Never Sailed HAL Help!

[AngAndBoys]

Ok, so I am THINKING about doing a world cruise. HAL seems to have the best prices for them, but I know NOTHING about this line. What's it like?

What kind of activities are available on the ships?

What are the demographics like?

Is there a good night life?

What are the smoking policies?

Is it really dressy or casual?

Tipping policy?

Anytime dining?

I'm a redneck in my heart, but I DO have a brain, will I fit in?

 

Any and all information is MOST appreciated!!

[arzz]

From your signature you are clearly not new to cruising,

 

Though a World Cruise has a some what different atmosphere than a short cruise (e.g. lectures, arts and crafts and other activities enhanced, a more laid back pace, a home away from home atmosphere, and a very well travelled group of voyagers) it is still Holland America with an HAL character.

 

I strongly suggest you book a shorter HAL cruise and try HAL out. I notice the ships in your signature are all noticeably larger than HAL's fleet so their offerings and amenities are different. Before you invest huge dollars take the cruise line for a test run to see if it is a good fit.

 

HAL fits us very well and we have done several Grand cruises and Grand cruise segments on HAL -- but since a world cruise represents a major investment -- sort of like buying a car or a home -- do your homework first. There are several blogs out there to read but nothing replaces the experience of knowing the ship and what to expect. To better plan on what to take, how much storage space we would have, etc for our 2008 Grand Asia we booked a quick week in Alaska on the Amsterdam the summer before. We even visited the cabin we had booked for the big cruise.

 

Do enjoy whatever cruise you choose.

[maxout]

Here are a couple of threads from actual cruisers on the last World Cruise, should give you a good sense of the the "Flavor" of HAL's offering...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1535300

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1526939

[SwissMyst]

Welcome and good you are doing your homework up front. HAL ships do have a a special atmosphere - sedate but not stuffy or pretentious. Just more low key where the itineraries matter more than the transportation. Agree, taking a shorter HAL cruise would be a good idea to see if it is the right fit. Hard to beat their value for RTW however. Best wishes.

[AngAndBoys]

Thank you! Your help is most appreciated! ~Off to read~

[SwissMyst]

Ok, so I am THINKING about doing a world cruise. HAL seems to have the best prices for them, but I know NOTHING about this line. What's it like?

What kind of activities are available on the ships?

What are the demographics like?

Is there a good night life?

What are the smoking policies?

Is it really dressy or casual?

Tipping policy?

Anytime dining?

I'm a redneck in my heart, but I DO have a brain, will I fit in?

 

Any and all information is MOST appreciated!!

 

Activities: typical range of traditional ship activities -no extreme sports or dazzle. No high pressure either.

Demographics: RTW cruises tend to attract more retired and obviously more affluent who can take this type of trip (we wish!). Well-traveled and seasoned, courteous fellow passengers from a variety of age groups and countries.

Nightlife: the weakest features on HAL ships, most of us are asleep after dinner. Yup, now you know.

Smoking: restricted, but not banned. Casino, few other designated public areas and on balconies but not inside the cabins, I think is the latest

Dress: mainly casual, some formal nights which you can attend or not, and evening main dining room is a little more than casual, called "smart casual" on most other nights. But casual dining elsewhere is available all nights and room service is really good and also included no charge.

Tipping: a service fee is added which you may adjust up or down or eliminate and many add a bit more for special services rended at the end to cabin and wait staff and others who made the trip extra special. Otherwise, it tries to be a cash-free ship while you are cruising.

Dining: only room service is 24 hour, but there is anytime dining during dinner hours or fixed dining time at dinner - your choice. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, special buffets and teas are drop in during the hours they are open. There are some small gaps when no food is available - but room service is always there to serve you well.

