Xaintrix

Heck their own website on the side panel had an 800 number going to some media company.  I reported that one in a hurry to customer support which I had to google to even get the right number!  Always be vigilant.

As of right now Holland America is sticking to their current FCC policies.  No cash refund option as of 3/12/2020 07:30 PT.  I asked the rep to escalate the issue that their sister line offered this and was seeking a cash refund and they refused.  Currently set to sail for the 18th, was actually going to continue to go until the a full stop to operations mid cruises was announced.

I knew there would be some breaking point. I can handle closed ports and what not - but if we're going to be just shoved back to shore right away AND be given the refund, just give me the refund and don't waste my time on top of it all.

REAL shame.

Just now, cruisegirl said:

 I didn't book through HAL and I booked a vista suite guarantee.  

You need to reach out who you booked through.  As others have stated the TA usually don't reach out back about it.  Since I booked directly I got that e-mail right to my inbox so that's how I could react on it so fast.  Make sure they're vigilant on any offers - I'm sure they wouldn't mind the extra revenue either.

5 minutes ago, cruisegirl said:

Someone here mentioned they had just received an upgrade on their HAL cruise.  I'm hoping for some kind of upgrade but then aren't we all.   My question is how are you notified?  Email, phone call or some other way.   Just curious. 

I booked directly through HAL, inside stateroom.  I received the upsell offer via e-mail 9 days before my departure date.  It will give you a band of potential upgrade classes and the price.  You can check open rooms via the website as if you were booking from scratch.  That's how I was able to determine a Verandah Spa stateroom was still open and I snapped that up right away.  Granted there were a half dozen open given the cancellations, but it was a huge upgrade nonetheless.

Oh for those curious I did select my stateroom on my original booking and not just book a guarantee.  Have no idea how that plays into when and how I got the offer.  Hope it helps!

7 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I was just thinking about this today. What would I pack as a "mental survival kit" in case of quarantine in the cabin? I travel solo, so I'd end up talking to myself! My first thoughts were to load up my cell with lots of recorded books and pack a stash of yarn and needles and a complicated pattern that would take two weeks or more to complete. 

 

I bet a lot of people will start amassing a snack stash just in case they're quarantined. 

 

While I’m not hoarding, even before this started I already prepare for extended time  on a potential quarantine.  Plenty of entertainment.  One fun tip - you can store YouTube videos on the app for up to 30 days for offline playback (it needs to phone home to keep it validated).  Just download for offline playback.  It’s been a lifesaver on plane trips.  Got several days of content stored alone.

1 minute ago, PamKB said:

Thanks!  I should have searched for it - that makes perfect sense.  Up until now when I've seen EXC I assumed it meant "extra charge!"  😀

 

We are enjoying the cruise. We've spent most of our time on board reading and walking, with most dinners in the MDR.  I like to linger when we pass BB King's and Billboard Onboard, hubby isn't into seeing shows or dancing.  It is what it is - perhaps I'll save that for a girlfriends cruise!

 

You have better things to do than do google searches like living it up on the cruise!  Now you can take another look at that programming and maybe find something you like without worrying about racking up the bill. 

Also my friend recently did the girlfriend cruise - it TOTALLY works. : )   

Really appreciate this review.  Well written and a fascinating perspective.  Felt a reaction emoji didn't do it justice. 

50 minutes ago, PamKB said:

Forgive me - I'm a first-time HAL cruiser - what does EXC stand for?  

*snip*
Pam from Sunnyvale

EXC stands for Explorations Central.  Their branded programming for destination and travel related events and talks.

You can see their boilerplate on it here: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/onboard-activities/cruise-activities/explorations-central.html

Hope you're having a great time!

Great.  Yet another post.

Given the horror stories at the jacked up future cruise prices, be sure to scout ahead to when you plan to cruise to see if that FCC is actually worth it.

That comes hand-in-hand with whatever vulnerability you have.  I'm not either so I'm going.  That said, given that the demographic on HAL is certainly older it will be interesting to see who's left after all this when I head out on the 18th.  Provided a blanket ban doesn't happen.

I wouldn't be surprised with so many people rebooking after the cancellation policy change allowed them an out that these future cruises are getting crushed with reservations.

Really appreciate you sharing the experience with the bus tour in particular.  Was about to book it, but now will reconsider striking out on my own.  While drivers may vary, I wouldn't want to get stuck in a similar situation if I can help it.

Appreciate the reports from everyone.  Going on the next one!  Love the tip about coming in on floor 1 - I can do without the champagne for a nicer seating experience.