25 year old couple on HAL

[fatcat04]

We've been cruising on HAL with and without kids for 7 years now. We are now in our 40's. Love it. Great people great service. At night, people gamble, watch the great shows, go to the piano bar, etc. It's a lot of fun. It isn't Carnival party time, but people still having fun.

I don't think it would disappoint you.

 

We too are in our 40's and cruise plus kid, now teen. We generally close out the piano bar, grab a drink or two, head to the late night buffet, maybe the casino on smoke free nights and then hopefully find our way home :p We are not disco folks as dancing for us is at best unsightly and at worst a public health hazard. We have never been bored on HAL but 2 am is late for us and we are generally up by 7am for a brisk walk and cup of joe.

 

We ourselves are doing 2 -7days b2b. Our 9 day a few years ago was the liveliest cruise on HAL we have had with the youngest crowd. Great cruise!

[Cruiz'nBaers]

We have cruised the Caribbean with HAL numerous times for 7 to 11 days and just returned from a 10 cruise to New England and Canada, and had a great time on each cruise. We are 65 and 62. We are ready to try a different line because we are ready for a more mixed age group. HAL is definitely an older age group line. You won't find a lot of activity after 10PM and may be disappointed. JMHO. That being said, HAL does have very nice itineraries.

[Hlitner]

We too are in our 40's and cruise plus kid, now teen. We generally close out the piano bar, grab a drink or two, head to the late night buffet, maybe the casino on smoke free nights and then hopefully find our way home :p We are not disco folks as dancing for us is at best unsightly and at worst a public health hazard. We have never been bored on HAL but 2 am is late for us and we are generally up by 7am for a brisk walk and cup of joe.

 

We ourselves are doing 2 -7days b2b. Our 9 day a few years ago was the liveliest cruise on HAL we have had with the youngest crowd. Great cruise!

 

The problem is that if you close out the piano bar (usually 11:30 - 12) there is no buffet! HAL has very limited offerings late at night. In fact, on the Prinsendam this spring the Lido was not even open after 8pm. At about 10:30 or they would send a couple of trays of food to the Crows Nest and Ocean Bar. One tray was always cold sliders! The other varied but was usually some kind of mini sandwich. Other then that, the only option was room service. The casino will usually have a few folks until at least midnight.

 

Hank

[Yellow Lab's Rule]

One plus is no chair hog's by the pool, however getting a good seat at the shows in the theater that's another story. People start grabbing seats an hour before. I'm 43 and have been cruising HAL since my late 20s. I like the crowed because it's more relaxing. I tend to believe a 14 day cruise earlier in the year won't have many people your age, but I would't let that stope you. Personally, I don't look to others to entertain me or make my cruise.

[fatcat04]

The problem is that if you close out the piano bar (usually 11:30 - 12) there is no buffet! HAL has very limited offerings late at night. In fact, on the Prinsendam this spring the Lido was not even open after 8pm. At about 10:30 or they would send a couple of trays of food to the Crows Nest and Ocean Bar. One tray was always cold sliders! The other varied but was usually some kind of mini sandwich. Other then that, the only option was room service. The casino will usually have a few folks until at least midnight.

 

Hank

 

Wow. That is sad. Last few cruises we have headed to the lido a couple nights at about 11:30 and there were a few folks there. Well, we will have to adjust to go earlier then. We generally try to get a peak at the "cuisine of the night" for late night and decide as some are better than others.

Edited September 21, 2016 by fatcat04

[kazu]

I started cruising when I was on in my 30's.

 

All kinds of lines including HAL. It was HAL that stuck out in my mind.

 

I did a TA on NCL and saw so many people with nurses, wheelchairs and oxygen that I swore we would travel while we were able to enjoy it. HAL is not the only line with older passengers.

 

What I have found on HAL is that many people are "young at heart" and interesting to talk to.

 

It depends upon what the OP wants. If they just want to party, then HAL is not the ship for them. If they want to enjoy some night life, HAL does offer some. We are not usually in bed by 10 pm on board unless we have a VERY early excursion and then we try to get there by 10:30 and we are in our 60's.

 

Neither of us look it (or so we have been told) but we are what we are and make no apologies. We can dance the night away, walk away on tours, whatever. Have fun keeping up :)

 

I am trying to say that not everyone really goes to bed at 10 on HAL. On port intensive cruises in the Med, probably a lot do go early, but on our 33 day cruise, I saw lots of people in the casino, BBKIngs, the shows, the shops, everywhere.

