New to Holland America? This is for you...AKA "HAL For Dummies"

We enjoyed fixed dining for the first time on our first HAL cruise in August. We had late seating on the Maasdam and my wife and I loved it. We had room service breakfast several times and ate lunch in the main dining room as well as the buffet. They are all wonderful.

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I will be going on my 3rd cruise on HAL's Nieuw Amsterdam in Feb 2016. I have mobility issues due to spinal stenosis, severe arthritis and severe pain issues. I am not asking for sympathy - I have decided to continue travelling as long as I am able, and to use whatever means to make this possible. I get around by using a rollator (walker) and was able to store the walker beside the wall and the bed, in a Veranda cabin on the Zuiderdam the last time I cruised. I travelled alone, so had a single bed. This time I am travelling with a companion, so there will be twin beds, Does anyone know if there will be enough room for my walker, somewhere not in the way? It does fold up....?

Also, at home I use a bean bag type heating pad that I warm up in the micro wave, to ease the pain and to loosen up. Since I won't have use of a micro wave, I plan to bring a plug in heating pad. Will I be able to plug it in near my bed? Do I need to bring an extension cord?

Any helpfull suggestions will be appreciated! I believe my veranda cabin will be VE 8120. Is that a good cabin, and does it have grab bars in the tub? I had no tub on the Zuiderdam, only a shower, and it worked out just fine.

Idealy I would have a suite, but I just can't afford it. Unless the upgrade fairy comes along....haha....wishful thinking for sure!

Any helpfull suggestions would be very much appreciated!

"Sonja"

Sonja,

I would contact HAL right away and let them know that you need a cabin that is designated as handicapped accessible. Most of them have slightly larger configurations than normal cabins to allow for space for walkers and/or wheelchairs. Most of them also have a slightly larger shower that would be more comfortable for you to use. (And, many of them have larger verandas too!)

If you keep your regular balcony room, you may be able to store the walker folded up in front of or next to the desk and it would be mostly out of the way. You could even probably slide it under your bed if you have an ambitious traveling partner!

Not sure where the outlets are in the room or whether you can bring your own extension cord. Sometimes there is an extra outlet underneath the bed. I would also ask HAL about the cord if you call them about the possibility of changing to a handicap accessible room. You might also consider an old fashioned hot water bottle.

Enjoy your trip!

We have found that the regular balcony cabin is fine for my DH's wheelchair, and folds up against the wall facing the bottom of the bed. So I think a rollator would be easy to store. We've never felt the need to book a handicap cabin, but someone 100% confined to a wheelchair would need more room to manoever.

thanks for your response gojirart and lizzie.......now why didn't I think of a good old fashioned hot water bottle?!?! The less cords to trip over the better......

Hi there,

Just wondering, is every eating place included in the gala nights on board? or are there places that aren't included? What I really want to know, is there any possible way of avoiding having to wear formal wear on the gala nights without ending up going hungry?

Surely somewhere like the lido buffet would be excluded from insisting on formal wear on gala nights?

I don't want to end up being excluded from eating because of a dress code. We are on a 12 day Asian cruise on Voldendam so that means three gala nights as far as I'm aware?

Hi there,

 

Just wondering, is every eating place included in the gala nights on board? or are there places that aren't included? What I really want to know, is there any possible way of avoiding having to wear formal wear on the gala nights without ending up going hungry?

Surely somewhere like the lido buffet would be excluded from insisting on formal wear on gala nights?

 

I don't want to end up being excluded from eating because of a dress code. We are on a 12 day Asian cruise on Voldendam so that means three gala nights as far as I'm aware?

HAL has gotten pretty relaxed on formal.wear. I believe a sportscoat is okay with a collared shirt. No tie required. Ladies just wear what you would if you went to a nice restaurant.

If you really want to go in workout gear or shorts and tanks.....maybe lido....burger or pizza place is a better choice.

Gala nights are no longer required for formal wear unless you want to!

This is just what I wanted to hear. The website makes it seem like unless you're wearing a tux or a ballgown you won't be getting dinner! lol

Thank you so much.

Hi there,

 

Just wondering, is every eating place included in the gala nights on board? or are there places that aren't included? What I really want to know, is there any possible way of avoiding having to wear formal wear on the gala nights without ending up going hungry?

