BJzink

I received a notice to refund 2 indulgences on 4/20/20 - refund was in my bank account 5/12/20.  I also received an email from VTG today that there are 26 cancellations for each 1 booking.  Must be mayhem.

23 minutes ago, BJzink said:

September 2021

Maasdam

Sept. 6 - Sept.20., 2021

14 nights

Alaska

Elizabeth, daughter Becky, son-in-law Darrell will be onboard

 

This cruise is rebooked from September 7, 2020.  #11 HAL cruise for Elizabeth, first time HAL for Becky & Darrell.  

26 minutes ago, BJzink said:

February 2021

Volendam

Feb,14-March 19.2021

33 nights

Final leg of Grand South America cruise

Elizabeth will be there!

September 2021

Maasdam

Sept. 6 - Sept.20., 2021

14 nights

Alaska

Elizabeth, daughter Becky, son-in-law Darrell will be onboard

February 2021

Volendam

Feb,14-March 19.2021

33 nights

Final leg of Grand South America cruise

Elizabeth will be there!

On 4/23/2020 at 11:17 PM, Mud_Shark said:

We don't like crowds of children, so we quickly found that Princess was more our style than RCL or Carnival.  Now we are trying HAL.  But that said, a few things for the young at heart would not be a bad thing.  A waterslide would be good.  It wouldn't make the ship into an amusement park, but would be fun to try, and the granddaughter would like it as well.  We are 58, and I take my oldest grandaughter to the waterslide park every year.  Wouldn't try the flow rider or rock wall or anything that "out there", but HAL does sound a little sedate.  We shall hopefully see (our fall cruise may well be cancelled 😞   )

 

Don

If you cruise on Maasdam there are the Zodiacs which your granddaughter would probably like.   

On 4/23/2020 at 11:20 AM, JimnKaren said:

Among the reasons we cruise HAL is the selection of itineraries. Very few 7 or 10 day trips. Those are the type that will draw younger folks. Older folks have the time to travel longer cruises, thus fewer people under 30 (and their kids).

We rarely cruise less than 21 days, that eliminates most of the folks who have kids who might want to climb a wall. Those families just don't have that number of days of vacation.

As to entertainment...we don't cruise to smile in a showroom. We cruise for the experience of getting to new places without flying too often. We listen to music in different venues. Comedy late night? Catch that on the boob tube! Dancing and singing can be found at our local amateur theatres.

Jim

Exactly my opinion.   I love my children, grandchildren, and the "greats", but I have been on other ships (RCCL, Carnival, Princess), where the parents were not interested in supervising them and it was not relaxing at all.  I like HAL's itineraries.

I am 77 yrs, have no underlying health issues, but last year I had 2 surgeries.  For both of them I was required to visit my PCP for Anesthesia clearance.  This is pretty much normal for any surgery that requires anesthesia beyond locals.  My PCP did a basic exam, ordered a EKG, routine blood work, reviewed my medications, and gave me a green light for the surgeries and the anesthesia required.  I would be willing to do whatever was needed for the criteria that the cruise industry decides in order to sail.  I certainly understand that there will be people who might not meet the criteria, but given the longer cruises that are offered, it would be increasing the problem for caring for passengers who become ill.

2 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

and airplanes..

and all-inclusive vacations, like a cruise but on land.

4 hours ago, npcl said:

The difference is that restaurants can do a  number of things for distancing.  Spacing out tables, partitions between table areas (korea is doing that) going to a reservations only system, masks for wait staff, cleaning tables between each party, staff hand washing between each service.  Separate person picking up dishes, following a red area green area protocol. etc.

 

Hotels can do the same.  Restricting common access areas. On line check.  Set up elevators not to stop at intervening floors. (one group, same room) per elevator, no common dining area, room service only with no contact delivery. etc.

 

A number of businesses can put substantial distancing measures in place.  Will impact their capacity and profits, but they can operate.

 

The best airlines could do is require masks for all passengers, no food or drink service, reduce capacity and increase passenger spacing, no greeting passengers at door. Potentially clear plastic shields ( hanging from storage area above each seat) above the back of each seat to minimize air flow between each row.  Lock air vents on maximum.  Not as good as you good do with Restaurants, and hotels but better than now.

 

Far more difficult on cruise ships.

?? All-inclusive resorts?

