Gigi1977

The aft Neptunes are SC on Zuiderdam and the cabins are configured a bit differently from SA Neptunes and are a bit smaller but IMO the wrap balconies more than makeup for floor space.

We were charged an extra charge on some of our excursions in Japan. It just showed up as a ship charge. They sent a letter to our cabin explaining the details…. Which I don’t remember the ‘details’ but I do remember the charge. We were in Japan in April for 16 days and then did the TP to Seattle on Westerdam. Great cruise.

I would choose Panama Canal over a cruise to Hawaii. I have done both. I like sea days but 12 is too many; 6 going & 6 returning. Fly to Hawaii and enjoy Hawaii. Don’t cruise there. The Canal is a must do cruise IMO. Wish everyone could have the cruise director we had(Ryan) on our first complete transit. He was so knowledgeable and shared his knowledge and passion about the canal. I would (and have done) the canal cruise again and again. I’ll never cruise to Hawaii again unless it is a ‘stopover’ from NZ or Australia (done that too🥰) . I’ll fly there (did last month!) 😊

There is not a Dutch Cafe. However Zuiderdam does have Exploration’s Cafe where they offer specialty coffee. I believe it is located in the Crow’s Nest. Exploration’s also has small ‘snacks and serves as a bar but they do not offer the food that the Dutch Cafe offers.

I just write candy/prepackaged food. They are not interested in it. I’m in US though - not Canada. Just be sure to declare it on your form - paper or digital.

I would suggest you contact HAL and get in touch with someone in that department that can help you. I know they supply shower chairs but not sure that would be helpful …. Since climbing in would still be required. Also you can look at actual pictures on HAL facts to see if you think your Mom can navigate the regular Neptune suite. You do not have to be in a wheelchair to require an ADA room. My mom never used a wheelchair but she could not crawl in a tub or even step over to sit down in a shower chair.

We have sailed on RC and are very familiar with their precruise sales on just about everything - drink packages, excursions, speciality dining, dining packages etc …. But unlike RC, there are only a ‘few’ things on sale precruise on HAL. Premium WiFi is generally ‘on sale’ as is HIA with drink package, speciality dining and WiFi - On ‘early bonus’ (ie booking when the cruise is first released) you might see premium drinks included along with crew gratuity(rare)and some extra OBC) HAL doesn’t put excursions on sale (or I’ve never seen it) nor do they put special dining on sale instead they offer excursion credits and dining within the HIA package. Hope this explains it! Way too wordy! Sorry.

I too would love to see current onboard pricing. The precruise pricing, I think, is for premium. I need only surf…. But would like to be able to compare.

Just in an aft cabin on Westerdam in April & May - Japan + TP. Love the aft views but as mentioned, there is certainly vibration especially at higher speeds and also when in higher seas. It is definitely not a ‘white noise’ thing as it is not even. We also experienced the banging noises especially on the TP. No smoke issues ever.

Motion might be one issue for those sensitive- we are not but I’ve ’heard’ that those balconies catch more wind, are smaller and not really useable when sailing. This is hearsay as we have not sailed in one of those. I would not choose it.

Not sure what you mean by the push for 3/4 persons. Neptune suites are very nice. I would not choose one on deck 11. I believe those are very forward. None of the rest you listed are on deck 7 - the ‘Neptune’ deck so I think they must be aft cabins which we love. You will not be close to the lounge in any of those. The lounge offers snacks throughout the day and concierge services with no need to ever go to guest services and they will make dining reservations etc for you. A Neptune suite includes Club Orange where you can have breakfast and dinner. It is a smaller dining venue close to the MDR and has the same menu as the MDR with one additional entree offered.

Correct. All are non refundable. Also non refundable is stock OBC, teacher, first responder, military… Most OBC is not refundable unless it comes from an ‘outside’ source.

It will be cool on the crossing. At least that has been our experiences.

HAL, unlike other lines, does not allow you to apply OBC to purchases prior to boarding. However, you may have OBC applied to pre purchased items and they will credit your cc for that amount after your sail date as Mary 229 stated.

Haven’t experienced the restaurant but you shouldn’t miss much with a 7:30 reservation.

I have not seen King Crab on any menu including Pinnacle in a long time. Most recently the Pinnacle had crab legs (not King) for an up charge but even that was prior to shutdown. Rudi’s which is no longer onboard, at one time had King Crab. Your best bet is to find them shoreside depending on your cruise destination.

I agree - it should not be included. But HAL does include HIA in cruise fare and thus their insurance goes up based on cruise fare. HAL is the only line where we have experienced this. They really should not include any ‘package’ in cruise fare imo.

We got this email several months ago. I immediately made copies as it was not a part of my ‘normal’ routine to get ready to cruise…. Think it maybe HAL saving a step/and or paper.

I would keep a deck 7 veranda over a spa veranda. Some of the spa verandas have a ‘Juliet Balcony’ that you can step out on but no real room to sit. Deck 7 isn’t that far from the spa which is on deck 9 forward.

The vista is nothing more than a veranda. You do receive double cruise credits and a few other things but I would never call it a suite. If you want, need more space - book the Neptune.

Love the Ocean Bar on this size ship. It’s large with plenty of seating.

If you are booking aft on Zuiderdam - veranda cabin, they all have the bathtub/shower combo…..unless you book one of the corner Neptune suites which have a separate shower with the dreaded shower curtain that attacks you and wraps you up! 🤪. The tub in the Neptune is a jacuzzi. I don’t believe there are any showers on Z with the glass doors (yet). The handicap rooms have an open shower only and should be reserved for the guests who need them.

I would go to Tamarind.

We avoid deck 8 because of pool and lido. We try to pick a cabin sandwiched between decks with cabins. We have had connected cabins and only once was there a problem. We were onboard for 42 days and only 7 were a problem with LOUD folks next door. We knew all sbout their marriage problems, their kid ‘s issues, how much they disliked Americans (we are 🤣), what they liked or disliked about the food …. You get the just - they were LOUD. We were very glad when they departed! Just be sure you look above and below - oh and we have never had elevator noises either.

Yes, they are happy to accommodate that as the other posters have stated -But there have been a lot of changes recently so be sure and consult an up to date brochure before purchasing.