Surely somewhere like the lido buffet would be excluded from insisting on formal wear on gala nights?

 

I don't want to end up being excluded from eating because of a dress code. We are on a 12 day Asian cruise on Voldendam so that means three gala nights as far as I'm aware?

New HAL dress code minimum for males on Gala Night is collared shirt with slacks in the MDR and Specialty Restaurants. The Lido is shorts and t-shirts if you wish.

The same menu served on Gala Nights in the MDR can be ordered through free Room Service for your stateroom where you can dine in whatever attire you wish. If you have a verandah, a Gala Night dinner there can be a nice touch for a cruise. All of the courses will be delivered at the same time and the ice cream will be melted before you finish your dinner.

I'll be on my 29th cruise at the beginning of the year, but it will only be my 2nd HAL. I'm so looking forward to sailing HAL again!

I have a couple of questions that I haven't seen addressed (forgive me if they have and I just missed them in reading through the thread).

I'm solo and have requested main dining. I believe the Happy Hour is usually around 4:30 or 5, but reading the current Zuiderdam "live" thread and looking at the daily handout, it looks like there is a nightly Happy Hour in the nightclub at 9:30 or 10. My usual post-dinner entertainment is to spend a couple of hours in the casino after dinner. Would it be terribly tacky to stop in the club after dinner, purchase my 2 HH drinks, and take them to the casino to enjoy while I gamble? Seems silly to order from a casino drink server at full price when there's a "special" happening next door, but I don't want to do something considered crass. I plan on purchasing a wine package but typically just have the bottles retained in the dining room.

Can anyone tell me the cost of the slot tournament? I'm Platinum on Carnival so I get a BOGO entry, but the normal buy in is $25.

Thanks!

I'll be on my 29th cruise at the beginning of the year, but it will only be my 2nd HAL. I'm so looking forward to sailing HAL again!

 

I have a couple of questions that I haven't seen addressed (forgive me if they have and I just missed them in reading through the thread).

 

I'm solo and have requested main dining. I believe the Happy Hour is usually around 4:30 or 5, but reading the current Zuiderdam "live" thread and looking at the daily handout, it looks like there is a nightly Happy Hour in the nightclub at 9:30 or 10. My usual post-dinner entertainment is to spend a couple of hours in the casino after dinner. Would it be terribly tacky to stop in the club after dinner, purchase my 2 HH drinks, and take them to the casino to enjoy while I gamble? Seems silly to order from a casino drink server at full price when there's a "special" happening next door, but I don't want to do something considered crass. I plan on purchasing a wine package but typically just have the bottles retained in the dining room.

 

Can anyone tell me the cost of the slot tournament? I'm Platinum on Carnival so I get a BOGO entry, but the normal buy in is $25.

 

Thanks!

Happy Hour (buy one drink get the 2nd for a $1 is usually from 4-5pm. There is usually another one in the evening - 10 or 11 pm depending upon the ship and sailing.

I've seen lots of people carrying drinks from Happy Hour to other venues but it's usually just one drink;). If you are getting a mixed drink,maybe order a "tall" double? ;). Just a thought.

Slot tournaments that I have seen have been $20 per entry. Sometimes there is a BOGO opportunity (ie., buy two entries,get the third for free). Sometimes there are coupon booklets in the cabin that gives you a free entry with the purchase of one. (No idea why/when you get booklets;). Some come from booking at a certain time, some from TA's and some just "appear" )

Thanks. I typically just drink wine or beer, so making it a double isn't an option. Suppose I could consume one in the bar and take one to go. Or request my wine be served in a tall tumbler! ;)

I know I have seen this on here, but didn't find it when I searched (I guess that is always the way).

I understand if you purchase a soda fountain card, ($50 value for $25), anything up to the $25 will be refunded if it is not used. If you purchase onboard credit for yourself and it is not used, will that also be refunded to your card? Will they first use the promotional onboard credit you have before using what you pay for? We currently have $150 from doing a deposit on our last cruise.

Thanks in advance

IS there a way to find other like-minded cruisers who want to do excursions but not through HAL?

IS there a way to find other like-minded cruisers who want to do excursions but not through HAL?

Use your roll call to find others interested. This method works for me and we were able to organize a great drive in Alaska with "Elements of Alaska" with our fellow roll call members.

