HAL Website's "Wheel of Death"

[3rdGenCunarder]

I had no problem on my old computer using IE, but with my new computer (Win 10) I'm finding that Edge is not as good. I have to use Firefox for the HAL site. I can do a dummy booking with Edge until it gets to choosing a cabin, and then it won't let me choose a location to see available cabins. With Firefox, it goes right through as far as I'm interested in exploring.

 

I've found a few other sites that don't do well with Edge either. Very disappointing. I thought new software was supposed to be better than its predecessor...

[Nieuwuser]

I did have a problem with the HAL website and it was driving me crazy.

I only had the problem on my Laptop and not my ipad or Desktop.

I use Chrome on all 3.

I ended up "Clearing Browsing Data " on the Laptop and all was fine. :)

[sammygoose]

I have experienced a few things other posters have mentioned....

 

I've had to cut my teeth so to speak on a website that we use extensively at work and some of the facets work with IE and others only with chrome. It's browseralooza and a bit of roulette intuition and feel to get where you need to be without having a meltdown.

 

I've had issues with the HAL site on the iPad, switched to a laptop using chrome and then deleted my browser history to speed the wheel up. One of the three gets results for me.

I also use ADBlock and white list the HAL site to speed load times up.

 

Today I went to get my edocs and it looked different. I had fully completed check in weeks ago and now it is missing information. So I rechecked certain boxes and it likes me again so there you go. :rolleyes:

[sapper1]

I find the HAL website to be cumbersome even when it is operating as intended.

[vjblk]

Let's not be too quick to ascertain attitudes. For people encountering the technical issue, the exasperation is compounded by posts that would potentially be used to conclude that the website is 100% fine. That could compromise the efforts of anyone who is dealing with the malfunction to actually get help.

 

First of all, the OP didn't ask for help. They were just venting.

 

And why is it ok for Sail7Seas to be quick to judge others that they were implying that there were no issues for anyone. How was that helpful to the OP? I don't believe anyone said the site was 100% fine for everyone but that it is 100% fine for those of us that are not having any problems with it. In my opinion it is helpful to know that others don't have issues with accessing HAL's website. That would indicate to me that there is something wrong with either my computer, browser etc. Then maybe I can ask for help.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Generally I use IE and can book a cruise on the HAL site. However, I cannot open the confirmation attachment sent to me, so do to that I use Google Chrome and have no problem. I have also had problems buying shore excursions using IE so go to Google Chrome for that. Annoying of course. Have mentioned this to HAL and of course got the usual I don't know response.

[sammygoose]

First of all, the OP didn't ask for help. They were just venting.

 

And why is it ok for Sail7Seas to be quick to judge others that they were implying that there were no issues for anyone. How was that helpful to the OP? I don't believe anyone said the site was 100% fine for everyone but that it is 100% fine for those of us that are not having any problems with it. In my opinion it is helpful to know that others don't have issues with accessing HAL's website. That would indicate to me that there is something wrong with either my computer, browser etc. Then maybe I can ask for help.

 

I agree. If you asked me I'd say that I don't have problems because I've got work arounds. Having said that I'd want some options to try before getting so frustrated I couldn't access a site I want/need so other posters comments are very valuable.

In my business sometimes it's the car and sometimes it's the loose nut behind the wheel. You need to be able to discern which it is.

[SetAnOpenCourse]

First of all, the OP didn't ask for help. They were just venting.

 

And why is it ok for Sail7Seas to be quick to judge others that they were implying that there were no issues for anyone. How was that helpful to the OP? I don't believe anyone said the site was 100% fine for everyone but that it is 100% fine for those of us that are not having any problems with it. In my opinion it is helpful to know that others don't have issues with accessing HAL's website. That would indicate to me that there is something wrong with either my computer, browser etc. Then maybe I can ask for help.

 

I think the situation is that the HAL website in unforgiving when someone does not have the latest version with the latest update, etc. Therefore I think it falls on HAL to eventually make there website compatible with a wider range of browser installations and settings. And I think Sail7Seas post was not personal; not so much judging others as conveying the feeling one gets when a technical issue is responded to in a way that says the effort going forward is going to fall on them. As if they haven't already struggled enough, when the darn website/browser combination gave no trouble whatsoever in the recent past.

