HAL Cutbacks

[Krazy Kruizers]

Personally I would prefer that HAL raised it prices for cruises and kept the standards of food and service that they had become known for.

 

There is no point in paying less for a cruise and not enjoying it

 

We will not be sailing on HAL in the forseeable future - we cancelled our 2017 cruise after the disappointing food and MDR service that we received in April this year.

 

 

When we got home from our 21 day cruise, we also cancelled 2 cruises we had booked for 2017.

We did this same exact cruise in 2013 and pay way more the same cabin and got way less for our money.

[casper106]

And that's why there are cruise lines like Oceania or Azamara. They charge more but you get so much more for your dollar and better service.

 

Face it people. Mass marketing cruising is pretty much what it says.If you want those extra touches,then consider the difference between the so-called "premium" experiences on the mass markets versus Oceania etc. I doubt you will find much difference yet so much more will be included in the price. It's all about the bottom line and keeping the shareholders happy.

[Tarpeian Rock]

And that's why there are cruise lines like Oceania or Azamara. They charge more but you get so much more for your dollar and better service.

 

Face it people. Mass marketing cruising is pretty much what it says.If you want those extra touches,then consider the difference between the so-called "premium" experiences on the mass markets versus Oceania etc. I doubt you will find much difference yet so much more will be included in the price. It's all about the bottom line and keeping the shareholders happy.

 

 

You speak the truth, as our cruising experience indicates.

[rafinmd]

iceman93, I like the way you think, but I would express it with a Shakespeare corollary. "The things HAL changes we don't like are evil moneygrubbing cutbacks while the good things are just accepted without a second thought."

 

As a few specifics, I do miss "Love in any Language" but I doubt if HAL saved much money eliminating it and I don't miss having to drag myself to the showroom for a disembarkation talk that is 1 minute of useful information and 29 minutes of stuff I've heard a thousand times before. I missed the crew show on the Veendam, but enjoy it often being presented in the afternoon rather than losing half a night of sleep waiting for it. (I did ask the CD about it and he said there was just no time for it with our 4 days in Bermuda).

 

I'll even add one of my own. I was disappointed on the Veendam that there was no plain cheese or pepperoni pizza (to me a cutback) while many were pleased with the new pizza station.

 

We all make choices and Crystal remains my cruise line of choice. While some things may have fallen a bit on HAL it still remains my best choice for a great cruising experience at a reasonable price.

 

Roy

[janmcn]

FYI...just checked an old reservation for AK: Aug. 2008 Cat. D, Veendam, 7 Day RT Vancouver TOTAL= $2600

 

Check out today's for OV, on Volendam (closest to Veendam) Vancouver, 7 Day RT= from $1500/pp (usually that's even a lower category than Cat. D)

 

So, in 8 years...not much change in price for these AK cruises.

 

Voyage of the Vikings was a big diff between 2 different years. (Had to cancel one year, rebooked two years later...at almost 8k diff...but we had a much better cabin location, too.)

[sammiedawg]

And that's why there are cruise lines like Oceania or Azamara. They charge more but you get so much more for your dollar and better service.

 

Face it people. Mass marketing cruising is pretty much what it says.If you want those extra touches,then consider the difference between the so-called "premium" experiences on the mass markets versus Oceania etc. I doubt you will find much difference yet so much more will be included in the price. It's all about the bottom line and keeping the shareholders happy.

 

Ditto.

[frankc98376]

And, I have to disagree here. We would prefer Holland to implement upscale dining and lounges for Suites passengers just like Royal and Celebrity and Princess. You pay more, you should get more.

 

I agree. If i pay two times the price of a veranda for a suite I will be happy with the extra space. If I am paying 4 or 5 times the price I expect to get more than just a larger stateroom and a coffee machine in the NL ( that's really all we use the NL for).

 

We have no problem paying more to get more, but at some point it starts feeling like we are throwing away money.

[BruceMuzz]

I have to disagree here.

