What's one thing you ALWAYS do on every Holland America cruise? 😃And please support my channel and subscribe 👉youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1 🥳
Oh yay!!! that makes me so, so happy to hear!! 🥰 I'll be posting more videos soon (whenever I have time I try to create a video!!!). Please subscribe to be notified of the new videos, and please let me know if you want me to make a video on a certain topic. I'm open to all ideas! Link to subscribe 👉youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
I strongly dislike Canaletto too. The food is nothing special. Our service was lackluster - inattentive/distracted wait staff to the point where there was a distinct unpleasant vibe. For me Tamarind suffered a from having too high expectations, although the wait staff was superb. Will be trying the Pinnacle this July on the N Statendam. Because we got the have-it-all package. The flights to Europe are included as well as the drink package, WiFi, 2 extra charge restaurants, and a goodly amount of obc to use for excursions (or anything else you want to spend it on). I love HAL!
Thank you for the helpful comment! I sometimes worry that people will REALLY hate me for saying I'm not the biggest fan of something 😂🤣 I think you will REALLY love the Pinnacle. Were the flights to Europe direct with a good itinerary? Whenever we looked at flights through HAL, they were horrible!
@@cruisetipswithchristina The flights were ok. Pre cruise is direct, but the return trip has a connection in Iceland. I don’t mind that because it’ll break up the 7ish hour flight home. My knees and hips can’t stay in a stuck position for so long. So with the have-it-all package it brought our price per night to just over $300(including taxes, fees, gratuities) for an ocean view cabin. We splurged for a balcony cabin once on the Oosterdam, but the pros were outweighed by the cons, plus the additional price just wasn’t worth it to me. The cons were the climate outside was miserable most of the time - blazing hot or gale force winds when you’re out at sea, the wind whistled through the balcony dividers and railings so loud, I couldn’t sleep., chairs not comfortable, no dining table, it’s was surprisingly dirty out there too. I’m piling on a bit, but I’m happy with a nice big window. Gets us out of the cabin more too. 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
Years ago they served it to us almost raw and we couldn’t eat it. We ordered more than one for our group of 4. All the staff raved about it. We have yet to order it again🤪
Thanks! That spa pass, does it only include those lounge chairs in the Hydro pool? What about dry or wet Saunas? And do you know if they allow a day pass instead of a whole week?
Yes it includes those lounge chairs and the Saunas 😃 And yes you can get just a Day Pass. Here's a video I did with a tour: ua-cam.com/video/2_RADsY5B38/v-deo.html And P.S. Please subscribe for more cruise tips!! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
I really enjoy your site, I have a question off topic because you usually got out and return to Fort Lauderdale.? what is the easiest time you would book a flight out of FFL when leaving the ship, also I will be arriving on Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday.
You left off an important “do“! Do go to Tamarind! The food and service are absolutely stellar, each and every time we have been! I agree to skip canaletto. It’s usually usually just OK.
Thank you!!! I just looked at their menu, and it does look delicious!! (www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/onboard-experiences/dining/tamarind) My mom is allergic to lobster...but for the people that like lobster, it looks like an AMAZING deal! Thank you for the helpful comment. I hope others read it!! P.S. Please subscribe if you haven't already to be notified of new videos 👉 youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Christian when I think of a ship in ice I think of the titanic a movie I Love however my trip from Vancouver to Alaska highlights the titanic and Love between two people. So I am in or of God’s beauty in creating our world we live on thanks be to God our Father amen 🙏
@@SeanLucas-i1i I'm from all OVER! I grew up in Northern CA and central IL, and now I live in the Southeast! If you had to guess, where would you think I'm from? 😃
I haven’t cruised on HAL yet (booked for later this year) but I’ve read many times that Canaletto’s osso bucco is one of the best dishes served on board the ship, and the fee for Canaletto is less than the other specialty restaurants. Doesn’t bother me that it’s next to the Lido. I’ve also been reading a lot of comments lately that say the Pinnacle Grill is over-rated and over-priced :-(
Christina, I have a cruise coming up in November with HA. I chose the "anytime" seating rather than a fixed dinner time. After we booked, I heard that option is the worst as I'll be waiting and waiting until a table opens up rather than eating at a specified time. Is that correct and if so would you recommend a fixed seating time and if so is it even possible to switch it now that it's already been booked? Thanks.
