Is HAL still giving away "tiles"?

[Little Feet]

Recent cruisers.......did you receive your tiles? Just wondering if HAL has stopped giving them out....We are on a B to B in December.... would we receive a tile on each cruise?

[dam1050]

Received one on the Volendam in May. As to your back to back, I'm sure you will receive one both trips, if not, ask your room steward kindly and they'll surely provide you with one.

Dave

[PoohUnderstands]

On our last trip in 06/04 on the Zuiderdam, in fact we received two tiles!!!!!!! We did have a very nice steward!

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

On our May cruise we did get our tiles. We each got one. If both people in the cabin are mariners, then each should get a tile.

We have done quite a few back-to-back cruises and we did receive the tiles again for the second segment. So that meant we got 4 tiles.

:)

[sail7seas]

We just returned from Maasdam and two tiles were left in our cabin on the day of the Mariners Party. There was a tile for each of us.


On all of our b-to-b's, we have always gotten tiles on both segments. As stated above, if your steward forgets to leave them for you, ask either him or the office and you will get them.

[CockyGoffin]

Going to show how clueless I am. What is a "tile". :confused:

[HighRoller]

Ya the heck are tiles? What are they remodeling a ship and they give you a tile as a momento?:cool: :eek: :cool:

[jhannah]

The tiles are 4" ceramic squares that have the appearance of Delft ware. They feature the ship and usually have the year on them. Cork is on the back, so they make for great coasters. Some folks have collected so many over the years that they have integrated them into their kitchen tile.

[sail7seas]

After you sail one time with HAL, you become a Mariner....a repeater. On every cruise thereafter, on the day of the Mariners' party, your steward will leave in your cabin a blue and white Dutch Delft 4" (approx) square tile. The tiles all have an image of the ship on which you are sailing. As most HAL ships of today are named after earlier models, sometimes the tile will have an image of an earlier "Maasdam" or "Rotterdam" etc


We love the tiles and have a nice collection of them.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

The tiles are in deed Delft like. They have corkon the bottom - can be used as coasters.

They are 4 inches by 4 inches in size.

Sometimes the Delft picture is of the current ship you are sailing on. Other times the picture may be of a previous ship bearing the same name.

For example, on our May Maasdam voyage, we our tiles showed the ss Maasdam II from 1889 - 1902.

:)

[CockyGoffin]

Interesting :D While this is my first cruise on HAL, several people going with us are repeating. I will have to tell them about this.

Thanks, Everyone... :)

[doone]

Was on the Rotterdam last March, received my tile.

[mickey]

Not only do still they give them, but a friend who was on the Rotterdam with us this summer, just sold his on ebay for $25. Can you believe that!

[Little Feet]

Thank you for the replies!

[elmorejj]

Our last BtoB was on the Maasdam in Dec. We had met some great people onboard who were first timers so they didn`t get a "memento" of that cruise. As we rec`d four tiles I gave one of them to our new friends so they too could remember the Maasdam. I have sailed 4 times on the Zaandam (with two more cruises on her coming up) and so far have been lucky enough to receive four different images of the Z.....jean

[sail7seas]

That was so nice of you, Jean. I'm sure they very much appreciated your sharing your tile with them.


How fun to have different images of Zaandam. I have to check through ours to see how many different ships we have the earlier image of. You've now got me curious.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

I just looked over some of the ones that we got in the past. One time on the Ryndam, instead of a picture of a ship on the tile, we have the name of the ship above a pair of young Dutch people. And from the Noordam, the ship's name is above an older couple Dutch couple.

I haven't checked the rest of the tiles, yet.

:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

And I noticed that over the years, the tiles have gotten thiner and thiner.

:)

[Mrs B]

We received three tiles on the Zuiderdam last week. They are as nice as ever - we have quite a few now!

[elmorejj]

I have also noticed that the tiles are getting thinner and thinner, KK. :confused: I am going to have to make adjustments with my grout whenever I get around to making my patio table with my tiles!!......jean :rolleyes:

[spcl4cs_gal]

And then some Mariners don't receive any tiles...or luggage tags...or buttons...or.....well you get the picture. ;)

[sail7seas]

Some of our newer tiles do seem to be a bit thinner than the older ones but do you think it matters at all?


I don't think it would make a difference if they were set as a splash guard or tabletop or whatever. A level, properly used, would assure an even surface.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) elmorejj

Agree with you Jean, have to use more grout to keep the surface level.

Have trouble keeping the splash panel and the serving service of our wet bar even. It's a good thing we have a bunch more cruises planned so that DH can finish the bar area before the tiles get even thinner.

:D

[Gsel]

This is really funny! We did not receive our tiles on the Rotterdam last March so when we returned home I emailed HAL and inquired. Well....it is now July and we are still receiving tiles! So far we have 6 sets! I have been giving them to others in our group that were "first timers". HAL tells me they will eventually stop coming and not to bother sending them back! Haven't gotten any in about a month so maybe they have stopped sending them.

