SeaMatesNYC

We were recently on a San Diego RT cruise where we were told that about one third of the passengers were with an LDS (“Mormon”) group. They did give that group prime Crows Nest space at San Diego sailaway that usually holds the “Singles” “Pride” and “Young Persons” meetups, relegating these meetups to the Arts and Crafts space. And the self serve soda machine gave up the ghost midway through the sailing. There were shorter waits at the bars. Just chance? Who’s to say….🤣

This benefit from what I have read applies within the first 90 days of release of the itinerary. However, you should also ask if there is any other Mariner benefits to be had. Often if you book within 90 days of returning from a cruise you are eligible for a Welcome Back bonus of similar amount. I am of the mind that you need to always ask if there are any other credits for returning passengers (Mariners). We booked onboard recently and in addition to the "booking on board" bonus, there was another $125 each in OBC that just showed up. The Future Cruise Consultant said that these will just be attached to your Mariner Number and they get applied, and go by many different "marketing" names, depending on what promo is then being pushed!

But you would not be cancelling, simply adjusting the source of funds for payment, if I understand correctly.

Maybe just me, and not wanting to seem argumentative, but while OP states s(he) has HIA, the question posed pertains to “excess non-refundable onboard credits.” In fact if it WERE HIA redemption, the whole point of the question is mute, yes? Why use other OBC when you have gotten the item “free” (as part of HIA)?

Or if you are being offered a “private fare” thru HAL (not a casino or free inside offer) and the add on of HIA post booking is financially advantageous.

No penalty on moving excursions from prepaid to OBC. Don’t cancel in APP! Go to shore excursions desk. Dining - no personal experience with this but reports say can make change at Guest services. Again do not cancel in app as you may lose your reservation.

Last May on N Statendam out of Amsterdam, also had Coors Edge cans at Panorama Bar.

Heineken 0.0

At 4* and 5* you can get 25% off Rudi’s Sel de Mer cover and supplement charges. Nothing yet added via a vis Morimoto, if that is the Fish restaurant you may be referring to.

Historically, I have been really happy with the fish offerings in the MDR. On recent 6 night Pacific Coastal, two fish dishes were very disappointing. Mahi mahi, blah bland not interesting at all (can’t recall the sauce/preparation as it was so boring) and salmon (nothing else on menu interested me) which was so undercooked I ate only the top 1/4inch. We were already late dining so did not bother to reorder and it seemed the kitchen wanted to go to bed too! Really not that difficult to use a thermometer to measure temp/doneness on a piece of fish. Hope it is better on our upcoming 14 night RT Copenhagen on N. Statendam. Perhaps with all the “free” cabins on the 6-nighter (seemed like every other pax was on a casino offer) the quality was slipping. But I will not pay $25 for an up charge halibut. I will pay $15 surcharge for the wonderful Dover sole in Sel de Mer!

With our recent cruise on Koningsdam from San Diego for 6 night Pacific Coast, we received an "Important Update" notice about a week out with the boarding times by deck (this was never reflected on our boarding pass). This may or may not have been unique to this port/this ship (it was also true the cruise prior). We arrived prior to our assigned time by maybe 45 minutes, and there was no delay. But we were late in the schedule to begin with.

I enjoy them as well! But by the third time around, I found myself becoming a critic: "Oh my, all that red dress fabric seems to be getting the better of her! She seems afraid of it." ("Humanity" solo to "Never Enough" from "The Greatest Showman") [smirk]

The Board has renewed the benefit but any voyage after December 31, 2024 can't be submitted through Stock Perks. It says to "check back in November 2024 to submit your claim." At least when I try it does!

An update: Staff on chat as well as at the World Cruise Reservation/Agency Transfer group confirm that nothing prohibits this by policy. The only hitch is that each transfer can take 5-8 business days. So the second one might not get within the 60 days. Not an issue for me since I am only 6 days from onboard booking.

I recently made a booking onboard which went automatically to the agency of record for the voyage I was then on. I want to change agencies. I know how to do this. My question is: Can I, within the 60 days of booking, do this twice? I want to take the booking back to direct first and then when I find the best home for it, transfer a second time to an agency. Why not wait and do it once, you ask? Because “new” agencies seem to want the confirm from HAL to provide a quote of their own if they are taking over a booking. Thanks! Michael (P.S., I plan to ask HAL as well, but wanted to hear from the experts first. 😀)