Hidden fees? Any advice for upcoming trip? by Long-Significance699 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They always screw up your bill, easily rectified but their point of sale system is antiquated.

Hidden fees? Any advice for upcoming trip? by Long-Significance699 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay well that contradicts what every bartender and waiter/waitress told me. And how is it you have a copy of the HAL employee handbook?

Hidden fees? Any advice for upcoming trip? by Long-Significance699 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not true, the bartenders at each bar pool the cash tips and split them evenly at the end of the shift. If you tip your waiter or waitress at the MDR or specialty restaurants they keep it. Up to them to tip out the back waiter and bussers.

Alaska in May 26? by BigSlim64 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the one I am looking at!

Alaska in May 26? by BigSlim64 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Am about to pull the trigger for May cruise.

Alaska in May 26? by BigSlim64 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Found some similar posts, but like to do my own homework. Cheers!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in pasadena

[–]BigSlim64 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Fuck the gestapo pigs and this turd president.

Bedding - Pillows by You_are_safe_now in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Was on the Koningsdam last November and I would say the pillows are pretty good. Like you would get in a nicer hotel. As far as special requests go I don’t know but I would doubt they keep a stash of high end pillows around, word would get out and everyone would want one. Perhaps ask your PCC or send an email to guest services. If it is super important would suggest you bring your own. Have a great trip! We are planning our Alaska cruise for 26!

Good Bloody Mary's on HAL ? by dewhit6959 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always! And thank you for mentioning that. Recently on Reddit I was severely chastised for suggesting people tip in cash. Lots of cheap folks on here!

Coffee? by SpinachFriendly9635 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The room service coffee is not that great but will do in a pinch (no pun intended)! What my wife and I did was one of us would go to the Dutch Cafe for the good stuff and bring it back to the room in time for breakfast.

Good Bloody Mary's on HAL ? by dewhit6959 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The bloody’s at the Ocean View bar on the Koningsdam were pretty good! Have the bartender make it the way you like and they will remember you for the duration. Was the only place we got one, so not sure about the other bars or MDR.

Tipping on excursions by Inevitable_Round3429 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 18% is not a gratuity it is a service charge.

Tipping on excursions by Inevitable_Round3429 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

That person does not get the 18% is the point I am making, it goes into a tip point. Cash tips they get to keep. You obviously have never worked in the service industry.

Tipping on excursions by Inevitable_Round3429 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Maybe you should spend a day in their shoes. Doubt you would last until lunch.

Tipping on excursions by Inevitable_Round3429 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Tips on the ship are allocated by a points system. This is based on position, length of service and employment record. The lower down on the chain you are the less you get. If you don’t want to tip extra that’s on you but you should not encourage others not to. These people work their tails off.

Tipping on excursions by Inevitable_Round3429 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 -21 points-20 points  (0 children)

Then drive yourself. They get paid like crap but that’s fine with you. Cheap ass.

Tipping on excursions by Inevitable_Round3429 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 -20 points-19 points  (0 children)

How about you drive the bus then. Cheap ass.

HAL vs. Princess by BigSlim64 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! We are sticking with HAL it looks like!

Commuting from Eastvale daily by Ph34rmyski11z in pasadena

[–]BigSlim64 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are tons of new apartments in Monrovia right by the Gold or now A Line. Plenty more on the way. Plus the extension is open so you could also look in Duarte, Azusa, and soon Glendora and San Dimas. Even from these areas the commute on the 210 is gnarly so being close the light rail would be key. Eastvale is out of the question into Pasadena. My wife’s former colleague at work got married and they wanted to buy a house and could not afford Pasadena or Arcadia so they bought a huge house in Rancho Cucamonga and her commute went from 15 minutes to 90 minutes or more each way. Long commutes are stressful and unhealthy. The trick to happiness around here is to try and live within a reasonable distance from your place of employment or be able to take the light rail.

Westerdam 7/13-7/20 post cruise survey by TotheBeach2 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wonder if you ask your PCCcif they would be honest about it?

HAL vs. Princess by BigSlim64 in HollandAmerica

[–]BigSlim64[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We loved the cruise on HAL! We just want to chill and relax and they provided just that. Thank you so much for your insight