trapo

We had to pay a daily extra charge of $2/day for a mini fridge in Lanai 3347.

We were recently ion the Rotterdam (or first HAL cruise), and were disappointed in the food and service on board. Nothing was bad in the MDR or Lido, but we expected better based on HAL's reputation and comments from others.

 

We found the quality and variety of food offerings to be below what we have experienced on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess and Carnival. Service was also very slow. The desserts were the most disappointing with little variety and most had little flavor.

 

We also were disappointed in the pizza at New York Pizza. The taste was very bland and the cheese was very greasy and had an odd texture. Of course, taste is subjective and others seem to rave about it.

 

We did not try either specially restaurant, but did see them offering some discounts and combination packages onboard. I do not recall the specific discounts.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I could not agree with you more. We were on Rotterdam for 2/4 cruise and we were SO disappointed in the food. We could hardly ever find something we wanted to eat in the dining room or in the market. (And yes - the pizza was gross and bland. The burgers and hot dogs were no better.) MOST disappointing was that the soft serve machine was nine times out of ten out of order. (And why can't they do self-serve like other cruise ships?) We did have dinner at the Pinnacle when it was Rudy's and the food was laughably bad. I mean LAUGHABLY bad. I would not cruise w/ Holland again based on the food alone - what else is there to do on such a boring ship but eat? And when that's not an option...

I was on the 2/4 Rotterdam in 3347 and we did not hear any noise of any kind that bothered us. The Lanai cabin was great, btw.

Did you all see this? I'm so excited.

Did you all bring your children on the tour? Is it the same cost? I'm considering taking my 9 and 10 yo since it's just the three of us on the cruise.

Thank you all so much! I took 1243 thanks to all the great advice!

When you cancel before the deadline of the 50% off of trip non-refundable date, is your deposit kept as a credit? Or is it just money lost? I would like to move my dates and am wondering if this is the way to do it? Cancel and then use the credit toward the rebooking.

I stayed in 1243 twice on the Solstice and loved the location as well as the giant balcony!!! Being angled the "short" divider wall was around 9' in length and the "long" divider wall maybe a bit over 12' in length. The long wall is also 2/3 solid steel which helped reduce wind. Due to the depth and amount of covered space we could still enjoy the balcony even when raining hard. The sun never fully penetrated the cabin which meant the room never got warm or stuffy and still stayed bright. I would take it any day before the one on deck 12!!!

Thank you - this is very helpful. I started the search late and chose this cruise only a week ago so I'm skeptical of cabins that are still left if that makes sense. I'm also way overthinking it. Was 1243 Concierge when you went? (I don't know if that's a dumb question or not ;)) - did you enjoy that category and its perks?

I see you're going on the Western Caribbean in December - that's the one I'm going on 9/13. I can't wait. What cabin did you pick?

I am holding both and trying to decide on: 1243 or 2157 on Equinox. From the pictures I have found of 2157 it looks like it may have a small balcony but I do like that it's on the same deck as the pool. I can't find any pictures of 1243 balcony but have found many positive reviews. Any opinions?

My oldest is leaving for college and directly after, I'd like to take my 9 and 10 yo daughters away on a cruise. My choices are Royal Caribbean - 5 day Bermuda or 7 day Carnival - New England. (Vastly different I realize - almost the same in price) I haven't been on Royal Caribbean and I love the itinerary for Canada/New England (Boston, Portland, Halifax, Saint John) but I wonder if they would like the warm/beach element more. (I could and will ask them but it would only be very hypothetical for them ;)) Would love opinions or advice both on the one to pick and the ships. Thank you!