HAL First Timer!!!

[mando_cpa]

I have spent some time going through old threads and doing searches but have not quite found the answers completely I am looking for.

 

We are seasoned cruisers and have been all over the world cruising. We have cruised many levels from Oceania - to even yes Carnival :). Our favorite lines thus far have been Oceania, Celebrity, and RCI. We can appreciate and enjoy both the large ships and the small ships for what each has to offer for a trip. Given we have cruised so much, we are starting to look for the more unique cruises rather than the mainstream more popular routes that are more or less cookie cutter from line to line. Of course as you do this, there are fewer and fewer choices depending on what you are looking to see or do. So this brings me to HAL.... I found a cruise next year on the Nieuw Amsterdam to the Med that includes all the ports we would love to see again and new ones we want to explore. Problem is I have this perception of HAL from early in our cruising days where we would port with an HAL ship and it was masses of wheel chairs, walkers, and basically the much older (very grumpy) crowd. Sorry I mean no offence to ANYONE. I am just not to the retirement home stage yet :) We are couples in our late 30's and 40's with no kids who are mature professionals in our everyday lives. We are all huge wine lovers and definite foodies. So I am trying to get a feel for the HAL crowd today and the overall HAL experience. On a Med cruise in late April will we feel like we are on a floating retirement home (again no offence I will be there one day too) or what should we expect? How is the food overall?

 

Not looking for a huge debate or soap boxes please just honest feedback.

[Sailkeywest]

Hubby and I are in our 30's, no children, cruising HAL because not only does it have a fabulous itinerary, but the rooms/verandas are so spacious as compared to some other lines. That and the fresh oj, real coffee, much more free deck space that isn't cluttered up with pay-for-use deck areas, and and and... (the list goes on)

 

I have read before that sometimes that the age of the crowd sometimes has to do with the itinerary, as most 'not retired' people don't have 15-30 days to take a cruise.

 

I also think that if more experienced cruisers with many cruises under their belts choose HAL, then it must be good!

[xxoocruiser]

I have spent some time going through old threads and doing searches but have not quite found the answers completely I am looking for.

 

We are seasoned cruisers and have been all over the world cruising. We have cruised many levels from Oceania - to even yes Carnival :). Our favorite lines thus far have been Oceania, Celebrity, and RCI. We can appreciate and enjoy both the large ships and the small ships for what each has to offer for a trip. Given we have cruised so much, we are starting to look for the more unique cruises rather than the mainstream more popular routes that are more or less cookie cutter from line to line. Of course as you do this, there are fewer and fewer choices depending on what you are looking to see or do. So this brings me to HAL.... I found a cruise next year on the Nieuw Amsterdam to the Med that includes all the ports we would love to see again and new ones we want to explore. Problem is I have this perception of HAL from early in our cruising days where we would port with an HAL ship and it was masses of wheel chairs, walkers, and basically the much older (very grumpy) crowd. Sorry I mean no offence to ANYONE. I am just not to the retirement home stage yet :) We are couples in our late 30's and 40's with no kids who are mature professionals in our everyday lives. We are all huge wine lovers and definite foodies. So I am trying to get a feel for the HAL crowd today and the overall HAL experience. On a Med cruise in late April will we feel like we are on a floating retirement home (again no offence I will be there one day too) or what should we expect? How is the food overall?

 

Not looking for a huge debate or soap boxes please just honest feedback.

 

• I too am a well seasoned traveler and cruiser.
  
• I'm also closer to your age than what you think is the age of the average HAL cruiser.
  
• Also have no kids .
  
• I'm retired though much younger than the average retiree.
  
• I also enjoy life.
  
• However due to having MS since an early age , I am one of those people that use the mobilty aids you so begrudge and consider to be a very grumpy crowd.
  
• And yes I do take offense to your comments.
  

 

With that said I have traveled on HAL for the past 20 years. The demographics of the cruise will also depend on the itinerary, if school is session and what other activities are offered on board. This holds true for most cruise lines. HAL gets a bad rap for being the seniors cruiseline.... it is not. It's what you make of it.

[cle1]

The smaller ships, with the longer cruises will have a more "mature" passengers. The Nuiew Amsterdam, because it is a larger ship, I bet will have less "mature" passengers. If you were going to try any HAL ship, I think this may be the best fit for what you are looking for.

