Riversedge

This is from the HAL site that has the descriptions of each ship.  It sounds like flatscreen tv’s in all rooms as well as a mini fridge.  I’ve never sailed on her before but I didn’t think all the rooms had a frig before.   Maybe someone else who has sailed since drydock can confirm. 

What entertainment options are available in my stateroom? Each room includes a flat-screen TV with interactive menu of programming including; on-demand movies, music stations, as well as both live and pre-recorded television. Additionally, guests can access ship information, dining options, an onboard activities schedule, shore excursions, and port information through this interactive media console. There are no external inputs available such as A/V or HDMI.
Does my stateroom have a mini-fridge? A mini-fridge is included with all staterooms. Guests who need to refrigerate medication should store it in the ship’s infirmary, as mini-fridges aren’t cold enough for that purpose.
What's the cost for mini-fridge rentals? Unnecessary as all staterooms include a mini-fridge.

On our Voyage of the Vikings this summer we had an excellent EXC guide (Jessica).  She was funny, approachable and extremely knowledgeable.  At the end of the cruise they were phasing her out by giving that position to the cruise director.  He stumbled through the job but the difference was huge.  This is a cost saving cut that is not going to go over well with any of HAL's customers.  Why not write a letter to Seattle and voice your concerns?  Maybe if they heard from enough of us.....  I don't trust that the surveys actually do much good.

We did not have flowers on the table in the MDR on the Zuiderdam but there was a bouquet at the front.  We only had battery lamps without the light.  Waste of a space on the table if they're not going to up the game and actually put little lights in there.  All part of HAL's cost cutting measures.  

We have a son who works for Homeland security.  We are meeting him, his wife and two small children for a week in Puerto Vallarta.  Obviously if he thought it wasn’t safe he never would have suggested the trip.  He’s privy to a lot more inside information about Mexico than we are.  We are savvy travelers, are careful when we are out and about, don’t flaunt jewelry and I wear a cross body purse.  Staying on a ship in port anywhere would not be an option for us.  The reason we travel is to see things.  I know what the inside of a ship looks like.  

1 hour ago, Pchamb3 said:

 

 

Not sure what to pack for for the weather, as we are from Florida and don’t really have winter wear. Do we need to get some warm coats or just spring type jackets. Any thoughts? Would appreciate any advice from those that have done this cruise in the past.

 

thanks

I don’t think spring coats would be warm enough unless you layer them with sweater, vest, etc.   It was in the 30’s more than once.  Definitely need a warm hat, scarf  and gloves.  You will definitely need something waterproof.  We had warm, lined windbreakers that were waterproof but wore warm stuff under them.   HAL was selling fleece pullovers and vests that were leftover from a Baltic cruise.  Many people onboard were seen wearing them as they hadn’t brought warm enough clothes.  Ship was chilly at times too.  

We did the VOV this summer on the Zuiderdam.  There were plenty of activities if you like to attend the lectures.  There were 4 lecturers and 2 were great, the other two were so-so.  Port talks that were given by the EXC person were incredible; the ones given by the cruise director not so much.  We found plenty to do but a lot of our entertainment was walking the deck on lookout for whales and icebergs.  This type of cruise is more enjoyable by someone who likes to be out of doors and off the ship exploring.   For us it was a one and done but I'm glad we got to experience the ports that we did.  I've read some not-so-good things about the Zaandam lately and I can't rave about our onboard experience on the Zuiderdam but still glad we went.  You will find plenty to do.  

I’m sure most of you know this but if you have a frig (cooler) that’s in a cabinet be sure to prop the cabinet door open a couple inches.  The cooler will get much colder.  There’s no way for air to circulate otherwise and the frig gets too hot.  It was cool enough to keep my insulin in on the Zuiderdam.  I have ordered a frig on other HAL ships that don’t have one and state on my reservation that it’s for meds.  Most of the time I get charged but it’s worth it to me to keep my meds in my own possession.  (Plus the perk of cold wine and soda)

My friend was on the same cruise as the OP.  She was full of complaints when she returned home and she’s usually a big HAL supporter.  She said it may be her last Holland cruise.  Sad to see reports like this.  

