jwb3843

@1cruiselvr  We knew that our chances were probably slim to begin with, but one can always hope!  Thank you for your encouragement!  

@1cruiselvr  🫤 But thank you for your quick reply! 

We recently booked a GTY Mini Suite for a 7 day sailing in early May and shortly thereafter we received an invitation to bid on upgrades.  We submitted them for both a Club Class Mini Suite and a Vista Suite.  As of today we haven’t been notified of a cabin assignment, but I just received notification that our bid for the Club Class Mini Suite was unsuccessful.  Still no cabin assignment, but does anyone have an idea whether it’s a hopeful sign that we didn’t receive a “You’ve Been Outbid” email regarding the Vista Suite?  I realize we’re still more than 30 days out so there’s still plenty of time . . . Just curious to see where we’ll end up!

@SCX22

Ahhhh!!  Thanks so much for the clarification!  I totally agree that you should never book a GTY category you wouldn’t be happy being assigned to.  We booked a mini suite GTY because I like a little more space beyond just a bed, and like you we aren’t picky as to location.  We’ll see how the dice rolls for us!

Julie

@SCX22

I’m curious about your statement regarding bidding for upgrades being more advantageous for those with guaranteed cabin assignments, as this is our first time sailing with Princess and we’ve chosen a GTY mini suite.  We just purchased a few days ago and have not been assigned a cabin as of yet, but did receive the “bid up” email the very next day.  We’re still 57 days for sailing.  Is it your normal practice to bid on several different categories or stick with just one?  Clearly one would only bid what one was willing to pay, but have you had the majority of your successes bidding on the lower or higher end of the bid spectrum?  Also, do you find that bidding on an upgrade delays the cabin assignment?

Thanks so much for your help!

Julie

8 hours ago, terrydtx said:

Hi Julie,

Unlike Celebrity one of the MDR is open for lunch for everyone on Embarkation Day from 12:00 to 1:00pm.  With CO you can board early with plenty of time to get to the MDR for lunch. We did this on Saturday, and it was not crowded and it was very quiet, so that is my recommendation. Unlike the Luminae the CO dining room has the same menu as the MDR plus one extra starter and a daily special entree.  So far, we found it to be much better quality than Luminae and they actually have deserts that look like they should. Last night the Dutch apple pie was Dutch apple pie not some deconstructed desert in Luminae. Last night we had the rack of Lamb and we got 3 large thick chops cooked perfect and they were both tender and tasty. The only con with the HAL MDR and CO, so far, is the very poor selections of breads compared to X. If you like music the venues on this ship and HAL are amazing compared to X, last night we enjoyed the Billboard room with 2 very talented singers on dueling pianos doing songs from the 60's and 70's. They both were fantastic.

 

The other difference is the cost for drinks and wines by the bottle and glass with a much better selection than the basic drinks package on X. Last night I had a Buffalo Trace Bourbon on the rocks, and it was $8. Overall, the cost for booze on HAL is less than X.

 

Here is a picture of the Dutch Apple Pie:

 

Thanks so much for your reply and suggestions, Terry!  We’ll definitely be taking advantage of the MDR on Embarkation day for lunch.  I too appreciate desserts that look like what they’re supposed to be ~ not sure why “deconstructed” has become such a thing!  It would be nice to have decent WiFi for a change!

I’m really sorry to hear about your observations about the smoking issue.  Though we don’t visit the casino, it’s a shame the second hand smoke permeates the surrounding areas.  Maybe if enough people complain it will be addressed by the time we sail in 2025!  

If you manage to get to the Dutch Cafe, please try the chocolate covered cream puffs (don’t recall the official name for them!) and no matter how good they are tell me they’re horrible!  I need to stay as far away from them as possible!! 🤣

Julie

Hi Terry!  SO thankful for your review and Celebrity comparisons.  We too are taking a step away from Celebrity and giving HAL a try for our long awaited retirement cruise ~ the 35 night Hawaii/Tahiti trip on the Koningsdam in Feb 2025.  We opted for an aft Vista Suite and Club Orange, so I’m very happy to hear your positive reviews on that experience thus far on your journey.  On our last Edge cruise we only ate in Luminae once for dinner because nothing on the menus appealed to us, so I’m more hopeful based on the info above!  Can you give us any recommendations as to a nice quiet lunch spot on embarkation day?  Bistro on Five (many moons ago!) used to be our go to embarkation spot and we’ve missed it!  

