BJzink

On 2/8/2021 at 7:33 AM, Hlitner said:

I think you underestimate the ability of regulators to regulate :).   I certainly would not propose allowing the Staten Island or any other ferry in US Waters to be reflagged.  I only brought up the ferry because it was an issue raised by somebody else in another post.  What I am saying is that there are times when a country does what is in its own best interests (in this case it is to amend or possibly waive part of the PVSA).  Despite you cries to the contrary I do not believe the sky will fall with some amendments.  I seem to recall some objections were raised a few years ago when the US Government decided that the FBI would get involved in cases involving US Citizens/Residents even when they happened on foreign flagged vessels operating outside US Waters.  While the ability of the FBI to get involved in cases does technically need the cooperation of the host country (assuming it happened in another countries waters) pressure is brought to bear and the investigation generally happens.  The US simply uses 18US Code as the basis of the FBI's intervention even when that is in technical conflict of certain other Marine laws.  I only mention this because it is a situation where the US Government acted to do what was in our own best interests with the knowledge that it might later cause some complicated situations which would need to be resolved at the time.

 

I think it can be the same with the PVSA.  This has now become a situation where Congress should act to do what is in our best interests, which might be to protect part of Alaska's economy.  If there are some nasty ramifications that will need to be handled through negotiations.   'While you point out that changes could create a problem with our own labor laws (i.e. crews would be subject to US minimum wage and other related labor laws), the same Congress that would amend the PVSA could also (if it chooses) make targeted changes to applicable labor laws.  It happens all the time in our government.  The truth about working in Government regulation (which I did for about forty years in the healthcare sector) is that regulations/statutes are routinely crafted to do what is in our own best interests.   There is another aspect of the PVSA for which I have my doubts.  I am wondering if President Biden (if he chooses) can simply issue an executive order waiving the necessary parts of the PVSA to simply allow cruises directly between the lower 48 and Alaska without any intervening stops.  Presidents (including Biden) routinely use EOs even when they are obviously contrary to law.   The EO takes effect immediately and then others, if they so choose, are welcome to fight it out in the courts which can often take years.  But meanwhile the EO reigns supreme.   In my career I promulgated several regulations (healthcare related) that were contrary to existing statutes but they were adopted pending later court challenges.  It is almost like somebody doing something in their own best interests and then saying, "if you don't like it....sue me."  Such regulations must be carefully crafted to have some basis in law, but this is usually pretty easy for skilled technocrats and attorneys.

 

Hank 

I have a relative who worked about 45+ years in government, mostly classified positions.  His opinion on elected positions was that their job was to be reelected, never mind what was best for the country or anything else.

5 hours ago, RetiredRich said:

In 2019 we moved our Seattle to Alaska cruise to August 2021.  Now with the Canadian restrictions do we need to move it again ?  I see where maybe they will give the cruise ships special permission.  So do I wait for that or change again?  Also how is it that they are still selling cruise deals to Alaska of 2021 ?  We paid in full to get the perks for this cruise.  Wonder if they will carry over.  Same with our air fare we paid for already.  Wonder if they will let us postpone again.  Very confused.

I emailed my Cruise Agent about all the chatter on CC re. this topic.  I am on a Sept. 2021 Alaskan cruise which has been postponed x 2 - she messaged me to hang tight, the cruise companies are in contact with the govt. and trying to work something out.  I have been cancelled x 2, so I don't mind waiting awhile.

I am on this cruise - saw my confirmation # and dates a few days ago.  Haven't seen the confirmation data from my Consultant.  But at least I am going to be there!

I was booked on the 2021 VOV cruise - 1/15/2021 has come, and apparently will go without the promised information from HAL.  I have been blocked from seeing all 3 of my future bookings!!!!!!

On 1/5/2021 at 11:46 AM, zelker said:

Don't see VofV showing yet ... does anyone have any info or is it already sold out?

I am already on this cruise - moved from Summer 2021 - so I expect that those reservations will have taken a lot of space.

