Please leave a comment and subscribe: youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1 Did I miss a tip? Please share YOUR favorite tips for saving money on a Holland America cruise! 😄🥳
4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2
Excellent, well reasoned, and very accurate presentation. Well done, Christina! Take exception with only one point -- the mentioned vendors (Vacation to go, Costco, etc,) will NOT have access to the best room inventory despite the lower prices. Cabin value is 100% driven by onboard location, and square footage. The travel agents make money by purchasing cabins in bulk at a lowered price (thereby generating immediate cash flow to HAL), but these are generally the "least desirable" from ship's inventory. Think: constant major foot traffic...noise from anchor, azipods, thrusters...proximity to interior kitchens, laundries, crew quarters...stench from sanitation, storage, waste facilities...hum from generators. List goes on forever. Just like onshore real estate, you get what you pay for based on location, location, location. You can generally see what is around you. Onboard you know nothing about the backside of any bulkhead.
Book your next cruise while on board your present one. Will reduce your deposit, will often give you perks, is fully refundable, will send the reservation and credit your travel agent. I think that you need 100 shares (not a dollar) amount of stock to get the credit and the longer the cruise the bigger the credit. Also look into discounts for teachers, military, public servants (fire, police, ambulance etc.) There maybe discounts even if retired from these professions. Going on a non-ship tour is great if you are overnighting at a port. But even then some of the commercial ports don't allow 24 hour access to the ship.
Thanks for the comments. Did you find booking while on the cruise to be cheaper? Last time we looked into it, it was WAY WAY more expensive. Thank you for correcting me..it is indeed 100 shares!! I haven't heard of discounts for teachers or public servants...have you seen those from HAL? And thank you for the tip about a non-ship tour if you are overnighting at a port. GREAT idea!
@@cruisetipswithchristina whether the pricing is more or less expensive when booking on board largely comes down to timing as the prices fluctuate just like flight and hotel prices fluctuate due to supply, demand, etc. One nice thing about booking while on board is that it is fully refundable, so if you do find a better price you can cancel and re-book.
Great tips. We use Costco, but Vacations To Go is my backup. Reposition cruises is my main avenue of savings. Also, now that we're starting to sail abroad, airline prices are almost as important as the cruise fares, especially one-way. Air through the cruise line, or using Chase points can be good options. I am building Alaskan miles (American is good too), which can both be transferred for reasonable redemptions within their alliance. Say I was flying premium economy from Vegas to Auckland on October 11th, the cheapest Expedia option is $1,652. Alaskan points and taxes would be $1,158.
That's a GREAT point that airline prices are almost as important as cruise fares (or more important!!). Question: Is air through the cruise line cheaper in your experience? I've always heard it is way, way worse...and/or they send you on a horrible flight route!
@@cruisetipswithchristina I've never actually done it, prefer booking myself where I can control the routes, and at least get 1 level of seat upgrades. I did accept it on our Viking River cruise, $600 round trip to Europe was great deal, though it was all cancelled due to the pandemic. I think the luxury market works out better deals, but I'm not sure on routes. Mass market, probably only worth checking if you're flying one-way after a transatlantic.
If you live near a cruise port that HAL sails from and you can travel within a two day notice sign up for “standby” fare on any HAL sailing. You can pick any sailing and must pay in full at the time you sign up for standby. It is 49 dollars per day per person and you will be notified 2-7 days prior to the sailing date if any rooms are available. You cannot pick your cabin, HAL will assign it. The cost is fully refundable if you are not chosen for the cruise. Also realize if you are chosen and you say no for any reason then your fare will not be refunded.
Wow. I had no idea that they had such a thing! Only $49/day/person...that's REALLY cheap! Have you ever done it? I think I would be too scared about getting a bad room! 😂
In my opinion, some of these really enhance your vacation experience. When I go on vacation, I want to have it all! I work hard for my money. If I have to cut extras in order to save money then I’d rather stay home.
Christina, you simply give such practical advice. Again, thank you for your time to assemble this information and post a video. I hope you are sharing this endeavor with people aboard ship so they can help your channel grow. If I could re-subscribe, I would do so happily!
