CLOUDYTOWN

A lot of our expenses, shore excursions, internet, etc we prepaid prior. Since there were itinerary changes, cancellation/ rebooking some excursions ours will probably be messy once they credit points. I imagine we will have some reconciliation to do with HAL.

Response just received from Mariner's Society:

Thank you for your recent correspondence with Holland America Line regarding your recent Zuiderdam, October 10, 2023voyage.  We are experiencing technical difficulties resulting in the sailing, onboard spending and suite bonus (if applicable) not populating to guest profiles.  We are working diligently to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. 

At this time we do not have an estimate of when the issue will be resolved and your history posted to your profile but as many cruises experiencing this issue have recently posted we do not expect that it will be much longer for yours.. Please know we value your loyalty and sincerely apologize for the delay.  Once this is resolved, all pending information will be processed and visible in your account.  No further action of follow up will be required for this to be processed.

Again, we sincerely apologize for the delay.  If you have any questions please let us know.  We hope to welcome you back onboard with us in the near future.

We were on Grand Africa, left in October and returned back on December 22.  I had asked HAL via email when the accounts would be updated.  The response was within 10 days of returning. Nothing yet.  I asked again yesterday and have not received an answer.

SO HAPPY to report that after one long week, the noise issue was resolved today! We are back to thinking 8033, Zuiderdam, is a great room!!

Hard telling if it will get resolved. I simply did not want to be associated with a recommendation that I made since the ship has declined to repair,

Since posting a recommendation for this cabin, noise issues have developed that we are currently being told will not be resolved for the remaining (44) days of our current cruise. Definitely impacts enjoyment of the room as well as the balcony. Apologies for recommending!

5 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

Luggage Direct is the service that takes your bag from the ship to your airline and you collect the bag at your home airport. 

 

Luggage Forward is the shipping service (UPS/FEDEX) that takes your bag from home to ship or ship to home. I have used Cunard's service several times and HAL's once, all international, and the tracking was the same as for any package--go to the website, enter your number, and see where your bag is.

 

This was before there were airtags, but I found the tracking sufficient. The first time I used a shipping service, it was Cunard's. I tracked the bag and saw that it sat in UK Customs for a few days. I was concerned, so I called DHL (the carrier Cunard White Star Service used at the time). They were very good about explaining the delay--basically, Customs looked at the date the bag had to be at the ship and if there was extra time, they didn't rush to get around to it. The day after I called, tracking showed the bag in Southampton, waiting for the ship with time to spare.

Thank you for your response. Yes, I misspoke and Luggage Forward is what we will be using. Since ours goes into/out of Ft. Lauderdale. The carrier tracking should be sufficient, i believe.

For those that have used the direct service in the past, is the tracking that the luggage service use (UPS/FEDEX) sufficient tracking?  Or do you also find the need to put the Apple Airtag in your luggage for additional tracking?

We will be on a Grand Voyage next fall and wonder if it is better to purchase an Internet package prior to boarding or are 'deals' given on day of embarkation?

That's exactly what I was looking for!  Thank you so much!!

Thank you for sharing the website. I guess we will find out what the offerings are for the promotion we booked under once we are onboard.

We recently booked a HAL cruise that included 4 in suite liquor bottles, along with other amenities. Any experiences with what liquor is offered? Wine, hard liquor choices, mix/match?

Thank you!

When the luggage is picked up, does UPS/FedEx shrink wrap them? Is it advised to lock them? Thanks!

We are considering the 73 day October 2023 Grand Africa Voyage and are reviewing travel insurance plans.  What are the experiences for reimbursement from those of you who have had to submit claims?  We are looking at the Platinum Holland plan along with other company offerings.  Any experience with "cancel for any reason"?

Thanks!

We got off the Westerdam this past weekend in Singapore and during a question/answer with the Captain, was told that it would be routine maintenance to the engines and new mattresses, bedding etc.  There were a 'boatload' of contracted workers boarding when we exited the ship!  For the most part, the interior of the ship is in good shape.  The MainStage seats were a little frayed, but it wasn't mentioned if those would be reupholstered. From talking to staff on board, it sounds like they will get some well deserved downtime during these two weeks as well.

Thank you. I’ve sent HAL an email, have not received a reply yet.  Our Cuba visas were obtained on our HAL cruise, so I’m hoping it’s the case for Asia as well.

We are considering an Asian Westerdam cruise in December.  We currently have a 10 year China visa, but wonder if Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines available on the ship or are they needed to be obtained before sailing?

Thank you for your response!  We prefer Adagio over the Lincoln Center concept so we are glad to know we will have them to enjoy!

We will be on the Veendam in December/January and wonder if there is still Adagio or if they have converted to Lincoln Center style?

We will be on a Veendam cruise in January and will be making two stops in Cuba.  Is the visa that Holland America obtains a single entry into Cuba or a multiple entry?  In other words, will we have to purchase one or two visas?