onboard loudspeaker announcements? Need quiet ship recommendations, please!

[we-love-montana]

Hi, I am a first-time cruiser wannabe - planning a summer 2017 trip with my adult daughter because I haven't been able to convince my husband to go with me! I've gleaned a lot of info from this forum and really appreciate it, but I have a question that I haven't seen addressed here and would love some help.

 

I'd pretty much narrowed our itinerary to a Vancouver round-trip on either HAL or Princess. We want to visit the Glacier Bay area as well as another glacial area (preferably Tracy Arm) AND also cruise the inside passage. We are outdoors-people, campers and backpackers who like photography, flora and fauna, and have NO interest in nightlife or shopping. But we also don't want to spent the money on a small-ship "wildlife" cruise. The HAL line seemed attractive for a lot of reasons... until I read a review of HAL Zaandam that went like this:

 

<<"I found constant reminders that Holland America relies on income from profit centers onboard its ships like jarring loudspeaker announcements of activities: art auctions, bingo, casino contests, spa services, sales in shops and shore excursions. Gone are the days of ... announcements for navigational purposes only. The quiet, up-market ambience has been shattered.">>

 

We need a ship that's going to have a reasonable level of quiet in the cabin area. My daughter has mild sensory issues and gets stressed when there is noise that she feels is jarring or repetitive. Obviously, for this to be a "vacation" rather than a "trial," a certain level of quiet is important.

 

Can anyone tell me more about what this reviewer is mentioning? Are these kinds of announcements in the cabin -- or only in the public areas? If so, can the cabin speakers be turned off? Would Princess be different from HAL in this respect?

 

Any feedback would help me, since I want to make our reservations in the next few days!

[LHT28]

Only emergency announcement are piped into the cabin usually

 

Look at Oceania Regatta smaller ship & limited announcements

The prices include airfare but you can do cruise only for a bit less

[Budget Queen]

 

 

 

We need a ship that's going to have a reasonable level of quiet in the cabin area. My daughter has mild sensory issues and gets stressed when there is noise that she feels is jarring or repetitive. Obviously, for this to be a "vacation" rather than a "trial," a certain level of quiet is important.

 

 

When in the cabin it would be considered "quiet". BUT, frankly a cruise ship with 2000 passengers is going to be noisy. I've been on the Zaandam and it's not going to be any different from other large cruise ships potential.

 

Noise is subjective, but I would never claim a cruise ship is going to be "quiet". You may want to consider a small ship with 100 or so passengers.

[xlxo]

Only emergency announcement are piped into the cabin usually

Agreed... the only announcement was the embarkation instructions for the mustard drill.

 

I actually wish the other ship information was injected into the cabin..... I need to open the hallway door to hear the info and announcements clearly.

 

For those staying in their cabins for glacial viewing..... I think you can hear the details if you turn on the TV station. Can someone confirm? It's been 4 yrs since I did glacier bay with HAL.

[LHT28]

For those staying in their cabins for glacial viewing..... I think you can hear the details if you turn on the TV station. Can someone confirm? It's been 4 yrs since I did glacier bay with HAL.

usually there is a channel on the tv where when announcements are made it is transmitted on that channel

usually noted in the ships newsletter or on the tv info page

[rgruenhaus]

Agreed... the only announcement was the embarkation instructions for the mustard drill.

 

I actually wish the other ship information was injected into the cabin..... I need to open the hallway door to hear the info and announcements clearly.

 

For those staying in their cabins for glacial viewing..... I think you can hear the details if you turn on the TV station. Can someone confirm? It's been 4 yrs since I did glacier bay with HAL.

Is the mustard that hard that they need a drill? LOL or are you talking about a MUSTER?

 

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[sanger727]

Agree that typically the announcements are not made in cabin, but across public areas. So I assume that's what they were referring to. Celebrity is supppsed to be better about that than other lines, but I imagine that HAL is similar, think they get similar clientele.

 

 

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[ducklite]

I would definitely avoid any of the large mass market ships. The very act of stuffing 2000 to 6000 people in a tin can means an ongoing din.

 

I really hate in cabin announcements other than the call to muster and an announcement letting us know the ship has been cleared in any given port. We look at Alaska now and then, and as of right now would probably choose Regent, National Geographic, or Seabourn. Small ships, no never ending pitches to Bingo, art auctions, or belly flop contests, and a lot less children.