[mrspeck]

I don't think your percieved view of HAL is quite on. My wife and I are 32. We have been on HAL sailings and have another coming up in September. Yes, we have definetly been the amongst the youngest of travelers aboard, but for us it is a perfect fit. Wheelchairs and walkers? I don't remember seeing more than a couple on our cruises. I never felt that anyone was "in the way" or that I was waiting because of person's mobility issues.

 

Now, if you and your wife are of a party crowd, looking for all night action, HAL is not for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for what we consider to be a somewhat upscale experience in a fairly quiet, relaxed atmosphere, HAL may just fit the bill.

 

I consider HAL's cuisine to be more than sufficient, especially when mixing in a few nights at the optional restraunt "Pinnacle Grill". In our experience the $20 upcharge has been a very small price to pay for superb service and food quality comparable to shore restraunts in the $100 to $200/person range.

 

I put a great deal of emphasis on itinerary, cabin, and of course, food. I like feeling as if I get "the best deal". We love spending time alone in our cabin and on our veranda when onboard, so a spacious cabin and veranda is key. When comparing to the luxury lines, I can get a 1200sq foot Penthouse with private hot tub on HAL for about the same money as a 250sq foot balcony cabin on the luxury lines.

 

Service has always been great and we have no complaints there. (We've only been in deluxe and penthouse suites, so haven't experienced the level of service foregoing the Neptune Lounge, etc.) The only complaint I have has was with the condition of the Westerdam when we sailed her this past February. In my opinion it is time for dry dock. On the other hand, you are looking at a brand new ship and that should be superb. We sailed on the Eurodam (the Nieuw Amsterdam's sister ship) when she had only been sailing for about six months and she was beautiful (with much more up to date furnishings and color choices). HAL is great for us...I don't think you'd be disappointed, especially if the itinerary is what you are looking for.

 

Good Luck!

 

**Our work schedules never allow us more than 10 days away, so we've only been on 7day sailings, so there is a possibility that the average age on a longer cruise would be higher.

[Solo Cruiser]

I think you have made a good choice. While in my late 50s :mad: I do not consider myself to be geriatric YET but noticed a good portion of the passenger list was my age or older. That does not mean that there is nothing to do or that the corridors roll up at 9:30.

 

It is easy to be fooled into thinking that perhaps you will be the most active on the ship because of the age demographic but beware, people far older than me seemed to be closing down the piano lounge every night long after I toddled off to bed. Not judging a book by its cover is very helpful here.

 

The choice for my next cruise is going to be easily HAL because: far superior beds; very good to excellent dining options and food; excellent service by a caring staff; larger cabin sizes; tastefully decorated common areas; fitness and spa areas.

 

I suggest you plan to try out the Pinnacle Grill one evening for dinner or for lunch on a sea day. One of my favorite things in the world is the Hydrotherapy pool and thermal spa. Get at least a day pass for this (I get the pass for the week) and use it to relax from your busy port schedule. Have a super cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On a Med cruise you will find more younger people. These are very port intensive cruises.

On the Nieuw Amsterdam do try the Tamarind ($15 per person for dinner and free for lunch), Pinacle Grill ($20 per person for dinner and $10 per person for lunch) and the Canaletto for dinner (free).

[mrspeck]

I agree with Krazy Kruisers, try Tamarind. Actually try it at least twice...once for the menu items and also make reservations early on for a seat during their rijstaffel offering! Its great food and a lot of fun!

[PROCRUISE]

I have spent some time going through old threads and doing searches but have not quite found the answers completely I am looking for.

 

We are seasoned cruisers and have been all over the world cruising. We have cruised many levels from Oceania - to even yes Carnival :). Our favorite lines thus far have been Oceania, Celebrity, and RCI. We can appreciate and enjoy both the large ships and the small ships for what each has to offer for a trip. Given we have cruised so much, we are starting to look for the more unique cruises rather than the mainstream more popular routes that are more or less cookie cutter from line to line. Of course as you do this, there are fewer and fewer choices depending on what you are looking to see or do. So this brings me to HAL.... I found a cruise next year on the Nieuw Amsterdam to the Med that includes all the ports we would love to see again and new ones we want to explore. Problem is I have this perception of HAL from early in our cruising days where we would port with an HAL ship and it was masses of wheel chairs, walkers, and basically the much older (very grumpy) crowd. Sorry I mean no offence to ANYONE. I am just not to the retirement home stage yet :) We are couples in our late 30's and 40's with no kids who are mature professionals in our everyday lives. We are all huge wine lovers and definite foodies. So I am trying to get a feel for the HAL crowd today and the overall HAL experience. On a Med cruise in late April will we feel like we are on a floating retirement home (again no offence I will be there one day too) or what should we expect? How is the food overall?