 

Entertainment has improved with BBKings and now duelling pianos and the Classical 5 piece group at Lincoln.

Entertainment is lightyears ahead of Celebrity.

 

Meat was of good quality on all our sailings this year, better than on Celebrity.

Menu choices and quality was on par with Celebrity of 3 years ago, and is now way better.

 

We refuse to travel on any ship that has a Class concept. We do not normally book a suite, simply because we do not need nor want the extra space. But we DO expect the same service, options and food as anyone on the ship ('except loyalty programmes). In our opinion, one pays extra for the living space if you choose a suite. Not to be in a different part of the ship.

So any introduction of a class concept on HAL will see us saying Sayonara. Just as we did with Celebrity. Normal life already has enough " class concepts" in most societies, we can be without that on our vacation, thank you.

 

I am sure we are not alone in this by the way.

 

Just out of idle curiosity, are you willing to travel on an airplane that has a class concept?

[summersigh]

Hehehee ... If you're feeling you may be a bit jaded on HAL cruising let me suggest a "Carnival Break"? :D

 

We took 2 - one for a great itinerary and the fact it sailed from PC rather than FFL - the other because the Sunshine was sailing from Charleston SC and we wanted to sail out of that harbor.

 

We're looking forward to our return to HAL this winter with great anticipation.:D To get the full appreciation for CCL attend a couple of hairy chest competitions, see and hear lots and lots of kids and enjoy many who feel dress up night involves shorts, t-shirts and ball caps. (CCL's dress code for gala night for men is rough anyway :rolleyes: it involves long pants and any shirt with a collar)

 

Then there's the food - if you love marinara sauce and chewy beef brisket and/or shortribs... you're gonna LOVE Carnival's new American Table menus.

 

If you're like us .,,,,,, You will come back with a whole new appreciation for HAL ;)

[sail7seas]

[quotgge]a look at a Grand World Voyage Segment. The service is a cut above the standard cruise. Price maybe 15% more per day....roughly

 

 

GThe 15% notwhatrr is relevant to this coverssation, IMO. At this stage of my life I do not want to do a Grand Voyage or World Cruise b ut I do expect all ythe comforts and amenities I haved comed to dexpect after sailing in thosde cabind more than 20 years.

[sail7seas]

a look at a Grand World Voyage Segment. The service is a cut above the standard cruise. Price maybe 15% more per day....roughly

 

 

The 15%is notwhat is relevant to this coversation, for all of us, IMO. At this stage of my life I do not want to do a Grand Voyage or World Cruise b ut I do expect all the comforts and amenities I have come to expect after sailing in those NScabins more than 20 years.

Edited June 20, 2016 by sail7seas

[RocketMan275]

I agree. If i pay two times the price of a veranda for a suite I will be happy with the extra space. If I am paying 4 or 5 times the price I expect to get more than just a larger stateroom and a coffee machine in the NL ( that's really all we use the NL for).

 

We have no problem paying more to get more, but at some point it starts feeling like we are throwing away money.

 

Well, isn't taking a cruise throwing money away?

[sapper1]

Well, isn't taking a cruise throwing money away?

 

Well I always have something to show for it----and it's all around my waistline. :):)

[kazu]

The 15%is notwhat is relevant to this coversation, for all of us, IMO. At this stage of my life I do not want to do a Grand Voyage or World Cruise b ut I do expect all the comforts and amenities I have come to expect after sailing in those NScabins more than 20 years.

 

As someone who has been on HAL for nearly 30 years, I have noticed a lot of changes - some of them are for the better. (Early access to room, staying in room on disembarkation day, all cabins get room service unlike some other lines, binoculars that were only in NS now in Signature suites, etc.). Sometimes we focus on the bad and forget some of the good things. ;). Not all changes are bad :)

Edited June 20, 2016 by kazu

[freestyling]

Have enjoyed taking 3 cruises a year for the last 3-4 yrs. Most are 14-21 days in length and have been 90% on HAL. We have noticed "changes" in. Lido and MDR. I like the fact that you don't serve yourself anymore. Salads are prepared for you and sandwiches are pre-made. Seems faster and healthier. In the MDR is is quite apparent that there are less people to service areas. I'm on vacation...just breathe deep and enjoy the conversations at your table. We try to remember we are very fortunate to be retired in our mid 50's and able to cruise.

