Icarus20

Did the sommelier wine packages go up again? I've found three internet postings of the prices this year (all 2024, with photos). April, August and as recent as September (Mr Jett, pretty reliable, is one of them). I'm cruising next week, and the prices listed online for my trip leaving next week (precruise), are all $25 or more higher than they were paying just three weeks ago. The 6 bottle packages, for example, are UP $31, $34, and $38 each. For the 3 cellars. Could it be that they recently added the tips into the price? Did I screw something up or is this a correct analysis?

According to accuweather, look for 2 days a week, of greater than .4 inches in Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Is, and Tonga in Oct and Nov. Rain ramps up quickly after the 20 of Nov, to very rainy in Jan, Feb.... According to Weather Spark which has the most complete data I could find: October 1 they all show about a 24% chance of rain daily. Close to yearly average. November 1 they all show about 29% chance of rain daily. Close to yearly average. November 20 they all show from 25% to 35% chance of rain daily.

On the Koningsdam in January 2024 they had NO anniversary pilsners from Holland (they celebrated the 150th anniversary of HA in 2023 with these beers. That's where the cut and paste ad, placed above, came from). They ceased to carry them when the inventory was depleted the end of 2023, so none has been available since Jan 24. They had Newcastle on draft in the Grand Dutch Cafe and in Billboard last January on the Koningsdam. Someone mentioned above that they got rid of the two for one happy hours recently???? Is this true? That was the best deal going, and the main reason why I chose HA over the competition, post covid. Funny how they never announce these type changes......They just surprise you with them.

Confused. I just looked at a few beer menus for 2024 and none of them discuss draft beer. I was on Koningsdam last January and they had 4 or 5 draft beers in Billboard, and at the Dutch Cafe. I am on the Zaandam in September and the Volendam in January. Do either of these sister ships offer draft beers? Specifically a dark draft like Newcastle? Or have they been taken out? The beer selection on Holland is pretty dismal. In an era of craft beers sprouting up everywhere, Holland seems to mostly offer IPA's and Light beers. No milk stouts, porters, ambars, or brown ales...... Anyone with RECENT experience on board?

The beverage package was also discounted on the 2023 Grand Africa to $16 a day per person. The discount didn't show up until April with a September sailing. Not sure if that was a "last minute" test or a permanent "Grand Voyage" discount. I think almost everyone took advantage of it. I'm thinking it might have been a test, because it was not advertised anywhere, other than on the bookings/excursions/packages page where only confirmed cruisers had access.... It was such a good deal that you would think if it was permanent, they would be announcing it from the rafters for every Grand Cruise.

I have found the pinnacle ships too overcrowded when full. Definitely not enough staff to handle a full ship. As a result there is little to no personal service.