Reagan0712

Besides not having TCM, the television selections in general are a “D”. As far as TCM, the only time was ever able to get it was in June when our ship came within Canadian borders. I had to upgrade to premium internet and watch it on the TCM app on my iPad. And, believe me, I gave it a workout. I agree that HAL should definitely start including it as part of their channel selections. I understand from a friend that Carnival has it, and Pepsi. If HAL got those two things I think it would be just about perfect.

I was on the Eurodam in March traveling solo and, for the first time, booked an obstructed oceanview. I loved it. So much so, that when on the Zuiderdam in June I booked another obstructed oceanview. I know there isn’t more room square-footage wise but it just seems bigger because of the layout. If you look at the deck plan you can usually find one with a bit of a view between the lifeboats. In June I happened to be in a room where the lifeboat was used as a tender, so on tender days I had a lovely view (see 1st picture) Even when the lifeboats are in place there is still plenty of light coming in because of the floor to ceiling window.

Here are the reviews from the first page. I hope this helps.

Definitely Triple Denali. I did this in June 2022. The first day is always a travel day so that cuts into your actual Denali time. I’d also recommend doing the Yukon. Dawson City is a lovely town and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves while we were there.

I found this which appears to have more recent reviews. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/shore-excursions/YHZ/43402.html Going to only one town is probably better than what I experienced last summer when I took the excursion that went to Lunenburg, Mahone’s Bay, and Peggy’s Cove. Much, much time on the bus with only 20 to 30 minutes at the first two towns and a bit longer at Peggy’s Cove.

I found a ‘Private’ Internet Access VPN but not a ‘Public’ Internet Access VPN. If it is indeed ‘Public’ Internet Access VPN what’s the link? Thanks

That’s a better deal than getting them at Target. Plus I can get fewer because Target only sells in increments of $100 and $200. Thanks.

If you pay for them with a Target MasterCard they deduct 5% at checkout. What’s the AARP discount?

Agree with @LAFFNVEGAS, you need to work it out financially with and without the HIA. I’m on the 28-day Alaska cruise next June. I rarely drink alcohol, don’t drink coffee, and am not a fan of the speciality restaurants. I still decided to check the HIA versus rock bottom price. For this cruise HAL’s upsell was around $1000 over the actual prices of everything I’d get. Since I’m already getting $400 OBC and can buy HAL gift cards at reduced prices at Target, I’m keeping the rock bottom pricing. On the other hand, I booked a 2025 35-day Voyage of the Vikings and did take the HIA because in that case with the OBC I get and the cost of what they’re giving me, this time the upsell is only a little over $300. Thank goodness after Alaska I’ll start getting free laundry.

How far are you upgrading from basic? I’ve made WiFi calls and had Zoom meetings with the Premium plan. And, I’m guessing, with any plan WiFi calls are possible.

Thanks. I was already quickly informed early yesterday that the information I had accessed on the HAL website was incorrect.

Ok, I was looking at the schedule on my iPad which isn’t always reliable when searching the HAL website.

I’ve tried to get the announcements on the Bow Cam but by the time I get that channel up the announcements are mostly over so it’s easier to just open the door.

The Westerdam did a maintenance dry dock in January 2023. From what I could find, the last major refurbishment was in 2017. It looks like it may be going into dry dock after the 28-day Alaska cruise next summer as there don’t appear to be any cruises scheduled between July 8th and September 1st of 2024. So if they don’t repair the cabanas unless the ship is in dry dock, I’d guess they won’t be available until next September.

You could try Ship Services 800-541-1576

After doing online research I decided to cancel my HAL excursion in Qaqortoq and just walk around town. Good decision. I was able to take my time and found the little shop that sold yarn and the grocery store on the upper street where I resupplied myself with some small snacks for the trip home. I wish I had ditched the ship excursion in Corner Brook and just stayed in town. It was over three hours on the bus just with three stops. One at a picturesque cove with an outhouse, another at another cove with boats and houses, and the third was at a church for a small, delicious luncheon provided by the church ladies. Fortunately, across from the church was a convenience store that sold Pepsi and I, plus several others, stocked up since HAL is Pepsi free.

It sounds like a lot of drive-bys, especially considering the short length of the excursion.

I missed this question previously. They have Flybus. It’s a shuttle that will pick you up at your hotel or other listed places and take you to the airport. I used it the first time I went to Iceland. https://www.re.is/tour/flybus/

Relatively close if one is driving (7 minutes). If walking, however, it’s easily close to an hour to get from Skarfabakki to Harpa. That’s why when I dropped my car off at Blue Car Rental I did the 20 minute walk along the harbor to Harpa then waited for the shuttle to take me back to the ship.

Just make sure they cover sand, gravel, and ash. This is the extra coverage that’s provided and is recommended if traveling along the southcoast, especially if you plan to leave the main roads.

There are no car rentals right at Skarfabakki. Some friends rented one that was nearby when the Zuiderdam overnighted in Reykjavik in June but I can’t remember the name. I always rent from Blue Car rental which, in town, is over by the old port. I joined the cruise in Reykjavik and had gotten a Blue Car at the airport when I arrived the day before then dropped it off in town when I returned it the next day. Blue Car rentals also include in their price the insurance you would need to cover driving in Iceland and they have cars with GPS, which came in handy.

So your hotel is right at the airport. Honestly, you’d be better off getting a hotel in Reykjavik. If you are arriving very early in the morning, which most east coast flights do, you’ll be missing out on so much up in the city especially if you are flying in the day before you board the ship. There is really nothing at the airport but hotels and car rental agencies. I can recommend Fosshotel Reykjavik on Porunnartun street. It’s walkable to the downtown area. But whatever you decide to do, have a great cruise.

I’ve been to Iceland several times. You don’t want to go back to the airport. It’s an hour from Reykjavik. Your best bet is to schedule the FlyBus from the airport to your hotel. Then just get a cab over to Skarfabakki. The front desk at the hotel will order you a cab.

That refers to eligibility not the date of the cruise once a person is determined to be eligible. The email I received stated I was approved and that I could now book my cruise. It did not say I must book a cruise that sailed before 9 Sep 2024. That is what I am questioning. If they are not going to allow people to book cruises past the year eligibility date then that needs to specifically stated. I guess I’ll find out for sure when they do or don’t approved it for my 2025 cruise.

Yes, Guest Services. I joined a cruise in June late so I couldn’t pre-order. Went down to Guest Services and the guy there got the florist on the phone. I was even allowed to specifically tell him the main flowers I wanted which were different than what the book showed.