 

 

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[we-love-montana]

Thanks for all of the responses... It sounds like the loudspeaker announcements are mostly in the hall, then, from most of your comments. That's helpful.

 

Agreed... it will be noisy, no question. But there is a difference between a general background noisiness of a ship with a lot of people and a loud-speaker type of interruption that you can't get away from.

 

If the cabin itself can be relied on to be a place that is "away from the din" even if not really "quiet" then I think we'll be OK. A smaller ship would be wonderful, but I looked at prices and thought it would be too much $. But LHT28 said:

 

<<"Look at Oceania Regatta smaller ship & limited announcements

The prices include airfare but you can do cruise only for a bit less.">>

 

I'm trying to figure this out. When I looked at that ship, I didn't see any indication of air fare included. Air fare from WHERE? I'm in the midwest.

 

I have read statements that with the smaller ships, excursions are included. If that is the case, it might make the difference we need to be able to do a smaller ship. But I don't see any of that listed either. Also, the Regatta does not go to Glacier Bay, our top destination. If anyone has a suggestion for a smaller ship that sails the last week of July/first week of August and might include some excursions in the cost, please fill me in!

[Cruise_More_Often]

You will be fine on HAL. We never hear announcements in our cabins except the one calling you to muster drill. Until we found the TV channel that carries the announcements, we couldn't even hear the captain's daily briefings unless we opened our cabin door.

[ducklite]

On Royal Caribbean there was no way to turn off the incessant 6-8 per day announcements in our cabin.

 

 

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[LHT28]

<<"Look at Oceania Regatta smaller ship & limited announcements

The prices include airfare but you can do cruise only for a bit less.">>

 

I'm trying to figure this out. When I looked at that ship, I didn't see any indication of air fare included. Air fare from WHERE? I'm in the midwest.

 

The air is included for most major airports in the USA & Canada

The cabins are smaller 165sq ft unless you get a PH but the ship is smaller & under 700 pax

as I understand it only certain cruise lines get the permit for Glacier bay usually HAL or Princess

 

On the Oceania website under the cruise they offer

Special offer includes: Bonus Savings, Airfare & Unlimited Internet plus choose one of the below

FREE - 4 Shore Excursions

FREE - Beverage Package

FREE -$400 Shipboard Credit

Amenities are per stateroom

 

of course deal is subject to change but they usually offer the included air or you can opt out if you can find better flights & pricing

 

I have only seen some luxury lines offering included excursions

I would do some research on the line that go to the spots you are interested in then choose based on what works for you

[Coral]

I am not sure how old the adult daughter is but I am guessing a 20 something will be bored on a lot of the luxury lines. They have less activities. The ships are smaller and don't have a lot of the options that the larger ships have. As someone in their 40's, I personally would love the smaller, luxurious lines.

 

I have not heard excessive announcements on HAL, Celebrity or Princess. I think Carnival and RCCL are the worst on this. Haven't sailed NCL to know. I found Princess and HAL similar in announcements.

Edited January 1, 2017 by Coral

[ducklite]

I am not sure how old the adult daughter is but I am guessing a 20 something will be bored on a lot of the luxury lines. They have less activities. The ships are smaller and don't have a lot of the options that the larger ships have. As someone in their 40's, I personally would love the smaller, luxurious lines.

 

I have not heard excessive announcements on HAL, Celebrity or Princess. I think Carnival and RCCL are the worst on this. Haven't sailed NCL to know. I found Princess and HAL similar in announcements.

 

 

 

If the cruise is about the destination with long days in port or watching the scenery and wildlife, onboard activities might not be missed.

 

 

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[Glaciers]

You could consider the small ship cruises like Alaska Dream Cruises, Lindblad or UnCruise. UnCruise has kayaks on board and skiffs. They are exceptional for Alaska and they overnight in Glacier Bay. On our Alaska trip with UnCruise several years ago there were only 24 passengers.

 

We were on Oceania’s Regatta last summer to Alaska. The food was terrific although the ship is a poor choice for Alaska. The only forward unobstructed viewing is in a small area reserved for concierge passengers and could only accommodate about 8 people at a time.

[Coral]

If the cruise is about the destination with long days in port or watching the scenery and wildlife, onboard activities might not be missed.

 

 

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I would agree with this.

 

I would then recommend Uncruise or Lindland.