 

Contrary to popular opinion, HAL does not roll up the carpet at 10 pm.

 

And, for those that worry and haven't eaten in a few hours, room service is available 24/7 ;)

[Rinderoo]

I was age 50 for my first HAL, which was a Spring Break cruise.

We were among the younger ones on board with our teens

Where I had an issue was with entertainment as it was not to my taste; I tend to listen to the same things as my kids do (AltRock.) I thought I was going to jump overboard when the HALCats started playing "Muskrat Love."

 

On another Eurodam cruise, Spring Break again, but I like the itinerary. Kids are in college and going with us. Still not expecting much for entertainment but since we like finer dining when traveling and food was great, I expect we will be fine. However there is a large "Inspiration" group on this cruise so I don't think we'll have problems with wait times at bars.

 

At age 25, you might be more comfortable on a more contemporary line such as NCL or even the Carnival Vista.

[Lovely other]

Definitely,in my opinion,you are way too young for a 14 day cruise whether it be on HAL or other mass market cruises. A 7 day cruise is more suitable. IMO

 

Not sure why you wouldn't try going to a resort somewhere that captures your interests.

 

I'm confused as to why a 25 year old is too young for a 14 day cruise ???

[Cruiser Bruiser]

I'm confused as to why a 25 year old is too young for a 14 day cruise ???

Amen. I wish I thought about cruising when I was 25.

 

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[ETinCA]

We had always taken 3-7 day cruises until HAL. We booked a 14 nighter and thought, oh man how will we survive. At 14 we didn't want to leave. We've since done a 17, 12, and last year a 22 nighter. Amazing time the longer it goes.

[AnnieBelle]

We enjoy the BB King show and the last show, 10:30/10:45, was always packed on my spring Caribbean cruise. A wide variety of ages and sometimes it was standing room only. That being said, 14 nights might be looking for other things to do. Good luck with your choice!

[Hlitner]

I'm confused as to why a 25 year old is too young for a 14 day cruise ???

 

We will jump in since we agree with the comment. The issue is not being too young (a 25 year old with the money time could even take a World Cruise) but its a matter of finding a cruise with other young adults. The longer the cruise, the older the passengers. And when you toss HAL into the mix...passengers are even older. So a 25 year old can certainly book a 14 day HAL cruise...but they may find they have few contemporaries on that cruise. Do the 14 day Celebrity Eclipse cruise (a true 14 day Caribbean cruise) and there will be a few more folks under 30....but still not many.

 

Hank

[AtlantaCruiser72]

To the Original Poster - while the 14 day from Tampa does have a great Itinerary I agree with the others that you will find few passengers below retirement age on such a trip with HAL (or any line for that matter). I did a 15nt to Hawaii about 5 years ago on Celebrity and was among the youngest on board, but I did meet a small group of people in my age group and it remains of of my favorite cruises.

 

If you are concerned there won't be enough 20-30 somethings or evening activity maybe look at the Konigsdam 14 day back to back on January 8th from FLL perhaps. Two shorter cruises, and on HAL's newest ship, may attract a younger demographic and the Konigsdam may have more late night activity. If the Konigsdam is too pricey maybe look at the Eurodam January 14th 14 day back to back cruise as well. My sisters went on the Eurodam with me when they were still in their late 20s and I was in my mid 30's and we had an absolute blast!

 

All that said - the Oosterdam is a lovely ship, and has had some recent updates, that in my opinion made her better - BB Kings Blues Club, Billboard Onboard dueling pianos and the conversion of the under used disco into a lovely craft cocktail lounge. HAL has some of the best service I've experienced on a mainstream cruise line, and the ship never feels crowded like so many others can. If you decide to do the 14 night cruise on her go into it knowing that there will be "some" activity after 11, but it will be concentrated around a small number of venues, and while you may be on the younger end there are certainly many 40-60 somethings that enjoy meeting and socializing with a wide variety of age groups and don't go to bed at 9 like so many here imply.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

I'm confused as to why a 25 year old is too young for a 14 day cruise ???

 

I have been doing longer cruises (10-15 nights) since in my late 20's and have never felt out of place based on my age. If they have the time, disposable income and desire to travel why shouldn't they do a 14nt cruise!!!!!!! :D

[sapper1]

We love sailing on HAL enough to have reached five star status. In fact, we have no intention of even trying another line. That said, if we were in our mid twenties we would not consider a HAL cruise. Period. We would definitely want something more lively.

[iancal]

HAL is a good cruise line. We are in our early sixties.

