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

[DutchByAssociation]

Thanks Dutch!

 

Since there will be 29 CA's, 58 will be reserved for those staterooms, leaving 122 to 142 remaining? Or, 61 to 71 each for Port and Starboard? If that's the case, I think they must be adding some! I don't think there were 90-100 Port & Starboard on the Maasdam recently.

 

I'm hoping that's correct!

 

Definitely fair nd reasonable assumptions for something that has yet to ocur :D.

[DutchByAssociation]

DBA, if you have any pull with the big wigs, please ask them to reinstate the activities staff. I just returned from a Celebrity cruise and it brought back all the fun memories of HAL cruises past. I miss all the fun stuff. PLEASE!!!!

 

Nothing has been removed TO "reinstate"

 

Terminology changed in the sense that what used to be a Cruise Director, DJ (aka Asst Cruise Director) and "Cruise Director Staff" is now:

 

Cruise Director

DJ

Travel Guide

Party Planner

Lifestylist

Techspert

Book Club Leader (Cruises of 15+ days I believe)

 

The CD, DJ and Lifestylist lead a lot of the more typical (i.e. "normal) cruise activities. Trivia, pool activities, sports events, etc

[DutchByAssociation]

Miss the Dam dollars.

 

Already addressed the rest.

 

As far as Dam Dollars go, they are still offered for Grand VOyages. Otherwise, the same kinds of items are given to the winners of all the various activities and events. You just don't collect a fake currency and all crowd the same table at the same time and then get disappointed if something is gone by the time you get to the front of the line.

[DutchByAssociation]

DBA

 

Could you please clarify Self-Disembarkation for me?

 

We will carry off all our bags ourselves.

I have read on the other thread about the new disembarkation that we would be given an early time (first off) and would have to be ready to go and be off the ship within that window. Alternately, another person has said that you can be off anytime after the first call.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

It may vary spome based on the port. Toward the start of your cruise (first few days) go to the Front Office and make sure they know that you would like the Express Disembark (self disembark) and they will make sure you're on the list and that you get the correct disembarkation information.

[DutchByAssociation]

Unfortunately Holland America have an antiquated smoking policy which allows smoking in cabins and balconies.

 

Could it be "better" in the eyes of those that are non-smokers? Yes.

 

Compared to several years ago (as recent as 2006/2007) the difference is HUGE.

[Cruisinetta]

DBA, please read my thread called "Food for thought". As for the labels being used for the old activities staff, that's just not the same. All the specialty experts do not do the activites that the activity staffs used to do. There is only so much the CD, DJ and Lifestylists can do. They cannot carry the load the activities staff used to. Thus less fun activities. Thank goodness they still do the shipbuilding contest. Anyway, that's just how I feel. Don't mean to ruffle any feathers, just stating a fact.

[Cinder Again]

Having just returned from 25 days on the Maasdam, I have to say it seems like the same number of activities are around on the cruise. They are just divided into "areas", like fitness, health, etc so I think it's easier to miss something, if you don't think a food class should be in the health section, for example. (Before anyone corrects me, I am just using this as an example, not stating it as fact.) For some reason, the new daily program allows me to miss some things, just because I scan too fast and miss something listed in a section. My fault, totally. I just have to read more closely, sometimes. For example, High Tea might only be listed where the dining room hours are, or the Chocolate extravaganza might be listed there, and I just miss it.

 

To HAL's credit, for any of you who have not attended any of the computer classes, you are really missing something! I learned so much in the classes, and it's FREE! Don't arrive late, though as the classes are well attended. My friend just returned from an Oceania cruise, and really missed having the classes available.

[DutchByAssociation]

Don't mean to ruffle any feathers, just stating a fact.

 

Understood.

 

That certainly isn't the goal or the intent. Sorry it came across that way for you.

[DutchByAssociation]

Having just returned from 25 days on the Maasdam, I have to say it seems like the same number of activities are around on the cruise. They are just divided into "areas", like fitness, health, etc so I think it's easier to miss something, if you don't think a food class should be in the health section, for example. (Before anyone corrects me, I am just using this as an example, not stating it as fact.) For some reason, the new daily program allows me to miss some things, just because I scan too fast and miss something listed in a section. My fault, totally. I just have to read more closely, sometimes. For example, High Tea might only be listed where the dining room hours are, or the Chocolate extravaganza might be listed there, and I just miss it.

 

To HAL's credit, for any of you who have not attended any of the computer classes, you are really missing something! I learned so much in the classes, and it's FREE! Don't arrive late, though as the classes are well attended. My friend just returned from an Oceania cruise, and really missed having the classes available.

 

The feedback on the Digital Workshop programs has been phenomenal... and after a less than impressive experience with Windows Vista on a laptop of mine I was VERY hesitant about Windows 7. The presentation offered before it even came out was amazing and is the reason that my new home computer has 7 on it for the OS. Otherwise I would have stayed on XP til who knows when :)

[sansterre]

Have you tried calling Shore Excursions? They might have additional information.

