kirin

If you read my signature you would see I last sailed HAL in 2011 on the Ryndam. At that time, on that ship, smoking was being allowed on one side of the promenade as there were ashtrays installed on the railings.

My recollection is the same as yours. I recall seeing the ashtrays on one side of the promenade deck until December of 2011. Interestingly, I seldom saw passengers using them; it was usually officers of the ship, employees of the shops or entertainers.

I think the 2 ashtrays may have disappeared in early 2012, when smoking in staterooms was finally banned. At any rate, they were not there when I cruised in mid-2012.

Kate

I did this itinerary a few weeks ago. Your time frame is really pushing it, even with the earliest disembarkation.

 

My flight was the 1pm flight. We had the 830 ground transportation disembarkation and arrived Schipol around 10am. There was huge traffic on the freeway and the exit to the airport was at a standstill. Our bus driver opted to take a different route, but even that added 30 minutes to the trip.

 

Once we got to the airport, it took easily 90 minutes to navigate through all the little processes. Note: you do not hand your luggage at the counter. You must stand in line to process it yourself. This line alone was about 20 minutes. Then there is security. Then there is a SECOND line of security because you are headed to the US. Also, for my Delta flight, I was not able to check in with the app. I had to wait, stand in line, and check in at the airport.

 

 

 

This is similar to my parents experience at Schipol a few weeks ago. They got to the airport almost 3 hours ahead of time, but said check-in was "slow to the point of painful." The real time problem, however, was security. I don't know what kind of lines were involved, but they had to produce their passports and have them checked 6 times before they got to the gate. When they got there, the doors had just been closed.

 

They were told that Delta and another U.S. airline flying out of Schipol (can't remember which one) are on high level alert and passengers should expect delays at the airport.

It was originally done on the Maasdam, a few years running. I don't remember last year, but obviously this year is the Rotterdam. Next year, it's the Veendam, so back to s-class.

The early Maasdam cruises had the Canary Islands on the itinerary, but they are not there this year or next, sad to say.

She is definitely heading to Harumi Cruise Ship terminal in Tokyo so it won't be anything like $90 - we don't want to give her a heart attack...

 

The $25 that the site I posted about "smells" right based on my experience with taxis in Tokyo. I looked at getting a train to Shimbashi station which is closer to Harumi but I certainly wouldn't do it to save 500 yen - just get a taxi from Tokyo station to the terminal

When I first saw the OP'S post last night, I thought (off the top of my head), "It's probably around 3,000 yen; maybe a bit less than that," so Bodogbodog's quote seems right to me.

And, yes, this is a case where it is just not worth it to hassle with public transpo - a taxi is the way to go.

Best wishes to the OP for a great cruise and time in Japan.

Considering booking a solo cabin on the Amsterdam 2016 World cruise. Final payment is just over a month away & there seems to be quite a lot of availability in most categories. at the moment I think I would book an HH. What do you think the chances are of the single supplement being dropped? it is currently 25%. Either there are many folks who have booked guarantees or this cruise is not selling well, or so it looks to me. Any opinions are appreciated!

I have been tracking pricing and booking solo for about ten years and there are any number of scenarios when it comes to pricing "after final" for a solo.

I have never looked at a World Cruise, however on some of the longer, more "exotic" cruises, I have found that while there is a price drop after final, what was a single supplement of 50% shoots up to the full 100%, actually making the cruise more expensive than it was before final payment for a solo.

(I don't understand why HAL does this if they are trying to fill the ship, but it happens.)

There is no way of knowing if there will be a price drop or what may happen with the single supplement. I think my biggest concern would be cabin availability, as many have mentioned above. If there is price drop after final, there may be a lot of people who book only one or two segments leading to limited availability on certain segments.

Personally (just me), if I really wanted to do it, I would be thrilled with the 25% single supplement, get the cabin I wanted now and then not look back.

Whatever you decide, best of luck. I hope this works out well for you and you have a great experience.

Kate

I'm looking towards spending 3 or 4 days in Tokyo before a cruise, and I'm looking for suggestions of which neighbourhood to stay in -- I've heard recommendations for Shibuya or Roppongi, which I hear is a good place for art and museums (rather than the seedy nightclub area it used to be). I know the metro and trains could get me anywhere, but I'm wondering where to base myself and lay me down to sleep.