Thank you so, so much for the kind words!!! 😃😄😁 Here's the link to re-subscribe in case you were looking for it: www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1 I think I'm usually too shy to share this with people onboard the cruise ships!! Sometimes people recognize me, and I never know if they are one of my fans or if they are one of the people that don't like my videos/opinions! 🤣
If price goes down after you book ask your agent to contact HAL for onboard credit for the difference in your paid price and current lower price. I’ve been successful twice.
This is a GREAT tip. Thank you!! I'm assuming this is only if your travel agent booked directly with HAL perhaps, vs. like if you booked a trip through Costco or VacationsToGo?
I always shops around but if you go directly to cruise , they not only match the price you may get an upgrade surprised or other amenities. If any issues arise , once you are board if you book with a travel agency you are on your own .
Thanks for the comment! You mean match the price of another vendor, like VacationsToGo or Costco? I've never heard of that 🤔 Sounds too good to be true
Last tip, travel as 2 pairs of identical twins, throwing your cards down from your veranda, and have your siblings say there was trouble with the scanner when they got off. Wear identical clothes so that your cabin steward doesn't catch on, split the port time in half using the same card, and wear disguises on sea days. Have two large empty suitcases to haul your twins off while disembarking.
Thanks Christina, First time taking a Holland cruise. I am scheduled to leave at the end of December and spend New Year's evening in Mazatlán. (Unfortunately, I already I booked with HAL, I wished I knew 😢) 1) should I buy the package with drinking water? 2) Is belonging to the club orange worth it? 3) How is the temperature inside the ship? I am taking a jacket and sweater of course for the balcony. Thank you very much for helping me!
People seem to think 15 drinks a day means alcoholic drinks. But this includes everything. Its easy to get a mimosa, fresh juices, smoothies, special coffees, bottled waters, a glass of wine at dinner, sodas, mocktails and then maybe a few alcoholic drinks and it adds up! I have done lists of individual drinks of all kinds and compared it to a drink package and the drink package comes back cheaper. Also, the have it all will also add the wifi (which is a good idea if you are traveling solo) a $100 toward an excursion, and a specialty restaurant which although not necessary is fun. I always book the cruise excursions (if I am going to do an excursion) for safety reasons and know that I will get back to the ship on time. If you watch the website regularly you can get drink packages, excursions, wifi, and other things at sometimes up to 50% off. My last excursion was half price and a week later it was listed at only 5% off. Just watch for the changing prices. You can also cancel and rebook at the lower price.
That's a GREAT point that the Have It All would be a GREAT deal if traveling solo, as only 1 person in the room (you!) needs to buy it! And that's a great point that it is safer to book an excursion with the ship...especially if you are going somewhere that is farther away! Now I'm curious as to how you got the package at 50% off!! So does that mean you paid only $30/day for the Have It All Package? That would be a GREAT deal!
When you say you watch the website for package deals do you mean the HAL website? If you book your cruise through a 3rd party, can you still take advantage of the deals on say the drink package from HAL directly?
Great tips Christina! How about airfare, book through cruise line or on your own? We did a 28 day Holland cruise and your right the HAL package was over-"promised" wifi was terrible and we couldn't drink that much alcohol in High School😃 We won't get that again. Some of the dining venues were great like Tamarind and Pinnacle but really, treat yourself if you want but don't get the HAL to do that. Thanks for the Vacations to go tip, we did our cruise through Holland, and I KNOW we overpaid, but it was our first time to cruise. We will check that site and Costco too. Keep up the good work, Love your energy!
Thank you so, so much for the nice comment! I'm glad to hear that you found the video helpful! Please subscribe if you haven't already to get notified of new videos (hopefully helpful too!) when they come out: www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1 For airfare, we ALWAYS book that on our own. I've heard that cruises can have HORRIBLE itineraries for travel, bad times (like super early), and definitely NOT the cheapest. I personally always look at Google Flights (www.google.com/travel/flights) to search for the cheapest flights and most direct flights. And then I always check Southwest too (they don't show up on Google flights).