I'm sure there are better cruise lines for food / entertainment. however for the $$ we truly enjoy the size of HAL's ships, the Crew and the itineraries offered. It is quite affordable (mainline). We would love to try a "upscale" line such as Seabourn or Oceania but we are still happy using HAL

[kevingastreich]

As someone who has been on HAL for nearly 30 years, I have noticed a lot of changes - some of them are for the better. (Early access to room, staying in room on disembarkation day, all cabins get room service unlike some other lines, binoculars that were only in NS now in Signature suites, etc.). Sometimes we focus on the bad and forget some of the good things. ;). Not all changes are bad :)

 

You're right! Plus, I think we have to remember that fuel prices play a part in what HAL can offer at certain times. When fuel prices are high, they cut back on things to make it up. Better than instituting the dreaded "fuel surcharge". Right now fuel prices are rising again. (Have you ever had to buy gas in Alaska or Hawaii?) :eek:

[sail7seas]

Well, isn't taking a cruise throwing money away?

In a word, NO. it is not. IMO Edited June 20, 2016 by sail7seas

[qsuzi]

We were on the cruise before yours -- 21 days. Only 1 suite lunch.

Only a handful of us were invited to the Special Officers reception -- there were very few officers and they did not mingle. No captain there.

No VIP parties or as advertised -- no real cocktail party with the officers.

Nothing special for PS and NS passengers. And we have done this cruise 4 other times and had lots of parties.

 

This post really hit home for me. HAL (and other cruise lines) should honor those who are loyal and have spend many many years and their hard earned money cruising with a specific cruise line.

[OlsSalt]

....... It's all about the bottom line and keeping the shareholders happy.

 

I will add if you don't keep paying passengers happy you won't keep the shareholders happy. Like all businesses, they have multiple and often contradictory factors to weigh. Face it, their only true goal is to fill cabins. It matters not to the bottom line if they fill cabins with returning passengers or new passengers.

 

Sound business knows a healthy mix is best and satisfied former passengers are free advertising. But considering the discounts and perks returning passengers start accumulating, be honest maybe too many returning discounted passengers are not necessarily a good thing.

 

I am personally of the school who does not think HAL is in the business to punish its passengers with poor service and poor quality, but like all businesses HAL is required to recognize and respond to fluctuating economic realities. Including far more competition for skilled labor coming out of the SEA economic zones. But once they stop filling their cabins with either new or returning passengers, they will of course be challenged to respond with a different cruise package.

 

So those who are unhappy should look elsewhere. That is what the animal spirits of capitalism are all about. No one should pay to be unhappy. As a point of irony we were unhappy with Crystal because it had too much service, which we felt was intrusive and cloying. HAL offered our own cruise basics (hotel services and transportation) for the better price and we found our own comfortable cruise home.

 

Actually the more bare bones HAL gets for the same prices, the happier we will be because we cruise primarily for destinations and a place to sleep and eat without unpacking every night and not for ship board fuss.

 

HAL remains good value with a wonderful choices of ships and outstanding high-value itineraries for us. That is where our focus is. Agree, there are a lot of more full-service cruise lines to consider and life is short. Go for it.

Edited June 20, 2016 by OlsSalt

[OlsSalt]

I need to add to my prior post - it is not just a place to eat and sleep that are our cruise basics, it is the atmosphere of courtesy and professionalism the HAL crew and staff continue to generate that keeps us loyal. It is not so much what they do, but how they do what they do that still counts for us.