 

I am interested in seeing things that are culturally typically Tokyo, or culturally old Tokyo/Japan - so the pop culture of Shibuya and the classic culture of art and history museums interest me. I've been to Tokyo before, but that was over 25 years ago, so it was a different place then. I will have the option to fly in to Haneda or Narita, and we cruise out of Tokyo itself, not Yokohama.

I agree with ROCruiser that Shinjuku is a good choice; for transportation options, hotels, shopping and restaurants. Walking around at night amidst the crowds and neon will give you a feel for real Tokyo life.

Normally, I would recommend Shibuya, even above Shinjuku. However, there are massive reconstruction projects scheduled. Already, the east wing of Toyoko department store (built over the station) has been demolished and corridors on that side of the station are boarded up and set for demolition. A 46 story building will go up on the site as part of the new station complex.

On the west side of the station, one city block will be razed and "reconstructed" If you want more information, you can google "shibuya, new construction." I think the Japan Times article was the clearest.

As to Roppongi, it is true that Roppongi Hills (where the Mori Art Museum is located) and Tokyo Midtown have added something to the outlying areas of the district. I am not sure what kind of reports you have been hearing, but to me the heart of Roppongi (the intersection and the strip) are seedier than ever. When the famous jazz clubs starting pulling out and relocating 15 years ago, their sophisticated clientele went with them and the area has been on a downhill slide since then.

From Roppongi, the Oedo line will get you to Shinjuku directly and the Hibiya line will get you close to Ginza, but otherwise I personally don't find either line very convenient for getting around.

You mentioned that your ship will be in Tokyo. If she is at the Harumi Pier, the Ginza/Higashi-Ginza/Hibiya area might be something to look into.

As to airports, I prefer Narita as the airport limousine buses run more frequently.

However, if your flight arrives at Haneda at a reasonable time, you will have several transportation options. If it arrives very late at night at Haneda (as is the case with some foreign carriers), you will have to take a taxi. As there is a 20% surcharge on taxi fares between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., it can really add up. (My last experience with this was when I picked someone up at Haneda 2 years ago. At midnight, the taxi fare between Haneda and Shibuya was about $130.)

As you are interested in classic culture and history, I would strongly recommend a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which traces the history of Tokyo and spotlights traditional Edo (Tokyo) culture.

Sorry to run on so long. I hope you are enjoying your planning......

Kate

Okey-dokey. I'll have to keep that mind. We may be doing a cruise that has Japan as part of it. Don't know for sure, yet.

If you want to do some research, the website for the U.S. Embassy, Japan is one place to start. Go to "U.S. Citizen Services" and click on "Medical." Within that article there is a link to a page that actually lists a number of banned prescription and OTC medications.

However, Japan is not draconian. Entering at an airport and having Sudafed in your luggage is not going to get you taken away to jail. (Although, probably the Sudafed will be taken away to be disposed of.)

As long as you "know before you go" and adjust what you are bringing as necessary, you should be fine. Honestly, I doubt they care what people arriving and departing by cruise ship have with them for their personal purposes. Questions may be asked at airports, but if you are only doing port stops as part of your itinerary, you should be fine.

Kate

Hello,

I would appreciate some help. We are taking the Diamond Princess cruise out of Yokohama. We will be staying at the Intercontinental Yokohama Grand Hotel for two days prior to the cruise. I have a few questions. 1. What is the best inexpensive way to go from Narita to our hotel? We don't mind taking a train or subway. 2. How far is the cruise terminal from our hotel? 3. We want to go to a few Cat Cafe's, but would love advice on what else to do in Yokohama.

We were in Tokyo a few years ago, so we will not be visiting there on this trip. 4. Are there 100 yen shops in Yokohama? We went to the one in Nagasaki on a previous trip and loved the shop. 5. If we are not in a hurry, what is the best inexpensive way to get back to Narita?

We would really appreciate any help you can give us!!

Thank you.

You have gotten some very good information and the links provided by Little Nat are great!

