first lunch in dining room

[peug]

Hi, forgive me if this has been asked before. Yes I searched - no I didn't find it. DH and I are Mariners traveling with another couple who are not. On embarcation day can they eat in the dining room with us? I would hate for them to be embarrassed at the door of the dining room. I just don't know what the rules are for non-marineers traveling with marineers.

[WackyWayne]

On our 12/16 cruise on the Zuiderdam, the MDR was listed as being open for lunch in the embarkation day Explorer, so it felt like it was open to everyone. They always ask your cabin number when entering the MDR, so it was not possible to determine if they were screening for Mariners.

Go for it and enjoy :)

[hrhdhd]

DH and I are Mariners traveling with another couple who are not. On embarcation day can they eat in the dining room with us? I would hate for them to be embarrassed at the door of the dining room. I just don't know what the rules are for non-marineers traveling with marineers.

I'm not sure what there is to be embarrassed about. You all go to the dining room; if the question of Mariner status comes up, you tell the truth. If they can't eat with you, you say, "Well, let's all go enjoy the Lido buffet!"

Most people belong to a loyalty program or two and will understand that there are certain perks reserved for people with certain status levels. (We can start another thread about whether the embarkation luncheon is a perk.) Let them know ahead of time that there may be an issue, that's all. Nothing to be embarrassed about.

[we're sailing away....]

Yes they can and it is very good....

[Lauren]

We've not done this before. I'm assuming that this lunch is before you can get into your cabin? What do you do with your stuff you're carrying? DH usually has a backpack and I have a rolling carryon. It seems like those would be in the way in the dining room. We've usually just tucked them under the table in the Lido but the Mariner's lunch sounds like more fun.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes -- they can go to the dining room with on embarkation day.

Now -- some ships restrict the dining room to 4 star Mariners as there cen be a lot of them on that particular cruise.

Also -- sometimes the dining room is closed to everyone because the ship is hosting a lunch for TA's.

[Boytjie]

We've not done this before. I'm assuming that this lunch is before you can get into your cabin? What do you do with your stuff you're carrying? DH usually has a backpack and I have a rolling carryon. It seems like those would be in the way in the dining room. We've usually just tucked them under the table in the Lido but the Mariner's lunch sounds like more fun.

These days the cabins are supposed to be ready when you board. Previously we found a carry-on luggage check area on the Lido deck where we stored our stuff until the cabins became available.

[Boytjie]

Since it they sometimes limit the lunch to upper levels of Mariners, it appears that they might not be able to always accommodate all Mariners. If non-Mariner are admitted they may be taking away a benefit from current Mariners. Doesn't quite seem fair; HAL might as well just open the MDR for all then.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We've not done this before. I'm assuming that this lunch is before you can get into your cabin? What do you do with your stuff you're carrying? DH usually has a backpack and I have a rolling carryon. It seems like those would be in the way in the dining room. We've usually just tucked them under the table in the Lido but the Mariner's lunch sounds like more fun.

HAL started a new program some time that you can go directly to your cabin upon embarkation and drop off your carry-ons, etc.

BUT -- on our last cruise the ship had to go through a CDC inspection as she had just returned from Europe. So the cabins were not ready. We were fortunate that we could drop off our carry-ons in the Neptune Lounge. Others had to just keep everything with them as there wasn't any special place that they could leave their carry-ons.

[Lauren]

Yes -- they can go to the dining room with on embarkation day.

Now -- some ships restrict the dining room to 4 star Mariners as there cen be a lot of them on that particular cruise.

Also -- sometimes the dining room is closed to everyone because the ship is hosting a lunch for TA's.

Good information. I didn't know all that. Is there any way to know ahead of time? We might wait and board later if we knew we weren't invited to the Mariner's Lunch. We're going to be on for 25 days so it wouldn't matter to us if we weren't at the front of the line to board. We would have to drag our stuff along to lunch as we have camera, jewelry, etc. that we wouldn't drop off in a luggage area.

[innlady1]

The grumpy DRM on the Maasdam last winter told us the luncheon was "by invitation only". Not sure who was invited...there weren't many people dining.

[lorekauf]

The grumpy DRM on the Maasdam last winter told us the luncheon was "by invitation only". Not sure who was invited...there weren't many people dining.
They don't like to encourage it and IMO they try to get you go to the Lido. I good cruise for me is if I never eat in the Lido. I'm never seen the MDR busy at Embarkation.