"Redneck" with a brain: HAL libraries are the best on the high seas, very good lectures, either for general interest or topical in some way to the areas visited as well as port lectures, range of entertainment from classical to standards, geared towards the older demographics, but the Northern Lights is the late night spot, which never gets mentioned here much other than being a bit of a ghost-town. So know this before you go, HAL ships do slow down pretty much after late sitting dinner and entertainment. There are computer, digital devices, and culinary classes; some free, some for fee.

[Hugh0906]

delete

[AngAndBoys]

Activities: typical range of traditional ship activities -no extreme sports or dazzle. No high pressure either.

Demographics: RTW cruises tend to attract more retired and obviously more affluent who can take this type of trip (we wish!). Well-traveled and seasoned, courteous fellow passengers from a variety of age groups and countries.

Nightlife: the weakest features on HAL ships, most of us are asleep after dinner. Yup, now you know.

Smoking: restricted, but not banned. Casino, few other designated public areas and on balconies but not inside the cabins, I think is the latest

Dress: mainly casual, some formal nights which you can attend or not, and evening main dining room is a little more than casual, called "smart casual" on most other nights. But casual dining elsewhere is available all nights and room service is really good and also included no charge.

Tipping: a service fee is added which you may adjust up or down or eliminate and many add a bit more for special services rended at the end to cabin and wait staff and others who made the trip extra special. Otherwise, it tries to be a cash-free ship while you are cruising.

Dining: only room service is 24 hour, but there is anytime dining during dinner hours or fixed dining time at dinner - your choice. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, special buffets and teas are drop in during the hours they are open. There are some small gaps when no food is available - but room service is always there to serve you well.

"Redneck" with a brain: HAL libraries are the best on the high seas, very good lectures, either for general interest or topical in some way to the areas visited as well as port lectures, range of entertainment from classical to standards, geared towards the older demographics, but the Northern Lights is the late night spot, which never gets mentioned here much other than being a bit of a ghost-town. So know this before you go, HAL ships do slow down pretty much after late sitting dinner and entertainment. There are computer, digital devices, and culinary classes; some free, some for fee.

 

 

THANK YOU!!! Ive thus far been on no longer than 7 days but the idea of seeing EVERTHING from a ship really appeals. I can give up the night life and deal with being a comparitive youngster to see the world...or at least a good part of it! I just don't want to be stuck in a really "stuffy" atmosphere. Anyway....the information you provided is MOST helpful!

[kazu]

THANK YOU!!! Ive thus far been on no longer than 7 days but the idea of seeing EVERTHING from a ship really appeals. I can give up the night life and deal with being a comparitive youngster to see the world...or at least a good part of it! I just don't want to be stuck in a really "stuffy" atmosphere. Anyway....the information you provided is MOST helpful!

 

I've never found HAL passengers or ships to be 'stuffy'. The ships that do the world cruise are smaller and quite elegant. They take you back to the old days of cruising. They are ships not floating hotels:D The passengers will likely be older but most likely young at heart. Generally speaking I've found passengers on longer cruises to be well travelled and a lot of fun:D

 

Note - on any world cruise a lot of the passengers will be older as these are the people who have the 'time' to do the cruise.:)

 

On world cruises dinner in the dining room is normally fixed dining - either early or late.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Reading through the World Cruise reviews -- the people sailing them are not stuffy -- they have so much to talk about and share with others. Those cruisers will be able to give you so much information about the ports as well.

If you decide on HAL -- this is one time you will want to join the Roll Call.

[HokiePoq]

From your signature you are clearly not new to cruising,

 

Though a World Cruise has a some what different atmosphere than a short cruise (e.g. lectures, arts and crafts and other activities enhanced, a more laid back pace, a home away from home atmosphere, and a very well travelled group of voyagers) it is still Holland America with an HAL character.

 

I strongly suggest you book a shorter HAL cruise and try HAL out. I notice the ships in your signature are all noticeably larger than HAL's fleet so their offerings and amenities are different. Before you invest huge dollars take the cruise line for a test run to see if it is a good fit.

