Mastering Holland America Embarkation Day | Expert Tips for Easy Boarding!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 96

  • @cruisetipswithchristina
    @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +3

    Please subscribe to my channel. I'd appreciate it! 😃What's the one thing you wish you knew before your first cruise embarkation day?" Share your experiences and insights to help fellow cruisers have an even better time! 🚢😊

    • @kathleenmcallister494
      @kathleenmcallister494 6 місяців тому +1

      hi i am ging to be traveling on an alaskian cruise in sept of next year. leaving vancover bc. i hear it is very expensive there. do you have any recommendations??? i dont know if this is needed but i wil be on the koningsdam??

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  5 місяців тому +1

      @@kathleenmcallister494 bring layers to stay warm and I'd book your excursions ahead of time. 😄 and pack REALLY warm clothes (like winter coat and gloves!)

    • @kathleenmcallister494
      @kathleenmcallister494 5 місяців тому +1

      any ideas on where to stay there

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  5 місяців тому +1

      @@kathleenmcallister494 which cruise port are you leaving from?

  • @lancehughes4132
    @lancehughes4132 11 місяців тому +1

    Your condensing of pertinent information regarding embarkation is truly amazing. Yes, there’s definitely some stress at times but I must say, my wife and I found your video…. even more stressful (hey I’m teasing you, just so you know).
    A hotel should not be required the day before for a number of reasons: *The proximity to the port. *Favourable weather. *Multiple departing flights. *Road conditions. *The late afternoon embarkation.
    However, it’s obvious you’re a kind person as well as providing lots of great advice. Thank you Christina !

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  11 місяців тому +2

      Thanks for the comment! That's a good point. I suppose it depends on where you are flying in from, if weather is bad where you live, and if you have a connecting flight. I live in Atlanta, so it's easy to fly down day of. But with cruises departing earlier and earlier (now around 2:30pm/3pm instead of 5:30pm)...I wouldn't want to cut it close!! Last time just getting an Uber to arrive at the airport to take us to the terminal took about 40 minutes because the first one got lost and the 2nd one was another 15 min wait. (yikes!)

  • @gigis5540
    @gigis5540 7 місяців тому +1

    Great tips and thank you for being so thorough

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  7 місяців тому +1

      Your so welcome!!! Please subscribe for more tips too! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1

  • @charlie44266
    @charlie44266 Рік тому +6

    Tip 4A: make a photocopy or mobile phone picture of your passport (picture page and last page). If you loose or forget the passport book, the photo can be enough.

  • @CalvinRiley-eh7kh
    @CalvinRiley-eh7kh 8 місяців тому +1

    Very informative, great info I'm heading to Alaska out of Vancouver in May (2024)

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  7 місяців тому +1

      Yay!!!! So glad to hear it!
      Are you back from Alaska? What did you think of the cruise?! 😀😃
      Was it cold?

  • @Chiefs555
    @Chiefs555 Рік тому +2

    Awesome! Thank you

  • @mtinus-y3w
    @mtinus-y3w 8 місяців тому

    thanks Christina for the tips. it is for us the first time. we sale in juli to norway and iceland.

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  7 місяців тому +1

      Oh yay!!! I'm so glad to hear that you found the tips helpful!
      And if you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel for more cruise tips! youtube.com/@cruisetipswithchristina?sub_confirmation=1

  • @foursheetswind1
    @foursheetswind1 Рік тому +1

    good to see a new blogger!

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      Or at least a new UA-camr!!! I already have several other blogs I manage...I don't think I could tackle another one right now!! 😃

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      P.S. Please subscribe to my channel if you haven't already. I'd really appreciate it!! 😃

  • @carolgillett6404
    @carolgillett6404 11 місяців тому +7

    As an operation manager with a major airline for over 30 years....PLEASE DON'T TRY TO FLY IN ON THE SAME DAY AS YOUR CRUISE! There are just too many factors impacting schedules, many totally out of the airline's control. Buy a hotel room, cut the stress and the stress on everyone trying to get you there. I can't tell you how many times, we have passenger meltdown because they naively thought they could "just catch a flight that morning."

