New to HAL. Can you tell me about the overall atmosphere?

[crusinpsychRN]

I will be cruising on Westerdam at the end of November and wonder if I can get some feedback as to the shipboard atmosphere.

 

Is it very casual or more cruise elegant during the day, evening?

 

How do you rate the food venues? Is the Steakhouse that good or should I stick to the MDR to get a chance to experience the week menu?

 

What is the daily schedule they give you called? What kind of activities are held during the day? Trivia?

[kazu]

I will be cruising on Westerdam at the end of November and wonder if I can get some feedback as to the shipboard atmosphere.

 

Is it very casual or more cruise elegant during the day, evening?

 

How do you rate the food venues? Is the Steakhouse that good or should I stick to the MDR to get a chance to experience the week menu?

 

What is the daily schedule they give you called? What kind of activities are held during the day? Trivia?

 

Just off the Westerdam a few months ago and we had a fabulous time.

 

The Steakhouse (aka the Pinnacle Grill) was great. Waiters were fabulous and the food was as well. We also did Le Cirque and it was one of the better ones on our cruise. If you are so inclined and there is a Master Cellar's dinner, highly recommend.

 

The MDR had good service and decent food and we were happy there as well.

 

The daily schedule paper is called the On Location. Hal is a bit laid back, semi-elegant but there are certainly daily activities - lecturers depending upon the cruise, Trivia - always!, bingo, some pool activities, wine tastings, etc.

 

Oh, before I forget try the Pinnacle Grill for lunch. Delish! $10 and a bargain IMO.

 

Attire - smart casual during the day and most evenings except for Gala/Formal nights. Some people dress up more than others - no biggie. As long as you are happy in what you are wearing and following the dress code, it's all good :) there are really no dress code police around. ;)

 

Since you are new, one of the things we like about HAL is the fresh squeezed orange juice every morning.

 

We also enjoy the Adagio Strings (piano and violin) that perform nightly.

 

And yes, there are shows, other musicians, etc. in the evening.

 

Ask away with other questions and hopefully we can help and others will add to what I have most likely missed ;)

[cabinluvn]

I would say the atmosphere is laid back. The ship is not a noisy conglomeration of kids yelling, loud music and PA announcements. We did a 16 day TA and finally had to limit our daily activities in order to just sit and relax...meaning there is more than enough to keep you busy on sea days. Your daily newspaper will keep you informed of all the activities. We like the atmosphere and have never felt a lack of something to do. Many options for dining during the day and evening. We love the food..never have had a bad meal, but then, if I am not cooking, I am grateful someone else is

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[sail7seas]

Pinnacle Grill on Westerdam has been very good the five or six times we dined there. It's been a little while but we have dined in so many Pinnacle Grills on all the ships that I consistently recommend it.

 

The atmosphere on all HAL most nights in recent years has evolved into country club casual. Gala (formerly known as formal) nights are far less formal than in the past. Very few tuxedos and gowns. More cocktail dresses and a great many ladies in black pants (varying degrees of evening/dressy) and gents in sports jacket and ties. You'll also see dark suits on gentlemen.

 

[Lizzie68]

I can't add.anytjing to what Kazu and cabinluvn said except I loved the Westerdam and the Pinnacle Grill was very good. You will enjoy it I am sure.

[OlsSalt]

i would say overall HAL ships are low-key ships homey to comfortable homely ships and good for those who like a self-contained travel experience - not a lot of outward distractions, but a nice varied amount of traditional ship-board activities that keep you engaged and interacting with other passengers if this is your choice.

 

Food in all the venues is overall very good - though the "steakhouse" Pinnacle can be inconsistent from ship to ship. But regardless, it can be a nice option for a change and a quieter, more personalized dining venue. Best to get some feedback from your fellow passengers if you need more info for your own particular ship.

 

What makes HAL ships unique is the amount of space devoted to a well-stocked library and places for quiet reading. You see a lot of people with kindles today. You can keep to your self if you want or find a way to be more engaged, but nothing gets forced on anyone.

