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

[Sea Belle]

Try a Google search for HAL cabin pictures. There are sites with pictures of what you want.

 

Thank you, Ruth

[alanandpam]

As part of our package on Eurodam next May, we have been given a Signature Drinks package. Ok understand 15 drinks pp per day, sodas, coffee etc on the Drinks Menu. But we are not spirit drinkers, we are ABC wine quaffers. The wine we prefer according to the bar menu is priced above $7 per glass, can one buy the plus $7 dollar a glass wine, and just pay the difference, or are we charged the full amount ? Similarly does the drinks package cover wine by the glass in the MDR and other Restaurant's ? Thanks in advance A and P

[Crew News]

As part of our package on Eurodam next May, we have been given a Signature Drinks package. Ok understand 15 drinks pp per day, sodas, coffee etc on the Drinks Menu. But we are not spirit drinkers, we are ABC wine quaffers. The wine we prefer according to the bar menu is priced above $7 per glass, can one buy the plus $7 dollar a glass wine, and just pay the difference, or are we charged the full amount ? Similarly does the drinks package cover wine by the glass in the MDR and other Restaurant's ? Thanks in advance A and P

 

Our SBP for next April allows wine up to $8/glass with other beverages capped at $7.. You cannot pay the difference but will be charged full price if you order something that exceeds the latter. You can use your SBP in the MDR and Specialty Restaurants.

Edited August 15, 2015 by Crew News

[simpledragonfly]

Hey Sooner405, we will be on the same cruise 6011

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[Grandprix]

Too lazy to peruse 34 pages.

We are in our mid40s and thinking of a 7 day without the kids.

We are not into partying or late nights. I enjoy beer and not much else drinks wise. Do you all think HAL is a good fit? We have been on 10+ cruises?

Thanks.

[kazu]

Do many people actually dress for formal nights? We had less than half the people we saw on my last(first) cruise in real formalwear either night. Most were in jeans and polos/sundresses and we felt kind of out of place in our gowns. I love to dress up since I wear a tactical uniform for work and don't get to look like a girl. I know people say to wear what you want and I certainly will, I'm just curious if HAL is better about getting that more glamorous feel for formal nights overall.

 

I've seen post after post here complaining about the dress codes and it's kinda sad to me. I know it makes packing take more time and creativity but where else do we get a chance to look like a million bucks and be pampered like that?

 

yes, many do, in fact the majority on the cruises I have been on.

 

those that choose not to eat in the Lido (mostly).

 

don't worry about it - dress to enjoy the night and feel like your million bucks. Nothing wrong with dressing to feel good and most people on HAL ships do.

 

Agree on the time and creativity but we always have done it and made out quite well even with 8 formal/gala nights.

[kazu]

Too lazy to peruse 34 pages.

We are in our mid40s and thinking of a 7 day without the kids.

We are not into partying or late nights. I enjoy beer and not much else drinks wise. Do you all think HAL is a good fit? We have been on 10+ cruises?

Thanks.

 

From the little that you have said, I would say yes.

 

you might want to start a thread or at least tell us more of your interests.

 

On HAL, there is stuff to do, but it is laid back. Lots of beer on HAL. What did you like or dislike about your 10+ cruises please

[Lizzie68]

Too lazy to peruse 34 pages.

We are in our mid40s and thinking of a 7 day without the kids.

We are not into partying or late nights. I enjoy beer and not much else drinks wise. Do you all think HAL is a good fit? We have been on 10+ cruises?

Thanks.

 

Sounds like a good fit;) and HAL also has great itineraries. So go for it.:)

[Grandprix]

Not a fan of crowds and the freestyle dining. We enjoy to dress up on formal nights and don't like it when we are dressed up and the dining room is a mish mash of beach wear jeans and fancy dress. Kind of cheapens the experience. I would expect that HAL is much older demo than RCCI or NCL. Both of which we enjoy. The best was Disney in every way. Except they are 50/70% more expensive. Ports of call is irrelevant because we have been to most Caribbean stops several times.

Thanks for the tips.

[Bowie MeMe]

The airport in Fort Lauderdale is very close to the port--you will save a LOT

using a cab, aside from avoiding the boring wait for the bus to fill.

 

We rent a car each time in FLL as we visit family before cruise. It is very close between airport and ship port but not walking -- and can be very crowded.

 

Our cruise last week with our FLL family, we went to Hertz to return the car and a kind gentleman in Hertz uniform said he would drop us off at the ship and we were there in less than 5 minutes. This is fantastic. If this service happens every time it is GREAT! Hertz is competitive in price if you are AAA member -- and spouse driver free. Otherwise be aware of lots of fees at this airport. We tipped the man dropping us off and thought it was one of the easiest embarkation days ever.

:D

[qsuzi]

Do they give you a number card when you arrive early (10:30am) to the port? How long does it usually take those with priority to board?

[qsuzi]

Do you get to disembark prior to those doing "Self Assist"?