I think the wait for the open dining can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes, depending on what time you eat (and on the cruise ship!). I do recommend the fixed seating time (check out this video to learn more! ua-cam.com/video/7GsyiyYnst4/v-deo.html) as I REALLY like having the same waiter every night, the same dinner mates, and find that the service is quicker. And YES!! it is possible to switch. When you board the ship, go to Deck 2 (or it may be deck 3) in the dining room. Look for the person at the front of the dining room. They will be able to see ALL the tables that are available and assign you to a table. My mom and I almost NEVER get an assigned table ahead of time (they are booked up!!) but when we board the ship and ask for a table they have always accommodated us. P.S. - Please subscribe to be notified of more tips. Plus, it makes my day!! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Must do: 1. Go to the Pinnacle Grill 2. Go dancing at night 3. Get the “Have it All” package 4. Get the laundry service 5. Pay for a veranda 6. Check out the “Cake me Away” party 7. Pay for the hydrotherapy pool Miss: 1. Don’t go to Canaletto 2. Don’t pay for a haircut or salon services 3. Don’t be late and miss the ship!
Add to the does- when sailing time comes, grab a drink from your drink package, make your way to the dockside rail, and enjoy all the 'runners' who have long since begun to sweat through their clothing from the stress of being late, let alone from having to hoof it double-time from where their cab or bus drops them off, say about 400 meters away. LOL!!
OOoo I love this idea!! Thank you for the "do!" Do you see people running back to the ship that often? I've only had the joy of seeing a couple run back to the ship once!! 😂
@@cruisetipswithchristina There are entire videos on YT about this. Watched a couple two days ago. It's hilarious! .Campers do the same thing. The seasoned ones get set up with their RVs in the campground mid-afternoon with some planning, and then get a drink and park themselves at the front of their driveways to watch all the late arrivals, some of them also sweating and saying language that will preclude their entry into heaven. LOL!! In both instances, hearty applause is not often greeted with gratitude...or approval...LOL!
Hi Christina, enjoyed this video. Some comments. I like the fact that even though you like to keep costs down (re: Your Save $$$ video) you are open to discussing the extra cost areas. Specialty Dining: Because I always get the Have It All package, I receive 2 or 3 free meals at Specialty Dining. I haven't gone to Canaletto (too close to Lido for me) but I have enjoyed Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind (if you are a fan of Sushi, Nami Sushi bar is attached) and Rudi's Sel de Mer. I have been to the Club Orange restaurant but prefer the MDR to meet people. Have It All: I'm a big fan of HIA. I don't like feeling being nickel-and-dimed on a vacation and I feel it's very cost effective for me. I'm a solo cruiser so I'm paying only $55/day. Let's say I have 5 drinks/day. At $11 each, I've already broken even. I also get 2 or 3 Specialty Dining credits, $300 in shore excursion credit, free Premium WI-FI, prepaid crew appreciation (Vista is $19/day) and Elite Beverage Package upgrade. So definitely worth it. Stateroom Choice: Weather permitting, I enjoy a morning coffee, glass (or two) of wine/cocktail on the balcony. I frequent warm climates and really enjoy stepping out on the balcony so definitely Veranda/Vista or above. I know people say they just sleep there so they would rather pay for an inside cabin and save $$ to cruise more often, but that's not me. My last cruise I had $800 in OBC so I am in the habit of getting mani/pedi/facial in the Spa. One caveat, they like to upsell at the end with product. The Elemis line is very nice and I usually grab some, but beware. Shore Excursions: My rule of thumb is distance and time away. My most recent cruise to Mexico had an excursion to a Olmec ruin involving 3 buses. One broke down and all 3 buses were 2 hours late getting back to the tender point. Because they were HAL excursions, the ship waited for us. But if I'm going to just walk around town or go to the beach/snorkel, I'd likely do an independent option. But I will use the shore excursion credit via the HIA package!
What's one thing you ALWAYS do on every Holland America cruise? 😃And please support my channel and subscribe 👉youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1 🥳
Congrats on getting 1000 subscribers! 👍
Thank you so, so much!!! Finally got there!!! 🥳
You should subscribe too! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Now I have to try to get to 5,000! Thankfully the first 1000 is the hardest, and then I'm hoping I'll get a snowball effect! ⛄
Thanks Christina, I really like your channel and tips!!