 

For us, it is the itineraries, the larger cabins, the smaller passenger numbers on the older ships, and the uniformly smiling crews that create a special and welcome ambiance that keep us coming back to HAL ships. And the fresh baked bread and the sweet butter. That too. :cool:

Edited September 12, 2015 by OlsSalt

[rafinmd]

Here's a link to some copies of On Location. The Ryndam is a smaller ship than the Westerdam but most of the flavor should be the same.

 

https://getawaysfrom21044.wordpress.com/programs/ryndam/

 

I believe the Carnival Pride is shares hull design with the HAL Vista ships. The outfitting is quite different but you will probably feel reasonably at home.

 

Roy

Edited September 13, 2015 by rafinmd

[dee2673]

We were just on the Westerdam a couple of weeks ago. Loved it and thought the Pinnacle Grill was great and well worth it. We did Trivia in the Crow's Nest a few times, it was fun and quick. Lots of activity, if you want it. Very casual during the day and a wide range of dress for evening.

[Harry1954]

I will be cruising on Westerdam at the end of November and wonder if I can get some feedback as to the shipboard atmosphere.

Is it very casual or more cruise elegant during the day, evening?

How do you rate the food venues? Is the Steakhouse that good or should I stick to the MDR to get a chance to experience the week menu?

What is the daily schedule they give you called? What kind of activities are held during the day? Trivia?

 

Westerdam is one of the larger, but by far not close to the largest ships with 1848pax. With that in mind, it will not be quiet as 'homey' as the smaller S-class and R-class ships that hold 1251 and approx 1300+-1450 pax. When we travel on this size ship it is for the itinerary.

The pinnacle grill (steakhouse) always has good steaks as well as other higher quality condiments. This is not to take away from the MDR (main dining room) which has always had exceptional quality food on the many cruises we have taken with HAL.

 

As to dress, we find it depends on the itinerary .. Europe is a bit dresser and Caribbean/Alaska not so.

 

The activities are outlined in a bulletin received each evening before bedtime with Trivia usually just before lunch on sea days. There are many activities from which to choose.

 

You will find very courteous and quality-oriented service in all aspects of the ships - a HAL standard!

harry

[blizzardboy]

We love mid-sized ships. There's plenty to do without 3-4000 others around or inundating the ports. HAL ships are not party ships, but good times are to be had. The BB King Blues Review is a fun, high energy show that we went to at some point about every night, and the main theater entertainment has it's moments. The casino is pleasantly low key, except for when the crap shooters get on a roll. HAL cruisers tend to be more genteel, but you can have as much fun as you want, and you'll probably find other cruisers ready to join in. Bar crawls are organized by the cruise director, so things aren't entirely sedate. Any ship with as many bars as are available isn't entirely sober anyway!

As other CC members have said, the food is pretty good anywhere on board, but I would highly recommend the optional venues be tried. We've not been disappointed.

[3rdGenCunarder]

I see that you've sailed a lot of Carnival. HAL is definitely a quieter, more low-key experience. No belly-flop contests in the pool, or things like that. (I don't know if Carnival does that, but I use it as a generic pool-games reference.) HAL ships generally don't party into the wee hours.

 

We tend to do port-intensive cruises with HAL, so I don't pay a lot of attention to daytime activities. Daytime lectures tend to be by "revenue-source" people, like art lecture from the art auctioneer, health info from spa people, beer or wine tastings (not free) from bar staff. They do have a computer center, "powered by Windows." Currently, they're doing a lot of sessions introducing Windows 10, because it's new. I went to only one session on my recent cruise, and the lecturer was good. Clear explanations, patient with questions, even ones that would have had me rolling my eyes. (one man asked if Apple uses Windows 10!)

 

One thing to watch out for if you tend to eat at the buffet is that they don't serve 24/7. On other lines (I don't know what Carnival does), as breakfast closes down 11-11:30, lunch is beginning. But HAL closes the Lido for a few hours between mealtimes. For example, Lido dinner closes around 8 and the late snack isn't until 11:30 or so. There is 24 hour room service, no charge.

 

We like the Pinnacle, and usually eat there once per cruise.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Just off the Westerdam a few months ago and we had a fabulous time.