 

HAL fits us very well and we have done several Grand cruises and Grand cruise segments on HAL -- but since a world cruise represents a major investment -- sort of like buying a car or a home -- do your homework first. There are several blogs out there to read but nothing replaces the experience of knowing the ship and what to expect. To better plan on what to take, how much storage space we would have, etc for our 2008 Grand Asia we booked a quick week in Alaska on the Amsterdam the summer before. We even visited the cabin we had booked for the big cruise.

 

Do enjoy whatever cruise you choose.

 

Agree with this poster. Try a short one first as a World Cruise is a big commitment to one line. We cruise some of the lines you do and like HAL for many reasons. HAL and NCL are different but we like both. We did find that the 30 day one we did was about a week too long for us...had done 24 days before but that extra week of just sea days made us count the days until we were going home. First time that ever happened as we do like sea days, just not half the total cruise days like our January cruise.

[AngAndBoys]

I'm sorry, "stuffy" was a bad choice of words. I think "formality" would have been better. What I guess I was really getting at is it friendly and relaxed or more formal. I think you all answered for me though. It's the adventuruos, older, well-traveled people I'd be sailing with. That sounds fine. I just didn't want to be in an environment where my use of forks is being scrutinized and/or people don't talk. The other 2 lines doing world cruises looked very formal. (Seaborne and Cunnard)

 

I will have to take a shorter one myself. I only have so much money and time. 24 days sounds about right. My thing is, I've only been to a handful of countries. I'd like to see more. A cruise seems like an affordable way to do it. On my 7 day and shorter cruises, I'm in it for non-stop fun! For this one, it would be all about the ports. Wonder if I'd need a vacation after that trip!

[innlady1]

Agree with this poster. Try a short one first as a World Cruise is a big commitment to one line. We cruise some of the lines you do and like HAL for many reasons. HAL and NCL are different but we like both. We did find that the 30 day one we did was about a week too long for us...had done 24 days before but that extra week of just sea days made us count the days until we were going home. First time that ever happened as we do like sea days, just not half the total cruise days like our January cruise.

 

The cruise length is a big consideration. Our longest cruises have been 20 days, and we found that both times, they were a tad too long. Although, I am still sad to disembark after a 14 day cruise! LOL! For that reason, I don't think I could ever do a World Cruise...even if we could afford it.

[BonVoyage1]

If I were you, I'd approach a 115 day cruise with lots of caution. From what I read, I expect the ship becomes your home...really becomes your home....in a very different sense from a 7, 21, or even 30 day cruise.

 

I've heard of some people actually leaving the world cruise before it returned to the US because of dissatisfaction, for whatever reason, with being on board for that long.

 

Perhaps the best advice you've received here so far is to take a shorter cruise on HAL before you write the check for a world cruise.

 

Anyway, It's an exciting project for you and I hope you learn to enjoy curising HAL as much as many of us here enjoy it.

[AngAndBoys]

The cruise length is a big consideration. Our longest cruises have been 20 days, and we found that both times, they were a tad too long. Although, I am still sad to disembark after a 14 day cruise! LOL! For that reason, I don't think I could ever do a World Cruise...even if we could afford it.

 

Really? I cannot imagine getting sick of being on a cruise! Of course, I'm one that, when I retire, plan to sell all my worldly belongings and my house and live in a Winnebego (sp?) traveling the country!

 

I wouldn't go for more than about 3 weeks because I'd miss my kiddos. They have no interest in going on a world cruise. I asked my middle one (14) what he thought about going on a cruise to Europe next summer and he said, what's in Europe? A buncha castles and old stuff? No thanks. Very cultured, my children. :rolleyes: I'm probably going to try to talk my mom into going with me for this one. Pricewise, some of them look pretty affordable...at least the price of the cruise. I think the killer is going to be planning for the "other" expenses, like tips and ports. I'm looking at doing this 2-4 years out.