 

Not looking for a huge debate or soap boxes please just honest feedback.

 

Overlooking your jab at CCL-our favorite-I think you'll enjoy HAL.

 

We're both 63, old by your standards, but we found HAL to be very pleasant because of the lovely people we've met onboard. The food was excellent as well as the service. Cabins and balcony were very nice. Evening shows were adequate but not nearly as good as CCL. The whole atmosphere on HAL is more laid back, perhaps refined, and the passengers seem to really enjoy "the art" of simply cruising. HAL ships are pretty quiet after 10 p.m.

 

There are more elderly on ALL cruise lines because we baby boomers are, and will be, filling all ships for a number of years into the future. We took 2 Mediterranean cruises with CARNIVAL and the over all age average on the ships was probably 45-50 years old simply because we are the ones who can afford it!

 

We have very much enjoyed our three cruises with HAL and will cruise with them again even though CCL is our favorite, which I'm sure you cannot imagine. However, that's what makes cruising great-something for everyone!

[LynnObie]

Our daughter & son-in-law love HAL.... they are 27 - 29 & looking to book their 3rd HAL cruise. That said, yes, you'll find a lot of older folk on HAL. We are mid 60's & retired. DW often has to use a wheelchair but we try not to be too grumpy. :rolleyes:

 

As someone else mentioned, the Nieuw Amsterdam is one of HAL's larger ships so may tend to attract a somewhat younger crowd than the smaller ones. Give it a try.... you might love HAL, as do we.

[pms4104]

There's a problem with folks who are older or who use assistance devices???

[jeniferlyn]

We just got off of our first HAL cruise from Alaska. There were four of us in our group, myself (41), hubby (40), son (19), and nephew (24). I never really commented on the age of the passengers because it really didn't matter to us. I chose the Zuiderdam strictly for the itenerary. The ship was a lot quieter than the Southern route we took on RCCL last summer but Alaska is a different type of cruise.

 

We saw all age groups on our cruise. We did not see a lot of children but then again a lot of time we never really saw very many people. I was in the casino several times and there would only be three or four people in there.

 

The food got mixed reviews from our group. My son and nephew preferred RCCL. My DH liked HAL's food a little more. I thought it was about the same as RCCL. There were some nights that I didn't like anything on the menu. Having said that, I never went hungry.

 

Would we cruise HAL again? Yes, I would sail them again for Alaska. The service was very good and all of the staff was very friendly. I think a cruise is what you make of it, I don't let the age of passengers play a part in my decision.

 

I think it is great that the cruise lines can accomodate all types of assistance devices. This enables people to enjoy a vacation with their families. I found that the staff on the Zuiderdam were very helpful in helping the passengers with wheelchairs, etc.

[mando_cpa]

There's a problem with folks who are older or who use assistance devices???

 

 

Sorry guys very poor choice of words on my part and I apologize. As I said no offense was meant and I did not even think of what my words might mean to someone with a disability nor am I someone avoiding people with disabilities so I feel awful I described it that way. Again my sincere apologies, I was not thinking it through completely. I meant to paint a picture of a much older late in life retirement home type environment only with a lot of grumpy people because that was our own personal experience. Not having children we find that we have friends of ALL ages including best friends in their 60's so age is not a factor in the least. I knew this was going to be difficult regardless of the words I chose but I wanted to understand the environment.

Thank you for all the fantastic feedback. HAL sounds like a perfect fit and exactly how we like to travel. Thanks to everyone. I love CC folks!

[ethan1171]

we'll take our first HAL cruise this coming September... it is a 3 day one just to get our feet "wet" with them... and see how we like them.

 

My partner and I (gay couple in our late 30s) have cruised extensively on princess and some RCI Carnival etc but Princess is our first choice because primarily of the itineraries and the consistency & value of their product and secondary because of fitting in with the fellow passengers, crew, ships....