Pretty stringent guidelines - wonder if other travel destinations will have to comply with similar rules?  Like - hotels, restaurants, all-inclusives, and airplanes?

I certainly hope that all cruise lines eliminate totally the "self-serve" food stations.  The constant handling of utensils by hundreds of passengers is a menu for disaster, as is the lack of "sneeze guards" on some buffets on other ships.  The "Taco Bar", which is loved by HAL passengers is a total no-no for the future.  Ship life needs to change which probably will result in extra staff, therefore higher fees.

Just now, BJzink said:

internal derangement.  While I was waiting in the exam room, I looked around at what was in their cupboards & on shelfs, pretty basic ER supplies.  However, there was definitely not enough variety to care for hundreds of cases, 

 

On 3/15/2020 at 8:14 AM, Petronillus said:

On another thread, somebody has mentioned the "nursing home flavor" that HAL's world cruises have taken on. That got me thinking: What can reasonably be expected of one's cruise line in the event of a medical emergency?

Let's suppose, hypothetically, that in the middle of your cruise you develop a constellation of symptoms. In the case of COVID-19, the symptoms would include high fever and a deep nagging cough and difficulty breathing but let's suppose, for the sake of our hypothetical, that you present a new and different set of symptoms. I don't suppose that it would be reasonable to expect that the ship would stock test kits for every conceivable viral or bacterial infection, but I would expect, especially given the experience we're gaining from COVID-19, that there would be at hand a set of kits covering a wide range of infections and that, in the event of an emergency, measures would be in place for additional, more pin-pointed kits to be procured. 

OK, now assuming you've tested positive for the biohazard du jour, what measures is it reasonable to expect your cruise line to keep on hand to deal with it? in terms of both protecting other passengers and caring for you. In the case of COVID-19, could one reasonably expect the sick bay to be equipped with ventilators, for example?

I understand full well that nobody has precise answers to these questions (which is why, in the Anglo-American legal system at least, reasonable-expectation questions get litigated on a case-by-case basis). But to us (DW and myself) they reinforce the absolute necessity of trip insurance, including evacuation in the event of a medical emergency -- with the extended (i.e., extra-cost) coverage that will require that you be medivacced to a facility of your own choosing.

I was in the medical center on Maasdam in January, twisted my knee & had internal derangement.  While I was waiting in the exam room, I looked around at what was in their cupboards & on shelfs, pretty basic ER supplies including chest tubes and drainage set.    However, there was definitely not enough to care for hundreds of patients at a time, nor would I expect it to be a "hospital ship".  I carry evacuation insurance at all times which covers me anywhere in the world, don't have to be on a cruise.  

I have sailed HAL exclusively for my last 7 cruises.  I have been impressed by their "no self-serve food on the buffet" policy.  However, on my last 2 cruises there were several food items that had communal spoons & tongs for passengers to help themselves - i.e. bowls of cut fruit, bread & rolls, pre-made sandwiches (not in the bag), butter.  This negates the purpose of having the staff serve food items.  Think about the spoons & tongs being handled by several hundred passengers who may or may not have washed their hands prior to entering the buffet.  And - the taco buffet at the pool is another problem.  On my last cruise I saw a pre-teen scoop up some sour cream, put his finger in the spoonful & taste it, and then return both to the bowl.  I mentioned It to one of the staff, said he would take care of it, not sure if he did.  Just some thoughts.....

On 12/29/2019 at 5:12 PM, thyme2go said:

Is it possible to have lunch in the Grill on a port day?    A PCC said that yes, we could, but I don't remember that being the case on other ships.   Also, has anyone actually had a zodiac experience on an EXC cruise?   Seems like there's a lot of advertising but I'm not seeing any reviews of the experience, cost, destination?      Anyone have knowledge on these questions?

There are 3 Zodiac excursions on the Sept.

Alaska cruises this summer.  They are listed at about $149.00

9 minutes ago, iancal said:

We stopped the dressing up up for then  formal nights 15 years ago at DW’s suggestion.  Now retired, we each travel with A 20” carry on roller that weighs8-10kg.  8 at the start, usually at 10kg eight weeks later.  
 

One pair of dockers, only wear collared shirts, so now good to go on so called gala nights. We have no room for any clothing that is used for a few hours on a few evenings.

 

Our experience is there is not much gala about them.  More imagination than reality.