The on board credit for educators, military, and first responders (active and retired) can be found on the HAL website under Deals. You will get a drop-down menu and select Community Appreciation. We did find out that my husband cannot stack his retired military OBC on top of his retired educator OBC. But we can stack the ones for HAL stock and AARP membership with the military. The early booking on board can really pay off in that they usually offer on board credit in addition to the reduced deposit. The Have It All can be a good deal, depending on what it includes. When we booked our August cruise (Norway, Iceland, Greenland & Scotland), the HIA included premium drink package, pre-paid crew appreciation, and internet - in addition to the 3 excursions and 3 specialty dining experiences. All together, we ended up with $1200 OBC.
Wow!!! $1,200 OBC?!! That is insane! What did you end up spending that money on? I would have a hard time figuring out how to spend that much $$$. 😄🥳 And thank you for the tip about the onboard credit for educators, military, and first responders. This is super helpful!!!
@cruisetipswithchristina We have our eye on several excursions for ports where we currently have nothing booked. I plan to get a haircut (they do a fabulous job), and we will buy a ship model. We will likely add in some specialty dining. Plus, we always do On Board for a Cause, and we are going to check with Guest Services, as we have heard you can also use the OBC for individual crew gratuities, like for cabin stewards.
@@susanscott8023 I didn't know that there was a ship model to buy!! Putting OBC toward On Board for a Cause sounds like a great idea!! And I'm 95% sure you can use OBC for gratuities, as we have done that in the past. 😃😄
I have always avoided specialty restaurants because the MDR is great. But by getting have it all, you get to experience a specialty restaurant. I recommend have it all for all the benefits. Also specialty restaurants have specials on the website up to 50% off so keep watching.
We took a Holland America Eastern Mediterranean cruise last fall and were in Israel when Hamas attacked. Our side trip was recalled quickly and we were happy and safe but some folks who had booked their own then took their time back to the ship which held up the ship from leaving which was not very nice. So advantages and disadvantages.
Oh gosh, that sounds like a scary experience! In this situation, I think it's actually really GOOD that HAL waited...right? I can't imagine people purposely "taking their time," right? At least last time I saw people who were late...they were jogging as quickly as they could back to the ship! 😂
@@cruisetipswithchristina I didn't mean to imply that they were purposely staying away, just that the shore excursions that were arranged by Hal all were in communication with the ship and so were able to be recalled. Certainly an unusual situation. Last year we also went to Nassau and we have been there enough times that we did not get a shore excursion and just walked to a beach that we knew was close to the port. That and the straw market which is also close to the port.
@@jeffnpat Nice!! If you are ever back in Nassau, check out the Ardastra Gardens! th-cam.com/video/omQIHp_yT6g/w-d-xo.html We walked there...but it's a LONG walk
Carnival Corp stockholders perk requires 100 shares of stock. Although, with CCL stock closing Friday (April 5) at 15.12, that comes out to $1512 for 100 shares.
Thank you!!! I didn't double check before I made the video. I should have! With the price being only $15/share...it is a LOT cheaper than it would have been in the past! (I'm personally still waiting for the stock price to go up!) LOL... P.S. Please subscribe if you haven't already. It makes my day! www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Thanks for your comment. I would buy few hours touring from cruise line. Unless I take one or two hour private tour in morning so I would return to ship before they sail. Eight NCL passengers got stuck at dock after their cruise ship left. They were 1 hour late. They used private touring or they were on their own. I don't want to be one of them. You said don't book from cruise line. I checked HAL's website and Costco 's website for quote for one person for May 1 from Vancouver. Oh they show both gave me same quote price. But Costco would give me $25.00 Costco gift card, Not much discount from Costco. I can't check quote on Vacation to go's website. I know NCL hosted solo group cruise got $100.00 credit. I can't find HAL's Hosted solo cruise group.
Yikes! Sounds like they chose a HORRIBLE tour! Do you know where they were going? My guess would be a tour that was 45 min+ away from the cruise port, vs. a simple drive around the island or a snorkeling excursion. To get a quote from Vacations To Go, you'll need to create an account and login (it's free). I don't know whether HAL has a hosted solo cruise group...when you board the ship, they DO have a dinner table and lunch table for solo cruisers though. 😀
On another channel, the host said that the cabin staff know who withholds paying the up-front gratuity. I wondered how they would know this. Our host here has just provided the answer. When you are out of your stateroom, they go in and turn on the TV....unless there's a PW that only the guests know....not sure, but it seems that the staff cleaning the room can do that in seconds.