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  11 місяців тому

      Thanks for the comment! I guess I live in Atlanta so there are usually 3+ flights that morning, so we risk it if it's a direct flight and not snowing where we are flying from. But totally agree! When my mom flies from the NE (or if she lived anywhere else) she usually almost always goes down a day ahead of time

    • @carolgillett6404
      @carolgillett6404 11 місяців тому

      I'm being a Mom--ATC staff shortages, month end crew illegalities or crew illegalities caused by weather far removed from a city can cause complete schedule meltdowns in cities completely remote from the problem. I can hear you now....yes, Mom....Thanks for your great videos--they are so helpful! @@cruisetipswithchristina

    • @brookwithnoe97
      @brookwithnoe97 8 місяців тому +1

      My anxiety could never do that anyway! 😂

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  7 місяців тому +1

      @@brookwithnoe97 No fun being stressed before cruising!!

  • @FatInMeGirth
    @FatInMeGirth Рік тому +1

    love your enertgy!

  • @janicejohns1624
    @janicejohns1624 6 місяців тому +1

    Request hotel recommendations in Vancouver Canada for September 8 cruise departure on HAL. We Plan to arrive a day early.

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  6 місяців тому

      People seem to love the Pan Pacific at the Port. Someone in a Facebook group said that they will take your bags on embarkation day!

  • @Christopher.G.P
    @Christopher.G.P Місяць тому

    Thank you for the great video! I booked a hotel close to the airport and the cruise terminal in Ft Lauderdale, as I am flying in the day before because I am flying from Canada, and jeeze, you think American airlines have issues - try Canadian ones! I booked The Red Carpet Inn as they have free airport pick up and free cruise terminal shuttle. Is this ok to use? You made the comment to only use Uber or Lyft, so I am concerned. I was planning on going to the terminal early, encase the shuttle bus is late, delayed by waiting for someone, or even driving around the massive terminal dropping people off at all the different docks.

  • @frankpainter2203
    @frankpainter2203 Рік тому +3

    Could you please tell me what hotels you would recommend in Ft Lauderdale. Thanks

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +2

      Yes! I like the Holiday Inn Express (www.booking.com/hotel/us/holiday-inn-express-fort-lauderdale-convention-center-cruise.en.html?aid=7921728&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) the most. It's right across the street from Starbucks, Ross, and places to eat before you leave for your cruise too!
      More info in this article by me too! veryeasymakeup.com/hotels-near-fort-lauderdale-cruise-port/

  • @karencragg5873
    @karencragg5873 Рік тому +1

    Hotels near the port reasonably priced in Barcelona Spain Thank You
    Great Videos

  • @RubyPerry-k5e
    @RubyPerry-k5e 2 місяці тому

    What is your recommendation for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale?

  • @lisaboyle5263
    @lisaboyle5263 4 місяці тому

    Do you have any hotel recommendations in Seattle. Pier 91

  • @cruisetipswithchristina
    @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +1

    Here's the other video I recommend you watch with what to do AFTER you board the ship on Embarkation Day! ua-cam.com/video/fMOeQQzxAKo/v-deo.html

  • @johnmc6979
    @johnmc6979 Рік тому

    Another great video. Can you please rea good FL hotel rates has shuttle service from airport to hotel and hotel to Pier. Thanks

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      Many of the hotels have a shuttle service...but it's like $12-$15 per person and it's actually cheaper to take an Uber!!! I know Holiday Inn Express had a shuttle. Most of them do...I'd call the hotel before you book if that's something you really want to do, but I'd recommend against it. Uber instead.

  • @sallyfelling3811
    @sallyfelling3811 6 місяців тому +1

    Do you have a link for hotels near the Vancouver B.C. port?