[RMLincoln]

I'm sorry to hear that they somtimes restrict the Mariner's Embarkation Lunch to upper levels of Mariners. I'm currently 2 Stars and will be 3 Stars at the end of the first leg of our upcoming Collector's cruise (not that they will give 3 Star status until afterwards.... that's another bone) But here are my perk as advertised on HAL.com:[my bold added]

2-Star Mariner
Collect 30 Cruise Day credits and you’ll be elevated to a 2-Star Mariner, which entitles you to:

•Welcome Back Embarkation Lunch in the dining room (from 12:00pm to 1:30pm) as well as a complimentary Mariner Champagne Brunch
•A collectible gift presented to you on board [a lovely tile]
•A complimentary photo of the ship [a lovely postcard]
•A 10% discount on Holland America Line logo clothing sold in onboard signature shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise) [stuff they want to sell me]
•A 15% discount on merchandise from www.shophollandamerica.com[more stuff they want to sell me]
•A free subscription to the print or digital* version of Mariner magazine[advertising more cruises to sell me]
•Offers to special sailings hosted by a representative of the Mariner Society[more cruises to sell me]
•An annual cruise planner advertising more cruises to sell me]
•Special offers on select sailings and more cruises to sell me
•A 50% cruise fare discount on the 3rd/4th guest staying in your stateroom on select sailings [more cruises to sell me...]
•A special recognition lapel pin[free Bling! that I haven't decided if I"m proud enough to wear if it won't get me into lunch...]

The Embarkation Lunch is supposed to be for all Mariners. I wonder if they sometimes don't bother giving the discounts or other advertised perks:| to 3 and 4 star Mariners? I'm venting here and just being a bit snide, but it's disappointing to hear and I doubt that upper level Mariners would tolerate some of their perks not being honored - Oh you wanted 50% off Pinnacle, sorry not this cruise; Oh you expected free laundry?..... I'll stop.

I've yet to be "invited" to my "perk" and I've yet to have the opportunity to enjoy this lunch. :(

And now I also hear that they no longer have the "carry-on luggage check station" on Lido deck? OY. That was very convenient and helpful and I bragged on HAL about that to a lot of folks on Princess and Celebrity. sigh I think I'll be waiting until our next cruise before I do much more bragging. Maybe... I'm really not going to throw HAL under the bus over a lunch - it's not like we don't get enough food... Oh well, enough, point made:) m--

[Boytjie]

And now I also hear that they no longer have the "carry-on luggage check station" on Lido deck? OY. That was very convenient and helpful and I bragged on HAL about that to a lot of folks on Princess and Celebrity.

If the cabins are available when boarding begins that area should not be necessary anymore.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Good information. I didn't know all that. Is there any way to know ahead of time? We might wait and board later if we knew we weren't invited to the Mariner's Lunch. We're going to be on for 25 days so it wouldn't matter to us if we weren't at the front of the line to board. We would have to drag our stuff along to lunch as we have camera, jewelry, etc. that we wouldn't drop off in a luggage area.

Some times Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576 will be able to tell you if a special group will be using the dining room on embarkation.

The Amsterdam seems to attrack a lot of Mariners and thus the dining room manager limits the dining room on embarkation day to just 4 star Mariners. Usually you won't find this out until you get on the ship.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The grumpy DRM on the Maasdam last winter told us the luncheon was "by invitation only". Not sure who was invited...there weren't many people dining.

We are way past 4 stars and have heard about this before for various ships.

We have never yet been given an invitation to the Mariner's Embarkation lunch on any ship.

[innlady1]

This fellow who told me it was by "invitation only" was really cranky...so maybe he was just trying to intimidate and get fewer folks that day! I didn't pay attention...saw our friends, and walked over to the table they had held chairs for us.

[innlady1]

We are way past 4 stars and have heard about this before for various ships.

We have never yet been given an invitation to the Mariner's Embarkation lunch on any ship.

It wasn't very welcoming, good thing I let things like that "go in one ear, out the other!" ;)

[bcd2010]

Since it they sometimes limit the lunch to upper levels of Mariners, it appears that they might not be able to always accommodate all Mariners. If non-Mariner are admitted they may be taking away a benefit from current Mariners. Doesn't quite seem fair; HAL might as well just open the MDR for all then.

Good point - wish everyone would be considerate!