1. Personally, I would take the limousine bus. On the link Little Nat provided, go to "pick me up at the airport" and choose your destination as Minatomirai and your alighting point as your hotel name. There are only six buses a day that go door to door (airport to hotel), so if the times don't work well for you, I suggest you just take the limousine bus to Yokohama Station. The cost should be about 3,600 yen (as I recall) and it is a good deal considering the distance covered and the assistance with luggage.

At Yokohama Station, change to the Minatomirai line and go 2 stops to Minatomirai Station. Your hotel should be a short walk. (Your hotel website shows taxi fare between the station and hotel as "0 yen", which means it is not worth taking a taxi.)

You can also take the Narita Express train (N'EX) from Narita to Yokohama Station, but depending on what terminal you come in, it can be a very long walk through the airport (and downstairs) to the train. The cost is about the same, but I prefer the limousine bus because the bus stops are right outside the arrival lobbies of each terminal (a very short walk once you clear Customs) and they do handle your luggage for you.

2. The cruise terminal is at Osanbashi Pier. From your hotel, get back on the Minatomirai Line and go 2 stops to Nihon-Odori Station, which is right at the pier/cruiseport.

3. I am sorry to say that while Cat Cafes were popular for a while, most have gone out of business. I do wish you good luck in finding one. Hopefully, there are more cat lovers in Yokohama than Tokyo!

Little Nat's link and other suggestions above are great.

Chinatown (Motomachi-Chukagai) is 3 stops on the Minataomirai line from your hotel and a fun place to spend some time.......souvenir shopping and a lot of great restaurants (if you like Chinese food).

Yama****a Park is nice for a stroll on a hot day, with great views of the water.

The food hall at Sogo is good too (and air-conditioned!). Enjoy the free samples!

I have never been to the ramen museum, but it definitely has it's fans (my brothers included).

4. For 100 yen shops in Yokohama, you can google "Daiso shops, Yokohama" and find an English page that lists locations. I believe there is one at Yokohama Station, in addition to other locations.

5. For returning to the airport, I would just take the limousine bus or N'EX from Yokohama Station.

I'm sure I have repeated helpful information posted above and mean no disrespect to any previous posters. I was just trying to pull together my thoughts in one post........

Best wishes to all for Happy Cruising......

Kate

Thank you for the Fleet Locations report. The Volendam (my favorite dam ship) is in Japanese waters!

Sending best wishes for those aboard and those joining in Kobe for a wonderful time in Japan and a great crossing to Vancouver.

I will go to the pier to say hello to my favorite ship when she gets to Tokyo. Just wish more HAL ships would stop in Japan.........

Kate

I have sailed both ships and both are lovely. The Volendam is - hands down - my favorite ship in the HAL fleet and I would choose her.

However, if you are considering a pass for the Thermal Suite (which I highly recommend) the NA is a better choice. The thermal pool on the Volendam is basically a glorified hot tub, while the NA has a very nice full size pool, with loungers around it.

Since you are cruising HAL for the first time, I think you will probably be happier with the NA overall.

Kate

Can anyone tell me if there is a Duty Free shop in the Venetian port, and if so, are we able to buy wine there before boarding the ship?

The terminals at the port are mainly for dropping luggage and checking in. I have never seen a duty free shop.

If you are going to Piazzale Roma to get the People Mover to the port, you might want to try the Co-op store. Standing in the Piazzale, facing the water, take the wide, shallow flight of stairs towards the water. At the bottom of the stairs, go left in the little lane. (The kiosks selling water bus tickets will be on your right.) Keep going left in the lane for a block or two and you will find the Co-op, on your left.

The sign and entrance are small and easy to miss, but once inside it is a very extensive supermarket, where the local people shop. The wine section is in the back. I did not find the Montepulciano wine I was looking for, but did find a Montepulciano d'abruzzo that was good enough at a good price.

Sailing from Venice is magical. Best wishes for a fantastic cruise.......

Kate

I do understand that.

 

I was only trying to suggest that people should understand the difference between actual risk and perceived risk. (And not pass off the second one as a fact.)

 

I am a traveler by nature (in a family of travelers) and my philosophy is that there are far worse ways to go than while doing something I love. :) Anyone who knows me knows that is more than just bravado.