 

[edited to save space]

 

Oh, before I forget try the Pinnacle Grill for lunch. Delish! $10 and a bargain IMO.

 

[edited to save space]

 

 

We were on Westerdam this past winter, and liked it.

 

I never think of the Pinnacle for lunch, and I should try it. What is the lunch menu like? Do you need to make reservations/pre-book far in advance?

[cruz chic]

We were on Westerdam this past winter, and liked it.

 

I never think of the Pinnacle for lunch, and I should try it. What is the lunch menu like? Do you need to make reservations/pre-book far in advance?

 

You can't pre book the pinnacle lunch ahead if getting on the ship. I agree it's very nice. I'll search for the menu and post it if I can find it quickly.

 

Edited

There is a link to the menu in post 23 on this thread

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2233486&highlight=pinnacle+lunch+menu&page=2

Edited September 13, 2015 by cruz chic

[kazu]

We were on Westerdam this past winter, and liked it.

 

I never think of the Pinnacle for lunch, and I should try it. What is the lunch menu like? Do you need to make reservations/pre-book far in advance?

 

I love the PG for lunch if it is a good PG. :)

 

The food is yummy and their hamburger beats the dive in any time :)

 

The bruschetta is lovely.

 

if you google pinnacle grill - menu - march 2014 - Eurodam, it should pop up for you. It hasn't changed.

 

I haven't figured out how to attach mine in PDF to here yet, sorry.

 

You need to book on board. Choose your dates and go see the PG manager early. Some lunches are sold out early.

 

I book several. The worst that happens is that you just cancel a few if you are disappointed. It's a wonderful break from the Lido and very, very good.

 

Perfect for sea days :)

[Freckles83]

Just my opinion on the atmosphere...

 

Very relaxed and low key. My husband and I (33yrs and 32 yrs of age currently) have travelled with Holland on our first few cruises together (I got him hooked) and It was great. The service was amazing and we were made to feel like royalty. Never overcrowded or raucous which I appreciate being a more relaxed person myself.

 

For our honeymoon we decided to try something new at my husbands urging and sailed with NCL out of NYC on the Breakaway ship. It was fun and had all the bells and whistles of a new ship, we had a blast. But for me it was anything but relaxing. Always busy, loud and parties constantly going on, which for some people is something they look for on a cruise.

 

The reason we have decided to sail HAL again is for -

 

1. The service staff are unbelievably good at their jobs, they make you feel like a celebrity and that your presence is appreciated (in my experience)

 

2. The ships are elegant and the balconies are spacious. I always remember chuckling with my husband at the PAX on other ships on their balconies crammed in like sardines while we lounged on our roomy private outdoor space on HAL ships (sorry if that sounds snobby)

 

3. The Spa :) :) :) For me one of the highlights of my vacation is sitting in those thermal chairs with a good book and just gazing out at the sea. Its for sure one of my favourite parts of my entire year lol. I was sorely disappointed on NCL at their spa space which made me feel like i was hanging out at the YMCA public pool. Holland knows how to do the serene spa experience just right.

 

4. The itinerary! HAL always seems to go to my favourite ports of call and in my opinion for the price point i really feel like I'm getting an amazing value / experience for the cost of the trip.

 

So just a few things that I thought id share from my experience regarding the atmosphere. Ive sailed on several other lines as well but always am drawn back to HAL.

 

If you want a fun, party stay up all night and mingle with other guests kinda cruise perhaps this line isn't for you. But if you want a relaxing, service oriented sublime vacation i completely recommend HAL.

 

Im so looking forward to my upcoming trip with HAL i find myself squeeling in delight much to the chagrin of my husband ;)

 

 

-end note- i just read this over and I probably sound like i work for HAL hahah, but seriously I just love the few weeks a year I get to spend having this cruise line take care of me. Hopefully this info helps.

[Freckles83]

Oh and the PG at lunch has an amazing burger on their menu, totally worth the uncharge :D

[George C]

I will be cruising on Westerdam at the end of November and wonder if I can get some feedback as to the shipboard atmosphere.

 

Is it very casual or more cruise elegant during the day, evening?

 

How do you rate the food venues? Is the Steakhouse that good or should I stick to the MDR to get a chance to experience the week menu?

