happytotravel

Hello All, I just sent the following email to HAL stating my concern over their closing the MDR for lunch on embarkation day. I have always enjoyed being able to go there and having a relaxing lunch on my cruises with NCL I was hoping to experience the same on HAL. Perhaps if others do the same they "might" reverse their decision. happytotravel ========================================================== HAL_Ship_Services@hollandamerica.com Good Morning, I wanted to write and say how disappointed I am in reading on Cruise Critic's website that the MDR will no longer be open for lunch on embarkation day. I am aware, as on many other lines, it is kept a "secret" in order to keep the numbers small in the dining room. But, it has always been a wonderful place to have a quiet lunch after the stress of traveling for those who know the area is available. I do hope HAL will reconsider, ==========================================================

Yes, I agree. If there is anyone who doesn't want their tiles on my Volendam June 01 or June 08 cruises let me know and I will be able more than happy to take them. Thanks, happytotravel

Thank you all, I will try and head toward the MDR where I'm sure will be quieter. It is the same on NCL. The crew will only mention the buffet area in order to keep the numbers down in the MDR. Have a wonderful day planning your next cruise, happytotravel

Thank you Racephoto, That photo looks very, very tasty. I haven't sailed on any of the Carnival lines in the past. I've done the majority on NCL with one Viking river cruise so I'll get my Mariner star on the 2nd cruise. I think it's always fun to be able to get a little extra if possible. I've enjoyed those extras on NCL for years. On embarkation day of my first cruise is the Lido the only place for eating or is the MDR also open? Again, thanks for your response, happytotrave.

Thank you RuthC, At the moment, I've booked all the excursions that interested me. I guess I'll just have to give that $ amount up. happytotravel

Hi Ruth, I have $10.10 leftover from my shore excursion $ amount from HIA. Can I sign it over to the crew fund? If so, do I go to Guest Services to do that? Thank you, happytotravel

Merci, Merci, Merci! happytotravel

Thank you Crew News, Your sample daily schedule gives me a good idea of what to expect. I know the dailies will be on the app but are there also hard copies delivered to the cabin or can they be gotten from Guest Services? Thanks again, happytotravel

Hello Again, I've contacted my PCC and she changed my dining option to open seating. It was quick and easy. Have a good night. happytotravel

Afternoon Everyone Is the Exploration Cafe on the Volendam similar to the Grand Dutch Cafe? Thank you, happytotravel

HAL certainly aims to please. Thank you, happytotravel

Thank you all, I think I'll email my PCC to get it changed. You are correct in saying that someone else will be able to book into fixed seating as soon as possible. If for any reason I can not get seated within a reasonable time when I go for dinner I can go to the Lido and enjoy my meal there. Again, thank you, happytotravel

Hi Everyone, I have early fixed seating on my b2b cruises in June. The more I think about it, I believe, I would prefer open seating as I have been used to NCL's free style dining. My question is: should I wait til I get onboard to change this or contact my PCC and tell her or can I do it online? Thanks, happytotravel

Hi RuthC, Thanks for your comments....those were the days. I'm sure some folks probably think we are talking about crossing over on the Mayflower! I think we now get too caught up with staying connected that we've forgotten how to truly relax and just enjoy being on a ship. But, that's the world we live in now. Take care, happytotravel

Hello, Do any of you remember cruising in the 90s or before when there was no internet onboard and getting any real news was when you got into port and bought a paper. There were mini sheets from the in house printing onboard but only the briefest of news? We have come a long, long way. Enjoy life, happytotrvel

I love all you folks who are able to take extra long cruises. I`m sure you have had a life time of hard work and are now able to reap the rewards! Enjoy each and every moment. happytotravel

Hello, Since this will be your first cruise on HAL I would suggest also checking out the New to HAL forum aka HAL for dummies. You will receive lots of good information from the folks that have responded. If you have any questions about HAL they will be happy to answer you as well. This too is my first HAL cruise and I've learned a lot from them as well as those on this particular forum. Hopefully, you will also join the roll call. Although it is still small it can only grow as we get nearer to sailing. Enjoy planning your trip. happytotravel

I too was able to make my dinner reservations for my June 01 and June 08 cruise today with no problem. These were complimentary. Enjoy planning, happytotravel

Hi, What do you mean by linking the rooms? Thanks, happytotravel

Hi OlsSalt and others, I have two different booking numbers so for me that makes it two different cruises according to you, OlsSalt. And whatever the perks are it's fun to have them. My previous cruises were with NCL and being Sapphire gave me some very nice perks. Thanks for everyone commenting. happytotravel

Hi All, I will be doing a b2b. This will be my first time on HAL. If I understand correctly my 2nd segment will make me a 1 star Mariner. Will I be getting the following benefits on my return segment? Mariner Society Welcome Onboard Lunch A special collectible gift presented to you on board "Mariner Cocktail" voucher to be used anytime during the cruise Thanks, happytotravel

Hello, Worked fine for me today. happytotravel

Hi, I just checked the Port of Montreal site and it states a flat fee from airport to cruise terminal is $49.45 with a taxi. Doesn't include tip. What price does HAL give for a taxi for two? Which cruise date are you on? I'm doing a b2b June 01 and June 08. Enjoy planning your cruise! happytotravel