Looking forward to following along and learning more HAL tips!

Julie

21 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

The Tahitian vanilla is very smooth and delicate. However, I bake with Nielson Massey from Madagascar. You can even buy it on Amazon. You won't be disappointed. 

Thank you for sharing this info!  I’ll definitely give it a try!  Definitely more pricey than most, but some things are worth splurging on!   I’ll still try to bring some home from Tahiti too.  It’s not often you can get it so close to the source.

Does anyone know where the best place to buy Tahitian vanilla will be on this itinerary?

5 minutes ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

 

I think you would have to cancel the existing reservation and start over. If your deposit is nonrefundable, you'd lose that. And you might lose some OBC or other perks you got at the time of booking. 

Thank you for your quick reply!  Hmmm . . . The PCC didn’t mention that was even an option.  Our deposit is refundable and we got no OBC, but we have an Aft Vista Suite and there are no more available on this sailing so I’d be a bit hesitant to cancel in fear of someone else swooping in and grabbing it in the brief moment it would go back in the pool.  Perhaps I need to just chalk this up to a lesson learned when booking with a new cruise line and be thankful I was able to get the cabin we wanted.

I’m new to HAL and wasn’t aware of CO when I recently booked an upcoming cruise, so when I asked my PCC to add this to our reservation I also asked if there was any way possible to rebook a lesser cabin and then use the cabin upgrade to move us back to our original cabin.  Unfortunately she said that wasn’t possible.  Has anyone ever successfully done this?

8 hours ago, WriterOnDeck said:

Dress on Gala nights (as formal is now called) on HAL are all over the spectrum. When I am traveling light, it's easy to take a nice pair of slacks and a couple of dressy tops. No one else remembers what you wear, and everyone wears things over and over on long cruises. As the cabins have safes, I bring some nice jewelry I never have an opportunity to wear at home.

Those are great suggestions!  I too have some jewelry that I don’t have an opportunity to wear at home!  And I’m sure you’re correct that no one else remembers what you’ve worn before!   Thanks so much!

19 hours ago, CruisingGrandmaW said:

@jwb3843 - You will love this cruise

We are on same Itinerary Sail Date 02/18/2023 on the Konningsdam.

 

Laundry - After 100+ cruises --- we've learned to pack LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT

Less to pack, less to unpack upon boarding ship, and less to unpack & launder when we get home.

We have always found "The Bag" the best way to go.  You can get a lot into one bag.

Below is the link to HAL's current pricing on Unlimited Laundry - $210 

Unlimited Laundry Package - 35 Days | Packages & Gifts | Holland America Line

PS:  We've even done by the bag as close to leaving ship -- less to wash when I got home LOL.

Eventually if you sail HAL enough - you'll quickly gain Mariner Stars - @ Level 4 you get free laundry.

 

Entertainment Celebrity vs HAL

I have cruised both lines.  HAL's entertainment is not as good as Celebrity in my opinion.

But you will still enjoy.  HAL, to me, is leaning towards their Music venues on what I call the "Music Walk" - where BBK, Billboard etc is located.  People really enjoy singing along with the dueling pianos in the Billboard --- then dancing at BB Kings.

 

HAL's environment is different than Celebrity -- now that we're in our 70s we really enjoy HAL now better than Celebrity.

 

Can't remember if you said you had booked your cabin already,

I agree with those who say the Inside Cabins of Konningsdam are smaller than on other ships.

My husband & I tried it once -- never again on the Konningsdam (Pinnacle Class)

I'd encourage you to take an outside Cabin with unobstructed view.

Ocean View vs Veranda/Balcony --- We take a veranda on long cruises like this -- ONLY because sometimes it's nice to get away from people & just be in your own "cabin/home" alone.  The water colors on this cruise are fantastic & the weather perfect for sitting on veranda.  We use ours all the time.

 

I've begun booking our snorkeling excursions with private vendors already -- as they can book quickly.  (We going 2/23 - so it's early for you).  I've always enjoyed brining my own snorkel gear.  But want to give you 'heads up" that all the vendors I've been in contact with tell you to bring your own snorkel gear.  Covid I think has changed things & they are no longer offering gear.  This may change again by 2024 --- but just a "heads up".