 

Oh, and clearing cache isn't necessarily the trick. Mine is cleared every time I close the browser. My hunch is that the post by richwmn is a good lead, at least for some encountering trouble on HAL's site.

[dakrewser]

Barbara, that's exactly what I end up doing when I need to conduct a search. As far doing things in my acct. such as booking shorex or doing online check-in, I rely on the library's computers.

 

Roz

 

If it works on the library's computer, but not on your work computer, then I think it isn't a problem with the web site....

Edited June 9, 2016 by dakrewser

[Stratheden]

If it works on the library's computer, but not on your work computer, then I think it isn't a problem with the web site....

 

Exactly. Couldn't agree more. Everyone was being helpful IMHO - no one was criticising anyone.

 

If some folks can access the website using certain browsers and others can't, it is pretty obvious where the problems lie. Either the browser is an older version, not installed correctly, or not set up properly, or operator error.

 

A website doesn't work selectively for some people.

[SetAnOpenCourse]

If it works on the library's computer, but not on your work computer, then I think it isn't a problem with the web site....

 

Based on just the computers in your if-then scenario, a website is ok as long as it works on half of all computers. I know that is not what you meant, but it needs to be asked, on how many computers does a website need work, in order to say there is not a problem with the website?

 

Some IT managers might not be so generous in deciding which operating systems/versions/configurations their website really needs to function on. Such a manager would love some of the conclusions drawn by some posters on this thread!

[dakrewser]

Based on just the computers in your if-then scenario, a website is ok as long as it works on half of all computers. I know that is not what you meant, but it needs to be asked, on how many computers does a website need work, in order to say there is not a problem with the website?

 

Some IT managers might not be so generous in deciding which operating systems/versions/configurations their website really needs to function on. Such a manager would love some of the conclusions drawn by some posters on this thread!

 

That's a tangential uestion. If you have computer(s) that work with the site and computer(s) that don't, then you need to isolate the difference(s) among the computers to determine what the problem is. Starting with the web site is a fool's quest.

[mef_57]

IE, and now Edge, is not as compliant to the established standards as the other browsers and Microsoft has a history of introducing "features" which break websites. In addition, some companies chose to program their websites to these Microsoft "features" making their sites unusable by people with other browsers, and even other versions of the Microsoft products.

It is easier for companies now to make their sites standard compliant.

 

This explanation seems to have been disregarded - but it makes the most sense as an explanation for the inconsistencies. With this in mind, it would actually be that the 'newest' 'most current' versions are actually more the problem, not the other way around. As stated, they choose to not comply the established standards.

Given library budgets, I would very much doubt that they have the most current browsers and software, but that could just be my local library.

I have various programs for work that do not function on IE and it seems that every new program installed, this is the case. We are recommended to use FireFox and I have made it my default browser.

Just because IE was first and Microsoft is biggest - doesn't mean either is 'best'.

I appreciate that the OP asked to vent, but even if not for them, future readers who search for similar info can see recommendations and explanations of what does or doesn't work for folks and read some solutions.

Forums have the aspect of social media. People can, will and want to post what they have to say. Unless way off topic or offensive, I am not sure that requires criticism or policing. It can be annoying to some, but they can just disregard the thread. Of course, given the nature of social media, I guess that also means they have the right to comment - a vicious circle ;)

[SetAnOpenCourse]

That's a tangential uestion. If you have computer(s) that work with the site and computer(s) that don't, then you need to isolate the difference(s) among the computers to determine what the problem is. Starting with the web site is a fool's quest.

 

Tangential? I would agree that it was of no technical assistance. If the user cannot find a solution or workaround, or a person who can, they are most likely out of luck. And yet, if no one complains, there might be little motivation for the IT manager to improve a website that is not as robust as perhaps it could be. And how often would you expect a random user to "isolate the difference(s) among the computers"? How much time should the user spend determining what is supported by a website that froze (i.e. responded to a click with perpetual swirling dots)?

