Free Stuff on HAL?

[KittyCruiser]

This will be my first cruise with Hal. Are there any free perks I should look for, like playing cards etc?
Thanks

[gizmo]

Sorry, but no free cards.

[Esme]

You can check out games and books from the Library. Other than playing cards, what kind of perks were you thinking of??

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

You get a free canvas tote bag for shopping - one per cabin - not very big.

What kind of free stuff did you get on the other cruise lines?

:)

[TedC]

"Free," but not "fat free," chocolate on your pillow each evening.

And with subsequent HAL cruises you get a "free" tile depicting the ship, which are fun to collect and remind you of the fun cruise HAL hopes you had.

[lknick]

Playing cards were at one time given out by that so-terrible Carnival. Two years ago, HAL on their explorer series cruises gave binoculars and diaries, but that may be a thing of the past.

[tjcox9]

You can get some free HAL souvenirs by playing (and winning) some of the games such as triva, if you are so inclined, but as for just general giveaways, the other comments are accurate as of my last HAL cruise.

Enjoy.

[saltydog28]

You can ask for pain-relievers and seasick pills at the front desk. They're free.


Pat.

[gwilli]

On the Maasdam this past February, one could get "free" speciality coffee at their Java Cafe. I got Mochas almost every day! They were GREAT! Most people on the cruise didn't know about the cafe.

Enjoy!

Happy sailing.....

[Globaliser]

You can get some free HAL souvenirs by playing (and winning) some of the games such as triva, if you are so inclinedI'm proud of my collection of free HAL ship mugs - unlike some other lines, each ship has its own mugs.

Every one of them hard-earned. The more you put in, the more you get out - just like life? ;)

[Arkie mawmaw]

Just returned from the Amsterdam. I had been told that a deck of cards could be purchased for $1. When I went to the pursers' desk to ask where to purchase the cards, I was told that I could be GIVEN one deck of cards per cabin. She had a list of the cabins where cards had been given. I was one deck of cards.

[Vancouver, BC]

We just got back from Alaska. We are now the proud owners of:
1. A DAM mug (husband pingpong tourney champion)
2. DAM Music CD wallet (I was the first with a tube of lipstick to the front of the theatre)
3. DAM wallet on a string (husband trivia winner)
4. DAM t-shirt (daughter's from Club HAL)
5. 3 DAM canvas bags (in addition to one for the adults, they gave one each to our daughters)
Not a bad reward for spending a few thousand dollars!

[Aussie Gal]

No-one has mentioned the wonderful savouries that are served before dinner in the Crows Nest and some of the other lounges or have they now been stopped!

Also when you go to the movies you get the free popcorn.

Jennie

[HALCruiseStaff]

as mentioned, there's the free tote bags, and yes, you can get free decks of cards in the library from one of the library attendants. (cast members work the library from 9-5 daily) as well, there's the prizes you can win at the activities on sea days, and trivia on all days.

there's always chance you might get freebies from the cruise staff (assistant cruise directors) i know i do it from time to time.. :) enjoy the run, i just got off that and loved it!!

[Globaliser]

(cast members work the library from 9-5 daily)HALCruiseStaff, welcome on board CC! It's always good to have insiders around for good information.

Has HAL really adopted the "cast member" terminology? When did that come in?

[TedC]

Singers and dancers who are "cast" in the production numbers often work in the library on HAL ships during the day.

[Globaliser]

Thanks - I was obviously having a senior moment there! :D

[obriendan]

On the Ryndam's SA-Antarctica cruise, in addition to free tote bags and tiles, we received free panchos, inexpensive binoculars, and a stuffed penguin.

[sheldrvrT6A]

As one post stated you get free snacks in all the lounges with purchase of drink(s). Egg rolls, shrimp etc... Tote bag that our CD said we could stuff the towels from HAL into on the way home. LOL Chocolates on pillows at turndown which will fall behind the bed if you lay anything on it before removing and if take the spa tour and volunteer (wife did) you can try all the neat stuff in the spa for free. Just raise your hand when asked!! Actually no one stepped forward so I just pushed her! Have fun.
Jerry