Oh yay!!! that makes me so, so happy to hear!! 🥰 I'll be posting more videos soon (whenever I have time I try to create a video!!!). Please subscribe to be notified of the new videos, and please let me know if you want me to make a video on a certain topic. I'm open to all ideas! Link to subscribe 👉youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
I strongly dislike Canaletto too. The food is nothing special. Our service was lackluster - inattentive/distracted wait staff to the point where there was a distinct unpleasant vibe. For me Tamarind suffered a from having too high expectations, although the wait staff was superb. Will be trying the Pinnacle this July on the N Statendam. Because we got the have-it-all package. The flights to Europe are included as well as the drink package, WiFi, 2 extra charge restaurants, and a goodly amount of obc to use for excursions (or anything else you want to spend it on). I love HAL!
Thank you for the helpful comment! I sometimes worry that people will REALLY hate me for saying I'm not the biggest fan of something 😂🤣
I think you will REALLY love the Pinnacle.
Were the flights to Europe direct with a good itinerary? Whenever we looked at flights through HAL, they were horrible!
@@cruisetipswithchristina The flights were ok. Pre cruise is direct, but the return trip has a connection in Iceland. I don’t mind that because it’ll break up the 7ish hour flight home. My knees and hips can’t stay in a stuck position for so long. So with the have-it-all package it brought our price per night to just over $300(including taxes, fees, gratuities) for an ocean view cabin. We splurged for a balcony cabin once on the Oosterdam, but the pros were outweighed by the cons, plus the additional price just wasn’t worth it to me. The cons were the climate outside was miserable most of the time - blazing hot or gale force winds when you’re out at sea, the wind whistled through the balcony dividers and railings so loud, I couldn’t sleep., chairs not comfortable, no dining table, it’s was surprisingly dirty out there too. I’m piling on a bit, but I’m happy with a nice big window. Gets us out of the cabin more too. 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
The "clothesline candied bacon" was amazing!!
Years ago they served it to us almost raw and we couldn’t eat it. We ordered more than one for our group of 4. All the staff raved about it. We have yet to order it again🤪
Oh dear!!! yikes!!! I think they have it figured out now 🤣
100k, great job Christina!
100K? You mean 1K? 😃
and thank you!!! 🥳🤩
Thanks! That spa pass, does it only include those lounge chairs in the Hydro pool? What about dry or wet Saunas? And do you know if they allow a day pass instead of a whole week?
Yes it includes those lounge chairs and the Saunas 😃
And yes you can get just a Day Pass.
Here's a video I did with a tour: ua-cam.com/video/2_RADsY5B38/v-deo.html
And P.S. Please subscribe for more cruise tips!! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
I really enjoy your site, I have a question off topic because you usually got out and return to Fort Lauderdale.? what is the easiest time you would book a flight out of FFL when leaving the ship, also I will be arriving on Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday.
Have you seen the Cake Me Away party on a cruise? It's a NEW thing that Holland America is doing that is fun!
The cakes were absolutely Amazing when on display and even better to eat.
@@lauriesteinhauser8768 Oh yay!! I'm glad you enjoyed the cakes!!! Which cake was your favorite? 🍰🎂
Anything with chocolates. They were about 7 layers of pure yum!
You left off an important “do“! Do go to Tamarind! The food and service are absolutely stellar, each and every time we have been! I agree to skip canaletto. It’s usually usually just OK.
Thank you!!! I just looked at their menu, and it does look delicious!! (www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/onboard-experiences/dining/tamarind)
My mom is allergic to lobster...but for the people that like lobster, it looks like an AMAZING deal! Thank you for the helpful comment. I hope others read it!!
P.S. Please subscribe if you haven't already to be notified of new videos 👉 youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Christian when I think of a ship in ice I think of the titanic a movie I Love however my trip from Vancouver to Alaska highlights the titanic and Love between two people. So I am in or of God’s beauty in creating our world we live on thanks be to God our Father amen 🙏
You will have a fantastic time!! When do you leave for your cruise from Vancouver to Alaska? 😁😃
@@cruisetipswithchristina Christian I leave Vancouver 3 September to Alaska for 7 nights in an ocean view stateroom. If I may ask where are you from?
@@SeanLucas-i1i I'm from all OVER! I grew up in Northern CA and central IL, and now I live in the Southeast!
If you had to guess, where would you think I'm from?
😃
I haven’t cruised on HAL yet (booked for later this year) but I’ve read many times that Canaletto’s osso bucco is one of the best dishes served on board the ship, and the fee for Canaletto is less than the other specialty restaurants. Doesn’t bother me that it’s next to the Lido. I’ve also been reading a lot of comments lately that say the Pinnacle Grill is over-rated and over-priced :-(
Maybe you should try both!!! And yes, you are correct that the fee for the Canaletto is less 😃😄
Christina, I have a cruise coming up in November with HA. I chose the "anytime" seating rather than a fixed dinner time. After we booked, I heard that option is the worst as I'll be waiting and waiting until a table opens up rather than eating at a specified time. Is that correct and if so would you recommend a fixed seating time and if so is it even possible to switch it now that it's already been booked? Thanks.
