hi..another question please....

[Lois R]

:) thanks for having patience and answering my "new to HAL" questions....

I have been reading the tipping thread.....now I have a question about "CASH"....If I want cash.....can I get it from the casino...against my S&S card? And is there a FEE?:confused: for access to this?....I know some ships have atms...didn't really want to do that and I don't even know if there is one on the Zuiderdam.

Marie, you said you tipped the Yum Yum man....sounds like something I would do too...for someone who has gone above and beyond:)

[Charlie2na]

I'm not sure, but I don't think so. I got cash at atm onshore, at first port of call

[jhannah]

I would have cash on hand. I can't remember what the policy is about casino cash. I've seen it mentioned, but it escapes me. I'd suggest you have your TA call HAL for their guidlines. I can't find it mentioned on the HAL website.

[ekerr19]

Lois-

 

You can get cash against your shipboard account if you've registered a credit card at the front desk. If you register with cash or traveler's cheques, I'm not sure you can get the advance - but I could be wrong. Then you must show an ID in the casino to get the cash from ship card.

 

There is a fee (I can't remember the amount) to get a cash advance directly against a credit card.

 

I'm hoping I get this all right, but I'm sure if i'm not, someone else will post. We have only done the cash against shipboard account once and it was back in 1999, so it may have changed.

 

We usually bring sufficient cash to cover our gambling (not much - but I do like Bingo every now & again) and our gratuities. I have used my ATM card to get cash in many ports - my bank waives the ATM fees other banks charge, so I don't mind using it.

[peaches from georgia]

Never done it, but I seem to remember people posting here that there was a 3% fee to get cash against your credit card.

[sail7seas]

There are no ATM machines on HAL ships.

[Lois R]

thanks for the info...maybe I am misunderstanding another point....ekerr...you said..."if I register my credit card at the front desk"....aren't all credit cards used to give you your S&S card?

 

No cash is exchanged for drinks is it? I though everything was signed for...and can't you check throughout the week how to see how much you have charged?

 

Thanks:) I guess I will be bringing cash with me....being as tips are put on your shipboard account I wasn't going to bring much cash....hmmm....why spend an extra 3% when I don't have to?.....

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

 

You can go to the front office anytime and request to have a printout made of your current charges.

Rather than carry cash, take traveler's checks.

:)

[stillfrantic]

Won't the front desk cash traveller's checks for guests anytime the guest presents one?

[jhannah]

Yes. Traveler's checks but not personal checks.

[ekerr19]

thanks for the info...maybe I am misunderstanding another point....ekerr...you said..."if I register my credit card at the front desk"....aren't all credit cards used to give you your S&S card?

 

No cash is exchanged for drinks is it? I though everything was signed for...and can't you check throughout the week how to see how much you have charged?

 

Thanks:) I guess I will be bringing cash with me....being as tips are put on your shipboard account I wasn't going to bring much cash....hmmm....why spend an extra 3% when I don't have to?.....

 

Lois-

 

You don't have to register a credit card, but can put a cash (or traveler's check) deposit equal to $60 pp, per day in lieu of using a card... sorry for the confusion...

 

drinks are charged to shipboard acct -

 

if you have any other questions, please let me know - I'll try & help!

[Lois R]

:) Hi...thanks so much...I prefer to just charge everything on a credit card.

 

I normally always bring cash with me though.....for tips and excursions. But since HAL puts the tips on my account...I won't need cash for that.....

 

And normally, even though 15% is added to my bar bill.....if I find a bartender for the week...I will tip them extra throughout....you know a couple of bucks...here and there...just to say thank you;) .

 

And I bring cash for blackjack..not alot but I do put some money aside for gambling.

[ekerr19]

Lois-

 

Sounds like a you have a good plan - we've not cruised since they implemented the auto-tip, we just missed it - but it will be in place when we sail in November. I still plan to bring extra for cash tips.

 

Finding a couple of bartenders is a good idea - we usually do the same - not only do we get fantastic service, but a bit stronger drinks... sometimes they can be a bit weak, but once you get to know someone - they'll take care of you!

 

We find it to be much easier to bring cash for gambling - we're not big gamblers, but like to play a bit... my DH is VERY lucky at slots, but he wins and walks away.

[Lois R]

:) So...I will be doing pretty much the same thing as on X...just not as much cash this time.

 

Another question....I am trying to fill out my online documentation...It is not accepting it. Do you know if HAL's website sometimes has problems? I figure it is easier to get all that stuff done ahead of time...but its not letting me:(

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

 

Where does the problem begin with filling out the immigration form on line? At the beginning? Need to know more information. We have never had a problem filling out the form on line.

Also, we were on the Maasdam this past May when the new tipping policy went into effect. We left the auotmatic tips in place. And we tipped those crew members extra who served us - cabin steward, waiter, his assistant, bar personnel, wine steward, Pinnacle Grill staff, & concierge.

:)

[ekerr19]

I've heard that sometimes there are problems... if you are trying to enter your passenger number, you must enter a two-digit number, such as 01, 02, etc.

 

This is as common problem some people encounter...