idalia

HAL website lists gratuity for non-suite guests as $16 (see below). This is in US dollars.

Since OP is from Canada...FYI, pre-paid crew appreciation for my upcoming trip came out to $145.60 (CAD) pp for a 7 day cruise (non-suite).

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/faq.html > Under 'Shipboard Life'

Crew Appreciation is a daily (adjustable) amount added to your onboard account and pooled in order to recognize the many team members throughout our fleet who contribute to the guest experience.

The daily Crew Appreciation charge is $16.00 per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $17.50 per guest per day for suite guests. The charges are subject to change without notice.

The Crew Appreciation charge is paid to Holland America Line team members and represents an important part of their compensation. An 18% service charge is automatically applied to all beverage purchases, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, all for-purchase a la carte menu items, and all Spa & Salon services. Local sales taxes are applied where required.

According to this recently updated 'Our Ship at a Glance', Kids Club is available on all ships.

https://www.hollandamerica.com/content/dam/hal/inventory-assets/ships/at-a-glance/hal-ships-at-a-glance-04-03-2023.pdf

The legend/fine print says:

Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including
all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of
children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any
children who may be onboard

No, you are not dreaming. 😊

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2905016-new-tvs-on-zaandam-they’re-here/

The mini-fridge would also take up the only outlet available in the room.

Cruise Critic - Zaandam - Cabin Review

Notably, inside and outside cabins do not have mini-fridges, though all other cabins do; ask for ice if you need anything chilled. You can rent a mini-fridge for $2 per day, but it will be stored under the desk, take up the lone outlet and might not be as cold as you'd need for medication or baby's milk.

I will be going on my first HAL cruise at the end of April. When I look at the Navigator app under itinerary, it is currently showing 'Smart Casual' for all 7 nights. Does this means no gala attire at all (which I would be totally cool with), or if there is any likelihood that this will change before or at the time of sailing? This is on Zaandam, if that matters. Thanks!

Just couple of random questions about the coupons... :o

Johnny Rockets - 2 for 1 milkshake

I assume all coupon books are the same, so I'd receive this coupon even if my ship does not have a Johnny Rockets? (Possibly could be saved for later use?)

1 Free Casino "Spin to Win" Coupon

1 Casino Credit $5.00 USD Match Play Casino Certificate

Could someone familiar with the casino elaborate on what these coupons are for?

Airbrushed Temporary Tattoos - purchase any size temporary airbrush tattoo and receive a free gold color upgrade.....a $2.00 USD Savings.

Not a coupon I would likely use, but just curious what ships have this service, and where you'd go to get it.

You can join during your first cruise. Just see the LA once on board and you will be given a form to fill out. If he/she is not busy, they might be able to do it while you are sitting there.

 

On the second part of your b2b you should get your coupon book.

Which deck or area would the loyalty ambassador be found on the Radiance? (As I pat myself on the back for knowing what LA stands for, thanks to extensive CC reading. ;))

Thanks for posting the coupons Patti. :) Hoping I'll be able to apply to C&A aboard the ship and get/use coupons on the consecutive cruise following my first one (but I won't hold my breath ;)).

Frankly, you probably can't go wrong with either one. I went with Harv & Marv because I didn't get any response from Orca the first time we were planning a whale watching excursion. Maybe they were already booked for that day, or maybe they didn't get the messages since it was not yet tourist season when I called and sent an email, but for whatever reason they didn't get back with me.

Interestingly, I also waited a long time for a response when I emailed Orca. They also seem to have a very good reputation as well, just not prompt.

I had prompt and very helpful responses from Callie at Harv and Marv's.

We are booked with Harv and Marv in 2 weeks. I will be happy to report back with my trip review!

I had the same experience (or lack thereof) with Orca. I would have been happy to go with either company, but after 2 emails to Orca and no response, I'm booked to go whale watching in August with Harv and Marv's.

Paul and geoherb. Do you mind sharing?

I'm sure they wouldn't mind, but it's against the forum guidelines (assuming I've interpreted them correctly myself ;)).

There shall be no third-party recommendation of travel agencies on any forums within Cruise Critic. General discussions regarding the TYPE of AGENCY to be used to purchase a cruise will be allowed, as long as no recommendations for any source of purchase are posted.

 

Touting of your personal cruise agent or cruise line "personal cruise consultant" (or any other venue by which you purchase a cruise) is not allowed on our message boards. Postings that contain "tell them John sent you" will be removed without notice.

 

This means you should not ask about someone's travel agent, nor should you respond in kind. Offering to email someone your travel agent's name or info is also not allowed, nor is asking members to email you for the information.

 

It also means you cannot post links to travel agencies, no matter what the specific reason.