 

So getting just a bed and a meal but having a sullen or surly staff would not cut it for us either. But changes in the smaller things like fresh orange juice or a Chocolate Buffet or even prolonged chit-chat with the waiters are not deal breakers. But loss of the daily staff courtesies in the hallways and entry gangways would be a sad loss indeed. Those remain HAL's winning margin of excellence for us.

[chengkp75]

Since there are only so many cabins on any one ship dedicated to crew and staff, as well as supporting activity staff like the shops, classes, spa, casino etc, it would be fascinating to see how those non-passenger cabins get allocated between the numbers of the dining/cabin crew and the ...... "others".

 

Any of the HAL insiders know the crew cabin allocation ratio numbers?

 

Not quite clear what you are looking for here? The "supporting activity staff" will only be as large as necessary, so they will only need as many cabins as necessary. Cabin assignments (quad, double, various sized singles, have even seen some 6 person) are based on "rank" or job position, regardless of what department you work in.

 

Down (and up; there are crew cabins on the higher decks) in crew cabin country, cabins are serviced once a day (morning or evening, no turn-down service ;)) by junior HK staff, either assigned exclusively to those cabin sections, and/or as part of their pax cabin responsibility (asst. stewards). Don't have the ratio for ya, sorry

 

And at least with NCL, cabin service is restricted to 2-1/2 or 3 stripe officers and above.

[sail7seas]

Not quite clear what you are looking for here? The "supporting activity staff" will only be as large as necessary, so they will only need as many cabins as necessary. Cabin assignments (quad, double, various sized singles, have even seen some 6 person) are based on "rank" or job position, regardless of what department you work in.

 

 

 

And at least with NCL, cabin service is restricted to 2-1/2 or 3 stripe officers and above.

 

 

IYO, of course, many of us have different opinion.

 

 

I sailed in penthouse last summer on NCL and was pleasantly surprised at their suite experiencee. It exceedrd my expectations and compared favorably to HAL's.

[sail7seas]

I will add if you don't keep paying passengers happy you won't keep the shareholders happy. Like all businesses, they have multiple and often contradictory factors to weigh. Face it, their only true goal is to fill cabins. It matters not to the bottom line if they fill cabins with returning passengers or new passengers.

 

Sound business knows a healthy mix is best and satisfied former passengers are free advertising. But considering the discounts and perks returning passengers start accumulating, be honest maybe too many returning discounted passengers are not necessarily a good thing.

 

I am personally of the school who does not think HAL is in the business to punish its passengers with poor service and poor quality, but like all businesses HAL is required to recognize and respond to fluctuating economic realities. Including far more competition for skilled labor coming out of the SEA economic zones. But once they stop filling their cabins with either new or returning passengers, they will of course be challenged to respond with a different cruise package.

 

So those who are unhappy should look elsewhere. That is what the animal spirits of capitalism are all about. No one should pay to be unhappy. As a point of irony we were unhappy with Crystal because it had too much service, which

[Viesczy]

Every business makes adjustments so that it can continue operating and turning a profit (which is what HAL, a for profit company).

 

Have things changed? Yes.

 

Are the better? Worse? Matter of perception.

 

What makes me chuckle is the folks lamenting that officers aren't as readily available or at events.

 

C'mon, they are glorified bus drivers and hotel managers, let's quit acting like they're down from the heavens. Just because they're in a spiffy uniform doesn't mean anything, they're driving a bus (at sea) and managing a hotel (making sure the toilets flush).

[2old4this]

This post really hit home for me. HAL (and other cruise lines) should honor those who are loyal and have spend many many years and their hard earned money cruising with a specific cruise line.

 

I've used HAL numerous times and I have yet to be disappointed with the delivery of promised perks and services. I will be gravely hurt if my cruise with HAL in December has anything missing which I have paid for or missing from the little perks that come with my 3-star rating. Promises made must be promises kept - or switch cruise lines (and complain to high Heaven).