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

[fire eater]

Dress code is the same Downunder as everywhere else. I am not sure why you would think otherwise? Enjoy your visit to Australia.

fe

[islandwoman]

Dress code is the same Downunder as everywhere else. I am not sure why you would think otherwise? Enjoy your visit to Australia.

I was responding to the post I quoted below. I'm asking what the customary dress on Gala nights is on transatlantic and Australia cruises, not what the dress code is.

 

the level of "dress up" seems to vary from cruise to cruise. On our Alaska cruise last summer, would estimate 80 percent of men wore sport coat or suit at 8PM in lower level of MDR.

[Mary229]

I was responding to the post I quoted below. I'm asking what the customary dress on Gala nights is on transatlantic and Australia cruises, not what the dress code is.

 

 

Holland America describes dress codes for all cruises in a single document. You can check here:

http://www.hollandamerica.com/assets/cruise-vacation-onboard/KBYG.pdf

[Felini]

I asked this a week or so ago and ended up searching out that document. For those that haven't visited HAL's site, here is the info on dress attire for Gala Nights:

 

"Gala Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including a five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirt and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants . For ladies, dressy attire is appropriate, dresses skirts and slacks are all acceptable. Formal wear for gentlemen can be pre-ordered for use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 1-800-551-5091 or (305) 252-6565. For more information please visit cruiselineformal.com. Your formal wear will be in your stateroom when you board"

 

One thing I asked was about footwear for men if dress shoes were required but I'm assuming any covered footwear will be ok. Anyone know this for sure?

[Crew News]

I asked this a week or so ago and ended up searching out that document. For those that haven't visited HAL's site, here is the info on dress attire for Gala Nights:

 

"Gala Nights evoke the grand traditions of cruising as guests dress to impress for special events on board, including a five-course gourmet dinner in the Dining Room. For gentlemen, collared shirt and slacks are required in all fine dining restaurants . For ladies, dressy attire is appropriate, dresses skirts and slacks are all acceptable. Formal wear for gentlemen can be pre-ordered for use during your cruise by calling Cruiseline Formalwear at 1-800-551-5091 or (305) 252-6565. For more information please visit cruiselineformal.com. Your formal wear will be in your stateroom when you board"

 

One thing I asked was about footwear for men if dress shoes were required but I'm assuming any covered footwear will be ok. Anyone know this for sure?

 

I have been wearing hiking shoes with my jacket/tie for years due to bad feet and have never been questioned. In the last few years, sneakers with jackets/ties are increasing in number on Gala Nights.

 

Any covered shoes seem to be fine

[islandwoman]

the level of "dress up" seems to vary from cruise to cruise.

 

Thank you all for posting information about HAL's dress code.

 

In addition to that,

can anyone tell me what the "level of dress up" is on transpacific and Australia cruises? I was in Australia several years ago and noticed that people seemed to be well dressed. I'm wondering whether on HAL cruises to and around Australia, the "level of dress up" might be more formal than on Caribbean or Alaska cruises.

[recruiter 28]

We are considering a transatlantic this fall on the Westerdam, balcony on 7th floor. Has anyone done a TA on the Westerdam? We have done 4 total...two on NCL, 1 on Celebrity, and 1 on RCL...how is the HAL for a TA?

[Felini]

I have been wearing hiking shoes with my jacket/tie for years due to bad feet and have never been questioned. In the last few years, sneakers with jackets/ties are increasing in number on Gala Nights.

 

Any covered shoes seem to be fine

 

Thank you very much for answering the footwear question. With limited suitcase real estate, I'm glad I don't have to pack dress shoes.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

We are considering a transatlantic this fall on the Westerdam, balcony on 7th floor. Has anyone done a TA on the Westerdam? We have done 4 total...two on NCL, 1 on Celebrity, and 1 on RCL...how is the HAL for a TA?

 

I have not yet done a TA with HAL, although I have cruised on Westerdam, and I have done a trans-Pacific on the Oosterdam, a sister ship of Westerdam. I'm partial to HAL, and very partial to the Westerdam. If you want to get a very good flavor for life on board a HAL TA, I recommend this current live thread from the Rotterdam, posted by CC member Kazu. It has dining room menus, bar menus, daily programs, and food porn (what more could you ask for?:D):

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2474965

[recruiter 28]

Thank you for this informative link...we have never been on a TA that we didn't enjoy, so we are sure HAL will be great.:)

[jhsocal]

Is Room Service usually available before the Muster Drill? Shortly after the Drill? Like to avoid the Lido on embarkation afternoon.

[RuthC]

Is Room Service usually available before the Muster Drill? Shortly after the Drill? Like to avoid the Lido on embarkation afternoon.

Before muster, every available hand is busy wheeling people on board, trying to load and deliver luggage, and loading provisions on the ship. You may be able to get someone to deliver room service, but if you do, you are taking someone off those duties.

After muster the routine goes back to normal and you can get room service.

If you truly want to avoid the Lido, you can eat (most times) in the dining room, but you have to get there early. The dining room is only open 12:00-1:30.

Or you can go to the Dive-In for a burger or hot dog, or the pizza line.