12 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

I wish to add to this conversation that the most superior destination/shore excursion, whatever one wishes to call such, that I have experienced was on the Zaandam's Antarctica/South American Cruise in 2018.  EXC?  Not sure, but I think it was.  Whatever.  The personnel that provided the lectures, the commentary, the programming, and even the display in the Crow's Nest that I first encountered on the day of embarkation told me:  this will be the special cruise that I expected.  It was!

I was also on that cruise - so memorable - will never forget the "Birdman"!

5 hours ago, bcummin said:

Actually, EXC faded before the coronavirus pandemic.

HAL's exquisite EXC In Depth Maasdam cruises were watered down to less than they had been.  When capable port experts were eliminated, the EXC label was tacked onto shore excursion speakers and then combined with the cruise director responsibilities.  HAL destroyed its own golden goose.

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/shore-excursions.html

(found this link, but previous link posted was far better)

 

Barbara

I was on the initial EXC cruise which included Easter Island.   There was an overall coordinator who was responsible for the presenters who were experts, including guest chefs from the areas visited.  There were cultural ambassadors who represented their countries.  This was the highlight cruise of my experiences.  

4 hours ago, SummmerInKefalonia said:

The 15th of January is a possible date from what I have heard...

That's the date that I am promised to receive my new confirmation for my "Voyage of the Vikings" cruise rescheduled from summer 2021, we'll see!

2 of my granddaughters work in vet offices and have said that they are often harassed by people who want the paperwork that says their animals are "support" animals.  They eventually posted a sign on their door that said they would not issue them.  Some vets continue to do it.  

As a 4-star Mariner I think that the free laundry (I do long cruises) and half-price Pinnacle are great perks for me.  And, the more interesting itineraries on HAL. 

On 12/20/2020 at 5:18 PM, Sea42 said:

From what I can see, HAL's loyalty benefits are not very generous compared to other lines. While we have enjoyed our cruises with HAL, I'm not sure they are much of an incentive to be "loyal" to HAL.

21 hours ago, LEtue said:

Have they announced the schedule to release?  Getting ready to plan something myself.....

I am supposed to get my new "Voyage of the Vikings" schedule, summer 2022, by Jan 15, 2021.  Lots of Europe ports........

On 12/16/2020 at 9:43 AM, Mary229 said:

I was on that cruise.  They expect you to make a decision by the 20th so I would be checking to see if that date has moved up also.   

Updated today by HAL (Voyage of the Vikings, summer 2022

)  apologized for confusion, said I'd have an confirmation of new cruise information by January 15, 2021.  Should be new Europe cruise schedule

for 2022 also.

The date I was to get a new confirmation for my "Voyage of the Vikings" moved to summer 2022, and HAL does not have any information yet.  I understand they are crazy busy trying to rebook cruises, but shouldn't give a deadline date, or keep their TA's appraised of postponed bookings.  

16 hours ago, Mandalay1903 said:

Thanks for the information. Which 2021 cruise date and ship were you originally booked on?

July 17, 2021 - Zaandam. 35 nights.....

I was on the Voyage of the Viking cruise for 2021, moved to summer 2022 - was told I would have my itinerary and confirmation by December 15, 2020.  

Here's a reply from the other side.  I lived and worked for 6 months in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.  The newspaper back then showed the names of ships for that day and the passenger count.  We adjusted our activities accordingly.  Hard to explain just how much thousands and thousands of people can affect your lives.  It more than doubled the population, and finding a beach that wasn't wall to wall was pretty impossible on my day off.  It was a relief when 5PM came and everyone left.  I am an avid cruiser now, so understand both sides, but it isn't always $$ for sure.

18 hours ago, AtlantaCruiser72 said:

The Zuiderdams entire Summer/fall 2021 schedule from April 18th through December 23rd has been removed from the HAL agent booking system (POLAR) and is no longer viewable/bookable. This includes her Spring and Fall transatlantic sailings and entire Mediterranean season.  These sailings still appear on the consumer website but attempting a booking on any of them results in the “oops something went wrong” error message.
 