I don't think they would do that!! I always see them cleaning with the door to your stateroom open. And many people may not tip through the ship, and may elect to leave an envelope with cash instead. I wouldn't believe what the host of another channel said!
I so enjoy your channel. Thanks for all your tips. Hoping to go go our first cruise ever with Holland in 2026!! Cruising the Mediterranean!! I’m so excited now, I can’t begin to think how excited I’ll be once it’s booked! Any suggestion or tips on a Mediterranean cruise? Hoping to do the one headed from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos. Thanks in advance!
Yay!!! You will have such a GREAT time!!! My mom and I *almost* booked a Mediterranean cruise but I didn't have enough vacation days! Here's the tips I found from the internet (from the "Holland America Cruise Tips" Facebook group!): - No skimpy tops and cover your shoulders. Closed shoes - some churches/museums don't allow sandals. - Pay for the laundry service and then pack lightly - It's HOT in the summer (if that's when you go) - Figure out your excursions ahead of time (can book from Viator or TripAdvisor) - For hotel in Athens - one person liked Piraeus City Hotel - Review the ports ahead of time to figure out what you want to do
@@cruisetipswithchristina Thank you so much. We are planning in Sept of 2026 so I'm sure weather will still be warm, but not crazy hot? Not sure. It looks like it may be a 7 day cruise so don't know if I'll need to do laundry service (well, maybe a day or two so not to go home with dirty clothes) My issue is overpacking. Must not overpack! I'm so bad for that. Thanks for info on hotel. I was also looking at Phidias Piraeus hote; in Athens. Come on a Mediterranean cruise in Sept 2026! Cant book yet this far out, can't find it yet on Hollands website. My TA will keep me posted. Would love to meet you. It will be my hubby and mines 32 wedding anniversary, but a couple we are traveling with, it will be their 30th!! Time to celebrate!!
@@collietackett 😁😁😁 I'd love to meet you too!!!! That's so exciting that you are celebrating your 32nd wedding anniversary! And will be SO, SO fun traveling with another couple! Are you going to fly in a few days ahead of time to explore Athens prior to hopping on the cruise? Ooo! I'm so excited for you!! Sept. 2026 is so far away though!! You need something fun for this year too!
Yes, we’re hoping to stay 2 nights in Athens before cruise. 2026 does sound so far away, but you know how time flies. This is a surprise for my hubby. He has no idea what my friend and I are planning. I’m getting so super excited!! Can’t imagine how ecstatic I’ll be once it’s booked.
That is a GREAT tip!! Thank you!! And it is nice to be able to send pictures and updates to family as well! I'm sure they enjoy hearing from you while you cruise! I'm assuming you cruise solo frequently then? Have you ever gone to the Solo Travelers lunches/dinners? I'm curious to hear what you think of them! 😃😄
Wow! I'm surprised to hear that! May I ask which cruise/when/and what cabin? Now I'm curious to go onto VacationsToGo.com and see how much they are charging 😃
Please leave a comment and subscribe: youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Did I miss a tip? Please share YOUR favorite tips for saving money on a Holland America cruise!
😄🥳
Excellent, well reasoned, and very accurate presentation. Well done, Christina! Take exception with only one point -- the mentioned vendors (Vacation to go, Costco, etc,) will NOT have access to the best room inventory despite the lower prices. Cabin value is 100% driven by onboard location, and square footage. The travel agents make money by purchasing cabins in bulk at a lowered price (thereby generating immediate cash flow to HAL), but these are generally the "least desirable" from ship's inventory. Think: constant major foot traffic...noise from anchor, azipods, thrusters...proximity to interior kitchens, laundries, crew quarters...stench from sanitation, storage, waste facilities...hum from generators. List goes on forever. Just like onshore real estate, you get what you pay for based on location, location, location. You can generally see what is around you. Onboard you know nothing about the backside of any bulkhead.