[Krazy Kruizers]

I'm sorry to hear that they somtimes restrict the Mariner's Embarkation Lunch to upper levels of Mariners. I'm currently 2 Stars and will be 3 Stars at the end of the first leg of our upcoming Collector's cruise (not that they will give 3 Star status until afterwards.... that's another bone) But here are my perk as advertised on HAL.com:[my bold added]

2-Star Mariner
Collect 30 Cruise Day credits and you’ll be elevated to a 2-Star Mariner, which entitles you to:

•Welcome Back Embarkation Lunch in the dining room (from 12:00pm to 1:30pm) as well as a complimentary Mariner Champagne Brunch
•A collectible gift presented to you on board [a lovely tile]
•A complimentary photo of the ship [a lovely postcard] Actually if you go down to the Photo Shop and show your ID card -- they will give you a picture of the ship -- not a postcard.
•A 10% discount on Holland America Line logo clothing sold in onboard signature shops (may exclude already discounted merchandise) [stuff they want to sell me]
•A 15% discount on merchandise from www.shophollandamerica.com (http://www.shophollandamerica.com)[more stuff they want to sell me]
•A free subscription to the print or digital* version of Mariner magazine[advertising more cruises to sell me]
•Offers to special sailings hosted by a representative of the Mariner Society[more cruises to sell me]
•An annual cruise planner advertising more cruises to sell me]
•Special offers on select sailings and more cruises to sell me
•A 50% cruise fare discount on the 3rd/4th guest staying in your stateroom on select sailings [more cruises to sell me...]
•A special recognition lapel pin[free Bling! that I haven't decided if I"m proud enough to wear if it won't get me into lunch...]

The Embarkation Lunch is supposed to be for all Mariners. I wonder if they sometimes don't bother giving the discounts or other advertised perks:| to 3 and 4 star Mariners? I'm venting here and just being a bit snide, but it's disappointing to hear and I doubt that upper level Mariners would tolerate some of their perks not being honored - Oh you wanted 50% off Pinnacle, sorry not this cruise; Oh you expected free laundry?..... I'll stop.

I've yet to be "invited" to my "perk" and I've yet to have the opportunity to enjoy this lunch. :(

And now I also hear that they no longer have the "carry-on luggage check station" on Lido deck? OY. That was very convenient and helpful and I bragged on HAL about that to a lot of folks on Princess and Celebrity. sigh I think I'll be waiting until our next cruise before I do much more bragging. Maybe... I'm really not going to throw HAL under the bus over a lunch - it's not like we don't get enough food... Oh well, enough, point made:) m--

They stopped having the check-in service for carry-ons when HAL started the new program that upon embarkation you can take your carry-ons directly to your cabin.

YUP -- we are among those who prebook Pinnacle and always have to fight for our 50% discount once we have eaten there.

[rafinmd]

Hi, forgive me if this has been asked before. Yes I searched - no I didn't find it. DH and I are Mariners traveling with another couple who are not. On embarcation day can they eat in the dining room with us? I would hate for them to be embarrassed at the door of the dining room. I just don't know what the rules are for non-marineers traveling with marineers.

Just in case, if your friends have ever cruised on Carnival or any of it's other partners (Cunard, Princess, Seabourn, etc.) they should be considered mariners.

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Since it they sometimes limit the lunch to upper levels of Mariners, it appears that they might not be able to always accommodate all Mariners. If non-Mariner are admitted they may be taking away a benefit from current Mariners. Doesn't quite seem fair; HAL might as well just open the MDR for all then.

When this new "star" program began -- that was a big topic about how people who have never cruised on HAL but are with Mariners could attend the Embarkation lunch.

This idea doesn't go over very well with many of us.

[RMLincoln]

They stopped having the check-in service for carry-ons when HAL started the new program that upon embarkation you can take your carry-ons directly to your cabin.

That's understandable and I haven't had that opportunity, yet. I always thought it was a great service.


YUP -- we are among those who prebook Pinnacle and always have to fight for our 50% discount once we have eaten there.

And I'm sorry to hear that, that's not the way it should be. [sigh!]

And thank you tolerating my little rant. :o m--

[Boytjie]

We have never yet been given an invitation to the Mariner's Embarkation lunch on any ship.

I thought they were supposed to give you the invitation at check-in.

who knows what will happen when we are on our RSVP charter in February, since we don;t get some Mariner benefits on those. I will check it out :)

[FLACRUISER99]

Just in case, if your friends have ever cruised on Carnival or any of it's other partners (Cunard, Princess, Seabourn, etc.) they should be considered mariners.

Roy
Why??:confused: From HAL's website "Every guest that joins us for any Holland America Line cruise returns as a Star Mariner. It’s our way of saying Welcome Back, and you’ll start feeling the special treatment as soon as you come aboard. Star Mariners receive: Welcome Back Embarkation Lunch in the dining room (from 12:00pm to 1:30pm) as well as a complimentary Mariner Champagne Brunch. http://www.hollandamerica.com/marinerSociety/Main.action

[innlady1]

Just in case, if your friends have ever cruised on Carnival or any of it's other partners (Cunard, Princess, Seabourn, etc.) they should be considered mariners.