 

I can't imagine us going to a port where there are zero excursion options...

 

Yes, many of us on Cruise Critic/Roll Call have been checking the past two months. No excursions for Murmansk are known at this time. We sail June 6.

[rafinmd]

Have you tried calling Shore Excursions? They might have additional information.

 

I can't imagine us going to a port where there are zero excursion options...

 

Yes, many of us on Cruise Critic/Roll Call have been checking the past two months. No excursions for Murmansk are known at this time. We sail June 6.

 

It's unusual but certainly not unheard of. Another example is Ny Alesund from Prinsendam's Arctic Explorer.

 

Roy

[Mharvey66]

Hello, I will be going on my first cruies on Eurodam March 19th. Am greatly looking forward to it. Your blog has been extremely helpfull in my info gathering. But more so your name makes me smile as I lived in Lakewood WA for approx 25 yrs, and my Mom who still lives there is called "Dutch", she will be on the cruise with me. :)

[sansterre]

It's unusual but certainly not unheard of. Another example is Ny Alesund from Prinsendam's Arctic Explorer.

 

Roy

 

At least you can get off the ship in NyAlesund (Norway).

That is not the case in Murmansk (Russia). One would need a Visa - or so I presume!:confused::eek:

[mbodamer]

"B",

 

A recent thread here on CruiseCritic once again brings up the subject of show times. Sometimes they are early others they are an hour later. Do you know what factors go in to setting these times? Or why there is sometimes a difference between one ship and another with perhaps similar itineraries?

 

Thanks...

 

Rochelle

 

Rochelle,

Sorry I know this isnt the most recent thread and don't know if this has been answered for you. I just got off the Zaandam after being on there 5 months as crew. Each week we had a revenue meeting with the Hotel Manager and all of us department heads. Various things were discussed but one in particular was often the showtime. The showtime is generally set but sometimes they are shuffled a little bit depending on the ports, the guest cruising, or activities. I personally saw the show times changed 3-4 times in the 5 months as they tried to find the sweet spot that was most appealing to the most guests. Holland America ships seem to have an older demographics, so if the shows start too late then everyone tries to cram into the first show and the second show is nothing but crickets. So you might see show times change, or vary by ship, it seems to be a hotel manager decision they is made with the collective information from all department heads to provide the best service to the guest.

Hope it helps

Mike

[sansterre]

At least you can get off the ship in NyAlesund (Norway).

That is not the case in Murmansk (Russia). One would need a Visa - or so I presume!:confused::eek:

 

I have brought this to HAL's attention and am waiting a call back.

Another question: does HAL do anything to celebrate Summer Solstice? We will be cruising on 6/21, in Molde on 6/22. Wondering when and how the Norwegians celebrate this event and if HAL recognizes it in any way.

[DutchByAssociation]

Hello, I will be going on my first cruies on Eurodam March 19th. Am greatly looking forward to it. Your blog has been extremely helpfull in my info gathering. But more so your name makes me smile as I lived in Lakewood WA for approx 25 yrs, and my Mom who still lives there is called "Dutch", she will be on the cruise with me. :)

 

I hope you and YOUR Dutch have a wonderful time!!

 

THIS Dutch will be landing at the FLL airport about 90 or so minutes after you sail away!

[DutchByAssociation]

I have brought this to HAL's attention and am waiting a call back.

Another question: does HAL do anything to celebrate Summer Solstice? We will be cruising on 6/21, in Molde on 6/22. Wondering when and how the Norwegians celebrate this event and if HAL recognizes it in any way.

 

Not aware of anything, but I've also never asked to be completely honest.

 

I would recommend checking with ship services. They can contact the specific ship and ask, and perhaps even request some sort of event. If it CAN be accommodated, I'm sure they would if an interest is expressed.

[LuAnn]

From searching the threads it appears that it will be mostly "soft goods" that will be changed out...is that correct and can you let us know what will be changed out...eg carpets, furniture coverings or ? Thank you! LuAnn

[roadking436]

Hi,

We're researching for our upcoming Mediterranean cruise and have a question. On the web site, when we log in to purchase packages / dining ect. it lists a Suite Elite Package, Double, 7-10 days-Vista for $740.00. Even though it says 7 to 10 day (our cruise is 12) it will still allow us to buy it. I called the 800# to inquire about it and wasn't comfortable with the answers I got. According to the young lady I talked to, our Suite (7052) qualified and we could purchase it. I asked for more description on what it included such as a pass to access the Hydro Pool & Thermal Suite located in the Greenhouse Spa. She really couldn't tell me what that pass got us, but did say that was the major part of the cost of the package. The rest of the package is somewhat self descriptive. Our question still is, "What is included in the pass?"

Our cruise only has 2 days at sea, so we're trying to decide if this package is a good value for us. As I said, we can pretty much place a value on everything else but the pass. Can you help? Thanks in advance for any questions you can answer and for all your work on this blog! :)

[Gerd]

...

