i have always enjoyed your videos. now i will even more. yesterday i booked my first holland america cruise. been wanting to do it for a while. and i could no resist the one dollar deposit. i will be going to alaska with them sept of next year.have you gone to alaska with them??
@@valerie577 this will be my first. i am eccited. but be honest how is the food. i have heard mixed reviews. but i am doing alaska and i know they are known for alaska
@kathleenmcallister494 we haven't cruised since before covid, we eat in the Lido, my husband doesn't like the dining room food and always ended up ordering a steak
Thanks for the great overview! Question - I’ve heard people had trouble with the fact they received no notifications when receiving a chat message (from another traveler) on the Navigator app. Is it possible to turn on Notifications (in settings) for the chat feature?
Thank you!!! But from my view it doesn't show you as subscribed (I can tell!) Here's the link! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1 Is there a video you want to see next? I was thinking either explain Have It All Package OR show the Grand Dutch Cafe!
Hi there i just booked with holland america and the price just dropped do i get a price adjustment? Im in cabin 5173 and was thinking of switching to 6175 or 6177 any advice all of these rooms are near the elevators and stairs
Thank you so much for your advice I will go with Hal ms rossterdam on January 2025 Caribbean i also get premier package from the cruise so I’m happy to find your channel
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.
Yes! It's possible to switch!! My mom and I rarely are able to get an assigned dining time (ahead of time). When you board the cruise ship, go to the main dining room, I think usually on deck 2 (it may be deck 3), and ask them to give you an assigned table. Hope that helps!! And please subscribe too! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Have wifi included on next cruise in june. Planning on staying in airplane mode while on ship. My kids ssy whatsapp works for wifi. Really want to be disconnected while on board. Love that you focus on HAL
Awesome!! That's great that you know how to use Whatsapp. I agree about staying disconnected...it's nice to not be looking at your phone all the time!! 😄😃 Glad that you like that I focus on HAL, my mom LOVES Holland America cruise line...so we go together a lot! P.S. Please subscribe if you haven't already. It makes my day, AND you'll be notified of new videos, like the one I just did with a tour of the Rotterdam! Here's the link to subscribe 👉www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Can you watch UA-cam on the web if you get the premium WiFi plan? If you get the plan for 1 device, can you switch between devices as long as you’re not using 2 devices at the same time?
@@winglohull Yay!!! So glad to hear it!!! P.S. - I'd LOVE it if you subscribe (if you haven't already) and you'll be notified of new videos too!!! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
What is the process to login to the WiFi once you're onboard? Do they give you a code or password or does it just work automatically knowing you have the package? Thanks! 👍
If I remember correctly, once you pay for the WiFi...there is no code or anything. You pay for it via the Navigator App, and then it just knew and connected!! Tip: To save money, you could just buy internet for the Sea Days vs. for the entire cruise (just an option) 😃
Thanks Christine! What is confusing is their website internet options, My hubby and I just use our ipads on board (phones on airplane mode). This is our first time without HIA plan and are confused with their premium package where we can both pay for the entire cruise or the more expensive multi premium package for up to 4 devices…..
The speed of the wifi depends on the location. It was fast most of the time but when we were sailing in the Atlantic and between the English Channel, it was very slow and I could not view photos and videos on instagram and Facebook.
Thanks for the comment!! I'm surprised to hear it was slow at times!! This is good for fellow cruise travelers to know. And thank you so, so much for subscribing!!
That's a good question!! If you are near land, your cell phone should be able to pick up internet...it may just be SLOW. The good news is that you can get internet when you are in each of the towns. I personally wouldn't pay for internet...I would just live without it for the day or two when you aren't in port.
You didn't explain what HIA includes. It's a no-brainer. Why pay $30 a day for internet, when you get internet, drinks, specialty meal, $100 shore excursion, and sometimes crew appreciation for $55 per day?