I am a traveler too from a long line of travelers. I understand the difference between perceived risk and actual risk.

Can you help other cruisers with the actual risk factor for traveling to certain areas, in terms of the sleeper cells (waiting to be activated) and radicals leaving their home countries to join the ranks of jihadists. All of the information needed to make an estimate of risk factors seems to be in flux.

Since you seem to have a method for estimating true risk factors. can you share it?

Thanks.

Kate

When was the Chocolate Seduction initiated? We were on the Westerdam in early-August 2013 and did not see CS or any promotion for it.

 

Rod

It was being set up in December of 2011, when I did a B2B on the Westerdam. I don't recall if it actually opened while I was still onboard, but it looked ready to go by the end of my cruise.

Yes, the location is very bad and that's a shame.

Kate

That is really strange. I have spent a lot of time all over Asia for business. I truly have never seen Asians (particularly the women) who didn't at least have on nice slacks and a nice top to GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. Business meeting-generally suits or very, very nice, very conservative dresses. And any kind of party atmosphere-bring out the bling.

 

Even on Star cruises which is generally a 3-4 night booze out, gambling cruise, dress has generally been a level above what a lot of Americans wear. The better casinos in Macau generally have the atmosphere of the Vegas casinos through the 70's until Vegas tried to turn themselves into a "family", anything goes place.

 

I am really surprised that you saw people in the dining room in shorts/flip flops/tank tops. Sure they weren't American Asians???

I agree with you. I think part of the reason that Asians try to dress nicely and appropriately when leaving the house is because most Asian societies are "communal", as opposed to "individualistic." How you are perceived in public is a reflection on any group you belong to.......family, school, company, etc.

And too, I think that Asian women take a lot of personal pride is being dressed well. I've had many visitors comment on how nicely dressed Japanese women are, even ladies just out for an afternoon of shopping. As one American said to me, "They make an effort."

Cheznandy........thanks for your kind comment about women in Japan.

Kate

Do you think that people might be uneasy about disclosing too much on line? I know with some of my land trips, I've been reluctant to say too much on Trip Advisor because you just don't know who is reading the threads. Just as they say, don't put details on facebook. Just a passing thought.

I think there is something to what you say. I recently went to join a Roll Call for a cruise and found that there was a self-appointed Organizer who had enlisted a Volunteer Assistant. They requested that anyone wishing to join the M & G provide them with full, legal name, place of residence, occupation (or previous occupation, if retired), hobbies and interests and cabin number.

Apparently, the cabin number is necessary so they can leave flyers and phone messages about the CC events they are planning (pub crawl, cabin crawl, slot pull, CC lunch, CC cocktail time, etc).

They also request a photo be sent by e-mail so they can include that in the photo book, which will be sent 'round to others on the Roll Call, allowing them to study and then recognize other CC members on board.

Nowhere do they state that any of this is mandatory, but the feeling I get (right or wrong) is that you need to get with their program or you will be persona non grata.

I only wanted to attend the M & G and find the requests for information and a photo intrusive. Further, as a single women traveling alone, I am not inclined to provide private information via e-mail to someone I have never met as I have no idea where and how the info will be used.

I am a CC member, but will not be joining this particular Roll Call.

The 2016 edition is much better in my own opinion, although there are more ports. I think 2016 has better ports than 2015.

 

I've seen and paid as low as CND999 plus tax for this cruise of 17 days in the past for an inside guarentee. Now with the CND nose-diving........

 

This year it must be selling well because the pricing is a lot higher that that in USD!

 

Shmoo: I would do what you suggest. This cruise almost always decreases in price. You just have to get the timing right!

I also think 2016 looks more interesting than this year; 2 additional ports in Japan and Glacier Bay back on the itinerary for 2016.

Based on what I have seen in the past, I think prices will go a bit lower closer to sailing. I have not seen this cruise sell out in the past few years.

This year embarkation is Kobe and an overnight in Yokohama was on the itinerary. Apparently, HAL has been able to get a berth at Harumi in Tokyo and the overnight will now be there instead of Yokohama. This will be a boon for passengers who want to optimize their time touring and dining out in Tokyo. I hope the same thing happens next year with a switch from Yokohama to Tokyo, but who knows?