Remember when we used to hide the leftover coupons in the Bible because cruise critic members knew to look for them there?  Not sure why....they were pretty much useless.  

The address I used was:

Orlando Ashford

Holland America Line

450 Third Avenue West

Seattle, WA 98119

I doubt they reply to the end of the cruise evaluation.  My husband and I both gave them low marks in many areas and didn't get a response from that.  Who knows who actually looks at the survey.  I feel that snail mail is better than email.  At least it sits on someone's desk until they deal with it.

1 hour ago, sevenseasnomad said:

Thanks for sharing the response with us.  HAL has been most fair, both in their addressing your concerns and giving you category upgrade and perk.  I have only written corporate one time.  On our 2010 Zuiderdam cruise, my Autistic son was welcomed both by staff and guests to such an extent that he experienced a break-through and had a fabulous time, a first for him on a vacation, where normally we encountered such prejudice. 

 

I simply wanted them to know how much I appreciated their kindness in dealing with my son.  We had scheduled another cruise in 2011.  When corporate wrote back, they indicated that on our next cruise we'd receive something "special."  Yes, indeed, we did.  First, someone met us at the prier and walked us through check-in and into the suite/upper Mariner waiting area.  At the time we weren't even 2-star yet.  Right before, they called for embarkation, this same person escorted us to the gangway and told us to board the ship.  We felt really special, but the goodies kept coming. 

 

Our cabin had a lovely fresh flower arrangement with a bottle of wine, free spa treatments, free sodas for our son, VIP treatment for the Front Desk, which meant we never stood in line the few times we used this service.  We were invited to a couple of parties that regular cabin passengers don't receive an invitation for and a free shore excursion.  We were floored at their generosity.  

 

I'm glad everything turned out well for you and hope your next cruise meets expectations better than what you experienced on VOV.

What a touching story.  I’m so glad you shared it with us.  HAL was so generous and gave you memories to last a lifetime. 

Do you travel often?  We find the Allianz annual policy works best for us.  

Charlene and Bill, it was so great to meet you.  We are hoping that you are on a future cruise so that you can plan our shore excursions!  

We didn’t have a bad cruise; just felt there were a lot of things HAL could have done better.  I think those that primarily dined in the Lido had a different experience than us.  Our waiter and assistant were not good, but how can they be when they were so overworked.  We loved the ports and consider ourselves fortunate to have seen so much even tho we felt the onboard experience was lacking.  Missing the old HAL I guess.  We are looking forward to our next cruise and we’ll see if it’s our last on HAL.  Regardless, I hope we have a chance to sail with you again in the future. 

Linda

About a month ago I posted a letter I had written to Orlando Ashford regarding our experiences on the Voyage of the Vikings.  I was asked to post a response if I heard back from HAL.  This is the 3 page letter I got in return.  If you recall the letter,  I did not ask for anything of monetary value.  I just wanted to make them aware of things we were happy with and things we were not.  I’m not normally a letter writer but it would probably be a good thing if HAL’s head office heard from us more often.  Do I expect anything to change?  No.  But I was impressed that they addressed each of my concerns and didn’t just send a “sorry” canned response.  

Linda

2 hours ago, lisakoivu said:

But you don't actually need any of the cruise docs. I went to the trouble of printing them all out, and all I needed was my passport anyway! Next time, I'm going to make sure I can present them electronically on my phone if asked, but I'm not wasting the ink and paper to print them. I got a cabin upgrade at the last minute, and didn't even have the proper luggage tags. No problem, they just made me new ones at the pier. 

I agree.  I can’t remember the last time I actually showed my printed docs.  I do print the first 2-3 pages just in case but it’s also in my phone if I need it.   We love the luggage tags we bought from the cruise critic store.  No need for tape anymore. 

2 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

I like to wait until onboard and get it through my wine steward - that way he/she gets credit for the sale and they really do seem to appreciate it.

Im curious what sort of credit they get?  I’m pretty sure the gratuity gets divided between a lot of people so do they get a bonus?