Smells like a redeployment to me - question is to where?.......  Summer Caribbean or Mexican Riviera?  Or a change to shorter 7nt round trip European sailings maybe from either Rome or Barcelona (similar to what Princess did with Enchanted’s itinerary).

 

As they say - WATCH THIS SPACE!!

 

EDIT !!!! - Volendam summer 2021 Alaska Schedule has also disappeared. She has a blank in her schedule now from April 21st to January 4th 2022. Maybe she’ll be replacing Zuiderdam in Europe and Zuiderdam replacing her in Alaska.???

My daughter, son-in-law & I were on Volendam on a 7 day Alaska cruise September 2021.  Received an email yesterday from Gus Antorcha that we would now be on Zuiderdam for our cruise.  Booking is automatically transferred and a new booking number & confirmation would be sent by November 30, 2020.  Same (or upgraded) stateroom assignment.  Zuiderdam is being deployed to Alaska for summer 2021 and then to Hawaii & Tahiti.  Volendam will be sailing in Europe.  I'm not holding m breath for anything nowadays.......

40 minutes ago, FlaMariner said:

 

The rebook next year option has got me thinking.......

 

The 3/2021 Santiago to FLL is 22% cheaper than the same cruise 3/2022......Thinking I could role the dice and book for 2021 and if it does not go, I'm all set for 2022.  

 

Do you think "rebooking" is the norm for similar cruises next year or perhaps just for "Grand" cruises?  And was the rebook for the same cabin with no additional $$$?

 

 

 

My information from HAL says I will be rebooked in the same stateroom at the rate already paid.  The new booking is 1 day longer, not charged more, get additional OBC for $250.00.  I will receive a new booking number and confirmation within 30 days (this notice dated Sept. 24, 2020).  Have not received it yet.  I anticipate that I may have a new travel advisor, but this has happened with my 2 other cancelled/rebooked cruises.  

Re. South American cruises - my 2nd half of the Grand South America cruise, Feb, 2021, was cancelled last week, and rebooked for February 2022

14 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Sometimes, the ships' show films that are very compatible with the cruise itinerary.  Just before the Zaandam arrived in Argentina, "Evita" with Madonna was shown.  Wow!  

 

During my 2002 Asia Pacific Cruise on the Volendam, "The Last Emperor" was shown before we arrived at our first port in China.  Another Wow!

 

Such movies, when they are available, in my opinion, helps to "set the stage" for the historical context of the country that one is about to visit.  For me, it makes my visit more meaningful and, indeed, memorable.   

I do like the compatible films also - on my South Pacific Island cruise they showed "The Bounty" and one about Vincent Van Gogh, and "Tango Argentina", as well as "Evita", on the So. America cruise.

18 hours ago, TraelorMex said:

Hi fellow cruisers. I am considering the 77 day S/A cruise (Volendam) departing Jan 2021. I cannot find any information about whether or not this cruise will be a 'go'. I am concerned about making a reservation and NOT knowing if it will even sail.

 

Does anyone have experience with these iffy matters? Guess I am looking for advice on what to do.

 

Thanks in advance.

I am booked on the second portion of this cruise if it happens - if it is cancelled, I will try for 2022.  I am the eternal optimist.

I am curious about any restrictions ON the MSC ships - also the cleaning protocols?

I am booked on the 2nd part of the Grand South America, Feb 2021 -   last day to cancel & get full refund is Oct. 15. But I'm assuming they will cancel the entire cruise if it has to be.  Will be so sad if it cancels.  Then in July 2021, I am booked for the Voyage of the Vikings, and Sept 2021 7 day Alaska.  Might get at least one of them.

23 minutes ago, grsnovi said:

It does seem to be a better way. I always wonder how effective the whole thing would be anyway. Actually going to your muster station helps = we didn't even do that the last couple of times on HAL.

Anything to avoid the horrific mess on Costa Concordia!