 

But....if we were in our mid twenties and hoping for some nightlife after 10 PM experience tells us that we would not consider HAL. Most especially on a 14 day cruise in mid January. It is not a match for your preferences and expectations.

 

Others may try to sell you on HAL simply because of their loyalty to the line. In doing so not really respond directly to your question. If you are out late sociializing with other couples and decide as a group to get something to eat your only option will be probably be room service. Room service on HAL is excellent but that is not the point. Heck, In our experience The staff on HAL start closing die the Lido at 7:45pm! That should give you an indication of how active they expect the ship to be.

Edited September 22, 2016 by iancal

[RoyalVisit]

Am I the only one who actually is happy about what I've been reading in this thread? I'm 38 and HAL sounds exactly what I want! :) Nightlife isn't important and I don't drink so a quiet peaceful ship with lots of passengers with bountiful wisdom and experience is perfect! :)

 

I'll just imagine myself on a cruise with the Golden Girls, Grumpy Old Men (Matthau and Lemmon) and maybe Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets. :):D Just teasing! no offense meant!

[Cruiser Bruiser]

Am I the only one who actually is happy about what I've been reading in this thread? I'm 38 and HAL sounds exactly what I want! :) Nightlife isn't important and I don't drink so a quiet peaceful ship with lots of passengers with bountiful wisdom and experience is perfect! :)

 

I'll just imagine myself on a cruise with the Golden Girls, Grumpy Old Men (Matthau and Lemmon) and maybe Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets. :):D Just teasing! no offense meant!

 

You make a valid point. For an introspective and/or self-sufficient young couple, or for someone like yourself who truly appreciates HAL's distinctive vibe, one could endorse the itinerary that the OP is considering without hesitation and give her a hearty "go for it." But since the OP already has concerns, and she is expressing an interest in night life, it seems like other lines like NCL or Carnival or RCI might offer more of that.

 

I'm what's now being described as an extroverted introvert. And at the ripe old age of 48 (turning 49 in a couple weeks :eek:), I've finally learned that I like to be up no later than 7:00 and that my body will start to betray me if I try and stay awake much past 11:00. And that's why HAL is becoming a better and better fit for me. Sit down breakfast; day by the pool or on an excursion; late afternoon trip to the gym; a cocktail and violins; a leisurely dinner; a show. And then I'm exhausted. :o

 

I wish the OP would come back and let us know what she decided. Hint, hint.

[garon&arlene]

On our Panama Canal cruise in December there seemed to be night life after 11:00 pm at least on the Eurodam. They played dance music after the BB King show in the Queens lounge as the Eurodam has no night club. I stayed there several times during the cruise and danced and I am in my sixties.

[Lovely other]

I've never had any problems finding people to hang out with late at night ... You tend to find the night owls find each other . We rarely get back to our room before midnight and on our first Koningsdam cruise we were regularly out till 2a.m and later ...

 

Is 14 nights not a common vacation length for younger working people in the US ? I know here in the UK it's pretty standard and we often try and get away for as long as possible ...

[VennDiagram]

Hi,

 

My boyfriend and I are thinking of the Holland America 14 night southern Caribbean cruise from Jan 13-27. I love the drink package that was included and ports of call, but I am nervous. I have been reading all sorts of reviews that says HAL is only for older cruisers. My boyfriend and I definitely want to be after to have activities and bar nightlife after 10PM. I can deal with the older average age of the crowd if at least there are some people our age and the "bars" would still be lively after 10PM. Can someone please tell me if there will be others our age or at least a bar scene that doesn't end at 10PM. I really need advice! Thanks!

 

Define "lively" :D Our experience has been that usually things get pretty quiet after 10 pm. There will be some people in some venues, but it usually isn't a party. I have sailed on HAL since I was quite young but never for the nightlife. Going on Princess was an eye-opener for me. I had no idea that cruisers could party like they do on Princess :D

 

BUT that is a great itinerary. Personally I'd not let the older crowd, and what will very likely be quiet nightlife put me off. But then, I'm not 25 (darn ;) ) so it may be that for you, doing that itinerary should wait until nightlife becomes less of a factor.

 

 

.....

 

It depends upon what the OP wants. If they just want to party, then HAL is not the ship for them. If they want to enjoy some night life, HAL does offer some. We are not usually in bed by 10 pm on board unless we have a VERY early excursion and then we try to get there by 10:30 and we are in our 60's.

...