[Essiesmom]

Actually, there are a lot more ships that do world cruises than HAL, Cunard, and Seabourn. This year, on another forum, we tracked a number of ships on their world cruises:

Costa Deliziosa, Albatros & Amadea (Phoenix-Reisen); Adonia, Arcadia,Aurora, Oriana (P&O); Pacific Princess; Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth; Crystal Serenity. All of these ships have bridge cams. Ships without cams doing world cruises were: Seabourn Quest, Amsterdam, Black Watch, Saga Ruby, Regent Seven Seas Voyager. There is a lot more to choose from than at first glance. EM

[3rdGenCunarder]

Actually, there are a lot more ships that do world cruises than HAL, Cunard, and Seabourn. This year, on another forum, we tracked a number of ships on their world cruises:

Costa Deliziosa, Albatros & Amadea (Phoenix-Reisen); Adonia, Arcadia,Aurora, Oriana (P&O); Pacific Princess; Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth; Crystal Serenity. All of these ships have bridge cams. Ships without cams doing world cruises were: Seabourn Quest, Amsterdam, Black Watch, Saga Ruby, Regent Seven Seas Voyager. There is a lot more to choose from than at first glance. EM

 

Take Saga Ruby off the list for OP. If he/shehas a 14-year old child, he/she is probably too young to make their age cut-off.

 

I agree with other posters who say to check out HAL, or any other line you're considering before you book a world cruise. It's a long time to be away from home, and you want to make sure the ship suits your tastes and needs. I've been on a few ships that were OK for a week, but would have made me want to jump overboard after a month, much less 3 months.

 

A cruise in Europe sounds like a good way to "audition" a cruise line. It will give you an idea of what your spending will cost--your typical drinks bill, tours, etc--which would help you figure out a world cruise budget.

[AngAndBoys]

Take Saga Ruby off the list for OP. If he/shehas a 14-year old child, he/she is probably too young to make their age cut-off.

 

I agree with other posters who say to check out HAL, or any other line you're considering before you book a world cruise. It's a long time to be away from home, and you want to make sure the ship suits your tastes and needs. I've been on a few ships that were OK for a week, but would have made me want to jump overboard after a month, much less 3 months.

 

A cruise in Europe sounds like a good way to "audition" a cruise line. It will give you an idea of what your spending will cost--your typical drinks bill, tours, etc--which would help you figure out a world cruise budget.

 

Hmmm, maybe y'all's idea of a world cruise and mine are a little different! I went to Travelocity and VTG and put in "world" and got varying legnths, some as low as 14 days. I was thinking more in the 3 weeks to 1 month range because I can't afford anymore, either in money or time. I work full time and have kids (teens, not babies, so could leave them for a little while, supervised of course!, but NOT 3 months!). I get about 4.5 weeks vacation a year. In 2 years, after I've been at my job 10 years, it goes up to 5 weeks.

 

Some of the iteneraries looked very interesting and very affordable, pretty good value, really, considering the legnth of the cruise. I think I WILL take y'all's advice and go for a shorter one in Europe next summer or the summer after to see what I think. Meanwhile, I'm going to open a savings and have my "world cruise fund" automatically deducted each pay check so I'll be ready!

[innlady1]

Really? I cannot imagine getting sick of being on a cruise! Of course, I'm one that, when I retire, plan to sell all my worldly belongings and my house and live in a Winnebego (sp?) traveling the country!

 

I wouldn't go for more than about 3 weeks because I'd miss my kiddos. They have no interest in going on a world cruise. I asked my middle one (14) what he thought about going on a cruise to Europe next summer and he said, what's in Europe? A buncha castles and old stuff? No thanks. Very cultured, my children. :rolleyes: I'm probably going to try to talk my mom into going with me for this one. Pricewise, some of them look pretty affordable...at least the price of the cruise. I think the killer is going to be planning for the "other" expenses, like tips and ports. I'm looking at doing this 2-4 years out.