On our last cruise we asked to have our frig emptied and it was.  Everything disappeared.  I wanted Diet Coke which wasn’t in the frig to begin with.  I could leave a note requesting it but because it wasn’t a normal stocked item I had to pay when they brought it, not when I drank it.  We had to go thru this scenario each time I wanted more delivered.   It wasn’t a big deal, I just had to get used to doing it this way.  (And not order more than I was sure I would drink). I did bring some on from the ports occasionally as well.  

29 minutes ago, cbr663 said:

Just a slight clarification.  Did you mean automatic tips is divided by 817 crew, not the 81 that you mentioned?

I thought she said 81 people on that ship.  We were discussing bar tips so I don't know if that's separate?  You are correct that 81 does not sound like enough for all staff  

When we were recently on the Zuiderdam we dined with an officer.  I asked her about tipping and how much the employees actually got from the daily tips.  She explained that the automatic tips is divided by 81 people (on that ship...probably varies by size of ship).  Not only that,  but it is divided between all of the ships belonging to HAL.  They are now doing it that way to make it fair to those working on certain ship itineraries that may have a lot of cruisers onboard who are coming from countries that don’t believe in tipping. While the amount of tips keeps going up and I don’t believe I should have to help HAL pay their employees thru tips I will never take them off because I’m only punishing those who work so hard.  We always tip generously at the end of the cruise to those who provide us great service and they are allowed to keep that whole amount.  You can see from the smiles on their faces that they really appreciate it. 

Scubacruiser, where was the picture taken of the Chilean glacier in post 614?  Such beautiful pictures. 

The dining room is always too chilly for me.  I bring a wrap. 

On our Voyage of the Vikings this summer it started while many people were still at dinner.  It was really a non event. There was a second one later in the cruise and we didn’t even bother to go. Very loud music, crowded, and an excuse to sell drinks.  Most people left after the first set.  I wouldn’t even bother to pack something orange next time.  They tried to sell orange items in the gift shop but hardly anyone bought anything and they were ugly. I’ve been to the white parties on Azamara.  They were so much fun. No comparison. 

On 4/28/2015 at 7:03 PM, Granny DI said:

We've sailed in balconies and suites on both lines. Azamara is like buying the charming small old house in the center of town. HAL is the new large house in the suburbs with all the whistles and bells. They are priced the same. Some will pay premium prices for the little house in the town center while others prefer the larger homes in the suburbs with all the latest amenities.

We LOVE Azamara.  We have only been on the Quest twice and compare it to the Prinsendam which we loved.  We went on the VOV thinking that the service and everything else would be better based on the price.  Wrong.  The staff on Azamara was so happy and it showed.  They way HAL staff used to be.   The food was good, it was more laid back, and the officers were very a noticeable part, participating in onboard cooking, mingling with the guests.  The wine flowed freely and if wanted a drink at the pool you raised your finger and someone was there immediately. The average age of guests was younger and more active.   It just fits us better and will be our choice for the future since we have become disenchanted with HAL. 

3 hours ago, jamacka said:

We're headed out on Celebrity Flora on Nov. 10th, 2019.  We fly into Quito on the evening of Nov. 8th.  I realize it's a month away and lots can change in a month but we're nervously watching the riots in Quito.  Hopefully the situation will be resolved before we get there or at least not affect our trip.  Just wondering if anyone is in Ecuador right now and/or has recently returned from a Galapagos cruise (any cruise line)?  We only see the violent protests on the news.  What's it like in reality?  Is the city safe?  Roads safe for moving around from airport to hotel (Marriott Hotel for us)?  Is the airport safe?

We flew into Quito in April.  Beautiful airport and city. There were a couple protests around then but everything controlled and no worries.  We spent two days there and walked several miles in the city.  I don’t know if things are worse now as I’ve seen nothing on the news but I would love to go back there.  We felt safe everywhere.  I hope you can get out and see the city while you are there. 

Our check in time was listed as 1:30.  We went at 11:30.  We had to sit in the waiting room for a bit after checking in but everyone had to wait while they readied the ship.   Just go when it’s convenient for you. 

On our recent Voyage of the Vikings we had them both in the dining room and the Lido.  Sometimes an employee standing watch but not always.