[we-love-montana]

Thank you, "Cruise More Often" for the reassurance. That is very helpful!

 

Wow, if airfare and 4 excursions are really included with Oceania, this makes the Regatta trip just as affordable, and the smaller ship would be wonderful. Now for the tradeoff, since they don't actually go to Glacier Bay.

 

Coral, my daughter is 31, (single) and is very seldom bored - except in social 'nightlife' situations! So a luxury ship that is quieter with less to do would appeal to both of us... unless "luxury" means that we'd be out of place if we weren't wearing designer clothes!

 

The UnCruise sounds fascinating - Kayaks on board? Wow - perfect! And I'm guessing one of these small ship cruises wouldn't be requiring a formal night for dinner! That part has both of us a little uneasy! Thanks for the suggestions - I'll be looking more into these smaller ships asap!

[thinfool]

Zaandam capacity is a little more than 1400. Not a large ship at all.

[ducklite]

Zaandam capacity is a little more than 1400. Not a large ship at all.

 

 

 

That is a HUGE ship. The last two I've been in were 300 and 350.

 

 

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[Coral]

That is a HUGE ship. The last two I've been in were 300 and 350.

 

 

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Everything is relative. Zaandam is definitely small compared to most cruise ships out there.

[Coral]

 

The UnCruise sounds fascinating - Kayaks on board? Wow - perfect! And I'm guessing one of these small ship cruises wouldn't be requiring a formal night for dinner! That part has both of us a little uneasy! Thanks for the suggestions - I'll be looking more into these smaller ships asap!

 

If you are really into nature and experiencing Alaska - I would look into this and I would guess that there is no formal nights on this line.

 

Here is a great review with pictures:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2234240&highlight=un-cruise

 

This would be my dream trip. You can kayak to Marjorie Glacier in Glacier Bay!

 

----

Don't worry about formal night on most lines. There are ways around it - go to a speciality restaurant, eat at a buffet, etc.. And in Alaska, most people really don't dress "formal". They will just wear something nicer than jeans and a sweater. It seems "dumbed down" quite a bit in Alaska. I would not base a decision based on formal nights.

Edited January 2, 2017 by Coral

[GradUT]

And I'm guessing one of these small ship cruises wouldn't be requiring a formal night for dinner! That part has both of us a little uneasy!

 

You have nothing to worry about "a formal night for dinner" on a HAL cruise to Alaska.

 

We have cruised on HAL several times and will be going with them to Alaska in May. HAL no longer has "Formal Nights" preferring to call it "Gala Night" with a more relaxed dress code than in the past. In fact, you can see on the HAL website that on Gala Nights, men are only required to wear slacks and a collared shirt (no coat and tie) and ladies may wear dresses, skirts or slacks. The only taboo clothing is shorts and jeans. (Shorts are never allowed in the MDR but jeans are allowed on every night other than Gala Night.)

 

So as long as you don't mind wearing something other than jeans, you will be welcome in the MDR on Gala Night. And from what I have read, dress on the Alaska cruises tends to be more casual anyway.

[LHT28]

 

Wow, if airfare and 4 excursions are really included with Oceania, this makes the Regatta trip just as affordable, and the smaller ship would be wonderful. Now for the tradeoff, since they don't actually go to Glacier Bay.

 

yes it is a trade off smaller ship, good food etc..

No formal nights ever on Oceania specialty restaurants included as well as all non alcoholic beverages

If you shop around you might find a TA that will include the gratuities as well ;)

Go over to the Oceania forum is you have any questions on the cruises & line http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=51

 

You have lots to think about

 

enjoy whatever cruise you choose

 

Lyn

[frankc98376]

HAL has only one or two general announcements during the day that broadcast in the stateroom hallways. One at noon from the Captain and CD, and arrival announcements in port or evening activities. The only announcements that you will hear through the speakers in your stateroom are emergency announcements.

 

Believe me that when a fire alarm is triggered at 4am there is no way that you will miss the announcement in your cabin :D.

 

I've never heard a drink special or a shop sale announced on HAL. Back in the early 80's HAL had a CD that used to say on the first night "We don't make announcements- you are on the ship to hear the see- not me talking. Everyone gets a daily program"

[LeftcoastBC]

Here's a nod to Celebrity's Infinity return out of Vancouver. Hardly any announcements across the line and even fewer that make the cabins.