Book your next cruise while on board your present one. Will reduce your deposit, will often give you perks, is fully refundable, will send the reservation and credit your travel agent.
I think that you need 100 shares (not a dollar) amount of stock to get the credit and the longer the cruise the bigger the credit.
Also look into discounts for teachers, military, public servants (fire, police, ambulance etc.) There maybe discounts even if retired from these professions.
Going on a non-ship tour is great if you are overnighting at a port. But even then some of the commercial ports don't allow 24 hour access to the ship.
Thanks for the comments. Did you find booking while on the cruise to be cheaper? Last time we looked into it, it was WAY WAY more expensive.
Thank you for correcting me..it is indeed 100 shares!!
I haven't heard of discounts for teachers or public servants...have you seen those from HAL?
And thank you for the tip about a non-ship tour if you are overnighting at a port. GREAT idea!
@@cruisetipswithchristina whether the pricing is more or less expensive when booking on board largely comes down to timing as the prices fluctuate just like flight and hotel prices fluctuate due to supply, demand, etc. One nice thing about booking while on board is that it is fully refundable, so if you do find a better price you can cancel and re-book.
Great tips. We use Costco, but Vacations To Go is my backup. Reposition cruises is my main avenue of savings.
Also, now that we're starting to sail abroad, airline prices are almost as important as the cruise fares, especially one-way. Air through the cruise line, or using Chase points can be good options. I am building Alaskan miles (American is good too), which can both be transferred for reasonable redemptions within their alliance. Say I was flying premium economy from Vegas to Auckland on October 11th, the cheapest Expedia option is $1,652. Alaskan points and taxes would be $1,158.
That's a GREAT point that airline prices are almost as important as cruise fares (or more important!!).
Question: Is air through the cruise line cheaper in your experience? I've always heard it is way, way worse...and/or they send you on a horrible flight route!
@@cruisetipswithchristina I've never actually done it, prefer booking myself where I can control the routes, and at least get 1 level of seat upgrades. I did accept it on our Viking River cruise, $600 round trip to Europe was great deal, though it was all cancelled due to the pandemic. I think the luxury market works out better deals, but I'm not sure on routes. Mass market, probably only worth checking if you're flying one-way after a transatlantic.
@@thejokerspeaks how nice that you get seat upgrades!! Maybe Viking has better deals on the plane tickets than other cruises
If you live near a cruise port that HAL sails from and you can travel within a two day notice sign up for “standby” fare on any HAL sailing. You can pick any sailing and must pay in full at the time you sign up for standby. It is 49 dollars per day per person and you will be notified 2-7 days prior to the sailing date if any rooms are available. You cannot pick your cabin, HAL will assign it. The cost is fully refundable if you are not chosen for the cruise. Also realize if you are chosen and you say no for any reason then your fare will not be refunded.
Wow. I had no idea that they had such a thing! Only $49/day/person...that's REALLY cheap! Have you ever done it? I think I would be too scared about getting a bad room! 😂
To be onboard at that price....any room is a good room for me. Hello fine dining
Great advice on saving $$$ - thank you!
Yay!!! So glad to hear it! Were there any tips that I forgot? Which tip was your favorite? 😃😀
In my opinion, some of these really enhance your vacation experience. When I go on vacation, I want to have it all! I work hard for my money. If I have to cut extras in order to save money then I’d rather stay home.
That's a REALLY good point!! Thank you for sharing!
Christina, you simply give such practical advice. Again, thank you for your time to assemble this information and post a video. I hope you are sharing this endeavor with people aboard ship so they can help your channel grow. If I could re-subscribe, I would do so happily!
Thank you so, so much for the kind words!!! 😃😄😁
Here's the link to re-subscribe in case you were looking for it: www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
I think I'm usually too shy to share this with people onboard the cruise ships!! Sometimes people recognize me, and I never know if they are one of my fans or if they are one of the people that don't like my videos/opinions! 🤣
If price goes down after you book ask your agent to contact HAL for onboard credit for the difference in your paid price and current lower price. I’ve been successful twice.