 

We miss our grandkids and dog too much to be away longer than that...we spend some time in Florida pre and post cruise too, so usually are gone 3 or more weeks.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Hmmm, maybe y'all's idea of a world cruise and mine are a little different! I went to Travelocity and VTG and put in "world" and got varying legnths, some as low as 14 days. I was thinking more in the 3 weeks to 1 month range because I can't afford anymore, either in money or time. I work full time and have kids (teens, not babies, so could leave them for a little while, supervised of course!, but NOT 3 months!). I get about 4.5 weeks vacation a year. In 2 years, after I've been at my job 10 years, it goes up to 5 weeks.

 

Some of the iteneraries looked very interesting and very affordable, pretty good value, really, considering the legnth of the cruise. I think I WILL take y'all's advice and go for a shorter one in Europe next summer or the summer after to see what I think. Meanwhile, I'm going to open a savings and have my "world cruise fund" automatically deducted each pay check so I'll be ready!

 

A World Cruise lasts about 3 months. What you found in your search were segments of world cruises. The cruise lines know that few people have time and money enough to do a 3-month cruise, so in order to fill the ship, they sell segments. For example, I've done the NY-to-LA segment of a world cruise (something like 12-14 days, including a passage through the Panama Canal). This past winter, I did the Australia segment of a world cruise (22 days). Fewer than 10% of the passengers were doing the full world cruise. Everyone else was doing one or two segments.

[SwissMyst]

When I first heard world cruise, I thought you meant one of the hundred day round the world mega-trips. A three week cruise is very doable and there are many that can get you into a lot of interesting areas. You will have a lot of fun planning because there are so many options.

 

We have now gone back to the Indian Ocean now three times and are heading back there again because I think you get the most travel bang for the buck in this part of the world for variety, exoticness and remoteness. And hot, punishing weather which has to be factored as well, but what wonderful places we saw. Many we were among the first cruise ships to ever come to these ports.

 

Look into Voyages of Discovery as well for their great longer itineraries, which we also love - warning: very basic ship, old and small, but fantastic places it goes, great fellow passengers, and fabulous onboard lecture series.

 

90-Day ticker I have found to be the most helpful cruise planning website - you can custom your search and it covers a lot more options than the usual travel websites. Plus you can look up almost every minor cruise line with a special search. You might also want to look at Noble Caledonia which is pricey but has some totally unique itineraries.

 

We are finding we like the longer and longer cruises after dipping our toes in with the under 2 weeks ones at first. Now we find we want to stay on board no matter how long they are. Up coming are 28 and 50 day cruises, but we are fully retired and can now leave for extended periods of time.

 

Our first really long cruise (Indian Ocean again) was marred by getting sick - both sea sick and upper respiratory, so that is something you want to guard against with utmost prevention on these longer cruises. Golden Rule that bears repeating and repeating: Wash hands constantly, be aware of what you touch and number one: do not put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth ...ever.

Since that first misadventure we have been very, very careful about cross-contamination and have now survived all subsequent trips with no more distress. I also learned I do tend to get queasy which surprised me because cruisng earlier in my life it was never a problem. Now Bonine and crystallized ginger and various back-up bands and electronic devices automatically go into my suitcase.

 

Sounds like HAL would be a good fit and you just can't beat their itineraries for the price. Some of the re-positioning or trans-ocean cruises are also a good way to stretch your time and your travel dollar so you might want to look at what they are offering on their "shoulder seasons" as their ships move from the Caribbean to Europe and back. Or across the Pacific to Asia and back.

[surfsidemary]

....breaking the "world" down into large chunks. Take a look at Holland America's grand voyages to Asia/Australia, South America, and the Mediterranean - or shorter segments of them.

 

Several years ago I decided I wanted to see the world. Having now done the 69-day Grand Asia/Australia and the 68 day South America/Antarctica, and a 12-day Baltic cruise, I think 68 days (or less) provides enough information to absorb at one time. If I live long enough, I might consider a 120-day world cruise to sum it all up.

