Considering trying HAL again - advice please

[toyotaford]

We took 2 Alaska cruises on the Westerdam 8 years ago and just felt like HAL was not for us. I now have a great friend who is wanting us to join her and her husband next summer on the Westerdam to Alaska again. We have become NCL loyalist. The things we like about NCL are the "suite" life and their Haven experience. This includes private dining rooms for breakfast and lunch. (Not the main dining room - but a small private venue only for suite guest.) We like the variety of specialty pay restaurants. We like the option of having any food from any dining room served in our room. We have a concierge, butler and room steward to attend to any needs we may have. Private escorts when getting off the ship in ports. Coffee and pastries waiting in the room when we wake in the morning. Afternoon snacks delivered every afternoon. Fridge filled with unlimited soft drinks and water. Spacious suite. (ranging from 5,000 - 7,000 sq. ft. including decks.) Reserved seating at shows. And we absolutely LOVE not having to dress up if we don't want to. But this is really a great friend and this is a themed cruise she really wants to go on. What can I do on HAL that will give me a comparable or better experience than I have on NCL. Also, does HAL have an "anytime dining" option now and has the dress policy loosened up any in the main dining rooms? Thanks for any encouraging words. Not all wanting to bash HAL, just trying to convince myself to join this cruise.

[mountainmare]

If you join this cruise it will be because you love this friend and want to spend time with her and take part in the themed cruise. You will not have the same experience that you have as a Haven guest on NCL...do not try to compare, if you decide to go just decide to enjoy.

The dress code for the MDR has not changed but you can order room service off menu and dine in your suite. There is open dining (officially) in one level of the MDR, but the dress code is the same as for "tradition fixed seating"

[Sailingpeace]

We took 2 Alaska cruises on the Westerdam 8 years ago and just felt like HAL was not for us. I now have a great friend who is wanting us to join her and her husband next summer on the Westerdam to Alaska again. We have become NCL loyalist. The things we like about NCL are the "suite" life and their Haven experience. This includes private dining rooms for breakfast and lunch. (Not the main dining room - but a small private venue only for suite guest.) We like the variety of specialty pay restaurants. We like the option of having any food from any dining room served in our room. We have a concierge, butler and room steward to attend to any needs we may have. Private escorts when getting off the ship in ports. Coffee and pastries waiting in the room when we wake in the morning. Afternoon snacks delivered every afternoon. Fridge filled with unlimited soft drinks and water. Spacious suite. (ranging from 5,000 - 7,000 sq. ft. including decks.) Reserved seating at shows. And we absolutely LOVE not having to dress up if we don't want to. But this is really a great friend and this is a themed cruise she really wants to go on. What can I do on HAL that will give me a comparable or better experience than I have on NCL. Also, does HAL have an "anytime dining" option now and has the dress policy loosened up any in the main dining rooms? Thanks for any encouraging words. Not all wanting to bash HAL, just trying to convince myself to join this cruise.

 

I would think that time spend with a precious friend makes up for pastries in the room in the morning and other food and space perks. Also, it is still a nice cruise ship, not like having to choose between luxury sailing and camping in the desert ;) . I would say, give it a try , make precious memories with a friend, you can buy a ship, you can't buy a friend. The worst that can happen is that you will enjoy NCL even more after suffering on HAL ;-) .

Hope you have a great cruise.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Sailingpeace

[Randyk47]

We took 2 Alaska cruises on the Westerdam 8 years ago and just felt like HAL was not for us. I now have a great friend who is wanting us to join her and her husband next summer on the Westerdam to Alaska again. We have become NCL loyalist. The things we like about NCL are the "suite" life and their Haven experience. This includes private dining rooms for breakfast and lunch. (Not the main dining room - but a small private venue only for suite guest.) We like the variety of specialty pay restaurants. We like the option of having any food from any dining room served in our room. We have a concierge, butler and room steward to attend to any needs we may have. Private escorts when getting off the ship in ports. Coffee and pastries waiting in the room when we wake in the morning. Afternoon snacks delivered every afternoon. Fridge filled with unlimited soft drinks and water. Spacious suite. (ranging from 5,000 - 7,000 sq. ft. including decks.) Reserved seating at shows. And we absolutely LOVE not having to dress up if we don't want to. But this is really a great friend and this is a themed cruise she really wants to go on. What can I do on HAL that will give me a comparable or better experience than I have on NCL. Also, does HAL have an "anytime dining" option now and has the dress policy loosened up any in the main dining rooms? Thanks for any encouraging words. Not all wanting to bash HAL, just trying to convince myself to join this cruise.