This is a GREAT tip. Thank you!! I'm assuming this is only if your travel agent booked directly with HAL perhaps, vs. like if you booked a trip through Costco or VacationsToGo?
I get the free cruise email offers and I don't think I can book those with anyone else except Holland America. I have an excellent cruise consultant.
Great tips. You didn’t mention if good to book flight through holland America or direct with airlines
I always shops around but if you go directly to cruise , they not only match the price you may get an upgrade surprised or other amenities. If any issues arise , once you are board if you book with a travel agency you are on your own .
Thanks for the comment! You mean match the price of another vendor, like VacationsToGo or Costco? I've never heard of that 🤔 Sounds too good to be true
Last tip, travel as 2 pairs of identical twins, throwing your cards down from your veranda, and have your siblings say there was trouble with the scanner when they got off. Wear identical clothes so that your cabin steward doesn't catch on, split the port time in half using the same card, and wear disguises on sea days. Have two large empty suitcases to haul your twins off while disembarking.
🤣🤣
Thanks Christina,
First time taking a Holland cruise. I am scheduled to leave at the end of December and spend New Year's evening in Mazatlán. (Unfortunately, I already I booked with HAL, I wished I knew 😢)
1) should I buy the package with drinking water?
2) Is belonging to the club orange worth it?
3) How is the temperature inside the ship? I am taking a jacket and sweater of course for the balcony.
Thank you very much for helping me!
People seem to think 15 drinks a day means alcoholic drinks. But this includes everything. Its easy to get a mimosa, fresh juices, smoothies, special coffees, bottled waters, a glass of wine at dinner, sodas, mocktails and then maybe a few alcoholic drinks and it adds up! I have done lists of individual drinks of all kinds and compared it to a drink package and the drink package comes back cheaper. Also, the have it all will also add the wifi (which is a good idea if you are traveling solo) a $100 toward an excursion, and a specialty restaurant which although not necessary is fun. I always book the cruise excursions (if I am going to do an excursion) for safety reasons and know that I will get back to the ship on time. If you watch the website regularly you can get drink packages, excursions, wifi, and other things at sometimes up to 50% off. My last excursion was half price and a week later it was listed at only 5% off. Just watch for the changing prices. You can also cancel and rebook at the lower price.
That's a GREAT point that the Have It All would be a GREAT deal if traveling solo, as only 1 person in the room (you!) needs to buy it! And that's a great point that it is safer to book an excursion with the ship...especially if you are going somewhere that is farther away!
Now I'm curious as to how you got the package at 50% off!! So does that mean you paid only $30/day for the Have It All Package? That would be a GREAT deal!
When you say you watch the website for package deals do you mean the HAL website? If you book your cruise through a 3rd party, can you still take advantage of the deals on say the drink package from HAL directly?
Great tips Christina! How about airfare, book through cruise line or on your own? We did a 28 day Holland cruise and your right the HAL package was over-"promised" wifi was terrible and we couldn't drink that much alcohol in High School😃 We won't get that again. Some of the dining venues were great like Tamarind and Pinnacle but really, treat yourself if you want but don't get the HAL to do that. Thanks for the Vacations to go tip, we did our cruise through Holland, and I KNOW we overpaid, but it was our first time to cruise. We will check that site and Costco too. Keep up the good work, Love your energy!
Thank you so, so much for the nice comment! I'm glad to hear that you found the video helpful! Please subscribe if you haven't already to get notified of new videos (hopefully helpful too!) when they come out: www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
For airfare, we ALWAYS book that on our own. I've heard that cruises can have HORRIBLE itineraries for travel, bad times (like super early), and definitely NOT the cheapest.
I personally always look at Google Flights (www.google.com/travel/flights) to search for the cheapest flights and most direct flights. And then I always check Southwest too (they don't show up on Google flights).
The on board credit for educators, military, and first responders (active and retired) can be found on the HAL website under Deals. You will get a drop-down menu and select Community Appreciation. We did find out that my husband cannot stack his retired military OBC on top of his retired educator OBC. But we can stack the ones for HAL stock and AARP membership with the military.
