ExpatBride

As an American living in Scandinavia, I see these benefits as a pragmatic approach to securing the next generation of taxpayers. Without incentivizing people to reproduce, the welfare state won't survive.

Yeah... I would hate that 🤣

Same. I'm younger than HAL's core demographic, but I sail with HAL because of their lack of kid-centric onboard activities, which helps to keep kids off of their ships.

Unfortunately, I'm in Denmark. It was a news release from 2022, so a bit outdated but I was hoping since the US/Canada off is still valid this would be, too. This is where I saw it: https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/hal-to-offer-healthcare-workers-100-onboard-credit-32610

That's what I'm asking. Does anyone know if/where the elusive UK/EU form exists?

@Alphen Thanks! That's what I was referring to. But then I found this (not sure if I'm allowed to link, so I'll copy/paste): Holland America Line (HAL) has extended its Military Appreciation Offer to first responders and healthcare workers from the UK and Europe.

To clarify, I'm looking for specific information on how to request this OBC in Europe – assuming it's available.

I found an article that says this program has been extended to UK and Europe, but I can't find where to apply. The only link I can find to request this $100 OBC gives a dropdown option of US or Canada, but my SO is a licensed physician in Europe. I sent an email to HAL last week but I haven't received a reply. That's why I'm asking here. Does anyone know?

It's the same in Denmark. I work in a hospital, and masks are "over."

Then you got what you ordered. But a vodka martini with a dill pickle is definitely a new one to me 😳

Did you order a 'dirty martini'?

Edited because I read it wrong... I initially understood the OP to mean they were reassuring the women that help was coming and they were going to be ok. That's what I would expect the crew to do as far as comforting in such a situation.

Yes! I generally pick a few sailings and plan to be on one of them, then I watch prices. As a rule, the best deals I've found are right after final payment date because rates generally fall and there are still decent perks available. I booked in late April for a Norway sailing next month and got pre-paid gratuities, discounted HIA, and a generous OBC. Base fares are a bit lower now (about $100) but I'm still ahead with the incentives. Fortunately, I'm within driving distance of the port and I'm not picky about cabin location.

I agree and it seems that HAL is following the trend. They had a great veg menu in 2016 (no fake meat in sight), but it's been revised to mostly offer Beyond products 🙄

Of course, but the common issue is see in both my experience and the OP's experience is that the crew didn't know how to respond. That should be part of their basic training. In a medical emergency, you do ABC and then XYZ until medical staff arrives. If the crew can be trained to get people into lifeboats, they should be able to handle calling for medical assistance and asking people to stop being idiots and put their phones away.

I was lured to the Epic by an excellent price and lived to regret it. I prefer smaller ships with no more than 2,500 passengers, so it was a bad fit for me. I've had a wonderful time on both the Star and Jade. Pre-COVID, I thought that NCL delivered excellent value for money, but I quit sailing with them in 2017, so I don't know how it is now. Given that there have been recent cost-cutting measures on every cruise line, I don't think I'd like the "new" NCL.

My SO had a seizure aboard an NCL ship and the crew had no idea how to respond. I had to tell them to call for medical help and to please stop people from filming him seizing and bleeding on the floor. Some of my fellow passengers were of more help than the crew, with one woman telling people off and even blocking their phones so they couldn't film. In addition, the medical centre ran up the bill and it wasn't until I threatened to remove his IV myself that they let us go back to our cabin. They charge per hour and there was no reason for us to be there on an IV drip for 5 hours other than to run up the tab. The ship also offered no help for the rest of the cruise (e.g., it would've been nice for them to comp room service since our trip was clearly ruined). That was the last time I cruised with NCL.

Why chance it?

I know. My best friend lives in Amsterdam. I'm more interested in the practicalities of the onboard party, which obviously isn't (or shouldn't be) a patriotic occasion.

What exactly is the "Orange Party"? It doesn't sound like it would usually be my jam but I have a vintage 1970s orange and gold evening gown and it seems like this might be one of the only occasions I could have an excuse to wear something so ridiculous!

After dealing with a medical emergency on NCL, I can said that AI handling would've probably been better. The crew was woefully ill-prepared. I had to tell them to contact medical services and to stop people filming my partner seizing and bleeding on the floor of the buffet.

I don't quite understand what you're asking. If your visa is sorted, it doesn't matter how you arrive. When I relocated from the US to Continental Europe, I considered sailing so that my cat wouldn't have to go in the cargo hold. Ultimately, I decided that a week plus in an onboard kennel (Cunard) wasn't necessarily an improvement, so we flew. I sent my belongings ahead in a shipping container and they arrived a few weeks after we did.

HAL had scooped ice cream in Zuiderdam in 2016, so IDK what @mlgb is on about 🤷‍♀️

I cruised on the Epic in 2015 and it was an epic mistake back then. I loved my other NCL cruises, but that one was just... regrettable. With that said, it was a bad choice of ship for me. If it seems like a good choice for you, it'll probably be fine. I just prefer small to mid-sized ships, and I've moved on from NCL.

Thanks... it looks like he won't be on my sailing 😩