[jhsocal]

Thank you , Ruth, as always, a very helpful and pleasant answer. Another embarkation day question, sailing on Oosterdam out of San Diego in the Fall, info. from T.A. shows boarding starting at 0ne PM, sailing at five PM. Do you think one is the real start, or could we arrive at eleven thirty? Only a hundred miles away, no flying.

[Felini]

I have a question on the european outlet adapters.

 

Looking at this outlet chart http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ and comparing to googled images for Noordam outlets, it looks like the european side is Type F. I have a Type C adapter, will the Type C work?

 

Any help appreciated.

[RuthC]

Another embarkation day question, sailing on Oosterdam out of San Diego in the Fall, info. from T.A. shows boarding starting at 0ne PM, sailing at five PM. Do you think one is the real start, or could we arrive at eleven thirty? Only a hundred miles away, no flying.

Here's a quick history lesson for you---

Back in the good old days, boarding always started at 1:00 PM (unless something unforeseen delayed it) for every cruise, everywhere. That's what was noted in the documentation.

Then, early embarkation was instituted, with passengers boarding around 11:30. Cabins weren't available until around 1:00-1:30, however. The documentation still said 1:00 PM for boarding.

Later on, cabins were made available as soon as passengers started boarding at 11:30 (for the most part). However, the documentation never was changed from that original 1:00 PM boarding time.

Figure you can board at 11:30, and your cabin will be ready.

[fire eater]

Thank you all for posting information about HAL's dress code.

 

In addition to that,

can anyone tell me what the "level of dress up" is on transpacific and Australia cruises? I was in Australia several years ago and noticed that people seemed to be well dressed. I'm wondering whether on HAL cruises to and around Australia, the "level of dress up" might be more formal than on Caribbean or Alaska cruises.

 

Sorry, island woman, I misunderstood. On Australian cruises we wear the same sort of clothing as we have in Europe. Long sleeved shirt (some nights a tie and jacket) and dark trousers for my husband and usually black pants and a casual blouse for me - not tee shirts. He wears a suit and tie on formal nights and I wear either a long black sleeveless dress with a dressy blouse over the top or (again!) black pants and a dressier top. We feel comfortable with this choice. Enjoy your trip!

fe

[jhsocal]

Again, thank you, Ruth. Interesting background, now, a better situation.

[bermuda8553]

Hi great post with lots of good info. I'm cruising on the Veendam in June to Bermuda. First time on Holland America, been to Bermuda too many time to count. LOL I could have missed this but can anyone tell me if Holland has a walk off with your own luggage on disembarkment day, or do we need to wait for our color to be called, and pick our luggage up in the terminal. Thank You.

[RuthC]

I could have missed this but can anyone tell me if Holland has a walk off with your own luggage on disembarkment day, or do we need to wait for our color to be called, and pick our luggage up in the terminal. Thank You.

Yes, Holland America has self disembarkation. You will be in the first group called to leave the ship, at approximately 7:30 AM. You have to be able to handle all your luggage yourself, as there is no assistance.

[bermuda8553]

Thank you for the quick reply. Thats great. Not that I'm in a hurry to get off the ship, but I do love the early walk off so that's good to hear Holland also has it.

[monorailmedic]

I have a question on the european outlet adapters.

 

Looking at this outlet chart http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/ and comparing to googled images for Noordam outlets, it looks like the european side is Type F. I have a Type C adapter, will the Type C work?

 

Any help appreciated.

 

A type C will work just fine in an F. If you google 'gain extra outlets cruise' you'll find the first post has an explanation of a few options.

[Baddabing]

Yes, Holland America has self disembarkation. You will be in the first group called to leave the ship, at approximately 7:30 AM. You have to be able to handle all your luggage yourself, as there is no assistance.

 

So what do the colors on the luggage tag mean? How do you know what group you are in?

[RuthC]

So what do the colors on the luggage tag mean? How do you know what group you are in?

Self-disembarkation passengers don't have tags, since they are taking their own luggage off; there is nothing to be sorted and picked up. They are the first group to disembark.

Everyone else gets luggage tags with a color and number, along with a projected time they will be called to disembark. Those colors/numbers are assigned based on the on-going travel plans the passenger reports to the Front Office on the disembarkation form.

On disembarkation morning, there will be announcements made when the ship is cleared, then calling for the groups in order. Those can be heard in the passageways, and on the TV in your cabin.

[Happily@Sea]

Self-disembarkation passengers don't have tags, since they are taking their own luggage off; there is nothing to be sorted and picked up. They are the first group to disembark.

Everyone else gets luggage tags with a color and number, along with a projected time they will be called to disembark. Those colors/numbers are assigned based on the on-going travel plans the passenger reports to the Front Office on the disembarkation form.

On disembarkation morning, there will be announcements made when the ship is cleared, then calling for the groups in order. Those can be heard in the passageways, and on the TV in your cabin.

 

The new interactive TVs have NO way for you to hear the announcements in your cabin. They are working on making it happen - hopefully soon.

[RuthC]

The new interactive TVs have NO way for you to hear the announcements in your cabin. They are working on making it happen - hopefully soon.

Another reason I'm in no rush for HAL to replace all the old TVs, then! :D