 

We have cruised since our mid 20s and frankly age and attitude of fellow passengers is all about perception. At our last cruise in South America around the cape horn, we met a 90 year lady traveling alone who did not miss any opportunity to hike, take in the sights, take the plane ride to Antarctica esp when the weather conditions were not that great. She was great to talk to and spend time with her during dinner. She was much younger at heart than many people at my age. whenever we saw her she was happy to be on the cruise At the same time we have met people in their 40s who are never happy and they either look like this :( or this :mad: for the duration of the cruise.... so it is all about what is inside as they say.... and frankly the more you travel the more you learn to filter out those people who will always find something to be unhappy about regardless of their age.

 

I am very eager to be on Zuiderdam in September and anxious to see if I can get that same feel as on Princess.... and see many happy, thankful people enjoying their cruise and be courteous to each other and the crew regardless of their age and physical conditions.

 

--e

[CRUISELDP]

Me and my husband are also in our early 40's and have been sailing HAL for the past 9 years and have loved all of our cruises. We have many times been the youngest people on some of our cruises, especially the 14 and 20 day itineraries. The captain announced on our 20 day cruise that the average age on the ship was 72.

 

That being said we always end up meeting some people in our age group and older people that are still young at heart and just want to have fun. We are also planning on sailing the Nieuw Amsterdam Med cruise June 2011.

 

We have found the food in almost all cases to be above average, and there are some decent wine choices. The staff on most HAL ships is exceptional, although I have found on their larger ships that they have lost the personal touch that is found on their smaller ships. On a ship like the Rotterdam, Volendam etc. they will learn your name, what you like to drink and make it a point to get to know you. On the larger ships everyone always seems extremely busy even if no one is around and you are more like a number than a valued guest. Let's hope it is not the case on the Nieuw Amsterdam.

 

You will always find the people looking to have some fun at night up in the Crow's nest and if you are lucky enough to get a good cruise director and a good assistant cruise director they make sure everyone has a good time. I think you will not regret choosing HAL.

[3rdGenCunarder]

On our Veendam cruise, we didn't notice many pax with walkers or canes. Then, on disembarkation day, we stood out on Promenade deck watching people go through the gangway. We saw more walkers that day than on other days. I suspect people with mobility problems go for the cruise rather than the ports, and tend to eat in MDR (honestly, how would you juggle plates with a walker and NO TRAY?!?!?). So we didn't see them at the gangway or in the Lido.

 

But God bless 'em (and I don't mean this in the vein of bless your heart) if they can keep going at any age. We sailed QE2 for 25 years. On our early cruises, I would sit on the pier, waiting to be called to board and look around at the pax, mostly older than I was. I would quietly hum "You make me feel so young" until DH gave me a "shush" look.

 

I've met a number of mobility-impaired cruisers over the years, and most are the "get on with it" type, happy to be there, and not grumpy at all.

[mando_cpa]

On our Veendam cruise, we didn't notice many pax with walkers or canes. Then, on disembarkation day, we stood out on Promenade deck watching people go through the gangway. We saw more walkers that day than on other days. I suspect people with mobility problems go for the cruise rather than the ports, and tend to eat in MDR (honestly, how would you juggle plates with a walker and NO TRAY?!?!?). So we didn't see them at the gangway or in the Lido.

 

But God bless 'em (and I don't mean this in the vein of bless your heart) if they can keep going at any age. We sailed QE2 for 25 years. On our early cruises, I would sit on the pier, waiting to be called to board and look around at the pax, mostly older than I was. I would quietly hum "You make me feel so young" until DH gave me a "shush" look.

 

I've met a number of mobility-impaired cruisers over the years, and most are the "get on with it" type, happy to be there, and not grumpy at all.

 

Again folks just so this thread does not take the wrong turn. I chose my words poorly and this was not meant to be an anti disability thread. If I could change it I would but the edit option was gone and I cannot figure out how to remove it. Please ignore that from my post. Much appreciated!

[mando_cpa]

Me and my husband are also in our early 40's and have been sailing HAL for the past 9 years and have loved all of our cruises. We have many times been the youngest people on some of our cruises, especially the 14 and 20 day itineraries. The captain announced on our 20 day cruise that the average age on the ship was 72.