I guess you get more time in Italy if the victim is a citizen. Foreign nationals are only "worth" a fraction of the time.

 

Disgusting.

I am not sure I understand your post. The victim in the Amanda Knox case was not Italian; she was British and therefore a citizen of the U.K.

Hi and welcome to Cruise Critic! You may want to check the Asia Ports of Call forum here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=70. You can post your question on that forum if needed. A search for 'narita, japan' offers these threads: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=64713968. I hope this helps, enjoy your cruise! :)

This is very good advice. To the OP, please visit the Asia board for specific questions about "Japan cruising", if you are so inclined. In addition to questions you may have, there are threads/posts which contain more information about cruising in and out of Japan which you may find helpful.

Regarding the question at hand, the best way from the New Grand to the cruise port is to just take a taxi from the hotel. It should only take about five minutes and the fare will be nominal. If you google "Hotel New Grand, Yokohama, english" you should get the hotel's English website. Click on "Location" and a map should come up.

Look to the north of the hotel's location and you will see Osanbashi Pier, jutting out into the water. That is where the cruise port is located. It is "walkable", but with luggage, I would just use a taxi.

Kate

vi·sa

noun \ˈvē-zə also -sə\

 

: an official mark or stamp on a passport that allows someone to enter or leave a country usually for a particular reason

 

When I enter Japan with my American passport, I receive a stamp in my passport (similar to a postage stamp) that lists the date of my arrival and the number of days I am permitted to legally remain in Japan. This is my entry visa.

When I depart Japan my passport is stamped (with an ink stamp) with an exit visa that verifies I legally departed the country before my entry visa expired.

End Quote

 

 

I cannot address Immigration issues in China, HX or Korea, however, in Japan the Immigration officials at ports of entry are basically "border control." Their job is to decide if arriving passengers meet the necessary criteria to be allowed entry into the country.

 

Tourists are generally given "90 days, visa-free" with a stamp on their passport and then a "date of entry stamp. This does not constitute a visa.

 

Visa holders must have a still valid visa and the second portion of their landing card must be still stapled to their passport and properly filled out. Further, they must have re-entry permission in the form of a valid re-entry permit or the new microchipped Immigration card. If everything is in order, they are given a simple "date of entry" stamp.

 

If you are receiving a stamp on your passport that gives you X number of days to be in Japan, then you are entering as a tourist and not as a resident with a valid visa. The Immigration officials at ports of entry do not/cannot issue visas or impose conditions on the length of stay for a visa holder. Visa issuance and length of stay are handled by a completely different section in the Immigration system.

 

You do not need an exit visa to leave Japan. There is no need to petition Immigration for permission to leave. You can depart any time you like and will simply receive a dated "departed" stamp to show when you left.

 

Possibly, you are confusing "permission to enter as a tourist" with having been granted a visa.

 

Many thanks to Globaliser for logical, clear and concise posts. You said it much better than I could have.

 

Kate

My wife and I are considering taking a cruise along the coast of Noway. We have looked at Hurtigurten as one alternative, but have become somewhat confused by how the food and beverages work onboard.

 

We have been on other cruises from Princess to NCL and Celebrity and others and know about package plans and meal plans, but when I try to understand Hurtigurten's setup, not sure.

 

Might mention that my wife and I do not consume alcohol except for the occasional glass of wine or cocktail, so that does solve one of the problems concerning an alcohol packet.

 

Anyone's advise would be helpful

If you go to the Holland America Line board, there is currently a thread on the first page (European 3 Cruise reviews: Hurtigurten, Viking River, HAL Med TA). The poster writes in some detail about the meal options and menu selections on a recent Hurtigurten cruise.

You may find this helpful and if you have further questions, you can always ask.

Kate

Kate,

Thanks, I think we can handle our luggage on the train if it is not crowded. Perhaps it will not be so crowded on Sunday?

Yes, Sunday will be much less crowded as there will be no commuters going to/from work. It should be an easy trip for you.

I hope you will enjoy Tokyo and have a wonderful cruise.

Kate

If you are staying near Tokyo Station, your best bet is to just take the Tokaido Line to Yokohama from Tokyo Station. This is provided that you can get your luggage on board with you easily ("in one fell swoop.")