 

Ship Movement

We've taken 3 cruises out of San Diego per season until Covid hit.

We've always run into some rough sailing the 1st day & half leaving & returning to San Diego.

Nothing that bad --- but one year it was SO bad that they shut the Lido & closed the pools.

We had a front Ocean View Cabin & they covered our window (never knew they did that) as the waves were high & crashing as high as our windows.  Many people had motion sickness 

But this was only once, again 1 day out from San Diego & it was the 3rd week of Dec.

 

You will gleam a lot of information off your Roll Call for your specific cruise.

Excited for you --- you'll enjoy it!!

 

Thanks so much for all the information you shared!   We haven’t selected a cabin yet, as the fall of 2024 sailings haven’t been released yet.  But I want to be poised and ready to go so that we can book as soon as they do!  We’re leaning towards an AFT balcony since you and others have alleviated our concerns about rough waters for the majority of the itinerary.  I know we’d get a lot of use out of it with all the beautiful waters!  There’s just something about watching the wake go by!

I especially appreciated your sharing your comparisons with Celebrity, as that’s what we’re used to!  I do think we’ll be just fine on HAL.  We’re mid-60’s and not much on late night activities.  

And yes, please do share any information you have regarding any snorkeling excursions you’re planning if you feel comfortable doing so.  We’ll definitely plan to bring our own equipment at your suggestion.  I honestly hadn’t considered the impact COVID may have had on such things and I appreciate the heads up!

When you have a moment, could you please share any recollections you may have regarding how formal nights are handled on these longer cruises?  If I’m traveling light, I really don’t want to bother with traditional formal wear if we don’t have to!

Thank you again!!

22 hours ago, crystalspin said:

I wish I could say I was looking forward to Bora Bora, as I was in March of 2020! I guess "just the whole thing" is the right answer: we are not snorklers and my husband burns if he so much as looks at the sun! (Funny choice of destination, but he picked it!) With three transAtlantics under our belt, we like seadays just fine.

 

In a world without responsibilities at home, or really even with (!) -- I would not cruise for less than 14-days, or for that matter pick a short road/bus trip either. The effort to plan and get somewhere is enough work that a shorter time just doesn't seem worth it! The exception would be a short tour or cruise with some time on in one place at a location at either end of the tour. 

 

P.S. This destination was picked for 2020 to observe my husband's retirement on 12/31/19. So by Feb'24 it will be four years late!

We’re disappointed that Bora Bora is no longer a stop too!  I’m telling myself that the other nearby islands will be similar enough . . . And maybe one day we’ll still get there.  I’m looking forward to hearing how your cruise goes ~ living vicariously through you and your husband while we patiently wait for ours to roll around!  Thanks again for all your help!

21 hours ago, crystalspin said:

Hi JWB!

I am "maintaining" the spreadsheet although I did not start the Feb-Mar'24 Roll Call. You are welcome to join and follow along! It's a bit far out for anyone to be lining up private tours, or anything. Following Inside Cabin's narrative is probably more helpful there.

My history is seven cruises with HAL, nine cancellations with HAL (since COVID!), and two current HAL bookings. Four of the cancellations were So.Pac! One was 51-days and visited Fiji and points west of the 35-day route! But that is just too long to be away from home and family at this time.

 

Re: Laundry. I have done all of the following: Done no laundry but packed an enormous duffle. Made it through a north-bound AK cruise without doing laundry (which was closed due to a NORO outbreak), then searched out coin-op laundries in AK during the 2-week self-drive (this wasn't as awful as it seems). Used the self-serve laundry on board (before they were all removed). Did all laundry including men's pants in the sink on a 26-day transAtlantic/mediterranean. Packed resourcefully and did no laundry (7d) or only a little pay-by-the-piece ship-laundry (14-day). And finally, packed lightweight/carry-on only and sent out one tightly-packed laundry bag mid-way in 16-day transAtlantic (twice, one on RCI). 

 

What I have not done is paid the $7/day for daily laundry. I can see that option as a value if you NEED to pack as little clothing as possible -- perhaps you are a photographer, or a snorkler/diver bringing your own gear??? You could pack as little as 4-days of clothing, remembering that you can't send laundry out on the last few days of a cruise and keeping in mind whatever shoreside travel you have at the end as well.