 

 

Emphasis on the "some". My experience has been that there is a huge difference between what someone who is 25 wants as nightlife vs what someone who is 60+ wants. :rolleyes:

[fatcat04]

Is 14 nights not a common vacation length for younger working people in the US ? I know here in the UK it's pretty standard and we often try and get away for as long as possible ...

 

I guess YMMV but not really from what I have seen. A week at a time max due to work seems the norm for most of my working friends and maybe a long weekend here or there. It took me a few years with my old employer to work up to 2 weeks paid vacation a year. We have to plan months in advance to take 2 weeks off in a row and my husband's job is much more lenient than mine ever was. We have several friends with family overseas and they plan out months or even a year in advance as they stay 2 weeks + generally but maybe only go every 3 or 4 years. Hence why all we cruise ship addicts look forwards to retirement so much!! :D

[RoyalVisit]

You make a valid point. For an introspective and/or self-sufficient young couple, or for someone like yourself who truly appreciates HAL's distinctive vibe, one could endorse the itinerary that the OP is considering without hesitation and give her a hearty "go for it." But since the OP already has concerns, and she is expressing an interest in night life, it seems like other lines like NCL or Carnival or RCI might offer more of that.

 

I'm what's now being described as an extroverted introvert. And at the ripe old age of 48 (turning 49 in a couple weeks :eek:), I've finally learned that I like to be up no later than 7:00 and that my body will start to betray me if I try and stay awake much past 11:00. And that's why HAL is becoming a better and better fit for me. Sit down breakfast; day by the pool or on an excursion; late afternoon trip to the gym; a cocktail and violins; a leisurely dinner; a show. And then I'm exhausted. :o

 

I wish the OP would come back and let us know what she decided. Hint, hint.

 

It really does come down to personal preferences. We have been on several lines and each offers a different experience. The ages were a good mix on RCL, Celebrity and Carnival but Carnival was just not for us (twice was enough). It offered good value as far as price goes but we found the loud atmosphere just wasn't for us. We spent most of the time on our balcony because we found the activities were either silly or something that we have seen over and over again. I haven't been on any of the really big ships yet but I suspect the late night entertainment would be more broad and offer something for everyone.

[Hlitner]

On our Panama Canal cruise in December there seemed to be night life after 11:00 pm at least on the Eurodam. They played dance music after the BB King show in the Queens lounge as the Eurodam has no night club. I stayed there several times during the cruise and danced and I am in my sixties.

 

Now you raise another topic....the kind of dance music you get on HAL :). In most cases the music comes from an era before I was born.....and I am a senior. The music preferred by most younger cruisers (and even some of us seniors) is often not heard on HAL. We would like to hear more "Queen" in the Queens Lounge....and a little less Glenn Miller. Had a lot of fun with the Piano Bar player on the Zuiderdam....when he offered to play "anything" for us. I could not resist asking for "Bohemian Rhapsody" which, of course, he could not handle (tough to do without at least 4 voices). But he had no problem doing Elvis (60s), Beatles (60s), Sinatra (stone age), etc.

 

As to HAL, if they want to attract more young adult cruisers they need to make some serious changes in the music selections. The BB King group was a terrific addition to HAL and a real breath of fresh air on this ancient thinking line. But the down side is that even the BB King groups are done before 11pm. And we have yet to cruise on a HAL ship that has a late night (11:30 or later) Adult Comedy show. When we are on ships with late night comedy shows they are often standing room only! Many people will stay up (and spend money in the bars) when given a good reason.

 

On our recent Zuiderdam cruise (24 days) DW and I would generally eat dinner around 8-8:30. Before dinner, we would go out for cocktails and some entertainment...when it existed. Our choice around 7 was the classical music duo (violin/piano) and sometimes (but not every night) the ship's band playing dance music (mostly from before the 60s)...with no vocals. The quality of entertainment was very good....but the selection categorized as "early nursing home."

 

Hank

Edited September 22, 2016 by Hlitner

[deedee1234deedee12345]

We are moving forward with the cruise! We are definitely open to new experiences, meeting new people of all ages, and are looking forward to time away from home/work/etc. While we do like to go out, we are looking forward to having a relaxing time on the cruise as well. After all your comments, I feel that my boyfriend and I will have a great time on the cruise! While I was a tad nervous about the nightlife scene, it makes us feel a lot better that not everyone leaves at 10PM and there could even be crew at the bar to stay up with. You guys make a great point about early excursions, as I have several planned, and my boyfriends loves the casino so I'm sure he will have a great time there. So if you see a couple of 25 year olds (as there might not be many) on the cruise from Jan 13-27 on the OOsterdam, please say hello!