 

If you want all of the services, options, and amenities you listed above from NCL on HAL you're going to be disappointed. Notionally the dress code is pretty much the same as it was eight years ago though enforcement may or may not be as rigorous. It's really hard to tell how committed or invested a poster is in certain aspects of a cruise, cruise line, or ship.....can't get in your skin so to speak.....but if you're going to miss the NCL experience then you may not be happy on HAL. At least personally I'm not going to say "just go, you'll have a great time", truth is I don't know that and can't say you will.

[nana51]

We have Neptune suites that have some nice amenities, so you won't be suffering the indignities of the "lower classes". As to what they are I don't now, I travel in the cheap seats :D

[DaveOKC]

We took 2 Alaska cruises on the Westerdam 8 years ago and just felt like HAL was not for us. I now have a great friend who is wanting us to join her and her husband next summer on the Westerdam to Alaska again. We have become NCL loyalist. The things we like about NCL are the "suite" life and their Haven experience. This includes private dining rooms for breakfast and lunch. (Not the main dining room - but a small private venue only for suite guest.) We like the variety of specialty pay restaurants. We like the option of having any food from any dining room served in our room. We have a concierge, butler and room steward to attend to any needs we may have. Private escorts when getting off the ship in ports. Coffee and pastries waiting in the room when we wake in the morning. Afternoon snacks delivered every afternoon. Fridge filled with unlimited soft drinks and water. Spacious suite. (ranging from 5,000 - 7,000 sq. ft. including decks.) Reserved seating at shows. And we absolutely LOVE not having to dress up if we don't want to. But this is really a great friend and this is a themed cruise she really wants to go on. What can I do on HAL that will give me a comparable or better experience than I have on NCL. Also, does HAL have an "anytime dining" option now and has the dress policy loosened up any in the main dining rooms? Thanks for any encouraging words. Not all wanting to bash HAL, just trying to convince myself to join this cruise.

 

You can get fairly close to what you are describing by booking the Penthouse on HAL. You dine in a separate room (Pinnacle Grill) for breakfast and can dine in your cabin (large dining area) for lunch and or dinner. The Neptune Lounge staff will take care of almost anything you need and you definitely will get "special" attention and priority. There is only one "pay extra" dining option however.

[sportsmum]

There is open dining so that wouldn't be an issue.

 

It is an Alaskan cruise - don't scream at me, it's the truth - the dress codes are a little more relaxed although not the daisy duke shorts I saw on formal night on NCL! Jeans with no holes or tears are allowed and being Alaska you aren't going to go in shorts anyway.

 

It's a theme cruise and just today I was looking into one. Before Krazy Kruiser gently guided me towards the light,:p, I found out a bit. Depending on the themed cruise and how it's set up you could have reserved seating at the shows. The malt shop cruise did.

 

Pay for a suite and you will get many of the services you crave. Not at the lower price of NCL though. Room service ordered the night before will get you coffee and pastries when you wake at any level.

 

If they are really good friends you'll go. Haven't we all done something just because a good friend asked? Heck, I've done things for not so good friends just because it could be fun!

[TracieABD]

I have done NCL suites. My mom has done both NCL and HAL suites. Even w/o the butler, she prefers HAL because of the Neptune Lounge.

 

While these Neptune suites come at a premium, if this is a travel priority, you will probably find a way to make it work for you. HAL also offers free laundry to suite guests.

 

We will be in our first full suite on Princess next week. I am hoping to create a little comparison.

[midwest 852]

We took 2 Alaska cruises on the Westerdam 8 years ago and just felt like HAL was not for us. I now have a great friend who is wanting us to join her and her husband next summer on the Westerdam to Alaska again. We have become NCL loyalist. The things we like about NCL are the "suite" life and their Haven experience. This includes private dining rooms for breakfast and lunch. (Not the main dining room - but a small private venue only for suite guest.) We like the variety of specialty pay restaurants. We like the option of having any food from any dining room served in our room. We have a concierge, butler and room steward to attend to any needs we may have. Private escorts when getting off the ship in ports. Coffee and pastries waiting in the room when we wake in the morning. Afternoon snacks delivered every afternoon. Fridge filled with unlimited soft drinks and water. Spacious suite. (ranging from 5,000 - 7,000 sq. ft. including decks.) Reserved seating at shows. And we absolutely LOVE not having to dress up if we don't want to. But this is really a great friend and this is a themed cruise she really wants to go on. What can I do on HAL that will give me a comparable or better experience than I have on NCL. Also, does HAL have an "anytime dining" option now and has the dress policy loosened up any in the main dining rooms? Thanks for any encouraging words. Not all wanting to bash HAL, just trying to convince myself to join this cruise.