My late husband used to wear black dress pants, a dressy black long-sleeved shirt, and one of his (expensive) bolo ties.  If we had the room for it, he would take a black jacket.....He got lots of compliments re. his tie choice.

13 hours ago, Harrietq said:

If you like being left alone, and I mean totally alone in bars, dining venues, cruise HAL as a solo traveler. I’m winding up the 7 day Eastern Caribbean on the Veendam.

 

I guess I can rate them highly for consistency. I’ve been ignored most of the entire trip.

 

Here’s my delicious club soda I ordered 28 minutes ago. Why deliver a Coke package drink when you can sell highly-priced alcohol? 

It’s back to Viking and Azamara for me. And yes, I lodged a complaint twice regarding service (the lack thereof) twice.

So sorry your solo experience was so negative for you.  I have sailed HAL 7 times since my husband passed 4 years ago.  I have had above expectations from any of the staff - they have called me by name after the 3/4th day, know that I want ginger ale with my dinner and herbal tea after.  And that my table preference is at a table for 2.  I don't use the bars much, but have been quickly served at the Crows Nest & Ocean Bar.  My room attendants were also extremely attentive - when I injured my knee, they brought ice to me at least 4x each day for my ice pack.  I would not sail on any other cruise line.  

31 minutes ago, RuthC said:

This thread is coming on three years old. The old information is not necessarily still correct. 

I didn't see this until you brought it to my attention.  Thanks.

On 7/8/2017 at 2:42 AM, Krazy Kruizers said:

Yes -- there will be art auctions.

Many ships have it in the Ocean Bar and the art is usually placed all around the atrium.

We don't go to them and just stay away from where ever they are going to be.

The time and place will be listed in the daily program.

I had understood at least a year ago that the art people did not have a contract any more.  I have been on Maasdam,  Rotterdam, and Zaandam since then  - No "art" auctions to be seen anywhere,  such a relief - they were always in the way.  However the Jewelry & spa seem to have filled their slots.

On 7/8/2017 at 8:01 AM, michl8705 said:

 

Agreed! Maybe in the future, they will come up with a better system to invite us to all of these special events, etc., that aren't in the daily pamphlet. Way too much paper waste on our last cruise! I'm happy they had a recycling section in our waste bin, but it still just made the room super cluttered from time to time.

On a previous topic, I read that the vendors for the Spa, jewelry, etc. are private entities, not employed by HAL, so they do their own flyers.  Still a waste of paper, though, I walk in the cabin door with them and straight to the trash can.

1 hour ago, Ken the cruiser said:

We also enjoyed our Maasdam In Depth EXC cruise just before yours around Australia. We're hoping the positive feedback from the new Maasdam in-depth program, especially with regards to the lectures, would spill over onto their other cruises as the Maasdam only sails in the Pacific from what we can tell. You would think they would be able to entice some lecturers with a free cruise in one of their empty ocean view cabins.

I will be on Maasdam in Sept. Taking a daughter & son-in-law for 2 weeks to Alaska.  Also- I was on the inaugural EXC itinerary which included Easter Island 2 days.  My favorite ship.

I was on Maasdam in Nov/Dec in Australia & South Pacific Islands.  There were several guest lecturers who presented talks re. sea life (whales, seals, corals, wave effects, sharks, other creatures), there was a guest chef the first half who presented mostly Asian dishes.  The ocean folks all had advanced degrees in their specialty.  I was disappointed that there were no representatives for anthropology or culture.  These are 2 of the segments that are usually covered in the true EXC cruises. I did enjoy the talks that were given.  And - the zodiacs were used frequently during the islands segment.

3 minutes ago, DanBoy said:

Thanks!.. Yes!.. The Yum Yum man.. lol.. We always enjoyed before dinner music as well, but I am guessing that is gone too.. sad if it is..

 

Yum yum man was on my fall Rotterdam cruise, but not on the winter 2020 Maasdam. not sure why the difference.

He was in the top MDR, escorting ladies to their tables, etc.  He also gave out the after dinner mints, ginger, etc.  I have read that there are appetizers in some  bars for Happy Hour - can't confirm that,

On 1/9/2017 at 8:25 PM, Cruise'nMaMa said:

They charged us $2.95 for a bottle for our cruise next week on the Koningsdam.

 

 

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Seems pretty reasonable to be able to avoid all that other hassle!