Ricktan

Thanks to everyone on the CC site who have been so helpful over the past 18 months as we've planned our cruise. We leave Sydney today for the long flight to Europe, then some time sightseeing in Italy, Switzerland and Barcelona before embarking the NA on Sept 13 for a 24 night Magic of Mediterranean cruise.

First time on HAL so really looking forward to experiencing all the wonderful things that make HAL distinctive.

I'll definitely post a review when we get back in October.

Jill

Hey Jill! Hope your travel goes well and painless (well, as painless as can be with that flight!). I look forward to meeting you! See you in a couple weeks!:)

Tanya

Can an American citizen apply for a Canadian credit card to get the chip and pin card? I lived in Canada 40 years ago and knew it was rather difficult then to change over the banking business but maybe it is better now.

 

You don't need to go to Canada to get a chip and pin card...I've had a master card for close to 2 years that is, and my visa one is too. Ask your credit card provider!

 

I have which is why I started this thread. My Amex is chipped (so is my Discover). However, my HAL Visa is not ( nor my Capital One Visa) and these are 2 with no foreign transaction fees android the main 2 I plan on using.

please don't have any concerns - we are very accommodating in Europe as a rule and if you don't have chip and pin you can just sign like normal .... and contrary to some belief most bars/restaurants/shops will take cards but they may charge a small percentage:) for doing so and/or have a minimum

 

ENJOY

Thank you for the encouraging words! I can't wait !!

Thank you for posting live! Hope y'all have a wonderful cruise.....hopefully the "bump in the road" is the only negative and now behind you! (Glad no one was hurt). I look forward to hearing more!

We are currently on the Westerdam heading to Juneau. This is our second HAL cruise our first being in the Nieuw Amsterdam. I have appreciated the CC community's input in preparation for our cruise and just wanted to give a quick update on our experience so far.

 

We booked our flight, hotel and transfer through HAL and it went flawlessly. We will definitely do that again.

 

The Westerdam is lovely! I might like her better than the Nieuw Amsterdam... She is in great shape and we had a smooth ride I spite of rough seas. The staff/ crew is great. We have received just excellent service so far. Our dinner in Canaletto last night was just excellent. Can't recommend is enough!

 

Feel free to ask questions and I will do the best I can to answer. Hope your day is as good as mine is going to be. Celebrating our 29th anniversary in the Pinnacle tonight. [emoji7]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Look forward to hearing about your cruise! Glad you are enjoying it!:)

Thank you for the quick replies! Sounds like one less thing to worry about. When I was in Rome 8 years ago, we got a kick out of watching our waiter run down the street to run our cc at a store that ran all their transactions for them! My DH says, "don't worry, they will find a way to take all the money you want to spend!"

I have read several times on here about having a cc with chip technology when in Europe. Well.....I know my Amex has it but my HAL cc does not! Since there are no foreign transaction fees on the HAL card, that is what I plan on using. And, since it's a travel card, I thought it would be perfect. So, does not having the chip going to be a high problem???? Trust me, I plan on using my card a lot !!!:)

I am confused...I thought you had to book a suite in order to get the Explore 4 benefits. I am reading here that people booked a low category cabin and got the benefit....

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

I'm always hesitate to answer questions since many on here know so much more but.....looks like it applies to all categories on certain cruises. However, by booking a suite you also get 300.00 OBC and dinner at Canaletto in addition to the other perks. Hope this helps!

So glad you enjoyed your cruise !! Thank you for posting.

New Le Cirque Menu

Appetizers

Lobster Salad “Le Cirque” -- poached lobster with haricots verts and citrus

Yellowtail Snapper Crudo -- broad beans and pea mojito

Caesar Salad -- interpretation of the classical salad

Wild Burgundy Escargot -- Gruyere gnocchi, pickled enoki, bottarga

 

Soup

Garden Pea -- cheese dumplings, Idiazabal crisp

Chilled Yogurt & Melon -- with shrimp

Main Courses

Seabass -- peaches, capers, Bourbon vanilla, chicken oysters

Rack of Colorado Lamb -- artichokes, lemon forte, courgettes, piment d’argile

Chateaubriand -- horseradish flan, sweet and sour baby beets

Spaghetti Primavera -- cream, garlic, Parmesan

Chicken -- wheat berry, plum, Arbois sauce

 

Desserts

Crème Brule ‘Le Cirque’

Chocolate Souffle’ -- traditional chocolate souffle’ with vanilla gelato

Strawberry Pavlova -- Earl Grey Chantilly, strawberry consomme, basil

Pineapple -- Malibu rum, coconut, Bourbon vanilla

 

Assortment of Sorbets

How do I pick from these desserts??? They all sound soooo good! :eek:

I went ahead and booked the nights I know we wanted. If my "free" night happens to fall on one of those nights and/or we are able to change it, I figured I will cancel the paid reservation but this way I know I am covered.

What time do the different venues open for breakfast? Lido, MDR, Pinnacle grill? Can you get room service early ? Due to the nature of our business we are both VERY early risers. 5:30 am is sleeping in. But, I'm sure we will readjust our schedule somewhat since I'm sure we will enjoy later evenings in the casino. But, I still don't see my DH ever sleeping past 6.

No it was obey

 

Even when I say

 

"Get me bacon woman".

 

[i wish i was brave enough]

Yeah, I'd love to see how that works for you! :D

Congratulations!

I plan on taking a lot! Then...IF I can figure out how to post them on here, I certainly will!

Thank everyone for the info. My DH says there isn't a piece of fabric that I DON'T like (isn't that the truth !!) I have noted these shops for our cruise next year. Someone mentioned Seattle, how about Vancouver ??

I'm sure things could change but my paperwork for Dec '16 on the Koningsdam shows "confirmed early"

Amazing that the OP could find CC in order to complain but couldn't find it before her cruise to ask for advice and/or questions.....

 

I watch Deadliest Catch on cable TV once in a while and the crabs they pull up are huge. I'd like to get a few of them to steam. :)

 

Goodness, that does look like some good eating!!:)

Hope you have a great cruise!!

Congrats to all of you! I really do appreciate all the advice I get on here!

Great report, thank you! We are doing this cruise on the Sept 13. Have they had any specialty dinners offered?

The HAL website is pretty poor. We are taking our first cruise on the Eurodam in December. We've cruised with Princess, Royal, and NCL and while their websites all have glitches at least they are functional. The HAL site is impossible to use on a tablet. It needs a serious redesign.

I have done almost all research, bookings, etc on my IPad with no problems (fingers crossed it stays that way)

Their site has its ups and downs. Does anyone know how to look at their air/hotel suggestions and prices? One use to be able to. Also, I read that one can now order a case of water. I couldn't find this on their site. Is it listed?

There are others that know a LOT more than I on here but.....I booked our flights through HAL and quickly learned that you can't bring the options up in the website. You have to call customer service and they will go over all available options with you. Hole this helps:)

Thank you for posting your review!