold]

Hello, DBA

 

I am wondering if you have heard anything about the Alaska 14 day cruises out of Vancouver this year. Normally we book the north and south bounds as one 14 day Collector's Voyage. So far this year you must book these 7 day cruises separately.

 

Thanks very much for any insight!

 

SilvertoGold

[elycelynne]

How about beer, water and soft drinks?

 

I'm not aware of any limit on soft drinks and water. I was under the impression that beer wasn't allowed to be brought onboard. Is that correct?

[RuthC]

I'm not aware of any limit on soft drinks and water. I was under the impression that beer wasn't allowed to be brought onboard. Is that correct?

You're correct on all counts, Elyce.

[Copper10-8]

G'day DBA,

 

Do you know the officers who will sail on the Circumnavigation of Australia cruise?

 

Carole

 

Scheduled are:

Capt. Pieter Visser

HM Rene Tuinman

Culinary Ops Mngr Adrian Gearing

CD Drew Smith

Always subject to change!

[GeriatricNurse]

I'm not aware of any limit on soft drinks and water. I was under the impression that beer wasn't allowed to be brought onboard. Is that correct?

 

 

Why, specifically, is beer not permitted to be brought onboard at embarkation, as are unlimited quantities of wine, champagne, soft drinks and water?:(

[m steve]

We sailed on Westerdam in 2009 and was unable to dock in some ports due to high winds. We are taking the same cruise next week and notice that our time in San Juan and St. Martin are 2 hours shorter than last year. I don't understand why. I am sure that they burn more fuel sailing than sitting in port. Can you help?

[jtl513]

We sailed on Westerdam in 2009 and was unable to dock in some ports due to high winds. We are taking the same cruise next week and notice that our time in San Juan and St. Martin are 2 hours shorter than last year. I don't understand why. I am sure that they burn more fuel sailing than sitting in port. Can you help?

Yes, but they make much more money with people aboard in the bars, casino, shops, and spas. Also, if they leave earlier they can go slower to the next port, saving on fuel for that distance.

[pms4104]

Why, specifically, is beer not permitted to be brought onboard at embarkation, as are unlimited quantities of wine, champagne, soft drinks and water?:(

Maybe because it's HAL's ship ... and that gives HAL the right to institute and enforce any policy they desire.:)

[m steve]

but it's our da-- money.

[GeriatricNurse]

Maybe because it's HAL's ship ... and that gives HAL the right to institute and enforce any policy they desire.:)

 

Sorry, this is just speculation and does not answer my question! Hopefully, DBA will chime in with an answer.:confused:

[Balconies R Us]

This is our fifth cruise the first on HAL.

We are booked on the Rotterdam, May 22 round trip to Alaska out of Seattle. I am just worried about the problems after the refit and hope they will be resolved by then. I have seen nothing from CCers about the current sailing. Dutch, do you have any info about the current status? Checked out the pictures you posted. How long does it normally take to iron out the problems that naturally occur after dry-dock. We have a BB guarantee and I am especially worried about the leaks into the cabins under the Retreat. I'm really excited to try HAL but a bit anxious about all the problems they are having. Thank you for any reassurances you might be able to give me.

[flahagan]

We are taking our 17-year-old grandson on the April 4 sailing of the Noordam. He hopes to pursue a career in culinary arts and after much research, Hal seemed a perfect fit for all of us. This is our 4th "grandchild" trip and each is done to meet the interests and talents of that grandchild.

My question concerns the cooking classes, the cooking demonstrations and the galley tour. Is there any way of signing up pre-cruise for any of these, as it is our main reason for this trip, or do we have to take our chances and hope to get him a spot?

He is over-the-moon excited about this, and we want it to be as special as we can make it for him. He has overcome many difficulties in his life and we are trying to make this as fun and as beneficial for him as possible.

Any suggestions?

Thanks from a loving Nana.

[DutchByAssociation]

Hello, DBA

 

I am wondering if you have heard anything about the Alaska 14 day cruises out of Vancouver this year. Normally we book the north and south bounds as one 14 day Collector's Voyage. So far this year you must book these 7 day cruises separately.

 

Thanks very much for any insight!

 

SilvertoGold

 

Sometimes sailings will later become collectors voyages, but I'm not in the area that would determine when that time comes.

 

For a little variety though, you could also do the 14-day Amsterdam cruise. No port or glacier repeats :)

[DutchByAssociation]

You're correct on all counts, Elyce.

 

Agreed

[DutchByAssociation]

Sorry, this is just speculation and does not answer my question! Hopefully, DBA will chime in with an answer.:confused:

 

Ship Services may be able to provide a more specific answer for you.

[DutchByAssociation]

This is our fifth cruise the first on HAL.

We are booked on the Rotterdam, May 22 round trip to Alaska out of Seattle. I am just worried about the problems after the refit and hope they will be resolved by then. I have seen nothing from CCers about the current sailing. Dutch, do you have any info about the current status? Checked out the pictures you posted. How long does it normally take to iron out the problems that naturally occur after dry-dock. We have a BB guarantee and I am especially worried about the leaks into the cabins under the Retreat. I'm really excited to try HAL but a bit anxious about all the problems they are having. Thank you for any reassurances you might be able to give me.

 

First, you likely haven't heard anything from Rotterdam's next sailing because it's one month long. I would have no doubt that any issues that are more difficult would certainly be 'ironed out' within 6 months time. (time from first sailing til your cruise)

 

If it makes you rest any easier, I'm trying to find a way onto Rotterdam this summer myself. A very good friend is onboard and I would LOVE to be able to spend some time onboard with her.