 

 

HAL penthouse dose not come close to the haven suite.

[PROCRUISE]

We have cruised with both NCL and HAL. We're very simply pleased with just a regular balcony cabin and we do use anytime dining on both lines. Every ship in every cruise line has different pro's and con's, but then again we're easy to please and don't have a requirement list, such as yourself. On NCL we very much disliked the NCL Star but feel the NCL Sun is their best ship. We've cruised on four HAL vessels and found them all pleasing and a head above of NCL. Having just spent 20 days in Alaska including 2 weeks with HAL, I can assure you that the dress code is more relaxed on Alaskan cruises but unlike NCL, a coat and tie is the norm on "formal nights" on HAL, even in Alaska. I am quite sure that if you wish to spend the money with HAL to have all your requirements met, HAL will measure up very nicely to NCL, or any other cruise line.

[Krazy Kruizers]

If you do not wish to dress up for formal nights -- you have a few choices:

1.Lido Buffet

2.Canaletto Specialty Restaurant -- $10 per person

3.In Cabin Service -- which you can order within an hour of the main dining room open -- and the main dining room opens at 5:15. You can request what time you want your dinner served.

HAL ships have only 1 main dining room. The Upper Level is for fixed dining. The lower level is Open Seating between the hours of 5:15 - 9 PM.

[sail7seas]

We have sailed several times we friends and we always stay in the Neptune Suites. They sailed several times on NCL in the Haven and they said there is no comparison. The Haven experience is far more deluxe from reports they have shared.

 

That is NOT to say I don't love HAL's Neptune Suites, Neptune Lounge and Suite Breakfast in Pinnacle as I do but from your post, I think you will be comparing and may not be satisfied because of the differences.

[nana51]

How bad could it be? I mean if you are in any suite life is good. I'll take your place if you want.

[PathfinderEss]

Ok, this is my advice, stay with NCL. If you are sold on their suite life, your not going to be happy with Hal's. Its a totally different expierence, my opinion ofcourse.

[Lisa63]

We are in the opposite situation. We have booked a 2 BR suite on NCL to celebrate our 25th anniversary next summer and are trying to convince friends to join us but many do not want to give NCL a shot.

 

We tend to go back and forth between NCL and HAL and agree with the above Members that HAL's suite amenities do not come close to those of NCL's Haven Suites. But, they are still very good. Breakfast in Pinnacle Grill is great, and we love having the Neptune Lounge available to us.

 

Most of all -- as they say in the commercials -- sailing with friends... priceless.

 

JMHO.

[Vict0riann]

Wow! 5000 to 7000 sq. ft. That's bigger than my house! I'm in...:)

[DFD1]

You're headed for a serious let-down. Proceed with caution.

[cruz chic]

Wow! 5000 to 7000 sq. ft. That's bigger than my house! I'm in...:)

 

I bet its larger than most peoples houses. I cant believe there would be a cabin that large. I don't think even the penthouse could touch that as I believe that its only around 1500 feet.

[serendipity1499]

Wow! 5000 to 7000 sq. ft. That's bigger than my house! I'm in...:)

 

We had a fairly large house with three bedrooms & three full baths & it was not anywhere near 5000 sq. ft... Even our condo is less than 2000 sq. ft. with two bedrooms & two full baths..:D

Edited July 13, 2014 by serendipity1499

[Lisa63]

I just looked at the NCL website and one category of suites -- 3 BR Haven Villa (or something like that) -- is listed as close to 5,000 square feet on some ships and 7,000 square feet on another. That might include the private outdoor area for that cabin only. I checked one out on debarkation day a few years ago and, while the suite is huge, there is also a great deal of outdoor space.

 

Our 2 BR Family Suite is roughly 575 square feet, and comes with the amenities described in other posts -- butler, concierge, separate DR for breakfast and lunch, reserved show lounge seating, priority tenders, in-cabin meals.

 

The older ships (Dawn/Star) do not have the Haven, while the Haven on the newer ships is kind of a ship-within-a-ship experience with a pool and sunning deck for Haven pax only, as well as key-card access to the decks on which the suites and Haven are located.

 

FWIW (which is probably not much), our family of three lives in a home that has 1,300 square feet of living space.