[the2ofus]

Alison,
If you are not getting tiles, tags, buttons, etc. it is time to talk with your TA. All TA communications going to HAL should be carrying your mariner # so you should be in all their records as a mariner. Also, when aboard ship, you can ask at the Front Office about the tiles and make sure they have you listed as a mariner.

[scluvsrain]

I just returned from Zuiderdam 7/17-7/24 and we got our tiles.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Alison,
If you are not getting tiles, tags, buttons, etc. it is time to talk with your TA. All TA communications going to HAL should be carrying your mariner # so you should be in all their records as a mariner. Also, when aboard ship, you can ask at the Front Office about the tiles and make sure they have you listed as a mariner.

Well I do know that my Mariner # is on file with HAL so I guess next time it's up to the TA and the Front Office...although after my last cruise I don't know how much faith I have in the FO. :(

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Whenever you get your documents, check to see if your mariner's number is listed on them. If it isn't listed, then your TA has not given HAL your number. Have your TA call while you are sitting there with him/her.

And just to make certain, call the Mariner Society in Seattle and tell them that your Mariner's number do not appear on your documents.

And when you get on the ship, stop by the front office, ask when the Mariner's party is going to be and make certain that you are on their list.

:)

[spcl4cs_gal]

Well I did get an invitation to the party on my last cruise. There is a screw-up somewhere.

[peefaye]

Is there any way for a first-timer to get a tile? Do they sell them in the ship's store? (I'd hate to have to buy one for $25 on E-bay ;) )

[sail7seas]

No, the tiles are not for sale aboard the ships.


They are given to Mariners on the day of the Mariners Party....that is the only way to get one while aboard unless some Mariner is generous and gives you theirs :)

[peefaye]

Oh well, more incentive to book again, I guess. Thanks for the quick response S7S, and welcome back from the Maasdam. We won't be on her until January, but it's nice to know that she's still one of your favorites.

[Paticakes]

Anyone have an extra Zuiderdam Tile they want to sell? This was first trip on HAL so I didn't get one.

[FlorenceItaly]

the2ofus - Thank you for mentioning about going to the front desk. This will be my second HAL cruise, so I am a mariner, but did not receive mariner tags, etc, with my packet...not even the traditional blue pocket book, but a clear plastic holder...i am sure it was my TA...my packet was very incomplete compared to my first HAL cruise in June...both booked my different TA's. My incomplete package, is from CQ, and I DID give them my mariner number.......

Marie

[elmorejj]

Did you use an online TA? I have heard that some online agencys transfer the docs from the blue wallet to a plastic one to keep down the cost of mailing...not fair IMO.....jean :cool:

[FlorenceItaly]

For the first one a on-line TA, but very available by phone, everything intact...2nd one the above mentioned internet ONLY...which I don't plan to do again. I am glad I have my blue portfolio from the first one, so just put everything in there, but am still missing the Alaska booklet and Mariner tags, ship emergency info, etc...but oh well :). I am set for shore excursions, booked them independently, and navigated on line and found the transfer and post cruise tour info I needed, so will do that ASAP upon boarding. The internet ONLY company, ALSO does not offer transfer options. Fortunately, I still have my emergency info cards from the Maasdam in June listing all the ships.

Marie

[jazzsea]

The new tiles are slightly thinner than the ones from the 90's. When we did our tray, DH had to use a thin layer of cork to raise four of the tiles to the height of the others.

Many tiles are available on eBay for those of you that might want to add to your collection.

The best way to insure that you receive the tiles is to be sure your Mariner number is in your cruise record..Make sure you give the number to your TA. Holland America can also look in their records to find your number if you do not know what it is.

[elmorejj]

Maybe we could start a swap shop here on CC. I have lots of tiles I`d be willing to swap for some I don`t have....jean :cool:

[cactuslady]

This is really funny! We did not receive our tiles on the Rotterdam last March so when we returned home I emailed HAL and inquired. Well....it is now July and we are still receiving tiles! So far we have 6 sets! I have been giving them to others in our group that were "first timers". HAL tells me they will eventually stop coming and not to bother sending them back! Haven't gotten any in about a month so maybe they have stopped sending them.
Wonder if we can that to work with cruise documents? (for different cruises, of course) ;)

[Lovebirds]

OK, here's a question. We've never sailed HAL before so we are not Mariners, BUT, we are booked on the World Cruise which is actually several cruises B2B and packaged as one. Since we board in Ft. Lauderdale, if we got off in LA and got back on with a separate booking we'd be Mariners for the remainder of the cruise. But since we booked the whole thing as one cruise we probably won't be considered Mariner until we get back to FLL.

Does anyone know if we'll get any Mariner perks after the first segment, or will there actually be any perks other than the tiles on Prinsendam?

[sail7seas]

Unfortunately, I think not.

