DAllenTCY

Koningsdam Thanksgiving cruise......2,860 expected to board. Please do not arrive prior to your Boarding Pass time slot. Everyone must be present by 3:30 pm. Have your passport along with your Boarding Pass clearly visible (not folded, or in an envelope).... and in your hand when you enter the terminal. David

The later you arrive, the fewer are the challenges. More porters, and shorter lines. Just come 30 minutes after your Boarding Pass slot. My personal opinion. David

San Diego no longer has a VeriFly lane. David

The fall 2023 cruises were only announced a few weeks ago. David

I like to be on the side where I can see the sunset...as many times as possible. David

January 7th and 14th the Jewel will share San Diego port with the HAL Koningsdam. I would advise that any flight departing prior to 11 am would be risky. David

I love my job at a cruise port. I've been doing this for 17 years. The only parts that break my heart are when: The ship has left without you because: 1. You arrived too late 2. You presented insufficient proof of citizenship In either case, are you prepared with a "Plan B"? David

I understand that; however, if you call ....for example the California Department of Motor Vehicles.... they will insist that your Real ID is good for "Travel". No mention of alr vs sea. They had required that every Californian have a Real ID a year ago and have moved that deadline at least twice. My concern is that several guests on Saturday were denied boarding in San Diego for a cruise because of this misunderstanding. David

A state issued "Real ID" is not acceptable for cruises. Did you read this warning! Only an "Enhanced Driver's License" currently only available from 5 states ...New York, Washington, Vermont, Minnesota and Michigan is valid. They are intended for boarder crossing into Canada but do have what info US Customs requires. If you do not have a US passport, and are considering a cruise......get one! Your alternative for a "closed loop" cruise (same port embarking and disembarking) is a government issued United States Birth Certificate, Naturalization document, and a few other things that are very uncommon. A US military ID will usually get you a discount on your cruise fare, but is NOT valid for sailing. David

Embarking this Saturday in San Diego....2,574 expected. David

Hi Ruth ....I hope a San Diego HAL sailing is in your future plans. I'll make this a generic reply; however, I suspect you are 4*(+). Arrive at the terminal, presumably via the parking lot and have your Boarding Pass in hand. Door greeters will evaluate your Mariner status (and needs) and show you to either a designated ADA waiting area just inside, or to the appropriate lineup for security screening. You will be assisted through security by ground staff to another set of chairs where the ship's pushers can take over, aid you through check-in, and up an elevator to the ship. David

There is a small seating area inside the terminal for guests with wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. It is not a priority check-in area. You are to remain seated until your boarding group is announced. David

Not likely you'll find a pedicab in the morning hours. David

If I can upload the link, it will give you some idea as to the cruise port, the amenities within a 3 block walking radius. You will notice plenty of seats available but not just in front of the pier. The first few minutes are walking towards the pier. The more important information is withing one block of the ship. David

I can verify that the first boarding time Group A was 10 am that day in San Diego. It was very unusual and I had pointed it out to my manager days before. It was too late to make any changes. Nevertheless, it won't happen again. Our first Group A November 5th is 11:30 am. There is nowhere to sit at the port entrance; however, a short walk in any direction (except west) will get you shade, food, and an available restroom. David

We have boarded Disney Wonder with 2,450 passengers or more regularly with no issues this season. Disney allows guest to choose their embarkation times, unlike HAL which assigns them. It is much easier to manage the boarding process when guests have selected what works for them. David

I'm unclear of your question regarding policy. Could you please elaborate? Thanks. David

Yesterday's embarkation was 2,264 for the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise on the Koningsdam. November 5th....2,547 embarking. 100% capacity. David

Just to add to my friend's post, within 500 feet south of check in, on the sidewalk, is Carnitas Taco shop (with shaded seating available) and a full bar. There is a public restroom along that route and seats along the waterfront between B.St. and Broadway as well. A gift shop is also open for souvenirs. To the north on the sidewalk is Portside Pier.....about 750 feet away. There are two full bars, plaza level seating area with a fantastic view of the bay, coffee shop, restrooms, and the Brigantine restaurant. Across the street: Hazelwood's Deli (they serve great breakfasts also), The Claim Jumper restaurant, and the Surf Snack Shop. For last minute shopping (wine, champagne, etc.) the Harbor Market is located on the floor level of the Intercontinental Hotel on the Pacific Hwy. side. We want you to have an enjoyable boarding experience. Lately, our disadvantage has been that allowing luggage drop prior to your arrival time has overloaded the longshore workers. California law states that a 30 minute lunch is required before a 5th our of work. So, if that great group of people start at 7 am offloading luggage, before noon they need a break. The accomplish this by using 2 shifts.....resulting in 1/2 of their workforce available between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Please.....abide by your Boarding Pass scheduled time of arrival at the pier. If for some reason you need to arrive early, I suggest that you be dropped off at Portside Pier, Wyndam Resort/Claim Jumper (across the street) or Carnitas just a short walk in any direction. Keep your luggage with you. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, and await your turn to check in for your voyage. Thank you. David

I've been on the Panorama and Horizon, and I know there are some times when they serve slices of yummy cakes. I've missed it on some days. Is there a scheduled time for serving in the Lido Buffet at that station? The cheesecake there is far better that the one at 555 in my opinion. Thanks. David

The future cruises are to be released on October 21st. David

The total eclipse will occur in Mazatlan, Mexico. https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2024-april-8 Duration:2 hours, 40 minutes, 35 seconds Duration of totality:4 minutes, 1 second Partial begins:Apr 8, 2024 at 10:50:52 am Full begins:Apr 8, 2024 at 12:06:56 pm Maximum:Apr 8, 2024 at 12:08:56 pm Full ends:Apr 8, 2024 at 12:10:57 pm Partial ends:Apr 8, 2024 at 1:31:27 pm David

In the right place at the right time when the Zuiderdam departed from San Diego, I encountered crew members who brought on 4 huge 50 pound bags of corn kernels. We joked for a minute about their "addiction" and they laughed and said it was for stocking the galley for passengers and crew. David

If you use Luggage Forward through Holland America: And your flight is among those that fall within certain departing times and airlines And you take your bags (or have your bags taken by a porter) to the port entry gate to meet the courier. The Luggage Forward service is used frequently for embarking cruises, but rarely for disembark. The couriers do not have TWIC security clearance to meet you closer in San Diego. David

Just a quick note to all of you who are arriving in San Diego on Monday. Construction at the pier is extremely noisy and dusty.....except on Sundays. If you have hearing aids or are asthmatic, please consider this as an advisement. There is a pile driver in use very near the exit door from the terminal. Sand and cement are being mixed constantly on the pier and some of the residue is airborne. Conversations with you are difficult at times especially in the luggage claim area and as you exit the terminal. Shoring up of the terminal is due to tidal erosion and the age of the pier. It was originally built on landfill and with wooden pier pilings. Those are being replaced with steel and concrete. The estimate for completion is sometime in December 2022. Thank you. David