New to Holland America? This is for you...AKA "HAL For Dummies"

[FlaMariner]

I've had the HAL Barclay's Card for many years but have quit using it because the redemption rate is low....I get more cash back from using my BofA card booking a HAL cruise than I do from booking a HAL cruise on the HAL credit card.

 

(I use the BofA credit card for travel insurance but consider all credit card travel insurance to be very basic and full of hassles...but I am fine w/that.....we also have the annual BCBS trekker medical travel insurance)

[Benh]

I think some credit cards give you much more than $50 off, if it's an expensive cruise.

[Mary229]

If the travel insurance is the same as here https://www.barclaycardus.com/servicing/img/base/guideBenefits/BAR-4661-9_MW.pdf

 

it is not a robust policy.  I will stick with Chase.  A credit card with no annual fee and decent travel insurance would be a find. 

[fasterflier]

On 10/18/2022 at 6:22 PM, bearden said:

Booked on Noordam for Alaska in May 2023 and need to bring a CPAP machine on board but I also need distilled water for it.  Is it possible to get distilled water on board or do I need to bring it with me and will they let me. Tia

 

[Trapper44]

19 hours ago, fasterflier said:

 

If you log into your Holland account, select your cruise, select Cruise Activities, select Beverages, at the end you can order a gallon, that will be waiting in your room. Have done it every cruise and a gallon is $2.95.

[lavictoria]

On 1/28/2023 at 7:08 PM, fasterflier said:

Booked on Noordam for Alaska in May 2023 and need to bring a CPAP machine on board but I also need distilled water for it.  Is it possible to get distilled water on board or do I need to bring it with me and will they let me.

I had to fill out the Special Requirements form https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/accessibility/special-requirements.html for a mobility aid.

I know folks bring a CPAP without issue but under the category Respiratory Needs section of this form you can let them know you're bringing your CPAP and there is a check box for getting distilled water for use with it.

Edited 6 hours ago by lavictoria
fixed link

[Haljo1935]

Any recent experience with laundry service? We've been fortunate on last couple cruises (Oct & Dec) to get laundry back same day even though we did not pay for express same day service. So, question is - with upcoming cruise being sold out/at capacity, has anyone experienced laundry b taking more than a day to get back?

We rely on laundry service to minimize amount of clothes we take with us - I'm packing now for next cruise and would like to pack appropriately.

That's my tip for new HAL guests - use the laundry service to minimize quantity of clothes you bring. $20/bag, $49 unlimited. The team does a great job, takes pride in their work and will tuck a handwritten note into your laundry when it's returned. 🙂

[Clay Clayton]

4 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

Any recent experience with laundry service? We've been fortunate on last couple cruises (Oct & Dec) to get laundry back same day even though we did not pay for express same day service. So, question is - with upcoming cruise being sold out/at capacity, has anyone experienced laundry b taking more than a day to get back?

We rely on laundry service to minimize amount of clothes we take with us - I'm packing now for next cruise and would like to pack appropriately.

That's my tip for new HAL guests - use the laundry service to minimize quantity of clothes you bring. $20/bag, $49 unlimited. The team does a great job, takes pride in their work and will tuck a handwritten note into your laundry when it's returned. 🙂

We were on Koningsdam in October and had a bag full (24 items the first time and 22 the second!) washed twice.The ship was at about 85% occupancy. We left the first bag on the bed before going to dinner and it was returned the next day before lunch. The second bag took slightly longer. As I recall we left it one morning and it was returned the following afternoon before dinner.