This is the first time we’ve ever taken a cruise longer than 14 days, so the first time I’ve had to think about laundry.  Since we have to fly to San Diego, we don’t really want to take more than one suitcase each just for ease of travel.  We do usually bring our own snorkel gear, but we may have to ponder that more carefully.  I admit that we’re spoiled living in FL where we can easily drive to the port and don’t have to consider the additional cost and hassle of extra bags.  

19 hours ago, crystalspin said:

I understand that the insides on K'dam are quite small. The earlier ships (in the S-class) had quite spacious insides even for three adults. Of our seven HAL cruises, two were insides (3-adults!), a balcony (Vista suite) that we didn't use very much at all, three oceanviews (last two on the deck with the actual Promenade, which is the biggest balcony on the ship), and an inside-with-a-window on the Observation Deck -- where the Crows Nest is like your own living room. 

 

However, in the world since COVID, I am only booking balconies ("verandahs" on HAL). 

 

Speaking of rooms, let me direct you to HALFACTS.com where you can find photos of specific staterooms (that act as category types) according to the Class of ship: R-class is the smaller Volendam & Zaandam, Vista is Zuiderdam/Oosterdam/Westerdam/Noordam, Signature is Nieuw Amsterdam & Eurodam, and Pinnacle is Koningdam/Nieuw Statendam/Rotterdam. It is not only K'dam that makes this trip so I mention them all!

https://halfacts.com/

 

BTW, if you click on the bold-face "February 17, 2024 Hawaii and Tahiti" in the previous post [ETA, or right here], it will take you to the Roll Call.

Thanks SO much for all the information above!  It’s amazing what you don’t know about a new to you cruise line and why I love Cruise Critic!  I’ve already signed up to receive notifications on postings for the Feb. roll call and look forward to seeing what fun comes up there!  

Do you mind sharing what you’re most looking forward to on this cruise??  Is it a specific port or ports, an excursion or two, time with friends/family, or just the whole thing?  Since you’ve already done a 26 day sailing, I imagine that a 35 cruise won’t seem much longer.  In a perfect world where money and vacation days are no object, would you exclusively book these longer trips?   I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and insight!

Does anyone have an idea when the fall 2024 sailings will be released?

1 hour ago, cowmilker said:

Our first cruise with HAL was on Koningdam, for three weeks, in the Med, in an inside cabin.  🙂  Loved it and HAL.

We've only sailed in an ocean view twice.  Once we were upgraded partway through a b2b2b and the second time was a TA where the ocean view was the same price as an inside.  Neither was with HAL.

We just don't care.  We don't stay in our cabin much and we would NEVER sit on a balcony. I cannot imagine doing that, ever, and I certainly wouldn't pay for it.

I’ll have to find a YouTube video of a Koningsdam inside cabin!  We’ve only sailed once in an inside cabin on the Celebrity Summit when we went with our adult daughter and wanted to be next door.  I learned that I’m one of those people who needs to be able to see the outside world.  I’d never considered myself claustrophobic, but I felt uncomfortable spending any amount of time inside the cabin.  Sitting on the balcony watching to water pass by is one of my favorite parts of cruising.  We’re all so fortunate that there are so many different types of cabins to suit us all! 

47 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

That is the sailing I am on, the February March.  You should click the follow button in the upper right of that roll call to follow along with the planning.  You are welcome to contact me at privateemail64 at iCloud dot com 

Thanks so much!!  I’ll definitely do both!

On 6/19/2022 at 7:12 AM, Mary229 said:

We use the laundry bag instead of the daily fee.  We can fit a weeks worth of clothes in those if tightly rolled. All for $20.  I usually pack for 9 to 10 days and do laundry every 8 to 9 days.  That would be $60 to $80 on a 35 day cruise. 