 

That being said we always end up meeting some people in our age group and older people that are still young at heart and just want to have fun. We are also planning on sailing the Nieuw Amsterdam Med cruise June 2011.

 

We have found the food in almost all cases to be above average, and there are some decent wine choices. The staff on most HAL ships is exceptional, although I have found on their larger ships that they have lost the personal touch that is found on their smaller ships. On a ship like the Rotterdam, Volendam etc. they will learn your name, what you like to drink and make it a point to get to know you. On the larger ships everyone always seems extremely busy even if no one is around and you are more like a number than a valued guest. Let's hope it is not the case on the Nieuw Amsterdam.

 

You will always find the people looking to have some fun at night up in the Crow's nest and if you are lucky enough to get a good cruise director and a good assistant cruise director they make sure everyone has a good time. I think you will not regret choosing HAL.

 

 

Thanks for the feedback I really appreciate it!

[KAYEF]

Our first cruise in THIS part of our lives was on the "O" for 24 days ......a repositioning cruise from Seattle to Vancouver, alll over the Mexican Riviera, through the Canal and ALL over the Caribbean. It was SO wonderful and it wasn't until I got on CC that I heard all the "old" talk.

When on a Princess cruise (why????) at our CC meetings there was a (loud) lady who was ALWAYS saying what you're saying at our meetings. She had to bad-mouth HAL constantly. She said you couldn't even walk in the hallways because of the wheelchairs. Well, people in wheelchairs haven't CHOSEN to be there! Finally, I asked in front of everyone at the meeting how many HAL cruises she'd been on.

The answer? "NONE, I'd never cruise on HAL."

Sometimes I think there are people on here who want to make a statement/spread a rumor/bad mouth a Line.

We love the Vista size and we love the smaller ships.....we especially love/enjoy the CREW..................they make one feel as if they are there just for YOU and that they want to make your cruise wonderful. They always smile, greet you and are just amazingly positive.

We didn't fully know how wonderful they are until we went on that Princess cruise; at times we felt as if the food servers were about to mutiny.

I believe you will LOVE HAL.

BTW, we had MANY children/families on a March cruise on the "O" and those children did NOT run wild. It was such fun to see families enjoying time together.

I'm counting down the days until July 26th and our next AK cruise.

Yes, I've tried to remove the Celebrity Alaska cruise and enter the HAL one but can't get the board to cooperate.:(

[matondo]

we'll take our first HAL cruise this coming September... it is a 3 day one just to get our feet "wet" with them... and see how we like them.

 

My partner and I (gay couple in our late 30s) have cruised extensively on princess and some RCI Carnival etc but Princess is our first choice because primarily of the itineraries and the consistency & value of their product and secondary because of fitting in with the fellow passengers, crew, ships....

 

We have cruised since our mid 20s and frankly age and attitude of fellow passengers is all about perception. At our last cruise in South America around the cape horn, we met a 90 year lady traveling alone who did not miss any opportunity to hike, take in the sights, take the plane ride to Antarctica esp when the weather conditions were not that great. She was great to talk to and spend time with her during dinner. She was much younger at heart than many people at my age. whenever we saw her she was happy to be on the cruise At the same time we have met people in their 40s who are never happy and they either look like this :( or this :mad: for the duration of the cruise.... so it is all about what is inside as they say.... and frankly the more you travel the more you learn to filter out those people who will always find something to be unhappy about regardless of their age.

 

I am very eager to be on Zuiderdam in September and anxious to see if I can get that same feel as on Princess.... and see many happy, thankful people enjoying their cruise and be courteous to each other and the crew regardless of their age and physical conditions.

 

--e

 

I hope you have a wonderful cruise. I have "HEARD" not direct experience that the less than one week cruises sometimes have a different flavor (especially a different demographic). So even if it isn't as wonderful as you have heard on the boards. Don't give up on HAL. Looking forward to hearing your impressions.

[kazu]

our first HAL cruise I was just in my 30's. I was blown away.

 

I didn't find the crowd any older or whatever term you want to use than on NCL or other cruise lines we went on. But HAL was the best as far as I was concerned.

 

Time has passed by and now we have more time to cruise (not as much as I would like because DH is still working) but I would recommend longer cruises.