I know I have seen this on here, but didn't find it when I searched (I guess that is always the way).

I understand if you purchase a soda fountain card, ($50 value for $25), anything up to the $25 will be refunded if it is not used. If you purchase onboard credit for yourself and it is not used, will that also be refunded to your card? Will they first use the promotional onboard credit you have before using what you pay for? We currently have $150 from doing a deposit on our last cruise.

 

Thanks in advance

As far as I know the ship will first use any of your non-refundable OBC before using OBC that you have purchased or that was gifted to you. Always check within the first few days at the front desk that all your OBC is showing up on your account.

IS there a way to find other like-minded cruisers who want to do excursions but not through HAL?

You can check on your rollcall for others interested in sharing excursions. As per CC guidelines, that is the only place we are allowed to make those arrangements.

I think I asked on this thread about whether you can still take kids to dinner in PG gratis, and the answer was 'No'.

So what do we do with the kids that dinner time? I can't remember if there's a kids club dinner (maybe that was Carnival?).

Also with the signature beverage package what wines are likely to be available in PG with that - just the usual wine list?

I think I asked on this thread about whether you can still take kids to dinner in PG gratis, and the answer was 'No'.

 

So what do we do with the kids that dinner time?

You can take the kids to eat in the Lido, then bring them to Club HAL (if they are old enough) while you go to dinner in the Pinnacle. If they aren't old enough to go to Club HAL, you can ask about paid baby sitting by an off-duty representative of the Front Desk staff. I know that has been possible in the past.

Or, you can take the kids to the Pinnacle for dinner with you (if they are old enough for that sort of thing), but pay for them.

You can take the kids to eat in the Lido, then bring them to Club HAL

Oh good, thanks - any idea what hours Club Hal runs in the evening?

Apparently we are told when our PG dinner will be, under the E4 deal, is that just the date or the time as well?

Oh good, thanks - any idea what hours Club Hal runs in the evening?

Apparently we are told when our PG dinner will be, under the E4 deal, is that just the date or the time as well?

I believe club HAL goes from 7 til 10 pm.

for E4 - the day and time are assigned. Some people have reported that they had a "call to reserve" card and got a bit of a choice. Not sure how frequent the latter is as it is normally assigned times.

I wish the search function on this thread worked better...I'm sure the answer is in here somewhere but I can't find it!

Anyway...I want to know if there is a magnifying mirror on the Amsterdam in the OV bathrooms. I like to use one when putting on my contacts. I'd hate to have to put one in my luggage.

Thanks.

I wish the search function on this thread worked better...I'm sure the answer is in here somewhere but I can't find it!

 

 

 

Anyway...I want to know if there is a magnifying mirror on the Amsterdam in the OV bathrooms. I like to use one when putting on my contacts. I'd hate to have to put one in my luggage.

 

 

 

Thanks.

Not in the bathrooms but there is one on the desk in the cabin. Check out http://www.halfacts.com as there are pictures of the staterooms.

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I wish the search function on this thread worked better...I'm sure the answer is in here somewhere but I can't find it!

 

Anyway...I want to know if there is a magnifying mirror on the Amsterdam in the OV bathrooms. I like to use one when putting on my contacts. I'd hate to have to put one in my luggage.

 

Thanks.

I use a small magnifying mirror with three little suction pads on the back which sticks it to the normal bathroom mirror. It comes in a little travel case with tweezers but couldn't do without it for my lenses. Think it's by 'tweezerman'.

Does the Eurodam have the same tinted mirrors in the cabin as the N Amsterdam. Found them really annoying ... But loved the magnifying mirror on the desk.

We are considering booking HAL for the first time and have some questions about when and how to book. My TA is traveling, so I can't ask him right now.

Does HAL offer a veteran's discount or OBC?

If there is a price drop or added benefit after we book, can we get it?

Can I use Princess Future Cruise Credits on HAL?

What are the benefits and restrictions of HAL Future Cruise Credits?

(We don't have any, but could possibly take a short cruise to acquire some before booking the long one we're considering)

We qualify for shareholder OBC. Are there other ways to get discounts, OBC, or other benefits?

Is it better to book a long cruise as a whole, or B2B if that's available?