 

 For this cruise, which I will be taking in 2024 I would back exceptionally light as it is 100% tropical.  I do believe the roll call is already up and running 

 

be ready to relax, read, spa out, binge tv.  I enjoy it all.  Find the sauna, it is always vacant in my experience 

 

It is also my DH’s wishlist cruise. I am sorry for your loss 

 

Mary, I only see a Feb - March 2024 cruise listed so far, and we need to wait until the (fingers crossed) October sailing.  But thanks for the heads up about the Roll Call ~ I’ll check it out for sure!  And thank you for sharing your thoughts on the laundry.  From a price standpoint it seems more reasonable to use the bags, but I’ve noticed that sometimes as I get older I can more easily convince myself that an increased price for added convenience isn’t always a bad thing.   Would you mind if I check back in with you a bit later to see how your plans are coming along?  As I’m sure the itineraries will be very similar, I’d love to hear what choices you’re making for excursions.

On 6/19/2022 at 12:05 AM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

There is more detail on the website - www.theinsidecabin.com     Includes a copy of all the where and whens and menus for each day - name of entertainer etc....

Pete ~ Thanks so much for the website link!  Your great detail is such a benefit to all who travel behind you!!  Once the itinerary for the fall 2024 cruises are announced I may reach out to ask more specific questions.  I hate the waiting!!

By the way, my father was also an aircraft mechanic in the Navy (Korean War) and also spent many night in an inside cabin!  I was so relieved to hear that your user name referred to that time in your life rather than your current sailings!  The first thing that popped into my mind was, “How can anyone spend that many days in an inside cabin??”  🤣  

Wishing you and your wife smooth sailing!

26 minutes ago, Tbay said:

Yes. Cannonballs or other offerings from the Dive in are a must try.    The $7 or $9 fee is per cabin.  Another choice is 'by the bag'.  It was $20 or $30 per bag, depending on where you are cruising.  They are cloth bags and you can stuff a lot in them. Roll larger items and then stuff smaller items like socks and underwear in.  Never had anything ruined.

Both of those options sound reasonable!  Have you found the unlimited fee to be the way to go?

28 minutes ago, Cruise Suzy said:

 

Here's the Dive-In menu

https://rogerjett-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Dive-in-2021.pdf

 

You can find all HAL menus on the Website: 

https://rogerjett-photography.com/

Oh my!!  😱 The Cannonball looks divine!!  I’ll definitely have to give it a try!!  Thank you!!  And thank you for the menu links!

2 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Being able to visit ports that are not often on an itinerary:  Guam and Tonga being two examples.  

 

I always enjoy visiting some of the often visited ports such as Bora Bora and Papeete.  If local cultural groups are scheduled to perform onboard, those are events not to be missed.  

 

 

No.  Be comfortable with the ship's laundry.  In all of the years that I have used HAL's laundry, there has been only once when a pair of pants that sent to be laundered were returned un-wearable.  (They had shrunk and--no--it was not due to the owner's excessive consumption of Dive-in's Cannonballs!  😆)

We’re looking forward to visiting so many new ports!  It’s looking like Bora Bora will no longer be included for larger ships, which makes me so sad because it’s what we all think of when envisioning the South Pacific.  I’m telling myself that that amazingly clear water will be the same at all the nearby islands.  We’ll definitely take advantage of the local cultural groups at your recommendation!

LOL!!  Okay, I’ve got plenty of time to get used to the idea of using the laundry facilities!  I have a feeling that over a 35 day cruise I may indeed experience some serious shrinkage issues with waistbands!!  I’m not acquainted with Cannonballs from Dive-in’s!  Should I add these to my “must try” list??

2 hours ago, westcoastcruiser said:

We have done several longer cruises, including  this one.  It was fabulous .  Like you, we enjoy sea days as much as port days so this cruise was perfect.

 

HAL has the best laundry service at sea, imo, so no need to worry.  Especially with the heat and humidity being able to send clothes out daily just enhances the vacation/cruise experience.  We buy unlimited at $7 or $8 a day and it pays for itself many times over.

 

we prefer aft cabins for the quietness and the ability to watch the wake.  I do not recall any rough seas except for when we left San Diego, which is normal.  
 

we have extensive cruise history with both Celebrity and HAL and enjoy them both. HAL offers longer cruises and perhaps caters to a more “mature” (in age) crowd.  Of course for a longer cruise the cruisers will likely be retired.  
 

you are in for a treat.  

We love watching the wake as well!  Thank you for sharing your experiences of calm seas outside of San Diego.  That information’s moving the Aft cabin to the top of the list!!  

Is the $7 or $8 a day for unlimited laundry per cabin or per person?