Roy

Roy, it doesn't work that way. We had cruised on Princess before cruising on HAL...I asked of those days counted toward our Mariner status and was told they did not.

[Krazy Kruizers]

And I'm sorry to hear that, that's not the way it should be. [sigh!]

And thank you tolerating my little rant. :o m--

Not a problem -- we all have to rant some time.

You should see me the ships when I start fighting for our 50% off the Pinnacle. This has been going on since the program began over 2 years ago.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I thought they were supposed to give you the invitation at check-in.

who knows what will happen when we are on our RSVP charter in February, since we don;t get some Mariner benefits on those. I will check it out :)

One time I asked if we needed an invitation to go the Embarkation lunch -- the person checking us in -- "What invitation?" She had no idea what I was talking about.

Never asked again - just showed at the dining room if we felt like eating there that day.

[Boytjie]

Roy, it doesn't work that way. We had cruised on Princess before cruising on HAL...I asked of those days counted toward our Mariner status and was told they did not.

The days sailed on other cruise lines don't count but you are considered a 1 star Mariner on HAL.

From the HAL website:

Qualifying cruises for Star Mariner Status are defined as a cruise on any of the "World's Leading Cruise Lines" brand ships [Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn or Costa Cruises]. These guests are automatically enrolled as a Star Mariner when they make their first booking with Holland America Line because of their affiliation with the World’s Leading Cruise Line. Subsequent Star levels are calculated on qualifying days and onboard spending on Holland America Line ships only

[hrhdhd]

•A complimentary photo of the ship [a lovely postcard]

Just to clarify, the complimentary photo is not a post card. It's your choice of a stock photo of the ship from the photo place. Just show your ID and pick your photo. (It's still not much, but we like to get one of every ship.)

And now I also hear that they no longer have the "carry-on luggage check station" on Lido deck? OY. That was very convenient and helpful and I bragged on HAL about that to a lot of folks on Princess and Celebrity.

Someone has already pointed out that with Stateroom Direct, you'll be able to access your cabin immediately upon boarding. I don't know how Celebrity does it, but that's how Princess operates (and did well before HAL started Stateroom Direct), so I'm not sure how HAL had a leg up on Princess when you couldn't get to your room on HAL until 1:30 p.m. but you could get to it on Princess. I'd rather go to my room and drop stuff off than leave it on the Lido deck.

[RMLincoln]

Just to clarify, the complimentary photo is not a post card. It's your choice of a stock photo of the ship from the photo place. Just show your ID and pick your photo. (It's still not much, but we like to get one of every ship.)



Someone has already pointed out that with Stateroom Direct, you'll be able to access your cabin immediately upon boarding. I don't know how Celebrity does it, but that's how Princess operates (and did well before HAL started Stateroom Direct), so I'm not sure how HAL had a leg up on Princess when you couldn't get to your room on HAL until 1:30 p.m. but you could get to it on Princess. I'd rather go to my room and drop stuff off than leave it on the Lido deck.

The info about the picture is pretty cool! I didn't know that. Thanks for that tidbit.

On Ruby Princess (2010) and Celebrity (2011) they did not have our rooms ready until 1:00 and we schlepped our stuff around the buffet (like everyone else) and I kept thinking, "I am not on a Dam ship!" But if the rooms are indeed ready, that would be best! :)

[rafinmd]

The days sailed on other cruise lines don't count but you are considered a 1 star Mariner on HAL.

From the HAL website:

Qualifying cruises for Star Mariner Status are defined as a cruise on any of the "World's Leading Cruise Lines" brand ships [Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn or Costa Cruises]. These guests are automatically enrolled as a Star Mariner when they make their first booking with Holland America Line because of their affiliation with the World’s Leading Cruise Line. Subsequent Star levels are calculated on qualifying days and onboard spending on Holland America Line ships only

I think we're both right. I am Platinum on Cunard but on my last HAL cruises was only recognized as a 1-star mariner. The days don't count but the fact of having cruised one of the partners confers 1-star status (with 0 credits) and that should be enough to qualify for the mariners lunch.

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

I think we're both right. I am Platinum on Cunard but on my last HAL cruises was only recognized as a 1-star mariner. The days don't count but the fact of having cruised one of the partners confers 1-star status (with 0 credits) and that should be enough to qualify for the mariners lunch.

Roy

Anyone who has sailed on one of Carnival Corporation cruise lines qualifies for the Mariner's BRUNCH.

On one of our cruises -- even though the reserved table we were seated at was supposed to be for 500+ Mariners -- a lady who was on her first HAL cruise but had sailed on Carnival was seated at our table.