  • @natebinthemix
    @natebinthemix Рік тому +1

    Hey Christina! 👋 Thanks for the great info! I have my 1st cruise on Holland America Eurodam this Sat 10/28 out of FT. Lauderdale Fl. I did get the earliest flight direct out of Philly and should get in by 11:25am. My ship departs at 3pm. I did 2 months back book the Transfer from the airport with Holland America to the Port (was like $35 round trip) so I didn't care. Hope will be quick to and fro guess will see? I'm sailing 11 night Eastern Caribbean and keeping my fingers crossed weather cooperates as pretty sketchy in Sint Maarten St Johns Antigua Barbuda St Thomas etc etc where we are going. Hopefully all will be ok? I did see you recommended the Holiday Inn Express near the Port in FLL. I might consider as staying in FLL 4 nights 11/8-11/12 as taking a 2nd cruise 11/12 with Virgin Voyages out of Miami. I'll catch your other vid you attached on Embarkation while onboard! If you have any other suggestions for me please let me know. I plan on dining at Tamarind 1 night and maybe Pinnacle as well. Don't know how the Canaletto is menu looked so-so. Thanks again for any info! Keep up the great work! New sub also! 🙂 P.S I got an upgrade from my interior room to an Oceanview for $98 so took it! I was on deck 5 now on D/Main lower deck 10--. Apparently they placed me mid ship said better less rocky feel etc and is under the Lincoln Center where they have music. Hopefully should be quiet in this area? Have a great day! 🙂

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      Back to back cruises!!! Wow!!! And completely different vibes too!! I think the airport transfer should be fine! If you booked it with Holland America then they won’t leave without you!! I’d recommend making reservations at the restaurants ahead of time…eat in the main dining room on formal night and speciality restaurants on other nights. Ask for assigned table in dining room so you can meet people! You may love the hydropool and the unlimited laundry…especially if you are going on a cruise after your Holland America one!! The traffic from Ft Lauderdale to Miami can be bad…so keep that in mind. And check out my videos on what to do in St Thomas so you know what to expect!

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      And being under Lincoln Center Stage should be fine!! They don’t play late into the night…and Ocean View is so much nicer!!

  • @CatherineMillison
    @CatherineMillison 9 місяців тому +1

    What hotels are close to ship port in vancover?

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  9 місяців тому +1

      People seem to like the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown. Maybe a slightly older hotel, but well priced, great location, super close to cruise port, friendly staff.

  • @sparty2761
    @sparty2761 Рік тому +1

    What is a good hotel to stay at in Rotterdam for HAL?

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      My #1 recommendation would be the Rotterdam Marriot Hotel: www.booking.com/hotel/nl/rotterdam-marriott-hotel.en.html?aid=7921728&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
      Only 11-15 minutes from the cruise port, GREAT for walking around (lots of restaurants and attractions nearby, including the Rotterdam Centraal Station -= easy access to airport), and great reviews on both Google and Trip Advisor.
      If you want something unique with great ratings, check out the Suite Hotel Pincoffs Rotterdam.
      Have a fun cruise!!

  • @cruisetipswithchristina
    @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

    We have a new group for Holland America cruise lovers! Join it here! facebook.com/groups/708374760628704/ #hollandamerica #cruiselovers #hollandamericaline

  • @paulagalland1
    @paulagalland1 6 місяців тому +1

    Auckland NZ hotel recs

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  6 місяців тому +1

      Oh I LOVE Auckland!!! The people are so, so nice there!! People seem to LOVE The Hotel Britomart

  • @CruisN-Steve
    @CruisN-Steve Рік тому +1

    I can't wait until my next cruise!
    When is your next cruise?

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +1

      Not sure yet actually!!! We usually book a cruise in January...but need to book that! I may go with my mom on a cruise in October. It kind of depends on my work schedule and some other things that I'm figuring out right now...
      When is your next cruise?!!

    • @CruisN-Steve
      @CruisN-Steve Рік тому

      @cruisetipswithchristina My next cruise is in February 2025. Still about a year and a half away. I am going on the Nieuw Statendam leaving Ft. Lauderdale on Feb 15th 2025 . 7 day cruise , Eastern Caribbean 😎

  • @kari97632
    @kari97632 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for your cruise tips. We are going on Alaskan Cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam on 3 weeks.This will be our 1st cruise and appreciate all your tips. Can you suggest Vancouver cruise port hotel?