The early booking on board can really pay off in that they usually offer on board credit in addition to the reduced deposit. The Have It All can be a good deal, depending on what it includes. When we booked our August cruise (Norway, Iceland, Greenland & Scotland), the HIA included premium drink package, pre-paid crew appreciation, and internet - in addition to the 3 excursions and 3 specialty dining experiences. All together, we ended up with $1200 OBC.
Wow!!! $1,200 OBC?!! That is insane! What did you end up spending that money on? I would have a hard time figuring out how to spend that much $$$. 😄🥳
And thank you for the tip about the onboard credit for educators, military, and first responders. This is super helpful!!!
@cruisetipswithchristina We have our eye on several excursions for ports where we currently have nothing booked. I plan to get a haircut (they do a fabulous job), and we will buy a ship model. We will likely add in some specialty dining. Plus, we always do On Board for a Cause, and we are going to check with Guest Services, as we have heard you can also use the OBC for individual crew gratuities, like for cabin stewards.
@@susanscott8023 I didn't know that there was a ship model to buy!! Putting OBC toward On Board for a Cause sounds like a great idea!!
And I'm 95% sure you can use OBC for gratuities, as we have done that in the past. 😃😄
I have always avoided specialty restaurants because the MDR is great. But by getting have it all, you get to experience a specialty restaurant. I recommend have it all for all the benefits. Also specialty restaurants have specials on the website up to 50% off so keep watching.
Ooo!!! I didn't know that sometimes the specialty restaurants have deals.
Do you have a personal favorite to eat at?
We took a Holland America Eastern Mediterranean cruise last fall and were in Israel when Hamas attacked. Our side trip was recalled quickly and we were happy and safe but some folks who had booked their own then took their time back to the ship which held up the ship from leaving which was not very nice. So advantages and disadvantages.
Oh gosh, that sounds like a scary experience! In this situation, I think it's actually really GOOD that HAL waited...right? I can't imagine people purposely "taking their time," right? At least last time I saw people who were late...they were jogging as quickly as they could back to the ship! 😂
And P.S. - Thank you for subscribing!
@@cruisetipswithchristina I didn't mean to imply that they were purposely staying away, just that the shore excursions that were arranged by Hal all were in communication with the ship and so were able to be recalled. Certainly an unusual situation. Last year we also went to Nassau and we have been there enough times that we did not get a shore excursion and just walked to a beach that we knew was close to the port. That and the straw market which is also close to the port.
@@jeffnpat Nice!! If you are ever back in Nassau, check out the Ardastra Gardens! th-cam.com/video/omQIHp_yT6g/w-d-xo.html
We walked there...but it's a LONG walk
Carnival Corp stockholders perk requires 100 shares of stock. Although, with CCL stock closing Friday (April 5) at 15.12, that comes out to $1512 for 100 shares.
Thank you!!! I didn't double check before I made the video. I should have! With the price being only $15/share...it is a LOT cheaper than it would have been in the past! (I'm personally still waiting for the stock price to go up!) LOL...
P.S. Please subscribe if you haven't already. It makes my day! www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Thanks for your comment. I would buy few hours touring from cruise line. Unless I take one or two hour private tour in morning so I would return to ship before they sail. Eight NCL passengers got stuck at dock after their cruise ship left. They were 1 hour late. They used private touring or they were on their own. I don't want to be one of them. You said don't book from cruise line. I checked HAL's website and Costco 's website for quote for one person for May 1 from Vancouver. Oh they show both gave me same quote price. But Costco would give me $25.00 Costco gift card, Not much discount from Costco. I can't check quote on Vacation to go's website. I know NCL hosted solo group cruise got $100.00 credit. I can't find HAL's Hosted solo cruise group.
Yikes! Sounds like they chose a HORRIBLE tour! Do you know where they were going? My guess would be a tour that was 45 min+ away from the cruise port, vs. a simple drive around the island or a snorkeling excursion.
To get a quote from Vacations To Go, you'll need to create an account and login (it's free).
I don't know whether HAL has a hosted solo cruise group...when you board the ship, they DO have a dinner table and lunch table for solo cruisers though. 😀
Good tips! I agree that specialty restaurants are a money grab
Yes!! But I suppose the cruise ships have to make money somehow!
