doone

I was on the NS in May as well, used the laundry service several times and never had an issue.  I like my laundry folded as well and that's how it came....sorry you had a problem.

8 hours ago, cruisin'mama said:

My TA said that it was for new bookings only and if he refared it, our cruise would cost over $1000 more. He’s been able to do stuff for me before and add stuff to our already booked cruises, so I know he didn’t just blow me off.

I was told the some thing yesterday when I called to add the gratuities to my Jan 2025 cruise, new bookings only.  I don't believe your TA is blowing you off as they would have to re-fare you and book with the going rate to add this promotion to include crew gratuities.  To re-fare my cruise, it would cost me $600 (prices have gone up since I booked) more to add the new promotion with crew appreciation, not worth it for me.

However, anyone who's cruise stayed the same price or went down, definitely worth re-faring and getting the extra perk......

Depending upon when you booked your cruise and the promotion at that time, your crew appreciation could be included already.  However, if they are not included, give HAL or your TA a call.  Sometimes to add something like this, they need to re-fare you, then you could end up paying the rate as of today, but then sometimes they can just add them.  I am going to see if they can do it for my cruise in Jan since I don't have the crew appreciation on one of my cruises.......

Quick question for the experts who sail to Hawaii from San Diego?  I have this cruise on my bucket list and was thinking January would be a good time as we like to get out of the cold weather in the Northeast.  BUT how are the seas and weather?  Warm enough to sit around the pool, which we always enjoy?  If not, what is it like in October?  Calmer, warmer??

Many thanks,

I was also on the Jewels of the Baltics this past May, I don't recall any wildlife either.  Great cruise, enjoy!!

1 hour ago, EtaC said:

So perhaps a comparison to Las Vegas casinos would be instructive. Having sailed on Carnival, Princess, NCL, and HAL and having made several visits to Vegas I think I can draw the following distinctions.

 

Carnival: Similar to Excalibur, New York New York, or Planet Hollywood. Somewhat gaudy and over the top in decor. Lots of seemingly extraneous attractions (roller coasters, jousts, etc) that are meant to draw families with children. Somewhat cheaper in fare than other resorts.

 

NCL: Flamingo, MGM Grand, perhaps Mandalay Bay. Somewhat more sedate in decor, still some attractions to draw families. 

 

HAL, Princess: Bellagio, Venetian, perhaps Cosmopolitan. More traditional and sophisticated in decor with a focus on art, and flowers. Attractions are more aimed at adults (music, dancing, some shows). Not hostile to families, but don't go out of the way to attract them.

 

Azmara, Oceana, etc: Wynn, Fontainebleau, Aria. Highly sophisticated in atmosphere. Adult oriented. No attempt to appeal to families.

 

So, my $.02 worth.

Interesting comparison, I like it and agree with you....

I have used this automated system a few times and it worked great.   HAL has been doing this for a month or so.  If you have a gift card, then the agent takes that information from you over the phone.

I normally travel with $50 $1 bills and tip a dollar or two as I go along, not only the bar staff but if I get room service, I tip a few dollars.  Like everyone said here, it is a personal preference and the wait staff appreciates it......

For me HAL is what I like.  I have been sailing with HAL for well over 40 years and are there things that they did 40 years ago that I miss, you betcha, but I don't dwell on those things they no longer do.  Things change, people change, businesses change, nothing stays the same.  I have sailed other lines and always come back to HAL feeling like I am back home when I step onboard one of their ships.

The Pinnacle Class ships, for me, are a great addition to the fleet, it gives more options for folks.  Let's face it, we aren't going to live forever so the cruise lines (all cruise lines, not just HAL) have to change so they can stay "afloat"....😉

If HAL doesn't make you happy, its great that there are so many different cruise lines to chose from, hopefully you find one that works for you.  For me, for now I'll stick with HAL.

Happy cruising everyone!!!!

Yummy, I love any kind of chocolate, dark, milk, white, bring it on...................

Bon Voyage Father.....

Inside cabins do not have a sofa.....

I have stayed in both these cabins on the Rotterdam, I have no idea what is in that gray area, but I can tell you if you were worried about noise, I have never heard anything, absolutely nothing.  As a matter of fact, those are my two cabin go to's when I book the Pinnacle Class ships.....hope this helps.....enjoy the Rotterdam, she's beautiful.

I love the smaller ships of HAL, matter of fact my favorite was the Volendam.  However, I have sailed the 3 Pinnacle Class ships and love them for different reasons.  Love the Grand Dutch Cafe, Music Walk and Half Moon Bay on the Rotterdam.......Rotterdam remains my favorite ship of the Pinnacle Class ships.

I like the open seating for dinner and have enjoyed the flexibility.  Our service was excellent and couldn't complain about a thing.  I hope you experience the same wonderful service as I did on the Rotterdam this past March.....

Welcome.  I have had quad verandah cabins on HAL and there is nothing to be concerned about.  There is a couch that opens into a bed and a bed that comes down out of the ceiling, but since there are only the 2 of you, no worries.

I have also been on deck 5 midship, LOVE the location, cabin is great, you'll be just fine........

This is my favorite drink on HAL.  Just off the Nieuw Statendam and the Ocean Bar was making them.  Had my first on the Rotterdam at the Half Moon Bar......definitely worth a try.....Enjoy!!

Gees, I just got off the Nieuw Statendam Saturday, we ate in the dining room twice, we had great service and were in an out of the dining room in 70 minutes.  Food and drinks were wonderful.  So sorry you are not having the same experience, hopefully it gets better.

The entertainment on the Nieuw Statendam has been amazing!!!  Rock on

If you choose HAL, I would suggest you chose the Koingsdam round trip out of Vancouver.  The Koningsdam is a Pinnacle Class ship, first in this class of ship.....I have 60 folks sailing on the Koningsdam in August and am not worries one bit about anyone being bored or having nothing to do.......this is a very active itinerary, much different than if you were in the caribbean.....

If always tell people if you are going to Alaska, Glacier Bay is a must, HAL and Princess are the best in Alaska as they have been the two cruise lines sailing Alaska the longest.  Princess over 50 years and HAL over 75 years, that for me is very telling.

For me, HAL is perfect for my family and me.....

I will post a review when I return from my Koningsdam Alaska cruise.......

Many thanks, very excited about this cruise.  See you onboard "YourworldwithBill".....

Thank you everyone, really looking forward to this itinerary and ship......

Thanks for the update, I am on the Koningsdam this August and am really looking forward to it.

Oh my goodness, how incredibly sad....my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family 🙏

I am just off the Rotterdam in March.  I did not have any issue waiting for coffee, water, tea or lemonade in the Lido for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  We ate a few times in the dining room and, again, I haver had an issue waiting for my wine to be delivered.

There are bars you can walk up and order a drink at various places throughout the ship, which you can take with you, I found myself doing that a few times, just because I was there and figured I'd get it.

We had the Have it All Package, I would get a few cans of soda or water's for my cabin, so I had them readily available.

Don't sweat the small stuff, it all works out, go and enjoy the Rotterdam, she's a beautiful ship with an amazing crew, she's one of my favorites.

I love sea days as well, I have never been bored.  I enjoy sitting around the pool.  Love to roam the ship and have a drink or two in different bars.  Then I enjoy a mixology class or two, great way to meet your fellow passengers.....