 

 

Hello "Dutch"

 

could you please help me to find out what is actually included in the count for those extra Mariner "onboard spend cruise day credits".

 

I understand, it is all pre-cruise booked sore-excursions and the onboard spending’s.

Which kind of on-board parts are calculated into - and which not ?

The surcharge for Pinnacle Grill, wine-card and al other drinks onboard and so on.

But what is with the shopping arcade ? Which kind of payment goes also into count ? I guess the jewelries are not considered ?

 

What is on a 14 day cruise, like our next MS Ryndam cruise on June 12, the max. days one can earn per person ?

 

 

Happy cruising

 

G E R D

 

 

 

Our marvelous cruises : :)

 

MS Ryndam – Wayfarer – March 1997

MS Noordam - Transatlantic Island Hook - April 2001

MS Volendam - Southern Caribbean - April 2002

MS Volendam - Westfarer Caribbean - April 2004

MS Prinsendam - Windmills & Waterford – September 2004

MS Westerdam - Western Caribbean - April 2005

MS Statendam - Hawaii Circle - September 2005

MS Rotterdam - Vikings and Czars – July 2006

MS Veendam - Southern Caribbean – March 2007

MS Volendam – Panama Canal – April 2008

MS Noordam – Mediterranean Enchantment – September 2009

MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Inaugural Cruise - July 2010

MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Empires - July 2010

 

169 days - 39'247 Nm :

 

 

 

Future Cruise : :p

 

14 days MS Ryndam – North Cape Splendors, June 12

 

 

 

...

[kazu]

...

 

 

Hello "Dutch"

 

could you please help me to find out what is actually included in the count for those extra Mariner "onboard spend cruise day credits".

 

I understand, it is all pre-cruise booked sore-excursions and the onboard spending’s.

Which kind of on-board parts are calculated into - and which not ?

The surcharge for Pinnacle Grill, wine-card and al other drinks onboard and so on.

But what is with the shopping arcade ? Which kind of payment goes also into count ? I guess the jewelries are not considered ?

 

What is on a 14 day cruise, like our next MS Ryndam cruise on June 12, the max. days one can earn per person ?

 

 

Happy cruising

 

G E R D

 

 

 

Our marvelous cruises : :)

 

MS Ryndam – Wayfarer – March 1997

MS Noordam - Transatlantic Island Hook - April 2001

MS Volendam - Southern Caribbean - April 2002

MS Volendam - Westfarer Caribbean - April 2004

MS Prinsendam - Windmills & Waterford – September 2004

MS Westerdam - Western Caribbean - April 2005

MS Statendam - Hawaii Circle - September 2005

MS Rotterdam - Vikings and Czars – July 2006

MS Veendam - Southern Caribbean – March 2007

MS Volendam – Panama Canal – April 2008

MS Noordam – Mediterranean Enchantment – September 2009

MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Inaugural Cruise - July 2010

MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Empires - July 2010

 

169 days - 39'247 Nm :

 

 

 

Future Cruise : :p

 

14 days MS Ryndam – North Cape Splendors, June 12

 

 

 

...

 

Hi Gerd, I'm not DBA but I think I can answer your question. Absolutely EVERYTHING counts - except for the casino. The maximum you can earn is one day for every day you cruise.

 

So, if your cruise is 14 days, the max you can earn is 14 additional days.

 

And yes, jewellry, shopping, all that fun stuff does count :D

[SeaWatch]

Hi,

We are on the 3/27 N. Amsterdam with a balcony cabin. What o you think the chances we will get an upgrade call? How is that determined? Thanks for the blog.

[Gerd]

Hello "kazu"

 

many thanks for your answer.

 

I actually looking how I can fill-up my days to 200 (for my next 14 day cruise in July 2012)

 

Today I have 169 + 14 on the Ms Ryndam = 183 days

 

So I still have 17 to the magical 200 - and with the max 14 days of onboard credits bonus (what i certainly will not get), I will only max reach 197 days......:mad:

 

 

So now I have to look out on which cruise I will go additionally !!;)

 

 

Best regards

 

G E R D

[jtl513]

I actually looking how I can fill-up my days to 200 (for my next 14 day cruise in July 2012)

If you book a Suite you'll get another 14 days for that! :D

[rafinmd]

Hello "kazu"

 

many thanks for your answer.

 

I actually looking how I can fill-up my days to 200 (for my next 14 day cruise in July 2012)

 

Today I have 169 + 14 on the Ms Ryndam = 183 days

 

So I still have 17 to the magical 200 - and with the max 14 days of onboard credits bonus (what i certainly will not get), I will only max reach 197 days......:mad:

 

 

So now I have to look out on which cruise I will go additionally !!;)

 

 

Best regards

 

G E R D

 

Lots of seven-day European cruises available. If it's not too hard to get to Barcelona, maybe the Nieuw Amsterdam.

 

Roy