On another channel, the host said that the cabin staff know who withholds paying the up-front gratuity. I wondered how they would know this. Our host here has just provided the answer. When you are out of your stateroom, they go in and turn on the TV....unless there's a PW that only the guests know....not sure, but it seems that the staff cleaning the room can do that in seconds.
I don't think they would do that!! I always see them cleaning with the door to your stateroom open. And many people may not tip through the ship, and may elect to leave an envelope with cash instead. I wouldn't believe what the host of another channel said!
I so enjoy your channel. Thanks for all your tips. Hoping to go go our first cruise ever with Holland in 2026!! Cruising the Mediterranean!! I’m so excited now, I can’t begin to think how excited I’ll be once it’s booked! Any suggestion or tips on a Mediterranean cruise? Hoping to do the one headed from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos. Thanks in advance!
Yay!!! You will have such a GREAT time!!! My mom and I *almost* booked a Mediterranean cruise but I didn't have enough vacation days!
Here's the tips I found from the internet (from the "Holland America Cruise Tips" Facebook group!):
- No skimpy tops and cover your shoulders. Closed shoes - some churches/museums don't allow sandals.
- Pay for the laundry service and then pack lightly
- It's HOT in the summer (if that's when you go)
- Figure out your excursions ahead of time (can book from Viator or TripAdvisor)
- For hotel in Athens - one person liked Piraeus City Hotel
- Review the ports ahead of time to figure out what you want to do
@@cruisetipswithchristina Thank you so much. We are planning in Sept of 2026 so I'm sure weather will still be warm, but not crazy hot? Not sure. It looks like it may be a 7 day cruise so don't know if I'll need to do laundry service (well, maybe a day or two so not to go home with dirty clothes) My issue is overpacking. Must not overpack! I'm so bad for that. Thanks for info on hotel. I was also looking at Phidias Piraeus hote; in Athens. Come on a Mediterranean cruise in Sept 2026! Cant book yet this far out, can't find it yet on Hollands website. My TA will keep me posted. Would love to meet you. It will be my hubby and mines 32 wedding anniversary, but a couple we are traveling with, it will be their 30th!! Time to celebrate!!
@@collietackett 😁😁😁 I'd love to meet you too!!!! That's so exciting that you are celebrating your 32nd wedding anniversary! And will be SO, SO fun traveling with another couple! Are you going to fly in a few days ahead of time to explore Athens prior to hopping on the cruise? Ooo! I'm so excited for you!! Sept. 2026 is so far away though!! You need something fun for this year too!
Yes, we’re hoping to stay 2 nights in Athens before cruise. 2026 does sound so far away, but you know how time flies. This is a surprise for my hubby. He has no idea what my friend and I are planning. I’m getting so super excited!! Can’t imagine how ecstatic I’ll be once it’s booked.
@@collietackett What a BIG surprise!! How fun!!!
I don't want time to fly...I want to keep on pretending I'm 28 😂🤣
I recommend solo cruisers to have wifi to keep in touch with family, just for safety reasons.
That is a GREAT tip!! Thank you!!
And it is nice to be able to send pictures and updates to family as well! I'm sure they enjoy hearing from you while you cruise!
I'm assuming you cruise solo frequently then? Have you ever gone to the Solo Travelers lunches/dinners? I'm curious to hear what you think of them! 😃😄
I book cruises up to a year in advance. Then I keep watching for price changes throughout the year.
Wow!! You really plan ahead!! Do you book directly with HAL then?
@cruisetipswithchristina yes. I book online with the cruise line.
@@diannebrideson2368 Thanks for the tip!
Got a great price when booking directly with Holland American. I guess you just need to watch for deals.
Wow! I'm surprised to hear that! May I ask which cruise/when/and what cabin? Now I'm curious to go onto VacationsToGo.com and see how much they are charging 😃
I saw another you tuber state that HA had a happy hour where alcoholic drinks were half price. Is this true?
Yes!! It's usually around 5pm or so and only on certain drinks
And please subscribe too for more videos! www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Hugs 🥰
Thank you!! I love a hug! Hug back to you! 🥳 Have fun plans for the weekend? 🤗