[Crew News]

Do they give you a number card when you arrive early (10:30am) to the port? How long does it usually take those with priority to board?

 

You receive a card when you in-process at the HAL Neptune/Pinnacle Suites Check-in Counter (table).

 

Note that access to the terminal Security Check-in is not available until all passengers have cleared the ship (this includes those doing B2B). Neptune/Pinnacle Suites have a separate HAL Check-in counter (table).

 

Handicapped passengers with their stateroom mates embark first with Neptune and Pinnacle Suites to follow.

Edited August 22, 2015 by Crew News

[Crew News]

Do you get to disembark prior to those doing "Self Assist"?

 

Self Assist disembarks first but you are free to join them. You may have a problem finding your luggage since it will still be in the unloading process.

 

You may also choose to be one of the last ones to disembark at 9:30 AM.

Edited August 22, 2015 by Crew News

[qsuzi]

You receive a card when you in-process at the HAL Neptune/Pinnacle Suites Check-in Counter (table).

 

Note that access to the terminal Security Check-in is not available until all passengers have cleared the ship (this includes those doing B2B). Neptune/Pinnacle Suites have a separate HAL Check-in counter (table).

 

Handicapped passengers with their stateroom mates embark first with Neptune and Pinnacle Suites to follow.

 

Thanks so much for the helpful information. I really meant to say those without priority. I assume they also get a card and board after disability and Neptune/pinnacle Suites in order of the card number. Is disability embarkation only those in wheelchairs or does it include those with federal disability that need more time that have trouble walking and/or with mobility?

Edited August 22, 2015 by qsuzi

[Crew News]

Thanks so much for the helpful information. I really meant to say those without priority. I assume they also get a card and board after disability and Neptune/pinnacle Suites in order of the card number. Is disability embarkation only those in wheelchairs or does it include those with federal disability that need more time that have trouble walking and/or with mobility?

 

Those not in Neptune Suites get an embarkation number and these groups are called after handicapped and suites guests. From my experience, non-suite passengers who arrive early at the terminal usually start boarding before noon unless there is an unexpected delay.

[Luna Stella]

We are new to cruising and to HAL and to cruise critic. Is there a way to find out the schedule on board the ship ahead of time? Such as when are the formal nights, entertainment options etc.

[Crew News]

We are new to cruising and to HAL and to cruise critic. Is there a way to find out the schedule on board the ship ahead of time? Such as when are the formal nights, entertainment options etc.

 

Welcome to CC and to HAL. Many of us scan the daily activities (On Location) and can provide you a link if we know what cruise you are on/considering.

[Lizzie68]

We are new to cruising and to HAL and to cruise critic. Is there a way to find out the schedule on board the ship ahead of time? Such as when are the formal nights, entertainment options etc.

 

If you google HAL cabins you will find a site with lots of general information as well as many photos of cabins.

[deeko]

Great thread..thanks to all.

 

I'm new to HA and usually have been in Balcony cabins. Just wondering about trying out E O/V. Is the main Deck likely to have noise from above and is E very small, its hard to get proper measurements.

 

Aldo is VB worth the little extra over VC.

 

All help appreciated and needed!!!

 

Thanks again

deeko

[dakrewser]

Great thread..thanks to all.

 

I'm new to HA and usually have been in Balcony cabins. Just wondering about trying out E O/V. Is the main Deck likely to have noise from above and is E very small, its hard to get proper measurements.

 

Aldo is VB worth the little extra over VC.

 

All help appreciated and needed!!!

 

Thanks again

deeko

 

Which ship? You can view the deck plans on the HAL web site to see what's above and below you. For example, on the Vista class ships avoid cabins under the Casino, but the rest of Main deck should be OK. The difference between a VB and a VC is location only. Almost all of the O/V cabins are the same size (with a few exceptions).

[deeko]

Thanks for that helpful reply. The ship is the Neuiw Amsterdam. Its always difficult to know about sizes of cabins when the brochure gives a range!!

 

The E cabis seem to have shower only and I guess that this means they are more cramped than ones with full bath as well.

 

Thanks again for your help

 

deeko

[RuthC]

The E cabis seem to have shower only and I guess that this means they are more cramped than ones with full bath as well.

In reality, it does not follow that a shower-only cabin is smaller than one with a tub, or even that the bathroom is smaller.

 

Usually a bathroom with a shower instead of a tub has the shower placed where the sink would be, and the sink where the tub would be; the two fixtures are exchanged. That gives the shower-only bathroom a much larger sink/vanity area, with a longer shelf underneath.

Cabins are otherwise the same size.

[deeko]

Thanks Ruth for that very helpful info. First time on the NA and we are thinking of trying an O/V, so are a touch hesitant. That was helpful. Its a worry about no outside space AND a small space inside that makes us edgy.

 

Thanks for your help!!

 

deeko

[Tangocherie]

We recently had an obstructed OV on the Nieuw Amstrerdam. The room was very large and enjoyable.

Edited August 25, 2015 by Tangocherie