 

I wish I could have more in-depth visits to some countries, but I'm older, not particularly wealthy, and I have a life other than cruising with the attendant responsibilities. 68 days for Asia and Australia was not as much time as I would have liked, but it was a whole lot better than nothing. I think trying to take in the whole world at one go would be both superficial and overwhelming if you are only going to see those places one time in your life.

 

Since you are young, try to visit large areas, or maybe one continent, at a time and keep a list of places you'd like to visit again for a longer stay.

[SwissMyst]

I went to 90-Day Ticker and put in "world" and "30 day plus" - what a wonderful world of options. Sorry, but my link to this does not work.

[NMLady]

The cruise length is a big consideration. Our longest cruises have been 20 days, and we found that both times, they were a tad too long. Although, I am still sad to disembark after a 14 day cruise! LOL! For that reason, I don't think I could ever do a World Cruise...even if we could afford it.

 

Our longest cruise so far was a 33 day b2b2b and we wished we'd added the other 7 days possible to it. We haven't yet hit our limit of days.

Next we want to do HAL's 45 day rt San Diego - Tahiti cruise. Other than HI (on Zaandam from San Diego) we've never been to Pacific ports.

 

If we had the money we'd definitely do a World Voyage. I really enjoyed the day by day blogs of the cruisers who recently finished their 2012 World Voyage.

[serendipity1499]

Ok, so I am THINKING about doing a world cruise. HAL seems to have the best prices for them, but I know NOTHING about this line. What's it like?

What kind of activities are available on the ships?

What are the demographics like?

Is there a good night life?

What are the smoking policies?

Is it really dressy or casual?

Tipping policy?

Anytime dining?

I'm a redneck in my heart, but I DO have a brain, will I fit in?

 

Any and all information is MOST appreciated!!

 

Agree with ARZZ suggestion to take a shake down cruise first to see if you would enjoy HAL..

 

Activities: Most of the activities on the HAL ships are laid back..HAL does not have wet t-shirt contests or dancing contests..But they do have bingo, team trivia, golf & putting contests, a tennis court & often have great lecturers, depending on the cruise..

Demographics: Most HAL Psgrs on the longer cruises such as the world & grand cruises are retired..I would say that the mean age for those cruises is 60 & up..In the summer lots of younger people with their families travel on HAL...

Night life: after midnight is virtually non-existent with the exception of the shows & the casino especially on port intensive segments of world & grand cruises..They do have a disco, but believe that is for the younger crowd..

Dress: is Country Club Casual with the exception of formal nights when Men are asked to wear a jacket & tie, or a suit or a TUX if they dine in the MDR or specialty restaurants & ladies normally wear dressy long skirts or pants with a glitzy top, a cocktail length dress, or occasionally a gown.. Shorts & T-shirts are not permitted in the MDR or specialty restaurants at any time..I often wear nice Capri's or slacks with either a plain or semi dressy top & jacket, a sun dress w/jacket, & sandals, flats or heels in the MDR..When we go to the Tamarind Or Pinnacle I dress a bit nicer even if it's not formal night..I'm always cold so take either a sweater or jacket with me..

Smoking: is permitted in certain parts of the ship only, in some lounges & on balconies, but not in cabins, the restaurants or the show room..

Tipping: Hal adds a Hotel Service Charge to all cabins..Many of us tip over & above that service charge, but that is not necessary & is completely up to the Psgr.

Anytime Dining: As Kazu mentioned dinner on world cruises & Grand Cruises & believe also on their segments are only fixed dining..If you book a segment be sure to ask about the anytime dining first..We are booked on a grand cruise on the Prinsendam next year & had to chose either early or late seating..

However we are taking a 21 day cruise on the Noordam & also took a 28 day cruise on the Prinsendam which was not part of a World or Grand cruise & they do have open (anytime) dining..You can make a reservation for anytime dining if you find you like your table & stewards..We've done that several times when we've found a table & stewards which we enjoy..

Hope this helps..

Cheers...Betty