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      The Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel looks good! www.booking.com/hotel/ca/vancouver-marriott-pinnacle-downtown.en.html?aid=7921728&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
      Close to cruise port, around $300, and great reviews.

  • @bbman58
    @bbman58 Рік тому +7

    Didn't really find your video helpful.First off if you are a 4 or 5 Star Mariner on HAL you would know about having priority embarkation. So for the regular cruiser Do Not arrive too early.HAL assigns boarding times. If your boarding time is let's say @ 1 for a 5 o'clock sailing do not arrive at 10. All your going to do is wait longer. An hour to an hour and half prior to your boarding time is sufficent. 2nd Do not take your luggage to your room. Again,your room will not be ready and you don't want to be dragging your suitcase around the ship. 3rd,always arrive at least the day before especially if you are flying to your embarkation city. With the way airlines are a mess currently,bite the bullet on a hotel room. One you will be well rested before you board and two it will be less stressful.

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +1

      Thanks so much for the comment! I appreciate all comments and feedback! I've personally always been able to get into my room when I drag my suitcase...but Holland America is changing things. That's a good point! I think last time it was 12pm. And good tip to board 1.5 hours before your boarding time!!
      And agree about getting a hotel room. Good tips!! Thank you! Sounds like you are a Holland America cruise expert!!

    • @Christopher.G.P
      @Christopher.G.P Місяць тому

      My concern with not taking my luggage on my board myself is if they lose it, or deliver it to the wrong room. On my last cruise, i received the wrong suitcases to my room! That meant my suitcases were delivered to someone else's room! So it took them a few hours to find it, luckily, before bed. And this was on Viking!! And they are top notch. If it can happen on them, it can happen on any cruiseline.

  • @MaxGrey03
    @MaxGrey03 Рік тому +1

    Baggage handlers at the cruise port are called Porters.

  • @bmiles2986
    @bmiles2986 10 місяців тому +1

    They might not let you take beverages through unless sealed...
    Confusing like bottled water versus wine

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  10 місяців тому +1

      Maybe...they have always let me take my water bottle through and it's always open. I guess I don't look like I'm trying to sneak on alcohol in a water bottle...I'm traveling with my mom on a HAL cruise after all 😆😂

  • @CherylHerron-c7r
    @CherylHerron-c7r 9 місяців тому +1

    Hotel to stay pre and post cruise out of Copenhagen Denmark

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  9 місяців тому

      People seem to LOVE the 71 Nyhavn hotel!

    • @shereerevilla9576
      @shereerevilla9576 7 місяців тому +1

      Aloha! We will be staying at the Copenhagen Marriot. Are you going on the Northern Isles June 1st?

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  7 місяців тому +1

      @@shereerevilla9576 No, I wish!!! I used up all of my vacation days for this year until I accumulate more! 😂🤣
      How many days is the Northern Isles cruise? Sounds like a perfect time to go!!

  • @juliemeekins
    @juliemeekins Рік тому +1

    Very helpful

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      So glad to hear it! Please let me know if you have any other questions,, and happy holidays!

  • @ErikaEmody
    @ErikaEmody 10 місяців тому +2

    agreed on shuttles. I do not like them and they provide no benefit, only stress.

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  10 місяців тому

      Agree!! They are horrible!! Definitely better to do Uber or Lyft.
      And thank you for leaving comments on many of the videos. I appreciate it!! 😃😃
      You must cruise with HAL a lot?

    • @ErikaEmody
      @ErikaEmody 10 місяців тому

      @@cruisetipswithchristina actually most of my experience is with Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. We are taking our first HAL cruise at the end of March! nieuw statendam. Very excited! My mother and stepfather cruised with them for 15 or 20 years. I think they were three or four star Mariners, too bad you can’t transfer loyalty points! Haha

  • @HedyIviney
    @HedyIviney Рік тому +1

    hi Christina thanks for info - very informative. Only my second cruise. So we are driving from Canada to Fort Lauderdale to meet our ship which is the Rotterdam HAL,. Can you tell me what hotels are close to port and what about parking our vehicle. Would we leave at hotel or is their parking at the port. Depending on what time we arrive there, we may not need hotel but would be handy to have. But then parking may be an issue. Any information would be helpful....thank you...