 

I have met a lot of charming people on HAL, some older and some younger. It really doesn't matter how old anyone is. It matters who they are. Now in my 50's, I guess I am one of those 'older' people.

 

but I fell young at heart and am always the first one to arrive at the top of the stairs at Naples. So I would encourage you not to worry about how old people may be.

 

Instead, get to know them and enjoy them. It's part of the fun of cruising. Hal seems to attract special people. I have friends I still 'talk' to (even if it be by email) and people I would love to cruise with again.

 

Hal is a very elegant cruise line. I find the service superb and look forward to arriving every time. I think you will enjoy it. Happy cruising :):)

[hunahpu]

We are all huge wine lovers and definite foodies. So I am trying to get a feel for the HAL crowd today and the overall HAL experience.

 

My wife and I are in our late 30's and early 40's and we cruise almost exclusively on HAL.

 

As a wine and foodie, you'll appreciate this: One of the big reasons we cruise HAL is that HAL lets you bring wine on board, and as much as you want. We always bring about a case for a seven day cruise. It is nice to have wine that you enjoy on your cruise, and it not costing you an arm and a leg.

 

HAL will charge you 18 bucks corkage if you bring a bottle to dinner or to a bar, but there is no charge to drink it in your room. We typically bring a bottle to dinner and it lasts two nights. The nice thing is that they will hold the bottle for you for the next night, charging you corkage only once for the bottle.

 

So, there you go: another reason to cruise HAL.

[ariawoman]

I'm 36 and my bf is 53, so he fits into the age "norm" and I don't. Personally, I could care less. The cruise experience is going to be whatever you make of it. If you want to feel out of place if you're younger, you will feel out of place. If you want to get to know others and hear their stories, you will. I've never found that I had difficulty relating to older generations.

 

Now, YOUNGER ones, that's another story. I'd rather be on a HAL ship with the average age of 60, than a competitor ship with average age of 25. :-)

 

Go and have fun. Worry about you and your traveling companions. Anyone else that you decide to let in, is just icing on the cake.

 

Now, if you are worried that you want a night life, HAL probably isn't the cruise line for you (from what i've read and heard) but personally, the itineraries that I go for are so physical that you come back to the ship, have dinner, then crash in the cabin after not too long :-)

 

Have fun!

 

Jennifer

[Jade13]

 

I have this perception of HAL from early in our cruising days where we would port with an HAL ship and it was masses of wheel chairs, walkers, and basically the much older (very grumpy) crowd. Sorry I mean no offence to ANYONE. I am just not to the retirement home stage yet :) We are couples in our late 30's and 40's with no kids who are mature professionals in our everyday lives. We are all huge wine lovers and definite foodies.

 

On a Med cruise in late April will we feel like we are on a floating retirement home (again no offence I will be there one day too) or what should we expect? How is the food overall?

 

Not looking for a huge debate or soap boxes please just honest feedback.

 

I don't recall seeing a walker or wheelchair on any HAL ship we have been on in the Med.

[DizzyDallasDi]

Again folks just so this thread does not take the wrong turn. I chose my words poorly and this was not meant to be an anti disability thread. If I could change it I would but the edit option was gone and I cannot figure out how to remove it. Please ignore that from my post. Much appreciated!

 

First, I just wanted to say howdy neighbor (I live in Plano). :)

 

Second, I understood what you meant and it's a pity some decided to cherry pick your words to take offense and make you feel badly. You never know what's going to push someone's hot button...

 

Anyway, based on how much I loved the Eurodam, the Nieuw Amsterdam should be a fabulous cruise ship. I sailed on the Eurodam when she was less than 1 year old and she was gorgeous. I was spoiled rotten by the crew and slept like a baby on the most comfortable bed on the high seas. HAL has a real winner with Tamarind and I strongly advise you find the time to eat lunch and dinner there.

 

I'm in my late 50s but I don't know how that's possible because I don't feel (or act :cool:) a day over 40. Like others have said, the longer the cruise the older the passengers. It really has nothing to do with the cruise line, it's about having the time to get away and being able to afford it. I work full time so my 7-day cruises on HAL have had lots of age groups....many being much younger than me.

 

Go on the cruise and enjoy exploring new and old ports. I'm sure you'll meet many wonderful folks (young and old) and have the time of your life. :D