[whogo]

The grumpy DRM on the Maasdam last winter told us the luncheon was "by invitation only". Not sure who was invited...there weren't many people dining.
I was told the same thing on the Veendam. I said that we were Mariners and we were seated. I would insist on it. I would protest if the embarkation lunch were canceled to entertain travel agents.


When this new "star" program began -- that was a big topic about how people who have never cruised on HAL but are with Mariners could attend the Embarkation lunch.

This idea doesn't go over very well with many of us.

Imagine! Having to dine with people that have never cruised Holland America. Perhaps a medallion program revision could keep you away from the hoi polloi throughout your cruise.

[idiebabe]

I have cruised HAL but only once in 2005 on the Zuierdam. I'm booked again on her in March for the Panama Canal and feel like a "Newbie".

Could someone explain what the "Embarkation Lunch" is all about? What makes it special? Also, info on the Champagne Brunch?

Thanks!

[Typhoon1]

Whether or not the MDR is open for lunch seems to vary from ship to ship.

If it is open, the hours and menu are very limited.

[innlady1]

I have cruised HAL but only once in 2005 on the Zuierdam. I'm booked again on her in March for the Panama Canal and feel like a "Newbie".

Could someone explain what the "Embarkation Lunch" is all about? What makes it special? Also, info on the Champagne Brunch?

Thanks!

Quite honestly, it's not that big a deal. The crew doesn't seem too thrilled that the pax have ascended on the MDR, and the menu is limited...as is the time frame. I believe Noon to 1:30. One time when we did a b2b we went as we were already on the ship so it wasn't "rushed".

But to go to your cabin and drop your stuff, make your way to the MDR by noon, then be sort of rushed to eat is not all that "special". Having said that, we'll probably be doing it a week from Friday! lol!

[idiebabe]

Quite honestly, it's not that big a deal. The crew doesn't seem too thrilled that the pax have ascended on the MDR, and the menu is limited...as is the time frame. I believe Noon to 1:30. One time when we did a b2b we went as we were already on the ship so it wasn't "rushed".

But to go to your cabin and drop your stuff, make your way to the MDR by noon, then be sort of rushed to eat is not all that "special". Having said that, we'll probably be doing it a week from Friday! lol!

Thanks! If I remember right, HAL has a real good deli on Lido. Maybe we'll just head up there and not feel rushed! That's great they let you drop off the stuff in the room and not wait until 1:30 especially lugging around a few bottles of wine...lol!

[elsie60]

I hope we won't have a problem with embarkation day lunch in the MDR. We are 2 star mariners (will be 3 after this cruise) traveling with another couple that have cruised CCL and my husband's sister who has never cruised before. I'd much rather sit down for lunch than fight the Lido crowd. Do you think we will be able to go together for lunch?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks! If I remember right, HAL has a real good deli on Lido. Maybe we'll just head up there and not feel rushed! That's great they let you drop off the stuff in the room and not wait until 1:30 especially lugging around a few bottles of wine...lol!

Keep in mind that the entire buffet area for the first 48 hours will be in Code Orange.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I hope we won't have a problem with embarkation day lunch in the MDR. We are 2 star mariners (will be 3 after this cruise) traveling with another couple that have cruised CCL and my husband's sister who has never cruised before. I'd much rather sit down for lunch than fight the Lido crowd. Do you think we will be able to go together for lunch?

Hard to say.

Each ship has its own rules for the main dining room for embarkation lunch.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Really hope we have an embarkation lunch in the MDR next month on the Maasdam. Of the last two cruises, did not attend - first time since the lunch was delayed an hour due to an outside party, and the second time, there was none, due to 1/2 the ship's crew leaving after the Grand Voyage - that is understandable.

[Jemima]

We've planned on the Mariners lunch on our last two cruises and ended up in the Lido. Our HAL transfer in May got us to the Westerdam too late to check in and get to the MDR which closed at one. Our just completed Rotterdam holiday cruise had only the Lido open. The ship had a health inspection that day and possibly also a fairly sizeable crew change over as they'd just completed a 30 day cruise. (They scored a 99.)

[BellBoys]

Can you order room service lunch on embarkation day?

[lorekauf]

Can you order room service lunch on embarkation day?
Sorry, but no.

[tip]

Although we are only "Two Star Mariners" with just five HAL cruises under our belts, we have never been to the MDR for lunch. We are sailing on the Noordam in a little over two weeks and may dine there on embarkation day since the Lido is always a little hectic on the first day and now maybe even more so with a "Code Orange" in effect for the first day two.