I think the wait for the open dining can be anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes, depending on what time you eat (and on the cruise ship!).
I do recommend the fixed seating time (check out this video to learn more! ua-cam.com/video/7GsyiyYnst4/v-deo.html) as I REALLY like having the same waiter every night, the same dinner mates, and find that the service is quicker.
And YES!! it is possible to switch. When you board the ship, go to Deck 2 (or it may be deck 3) in the dining room. Look for the person at the front of the dining room. They will be able to see ALL the tables that are available and assign you to a table.
My mom and I almost NEVER get an assigned table ahead of time (they are booked up!!) but when we board the ship and ask for a table they have always accommodated us.
P.S. - Please subscribe to be notified of more tips. Plus, it makes my day!! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
HAVE YOU BEEN ON WESTERDAM ?.. what floor is K CABINS ON ???
Must do:
1. Go to the Pinnacle Grill
2. Go dancing at night
3. Get the “Have it All” package
4. Get the laundry service
5. Pay for a veranda
6. Check out the “Cake me Away” party
7. Pay for the hydrotherapy pool
Miss:
1. Don’t go to Canaletto
2. Don’t pay for a haircut or salon services
3. Don’t be late and miss the ship!
That's what I said! 🤣😂
Add to the does- when sailing time comes, grab a drink from your drink package, make your way to the dockside rail, and enjoy all the 'runners' who have long since begun to sweat through their clothing from the stress of being late, let alone from having to hoof it double-time from where their cab or bus drops them off, say about 400 meters away. LOL!!
OOoo I love this idea!! Thank you for the "do!" Do you see people running back to the ship that often? I've only had the joy of seeing a couple run back to the ship once!! 😂
@@cruisetipswithchristina There are entire videos on YT about this. Watched a couple two days ago. It's hilarious! .Campers do the same thing. The seasoned ones get set up with their RVs in the campground mid-afternoon with some planning, and then get a drink and park themselves at the front of their driveways to watch all the late arrivals, some of them also sweating and saying language that will preclude their entry into heaven. LOL!! In both instances, hearty applause is not often greeted with gratitude...or approval...LOL!
@@mesenteria Love this!!!
Nothing is “free” if you “pay extra for a package”
Hi Christina, enjoyed this video. Some comments. I like the fact that even though you like to keep costs down (re: Your Save $$$ video) you are open to discussing the extra cost areas. Specialty Dining: Because I always get the Have It All package, I receive 2 or 3 free meals at Specialty Dining. I haven't gone to Canaletto (too close to Lido for me) but I have enjoyed Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind (if you are a fan of Sushi, Nami Sushi bar is attached) and Rudi's Sel de Mer. I have been to the Club Orange restaurant but prefer the MDR to meet people. Have It All: I'm a big fan of HIA. I don't like feeling being nickel-and-dimed on a vacation and I feel it's very cost effective for me. I'm a solo cruiser so I'm paying only $55/day. Let's say I have 5 drinks/day. At $11 each, I've already broken even. I also get 2 or 3 Specialty Dining credits, $300 in shore excursion credit, free Premium WI-FI, prepaid crew appreciation (Vista is $19/day) and Elite Beverage Package upgrade. So definitely worth it. Stateroom Choice: Weather permitting, I enjoy a morning coffee, glass (or two) of wine/cocktail on the balcony. I frequent warm climates and really enjoy stepping out on the balcony so definitely Veranda/Vista or above. I know people say they just sleep there so they would rather pay for an inside cabin and save $$ to cruise more often, but that's not me. My last cruise I had $800 in OBC so I am in the habit of getting mani/pedi/facial in the Spa. One caveat, they like to upsell at the end with product. The Elemis line is very nice and I usually grab some, but beware. Shore Excursions: My rule of thumb is distance and time away. My most recent cruise to Mexico had an excursion to a Olmec ruin involving 3 buses. One broke down and all 3 buses were 2 hours late getting back to the tender point. Because they were HAL excursions, the ship waited for us. But if I'm going to just walk around town or go to the beach/snorkel, I'd likely do an independent option. But I will use the shore excursion credit via the HIA package!
Thanks so much for the comment!! Agree that if you love all the benefits of the HIA package...you can really get a lot out of it!!!