Commuter trains do not stop very long in city stations and there will be no time to get on some cases and then pull more from the platform on board after that.

At Yokohama, I would just take a taxi to the pier, but if you wish to continue by train, you can change to the Minato Mirai line and go to Nihon Odori Station. The cruise port is about a 5 minute walk from there.

Kate

Have a chance to participate with other CC members on day pre cruise tour, using public transportation..

 

to be seen:

 

Tsukiji Fish market

Asakusa - Nakamise shopping street/Sensoji temple

Meiji shrine

tea ceremony at Happoen gardens

imperial palace plaza/east gardens

Shibuya street crossing

 

8:30 - 4:30 using subway, train and walking

 

is this doable in one day - without rushing around ...will we actually fit all this in?

 

would it be better to arrange a tour with transport by car/van rather than public transportation? I would think public transport, despite the walking to and from, and wait times - might be better due to traffic congestion of vehicles?

 

Carol

Public transportation is the way to go with such an intense itinerary. I do fear you will feel rushed and personally, I would eliminate the tea ceremony at Happoen given transpo logistics and the time it takes for a tea ceremony.

I also wonder if you intend to visit the sites in the order you have listed them. If so, you would waste some precious time crisscrossing the city at certain points.

I would suggest:

Tsukiji

Asakusa

Imperial Palace

That would probably cover your morning and then you could head "uptown."

I would do Meiji Shrine first in the Harajuku district. It is something of a walk from the entrance to the main shrine, so you should budget some time for that.

If you do not do Happoen, you will have a bit more leeway with time and there are a few options I can think of after Meiji Shrine. You can go down Omote-Sando dori (street) to the heart of Harajuku for shopping at Oriental Bazaar, which is the best place for souvenirs: kimono, porcelain, woodblock prints, antiques and the usual trinkets. I believe they have an English website these days. From there it is one stop to Shibuya from either Harajuku station or Omote Sando station.

Another option if you forgo Happoen, but want to see a traditional garden is to take the subway from Harajuku one stop to Omote Sando and walk 5 - 6 minutes to the Nezu Museum. The garden there is not as expansive as Happoen, but it is one of the loveliest traditional gardens in Tokyo.

If you went to the Nezu, you would double back to Omote Sando station and from there it is only one stop to Shibuya. In front of the famous street crossing is the Hachiko station plaza. The statue of the famous dog Hachiko is there and it is popular among tourists (Japanese and foreigners alike) to take a photo standing next to the statue.

Shibuya is a good place to end up......for those who want to return to their hotel, there are many train lines for easy access and for those who want to linger, there are many restaurant/cafe options.

Whatever you decide, I hope you will enjoy Tokyo.

Kate

I know single supplements tend to be a sore spot. I hear ya, I'm not a fan. Especially when they're at 200%. But this one just threw me.

 

The Xciting deals posted this week include two 14 night Holy Land cruises. Both showing $1,099 for a veranda, with a 200% supplement. Hate the supplement, but the price still isn't wretched. So for grins, I thought I'd explore a bit more. When you go into Celebrity to book, it shows the $1,099 for a veranda. When you change the # of people to 1, all of a sudden the price goes to $3,998.

 

Now, I work numbers for a living. And $3,998 is a 363% increase over $1,099 any which way you look at it. I've never seen this before. Could be a glitch, I suppose. I could call, but not a fan of their customer service.

 

Thoughts?

I have seen this with pricing on Princess many times in the past. It has generally been 280% - 300% for solos. I no longer even bother to look at their itineraries. I can live with 200% if I have to as I understand the reasoning for it - their bottom line is based on double occupancy. However, I will not sail a line that tries to take advantage of solos and makes them pay more for a cabin than a couple in the same category.

I generally stick with Hal, which is my favorite line. I know it's not for everyone, but ss runs 150% - 200% and as I said, I can live with 200% if I have to.

Hope you find a good deal somewhere.......happy cruising!

Kate

I've heard HAL is replacing the Veendam's aft retreat with a wading pool of caramel. Is that true?

Loyal cruisers on Crystal claim to be "Crystalized"..........can HAL cruisers now claim to be "caramelized"?