Oh dear. I didn't?!! I meant to (I had it in my outline to talk about), but I suppose I did just SKIM right over it. Yes!! That's a great point...if both people in a cabin want internet EVERY DAY of the cruise and you drink...then it's great!! I've never seen it include the crew appreciation as well...have you? If it DID include that....that would be a steal! Thank you for the comment!! Super helpful to others!! 😃🥳
@@cruisetipswithchristina Last June I booked an Alaska cruise on HA for May 2024 and the HIA package included crew appreciation. It was a special at the time we booked. Typically, it does not include crew appreciation.
If I turn off airplane mode when I’m in port, I am immediately charged CDN $15 a day in an international destination. So that does not work for Canadians. We don’t get free internet at all if airplane mode is turned off outside of Canada.
If you have your phone on Airplane mode you can then go in and turn on WIFI. You will not connect to a Cellular carrier but will be able to access and use WIFI. Just make sure you do not turn on your cellular connection by mistake. You can also do the same with your bluetooth if you need to connect to a bluetooth speaker and stream music you have already downloaded on your phone. While cruising I always turn off my Data roaming so I don't connect to a cell tower by accident or to the ship's cellular (satellite)
Do you usually pay for an internet package or just wait to check your texts/emails when in port? I usually prefer to stay disconnected!
we wait for a port, go to an internet cafe
i have always enjoyed your videos. now i will even more. yesterday i booked my first holland america cruise. been wanting to do it for a while. and i could no resist the one dollar deposit. i will be going to alaska with them sept of next year.have you gone to alaska with them??
we are doing 2 weeks on the Nieuw Amsterdam, only cruise line we use
@@valerie577 this will be my first. i am eccited. but be honest how is the food. i have heard mixed reviews. but i am doing alaska and i know they are known for alaska
@kathleenmcallister494 we haven't cruised since before covid, we eat in the Lido, my husband doesn't like the dining room food and always ended up ordering a steak
Thanks! This is super helpful Christina!!!
Glad it was helpful! Please subscribe if you haven't already for more tips! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Love the fact that you can get internet for just 1 day!
Agree!!!
Thanks for the great overview! Question - I’ve heard people had trouble with the fact they received no notifications when receiving a chat message (from another traveler) on the Navigator app. Is it possible to turn on Notifications (in settings) for the chat feature?
Not that I'm aware of! The Navigator App could use some improvements...
I've been a subscriber for some time. Keep growing your channel
Thank you!!! But from my view it doesn't show you as subscribed (I can tell!) Here's the link! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Is there a video you want to see next? I was thinking either explain Have It All Package OR show the Grand Dutch Cafe!
@@cruisetipswithchristina just clicked on link says I'm subscribed. Should u unsubscribe and redo it
Hi there i just booked with holland america and the price just dropped do i get a price adjustment? Im in cabin 5173 and was thinking of switching to 6175 or 6177 any advice all of these rooms are near the elevators and stairs
Near the elevators and stairs is alright...just know that on dis-embarkation day people may be loud while getting off the ship!
What kind of water bottle do you suggest to bring
Any reusable one! Like this: amzn.to/4f9zIq1
Thank you so much for your advice I will go with Hal ms rossterdam on January 2025 Caribbean i also get premier package from the cruise so I’m happy to find your channel
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.
Yes! It's possible to switch!! My mom and I rarely are able to get an assigned dining time (ahead of time). When you board the cruise ship, go to the main dining room, I think usually on deck 2 (it may be deck 3), and ask them to give you an assigned table. Hope that helps!! And please subscribe too! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Have wifi included on next cruise in june. Planning on staying in airplane mode while on ship. My kids ssy whatsapp works for wifi. Really want to be disconnected while on board. Love that you focus on HAL
Awesome!! That's great that you know how to use Whatsapp. I agree about staying disconnected...it's nice to not be looking at your phone all the time!! 😄😃 Glad that you like that I focus on HAL, my mom LOVES Holland America cruise line...so we go together a lot!