But, I am quite sure that if you asked your cabin steward for a few tiles, he just may manage to do that for a World Cruiser. Certainly does not hurt to ask.

You could ask at the office but the odds are much higher you would be told No.

(Find out from a friend you meet onboard what day is the Mariner's Party. That is the night the stewards distribute the tiles to the cabins when they do the evening cleaning.)

[sail7seas]

Sorry....I meant to add that you will receive so many "pillow gifts" during the World Cruise that you will come home with a great many momentos.

[Lovebirds]

I figured that would be the case. The free drinks at the reception would be more appreciated than the tiles anyway.:D We just don't collect "stuff" anymore. If i really have to have a tile I'm sure I could find a way to get one:rolleyes: Of course, I could do it as 2 separate bookings, it would only cost an additional $3900.......on second thought, I'll buy my own drinks and get my tiles from Ebay:D

[sail7seas]

:) Once again, a wise 'business decision'. :)

[petermccue]

Last year when we sailed on our first cruise for the Prinsendam, we did two segments ... the 10 day Canada-New England then the 7 day down the East Coast to Ft. Lauderdale.

Parents recieved two sets of tiles, as they had sailed HAL before (a lot!). Hubby and I recieved one set, as did our child and friend (who were staying in another cabin). We recieved those on the seven day segment. No Mariner invitation though.. or at least not that I remember. (grins). We had never sailed HAL before that cruise, so I was surprised to recieve the tiles.

After all the ones we've got booked (and are considering) I'm wondering if I get to redo my bathroom in Delft blue?

V

[Roboat]

Anyone have an extra Zuiderdam Tile they want to sell? This was first trip on HAL so I didn't get one.
Welcome back, Paticakes? How was your 8/7 cruise?
Since you want a tile, I'm guessing it was great. :)

[obriendan]

Paticakes

We have 4 Zuiderdam tiles from a 2003 b-to-b. I'd be pleased to mail you one free of charge. Just email me an address at dobrien@cox-internet.com

[bepsf]

The going prices for HAL tiles on eBay these days is $5-10 each.
Its the Inaugural Plates that go for the $25-35 range...

[bobpatj]

elmorejj:
I think a tile swap would be a great idea. Selling or buying seems silly since these were gifts! I've got 2 extra Rotterdam V tiles if anyone would like to swap for Rotterdam II, IV or VI.

[Linda-E]

Looking forward to our first cruise as Mariners on the Westerdam in January. The tiles sound like a nice touch. I don't remember hearing about them on our Ryndam cruise a few years ago.

[Lisa63]

How frequently does HAL change the images on the tiles for each ship? In other words, if one sails Amsterdam in January and then again in April, will the tiles be identical?

[jascruise]

On 8/7 Maasdam, we got an IOU for tiles.

[FoxyTerrier]

Sorry....I meant to add that you will receive so many "pillow gifts" during the World Cruise that you will come home with a great many momentos.
What other "pillow gifts" do you get? You've got my mind wondering now...

BTW - We didn't get tiles on our Noordam cruise just a few weeks ago. I actually forgot all about them. Maybe they have run out of Noordam tiles since she is being sold.

[Little Feet]

They were not placed on our pillow, but we also got tote bags.

[Paticakes]

Welcome back, Paticakes? How was your 8/7 cruise?
Since you want a tile, I'm guessing it was great. :)
Trip was great Roboat. Would sail HAL again in a minute. Service was outstanding and I loved the ship. We got chased by the hurricane but you would never have know it. Weather was absolutely perfect. We did go to Nassau instead of the Caymans but they had the itinerary and tours worked out the next day so it seemed like it was part of the original cruise.

[Paticakes]

Paticakes

We have 4 Zuiderdam tiles from a 2003 b-to-b. I'd be pleased to mail you one free of charge. Just email me an address at dobrien@cox-internet.com
Thanks Obriendan. That would be great. Hopefully it will be the first in a large collection. I can't wait to book the next trip!

[Celestia]

We received two tiles on our recent (last week) Circle Hawaii cruise and in fact only one of us was a Mariner actually...later heard a woman in the Ocean Bar say she's got 20 of them and doesn't know what she's saving them for, I was sorely tempted to ask her to send them to me!

I love Delftware and found this a lovely (and useful) memento of the cruise.

FW&FS,

C

[Brandis]

Does someone have a picture of a tile? I would love to see what they look like...

Marc

[RevNeal]

I'll look for a photo ... I think I've got one, somewhere.

We got our Tiles on the Zaandam ... the night of our Mariner's Reception. On the 21-day Panama Canal cruise 80% of the passengers were Mariners. They held the reception on an Informal Night, in two segments -- one just prior to early seating, one just prior to late seating.

[gizmo]

Does someone have a picture of a tile? I would love to see what they look like...

Marc
There are pictures on ebay. Do a search on Holland America tiles.

[Brandis]

Found it, thanks! They look quite nice. Looking forward to receive my first one next month...

Marc