 

What is the daily schedule they give you called? What kind of activities are held during the day? Trivia?

 

Westerdam is a really nice ship, I think hal is a little more elegant than most other lines with older passengers in general, they do a good job with trivia and there steak restaurant the Pinnacle grill is on of my favorites and we cruise several other lines, entertainment does not match the RCCL big ships. But I would cruise this ship again.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Cruz chic and kazu, thanks for the info. I will try to remember to fit in a Pinnacle lunch on our next cruise. Lobster creme brulee sounds intriguing!

 

I've only had a Dive-in burger once. The wait was kind of long, and while I was standing around, I noticed the taco bar with guacamole and chips... didn't need those extra calories!

[cruz chic]

Cruz chic and kazu, thanks for the info. I will try to remember to fit in a Pinnacle lunch on our next cruise. Lobster creme brulee sounds intriguing!

 

I've only had a Dive-in burger once. The wait was kind of long, and while I was standing around, I noticed the taco bar with guacamole and chips... didn't need those extra calories!

 

I didn't have any luck getting into the pinnacle on the Veendam. I like to go when the MDR is closed. I don't think there was one day it was open on that cruise. I hope that's not going to be the way it goes on other ships. That cruise was port intensive so that might have np been the issue. I like the halibut sandwich and the steak. I've never had the burger there. They look huge and I'm not that much of a burger fan.

[lahlah57]

If you are looking for frantic screaming children......you will be disappointed but being a psych nurse....no screaming children is what you may be looking for but adults.....no guarantee. ......LOL!

[kazu]

I didn't have any luck getting into the pinnacle on the Veendam. I like to go when the MDR is closed. I don't think there was one day it was open on that cruise. I hope that's not going to be the way it goes on other ships. That cruise was port intensive so that might have np been the issue. I like the halibut sandwich and the steak. I've never had the burger there. They look huge and I'm not that much of a burger fan.

 

Normally PG is open for lunch on sea days and is not open on port days nor Embarkation day from my experience.

 

I am not a burger fan either, but when it is made from sirloin and made well it is very nice IMO.

 

the other lunch menu choices are too, so no biggie either way.

[crusinpsychRN]

Thank you so much for your input. All the info was very helpful.

[casamariposa]

Normally PG is open for lunch on sea days and is not open on port days nor Embarkation day from my experience.

 

I am not a burger fan either, but when it is made from sirloin and made well it is very nice IMO.

 

the other lunch menu choices are too, so no biggie either way.

 

I've been having lunch in the Pinnacle Grill on the Prinsendam and the Maasdam over the past four years when the ship is in port. I enjoy going and enjoying a really nice lunch when the ship is in a port I've been to several times and don't plan on touring again. Of course, these have been longer cruises, which may make a difference, but I was on the 16-day Holiday Cruise on the Prinsendam and there were a good number of us enjoying a PG lunch while watching activities on the pier. It's $10 well spent.

[cruz chic]

Normally PG is open for lunch on sea days and is not open on port days nor Embarkation day from my experience.

 

I am not a burger fan either, but when it is made from sirloin and made well it is very nice IMO.

 

the other lunch menu choices are too, so no biggie either way.

 

That's strange. I've eaten in the pinnacle on port days at lunch many times since the MDR is generally closed. I don't want to eat the burger because it's just too heavy at lunch.

[cruz chic]

I've been having lunch in the Pinnacle Grill on the Prinsendam and the Maasdam over the past four years when the ship is in port. I enjoy going and enjoying a really nice lunch when the ship is in a port I've been to several times and don't plan on touring again. Of course, these have been longer cruises, which may make a difference, but I was on the 16-day Holiday Cruise on the Prinsendam and there were a good number of us enjoying a PG lunch while watching activities on the pier. It's $10 well spent.

 

No, it's not just longer cruises. Mine are generally between 7 and 16 or so days and it has been open some days in port with the exception of the Veendam. I believe I dined in the pinnacle on the Noordam on a few port days. That was in late March, early April. I'll be taking note on my eurodam cruise. There will also be the option of the tamarind although the pinnacle is much better for lunch.