Edited July 13, 2014 by Lisa63

[Sam.Seattle]

I just looked at the NCL website and one category of suites -- 3 BR Haven Villa (or something like that) -- is listed as close to 5,000 square feet on some ships and 7,000 square feet on another. That might include the private outdoor area for that cabin only. I checked one out on debarkation day a few years ago and, while the suite is huge, there is also a great deal of outdoor space.

 

Our 2 BR Family Suite is roughly 575 square feet, and comes with the amenities described in other posts -- butler, concierge, separate DR for breakfast and lunch, reserved show lounge seating, priority tenders, in-cabin meals.

 

The older ships (Dawn/Star) do not have the Haven, while the Haven on the newer ships is kind of a ship-within-a-ship experience with a pool and sunning deck for Haven pax only, as well as key-card access to the decks on which the suites and Haven are located.

 

FWIW (which is probably not much), our family of three lives in a home that has 1,300 square feet of living space.

The "Star" has two garden Villa suites. The 5,000 sq, ft does include the outside lower deck. You can only access the suites with a special card.

 

The Haven is on the newer ships beginning with the Pearl.

 

I have stayed the the penthouse on HAL and Garden Villa on NCL. There really is no comparison in perks and benefits. NCL wins hands down.

 

If I were to choose a cruise and was not staying in a suite, HAL would be the choice. The only way I would sail on NCL is in a suite. NCL takes very good care of Suite Passengers.

 

Royal does a good job with their suites. The Concierge lounge on the Oasis and the Allure put the Neptune windowless little room seem pretty tacky.

Edited July 13, 2014 by Sam.Seattle

[POA1]

I just looked at the NCL website and one category of suites -- 3 BR Haven Villa (or something like that) -- is listed as close to 5,000 square feet on some ships and 7,000 square feet on another. That might include the private outdoor area for that cabin only. I checked one out on debarkation day a few years ago and, while the suite is huge, there is also a great deal of outdoor space.

 

Our 2 BR Family Suite is roughly 575 square feet, and comes with the amenities described in other posts -- butler, concierge, separate DR for breakfast and lunch, reserved show lounge seating, priority tenders, in-cabin meals.

 

The older ships (Dawn/Star) do not have the Haven, while the Haven on the newer ships is kind of a ship-within-a-ship experience with a pool and sunning deck for Haven pax only, as well as key-card access to the decks on which the suites and Haven are located.

 

FWIW (which is probably not much), our family of three lives in a home that has 1,300 square feet of living space.

 

The 2BR seems very small at 575 sf. That's not much bigger than a Neptune Suite. The 3BR, on the other hand, is enormous. It's enough for the three bedrooms, at least 3.5 baths, kitchen, formal dining room formal living room, and large family room. I bet the garage is pretty sweet, too.

[Lisa63]

Back to the OP's original question, I think that traveling with good friends outweighs the difference in accommodations. It's for just seven nights. And sailing in a Neptune Suite does have its perks.

 

As I mentioned in my first response, I've had several friends refuse to sail with us on our anniversary cruise because they don't want to go on NCL. Many of these friends take multiple cruises a year, so it's not a financial issue, which I would understand. Yes, it does bother us that some of them would use this as an excuse. At least they're telling us the truth, but it still stings.

 

Again, JMHO.

[Sam.Seattle]

The 2BR seems very small at 575 sf. That's not much bigger than a Neptune Suite. The 3BR, on the other hand, is enormous. It's enough for the three bedrooms, at least 3.5 baths, kitchen, formal dining room formal living room, and large family room. I bet the garage is pretty sweet, too.

Kind of a pointless garage comment, but now that you brought it up. When we stayed in the Garden Villa, we were picked up at home in limo.

Edited July 13, 2014 by Sam.Seattle

[PathfinderEss]

We are in the opposite situation. We have booked a 2 BR suite on NCL to celebrate our 25th anniversary next summer and are trying to convince friends to join us but many do not want to give NCL a shot.

 

We tend to go back and forth between NCL and HAL and agree with the above Members that HAL's suite amenities do not come close to those of NCL's Haven Suites. But, they are still very good. Breakfast in Pinnacle Grill is great, and we love having the Neptune Lounge available to us.

 

Most of all -- as they say in the commercials -- sailing with friends... priceless.

 

JMHO.

 

Point well taken, and sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and go on a cruise because they are your friends. I have been on a few cruises that I didn't really want to go on but because of friends, we've went anyway........as you said so aptly Lisa, friends and friendships are priceless. So OP take the penthouse on the Westerdam and smile.