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      Happy to help! I like the Embassy Suites. Check out this guide for more info: veryeasymakeup.com/hotels-near-fort-lauderdale-cruise-port/
      For parking...I've actually never done that myself. I know that the cruise terminal. It looks like it is $20/day: www.porteverglades.net/cruise/parking/

  • @scottlenyo8579
    @scottlenyo8579 Рік тому +2

    The one place I would not take an Uber to a Holland America ship to embark is Seattle. Pier 91 where Holland, America, and princess cruise out of Seattle. The Uber Lyft drop off is quite far from the terminal as in about 300 yards It’s better to take a hotel/cruise line shuttle or a taxi because they will drop you right next to the cruise terminal.

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +1

      Thank you so much for the helpful tip!! That would be such a bummer to have to walk that far. Thank you, thank you! 😃

    • @BruceCruises
      @BruceCruises Рік тому +1

      Thank you for sharing these tips!

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      @@BruceCruises My pleasure!! Let me know if you have any questions, and please subscribe if you haven't already 😃

    • @nancyj621
      @nancyj621 10 місяців тому

      @scottlenyo8579, If we are having a limo driver take us to the terminal would they still have to drop us off where Uber drops off, or do you know if there is a closer drop off for friends or private cars?

    • @scottlenyo8579
      @scottlenyo8579 10 місяців тому +1

      We took a hotel shuttle, it dropped us off right by the terminal entrance. Private cars & limousines can do the same, apparently the rideshare can as well but they choose to drop off at the ride share stand because it’s faster for them to exit that way.

  • @louiselanthier5135
    @louiselanthier5135 Рік тому +1

    I love getting on the ship in Montreal! The people are fabulous there!

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +1

      Got to love the Canadians! So nice!! 😁😁😁

    • @louiselanthier5135
      @louiselanthier5135 Рік тому +1

      @@cruisetipswithchristina Yaaa, I am one of those - (Canadian)! I love my cheese but my fries do not swim in gravy! They are dipped in ketchup!

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому +1

      @@louiselanthier5135 Got to love ketchup. Is dipping fries in gravy a thing? I didnt know that!!

    • @louiselanthier5135
      @louiselanthier5135 Рік тому

      @@cruisetipswithchristina Poutine = fries in gravy!

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      @@louiselanthier5135 AAHHH!!!! Maybe I'm just not a gravy girl 😄

  • @gregklemke4908
    @gregklemke4908 Рік тому

    I did not know Samsung made luggage!?

  • @jhollie8196
    @jhollie8196 Рік тому +2

    Getting to cruise terminal early is not as simple as it sounds. Last HAL voyage was 14 days through Panama Canal, Feb 2023 on Zaandam. Stayed in an HAL hotel overnight. The next morning was total horrible. Seemed like staff had no clue what they were doing. Loaded wrong ship passengers on bus and had to off load them and luggage. Bottom line we got to ship at 1pm. Missed Mariner / Neptune suite early boarding and luncheon due to hotel staff screw ups. They did not care we had priority boarding either.

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      Oh my goodness. That sounds HORRIBLE!!! Where was the cruise terminal? Was this something where you paid Holland America to shuttle you from the hotel to the ship? So sorry that you had such a horrible experience. Yikes!

  • @rjsams001
    @rjsams001 Рік тому +1

    Your tips don't seem to apply at all to embarkation on HAL from a port in Europe. I'm certainly not flying in the same day or driving up to the terminal. Make sure you state the limits of your video in advance so people know whether they should watch.

    • @cruisetipswithchristina
      @cruisetipswithchristina  Рік тому

      That's a fantastic point. Thank you, thank you!!! I didn't even think about Europe, as most of the cruises I've been on recently leave from the U.S. Thank you!!
      Any tips for people who are embarking on HAL from a port in Europe? Helpful things to know?

  • @fatcatscooter2584
    @fatcatscooter2584 Рік тому

    Still don't know why you attached me Christina. I've done nothing to you. Please remove the hateful comments you made about my video.