AKJonesy

7 days girls trip wayyyy back in time. We try NOT to cruise for less than 2 weeks and 3 weeks is our best fit now although Covid sort of made that harder initial post covid. I am glad to see longer cruises now offered again, although I'd like to see more itineraries.

True could be said for tips, excursions, upgraded meals on a cruise - all of this is extra. She has to compare apples to apples to get a true cost.

Far too many sea days for me with the Hawaii itinerary. With potential rough seas out there in Pacific, it also doesn't appeal. There are no islands to get behind on the way from San Diego and former cruisers will tell you it can be rough or it can be smooth. I'd opt for land but not 5 days; that is far too short for Hawaii. Shop around. We usually do airbnb because we don't want to eat out everyday, rent a car and flight. It will take a bit more work to organize than for a cruise. If you don't think you are going to do much in terms of moving around then maybe a cruise is easiest for you. Keep in mind that excursions and extras will add to your cost for the cruise, so compare apples to apples.

Going to the point made by some of the posters with regard to price point, we are seeing this play out in the general economy. We have already seen, as an example, some restaurants drastically changing their menus and making offerings far different than what they have in the past. When a steak is > $50 just for the steak, then you add on the sides, this is getting to the pp where people just say it is no longer affordable to eat out. Some friends that own a business in MT said that if the cost of energy and food continues it is LIKELY they and other businesses will be forced to close going to the point that they can't go past a price point because people will just no longer pay it. I am speaking about average "joes" here and not the uber wealthy who are on yachts and going to the finest of restaurants. But, I think we probably have all seen this and are closing in on prices that are no longer justifiable. I am hoping that the cruise industry can hang in there, but many economists are talking about long term inflation and that hits everyone. When people, even on this forum talk about days gone by and some of the things that are no longer offered, I get that cruise lines have to cut costs everywhere. They are bleeding money.

I'm wondering if HAL is actually moving people into an area anymore. I read on a thread that someone quarantined in their room and perhaps that was because the ship was full.

I did a search on "quarantine" on this page up on the right side in the search box and then pulled down "This Forum" and got some results. I did read somewhere that a CC member was quarantined in their stateroom and NOT moved. That may have been due to the ship being full and HAL not keeping a whole bank of quarantine rooms as before, OR the person was already in a Verandah room. I would go ahead and look at those search results and see if anything matches up to your question if no one responds here.

I know that in the past some people complained about hearing carts moving around probably cleaning and setting up for morning. I had a room right above and between where the dining room stewards clean up and the elevators and I didn't hear anything. I mostly pointed it out just because it is a large area where noise could be present.

A couple of things. First, get a cabin that is not above the World Stage, Casino or Dining Room. I think we were above the photo shop so it was quiet. We DID have tenders hanging out across the deck from us, but we could definitely see beyond them. Most of the time when we were on deck, we were conversing or reading. Also, those with the tenders out from tend to be a little less in price, if you are going for that. Not sure anymore where the covid rooms are. Reading here on the CC forum, people have been staying in their rooms because some of the ships have higher capacity so they can't move people like the past. But, I am not swearing to that. Go to Halfacts.com and look at the staterooms on 4 for those that have posted photos. Also, google Holland American Nieuw Statendam staterooms pdf and you will see the layout of the floors and what is below each stateroom.

I agree but if they end the ArriveCan and testing I would reconsider.

I wonder if they are checking vaccine cards for all of those people crossing our southern border. Just a little tongue in cheek.

Do you have a cruise ship in mind or considering all in HAL?

Don't worry. There are also cabs lined up.

Our last b2b was on two HAL ships at Ft. Lauderdale vs staying on one. We were given instructions at least a day if not 2 in advance. I know we took our luggage with us and I don't think there was a transfer option, but I could be wrong about that. We disembarked as late as allowed, then was told how to walk over to the other berth which was a short walk through a parking garage. We probably waited outside the terminal for an hour when they let us in the terminal and then we waited another hour inside on the chairs. There was nowhere outside of the terminals to go; nothing to buy, etc. Then, those who were in the terminal first were allowed on the ship first. Typical embarkation day with everyone out and about doing their musters, checking out the dining room, the layout of the ship. We went immediately to our new stateroom and unpacked, got the muster out of the way then took a quick look around the ship. We checked out the main dining menu for dinner so we ended up having a light lunch. The ship was very busy as usual on the first day. It was pretty simple self transfer from one ship to another.

I totally agree. Unlike, let's say Aruba or other places where you have to haul your stuff, HAL takes you over on on a ferry which takes minutes, drops you off, grab a chair or buy one with the big umbrella and relax, swim, drink, have lunch, read a book, etc. I'm not a beach person, but I did enjoy just walking on the beach there and it was more relaxing than the busy pool areas on the Lido deck. For those who are from beach areas, they may/may not enjoy this as much as someone from the far winter north like me. Half Moon Cay!

You can Uber over or HAL had a transfer from the airport when I went in the spring. Very easy and close from FLL.

I like to go and see what they are having in the Lido, and if it doesn't appeal then I grab a salad then look forward to dinner. It usually takes me a few days to make it to the Dive In. I don't go to MDR much but will join my husband at least on the first day and for gala. He goes to MDR every night with exception when we go to specialty dining.

OP noted it is only their 2nd cruise ever so they probably don't know all of the ins and outs yet. If they end up with a bad stateroom then it's a lesson learned; like most of us had to learn when we were new to cruising.

As OP said, they can't change and probably can't upgrade. Just enjoy the cruise and know that even though there will be some noise, it doesn't last all night.

You did not mention the ship, but in general: Cons: If seas are rough, there will be a lot more movement up there than the lower decks and toward the middle of the ship. Pros: Close to the gym, Crow's Nest, Lido Pool, and Lido Market

Happy hour, if I recall correctly starts on day 2 and it's buy one get 1/2 off second. Puzzles are available on NA, and I could be mixing up my ships but they are out in the library or Crow's Nest. The last time I was on NA, they did have cooking demos. There are plenty of places to go and read during the day. I suggest Crow's Nest or one of the bars that are closed. They have very comfortable seating. Also, if the weather is cooperative, she should sit on the Promenade deck to read and observe and perhaps meet other people. I can't remember if they have hydropool on NA. She should go to the Captain's talk on the Main Stage. I go to all of the Main Stage shows except the one's for selling port excursions. She should walk the entire ship and look at all of the art that is onboard. I'm not talking about the pitch to sell art. Trivia contest everyday in the Crow's Nest can be fun just to go up, grab a seat and listen. It's another great way to just start chatting with people.

I've seen a few people also state that fully vaccinated in 4 shots. Where is that written? I believe I read that fully vaccinated was the initial shots.

There are tubs on Zaandam depending on your stateroom. I had hip replacement surgery and was still in recovery when I traveled on HAL and my stateroom had a tub (on a different HAL ship). It was pretty easy for me to get in and out. They have the safety handrails on the tubs.

No to F OV guarantee. First of all the FB will be so close to the Main Stage so you will be hearing all of the noise from that. The F Category in the back of the ship will have carts rolling back and forth over your head. I would get a different stateroom if I were you.

Not really depending on airport. I've stood in line in MSP 30 min recently. SEA and SLC was also busy. You still have to put all your stuff on the conveyor belt and wait in line. I agree that the airport and plane is the likely place to pick it up. It's been easier to keep distance from people on the ships than the airports and planes IMHO.

Sorry to hear it.