 

You could still try to answer it. Even tangentially. ;-)

[whogo]

Just noticed that I got the wheel of death for a few seconds. I am from the K.I.S.S. school of design. I like fast loading websites with a few links, minimal graphics, and no slideshows, no animation, and no sliders. Holland America's website is pimped up to the point where some users are bound to have problems with it.

[Roz]

Wow, didn't think my little vent would generate so many responses, different solutions to try, and differences of opinion. Thanks to all who responded.

 

Even when I'm on a computer that allows me access to all the functions on the HAL website, it's still slow and wobbly. It seems as though there are just too many things on it, and I suspect all the graphics are the culprit.

 

Roz

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Wow, didn't think my little vent would generate so many responses, different solutions to try, and differences of opinion. Thanks to all who responded.

 

Even when I'm on a computer that allows me access to all the functions on the HAL website, it's still slow and wobbly. It seems as though there are just too many things on it, and I suspect all the graphics are the culprit.

 

Roz

 

Yes, HAL's website is too busy, as both you and whogo mentioned. Sometimes it's like trying to use the internet on the ship:eek: I find that visiting the web site late at night works better, go figure (it doesn't sound as if that's an option for you?)

[janmcn]

No problems using Mac's Safari with any access...been on virtually every day.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[smgardner]

I find the website cumbersome, I am not a fan. I use Chrome, the site just seems hard to get around on, kind of like a 1990s website. I make it work, just does not seem user friendly.

[Roz]

OK folks, it's gone from bad to hilarious. Today at lunch I logged in to get my Cruise Critic fix for the day, and lo and behold, I got blocked from the HAL forum because of "Adult Material". What Dutch Delights have you been indulging in while I was away? :D I can access the forums for other lines, just not HAL. Strange, isn't it?

 

Roz

[joepeka]

OK folks, it's gone from bad to hilarious. Today at lunch I logged in to get my Cruise Critic fix for the day, and lo and behold, I got blocked from the HAL forum because of "Adult Material". What Dutch Delights have you been indulging in while I was away? :D I can access the forums for other lines, just not HAL. Strange, isn't it?

 

Roz

 

Well.... I don't believe there has been anything on this thread to warrant that. It kind of sounds like your browser filter (whatever your computer uses to block malicious or vulgar sites) is a little confused. :confused: I use McAfee (don't laugh) on one PC and Trend Micro on the other and neither is throwing up warnings or blocking. Are you using a work computer? Perhaps your company's web filter has picked up something and is blocking.

Edited June 10, 2016 by joepeka

[Roz]

Maybe it doesn't know if it's a boy or a girl! :D

[mef_57]

OK folks, it's gone from bad to hilarious. Today at lunch I logged in to get my Cruise Critic fix for the day, and lo and behold, I got blocked from the HAL forum because of "Adult Material". What Dutch Delights have you been indulging in while I was away? :D I can access the forums for other lines, just not HAL. Strange, isn't it?

 

Roz

I was reading a recent HAL thread about room photos. They discuss a site where folks can upload ship photos. It went well until I clicked on the promenade deck and as the casino seems to be on that floor, work blocked it for 'gambling'and now I can't view that site from work at all.

So, I guess it is off to the library for both of us, Roz

[Roz]

Mef, too funny. A few years back I was sent information about an environmental advocacy group that was protesting one of our projects. I was told to research the group and find out more about them before we reached out to them. They had a website, so I thought that would be a good place to start. I was denied access, so I contacted IT. Turns out one of the things they oppose is strip mining. "Strip" was the magic word. All I could picture was a bunch of coal miners pole dancing in the Upper Cumberland plateau of Tennessee. :D Having grown up in Pennsylvania, I've seen strip mining first hand, and I assure you it's an activity you want to do with all your clothes on.

 

Roz

[PJLoveToTravel]

Just a vent....the HAL website is so frustrating and hard to use. Half the time I can't access what I need, and end up having to go to the library to use their computers, and sometimes that doesn't work. When I just tried to do a search, I tried 2 different ways - Plan and Destinations - and both times I got the spinning "wheel of death". :(

 

Roz

I use Chrome. For me, it works great on HAL website.

 

If I get the "Wheel of Death" on other sites, I switch to Mozilla Firefox and problem is solved