P.S. Please subscribe if you haven't already. It makes my day, AND you'll be notified of new videos, like the one I just did with a tour of the Rotterdam!
Here's the link to subscribe 👉www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Can you watch UA-cam on the web if you get the premium WiFi plan? If you get the plan for 1 device, can you switch between devices as long as you’re not using 2 devices at the same time?
For UA-cam, you need the Streaming Plan I believe (which is more expensive).
I think it's only 1 device per plan...not able to switch.
Thanks! This is super helpful.
@@winglohull Yay!!! So glad to hear it!!!
P.S. - I'd LOVE it if you subscribe (if you haven't already) and you'll be notified of new videos too!!! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
Does web surfing on HIA mean just browsing, or can I do transactions like banking or investments?
you can do banking and investments!
And please subscribe too for more videos! www.youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1
What is the process to login to the WiFi once you're onboard? Do they give you a code or password or does it just work automatically knowing you have the package? Thanks! 👍
If I remember correctly, once you pay for the WiFi...there is no code or anything. You pay for it via the Navigator App, and then it just knew and connected!!
Tip: To save money, you could just buy internet for the Sea Days vs. for the entire cruise (just an option)
😃
Thanks Christine! What is confusing is their website internet options, My hubby and I just use our ipads on board (phones on airplane mode). This is our first time without HIA plan and are confused with their premium package where we can both pay for the entire cruise or the more expensive multi premium package for up to 4 devices…..
The speed of the wifi depends on the location. It was fast most of the time but when we were sailing in the Atlantic and between the English Channel, it was very slow and I could not view photos and videos on instagram and Facebook.
Thanks for the comment!! I'm surprised to hear it was slow at times!! This is good for fellow cruise travelers to know. And thank you so, so much for subscribing!!
Is this for Alaska Cruises too? No internet at all unless we pay?
That's a good question!! If you are near land, your cell phone should be able to pick up internet...it may just be SLOW.
The good news is that you can get internet when you are in each of the towns. I personally wouldn't pay for internet...I would just live without it for the day or two when you aren't in port.
With HIA can I post to Facebook? Can I watch you tube videos?
Yes you can post to Facebook. No, you cannot watch UA-cam unless you pay to upgrade your internet.
You didn't explain what HIA includes. It's a no-brainer. Why pay $30 a day for internet, when you get internet, drinks, specialty meal, $100 shore excursion, and sometimes crew appreciation for $55 per day?
Oh dear. I didn't?!! I meant to (I had it in my outline to talk about), but I suppose I did just SKIM right over it. Yes!! That's a great point...if both people in a cabin want internet EVERY DAY of the cruise and you drink...then it's great!!
I've never seen it include the crew appreciation as well...have you? If it DID include that....that would be a steal!
Thank you for the comment!! Super helpful to others!! 😃🥳
@@cruisetipswithchristina It includes crew gratuity if you book in advance.
@@JulieThompson38 Wow!!! That would be a HUGE benefit. Is this when you book with HAL directly, or have you seen this through other vendors too?
@@cruisetipswithchristina It's on their website.
@@cruisetipswithchristina Last June I booked an Alaska cruise on HA for May 2024 and the HIA package included crew appreciation. It was a special at the time we booked. Typically, it does not include crew appreciation.
If I turn off airplane mode when I’m in port, I am immediately charged CDN $15 a day in an international destination. So that does not work for Canadians. We don’t get free internet at all if airplane mode is turned off outside of Canada.
If you have your phone on Airplane mode you can then go in and turn on WIFI. You will not connect to a Cellular carrier but will be able to access and use WIFI. Just make sure you do not turn on your cellular connection by mistake. You can also do the same with your bluetooth if you need to connect to a bluetooth speaker and stream music you have already downloaded on your phone.
While cruising I always turn off my Data roaming so I don't connect to a cell tower by accident or to the ship's cellular (satellite)
Thank you!!! I guess I'm not from Canada...so I'm not familiar with their cell phone plans. Yikes!! $15 a day is a LOT of money!!