Spring break on Eurodam

[collegecruiser11]

We are a group of college students taking the Eurodam east Caribbean during spring break. We booked it due to dates, budget (and inadequate research on HAL's targeted age groups..) Most of us are first-time cruisers and none has been on HAL. So here are some questions:

 

1. Is the entertainment as bad as some reviews suggest? Is there any fun activity for younger crowds during the day?

2. We know the ship is probably quiet after 11pm but is there anywhere that's open? None of us likes hard party scene but some social activities would be nice. Would any bar/casino be open?

3. Since we are a big group we'll probably have night parties in our staterooms. How is the soundproof? We wouldn't want to disturb the neighbors

4. Do they sell bottled liquors on board? Does the 24 hour room service offer liquor after midnight?

 

We know we possibly made a mistake for booking HAL and should have gone with NCL instead. But we didn't realize this until after booking and it's probably too late to change our mind now. We just want to know what to expect and maximize the experience. Any suggestion is appreciated.

[mudscraper]

Don't miss the Napkin Folding class in the Explorers Lounge. It's a blast!!

[Old As Dirt Mom]

When is your spring break? If it's the week of March 4-11, you're in luck. That's when the NW Anesthesia Seminar group will be onboard the Eurodam. If it's the following week, you'll have a Christian Inspirations group with Sandi Patti and friends. The wild fun never stops on HAL;p Alcohol is served all the way until 9:30:cool:

[Rinderoo]

Parent of college students here who has dragged their kid(s) on HAL (and Princess and other lines.) Last HAL for my kids was the Eurodam in 2012; normally we sail Disney or Carnival, but I travel on price and this year the Eurodam won for a variety of reasons not in my control--such as going from a party of 3 to 4 and losing my great deal on the Carnival Conquest.

 

Ironically, my college kids are on the March 11 Eurodam; one is college senior (Business major graduating in May) and other is sophomore engineering student. They have never turned down a cruise regardless of cruise line and have done so many cruises they don't even care where they're going.

 

March 11 is the "Inspiration Cruise." I didn't learn of this until after booking and I was sort of stuck because of schedule. This is definitely not my demographic. I'm expecting nice people doing their own thing.

 

If you like fine dining, great service, and decent ports, you'll be fine. However you will likely be relaxed and well rested. HAL has recently become more contemporary and we might even hear music released in this century. And yes, they will have that napkin folding class.

 

As for 'fun activities' during the day, well, this is going to be a more sedate group. There is a daily newsletter and be sure to read it. We generally like to do trivia. There is no karaoke on the Eurodam.

 

Regarding booze: well, there's plenty of it. But on a related note, why stay hammered? Get off the ship, explore the ports, and learn something new. Just be sure to be back on board or the ship WILL sail without you. Last month I was on a Princess cruise and we left two pax in Bonaire who missed that all onboard time.

 

Since you are an admitted cruise rookie: Keep in mind there are significant extra costs on a cruise, and among those is your Hotel Service Charge. This is added to your bill each day. Bar bills will have a 15% service charge. Also be sure to bring proper documentation to board the ship or you will be denied boarding with no refund of cruise fare. Cell phones are best turned 'off' or you will have a hefty bill. Contact your cell carrier if you can't live without your phone. (I'm totally serious about this. Our phones are OFF and in the safe during cruises.)

 

See you on board!

[RuthC]

The last bar generally closes about midnight. :(

Rather than having nighttime parties in your cabin, where you will be cramped and the neighbors will be disturbed, you would be better served finding a quiet public area (such as around the pool, an empty lounge, aft of the Lido) where you and your friends can have all the fun you want.

[Herfnerd]

3. Since we are a big group we'll probably have night parties in our staterooms. How is the soundproof? We wouldn't want to disturb the neighbors

.

 

 

I think you will find that this might be the one area that you will have issues. Staterooms on cruise ships will be soundproofed to a certain degree, but a loud night party, on a ship that does cater to an older demographic = not a good idea......

[SeeSun&Sea]

If you didn't get the Signature Beverage Package (15 free drinks/day), order a bottle of Myers Rum (or two) for your cabin. How-to is discussed on http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465418 You can bring soft drinks in your carry-on luggage. Take your self-made drinks to lounges or pool-side.

Edited March 3, 2017 by SeeSun&Sea

[TrolleyGirl]

I think you may enjoy your trip more than you currently feel. Last winter our assistant cruise director Joel did a really nice job of entertaining the college age group. He had a pub crawl and dancing in the Queen's lounge in the evening after the BB King show. The ship's environment is subdued, but not dead. The dueling piano bar is fun too, as are some of the liquor classes. They have a few beer tasting sessions, wine sessions, and a couple of other mixology things.

[Appalachian Mountain Mama]

Do the bars state they close at midnight or do they just close that early when there aren't any patrons? By that I mean if this group were at one of the bars partying they wouldn't throw them out at midnight would they? Closing time at land based bars I generally 2:00 AM, wouldn't they at least get to stay until then?

 

 

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[cruisetheworld67]

OP....Honestly I think you will be disappointed with a HAL cruise.

YEs...it is a cruise....and I am sure you will enjoy some or most of it....but....I was a college student once and a HAL ship would the LAST ship I would want to be on with many friends especially with a lot of friends in our early 20's.

 

It is just not that "kind of a ship." Not the party atmosphere you want or expect. Around 10:45pm , when the last show is over,, approximately 90% of the ship "goes to bed." A few people will hang out at the bars or in the casino, but it is nighty night for most.

 

Also, the average age on a HAL ship is about 70. A lot of walkers, scooters, and canes. Think of visiting Grandma in the assisted living home.

 

As far as partying in your room late at night... trust me....this will not go over well. There will be a knock on your door by security or the front desk. This ain't no dorm room on the sea. I think a Carnival or Royal Caribbean Ship would have been a better choice. More drinking, dancing, staying up late, etc.

 

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but I think you will find my description will be closer to reality than your perceived expectations.

Edited March 3, 2017 by cruisetheworld67
change

[POA1]

Do the bars state they close at midnight or do they just close that early when there aren't any patrons? By that I mean if this group were at one of the bars partying they wouldn't throw them out at midnight would they? Closing time at land based bars I generally 2:00 AM, wouldn't they at least get to stay until then?

 

 

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There's always going to be a designated late night bar. On the Eurodam - If memory serves, it's either the Gallery Bar (adjacent to the casino, where the old disco used to be) or the Queens Lounge bar outside BB King.

 

It's rare that a HAL bar stays open past 2 am. (We've done it, but our crowd is outstanding tippers. Hint. Hint.) The late night bar is usually prepared to be open until at least 1 am.

 

Always try to be considerate. If you are the last people at the bar, ask if you are keeping the servers from sleeping. (They'll probably tell you "no", but you can usually pick up on the clues.)

 

We have had late night room parties, but only when we're in the Penthouse (now called the Pinnacle Suite - but I refuse to change my nomenclature) or in a block of contiguous Neptune Suites, where we hung out in the middle one, so as not to be next to other guests who are trying to sleep.

 

A better idea is to move your party to the aft pool area. Fresh air, open spaces, etc. You'll need to stock up on road sodas if you are staying up late. Special hint: If you are at the back of the ship and someone comes out to tell you to keep it down, it's probably your fault.

 

Alternative suggestion: Get up for breakfast and hit the Bloody Mary bar in the Lido. (Extra spicy, double vodka, add little shrimps would be my call.) The earlier you start your day, less inclined you'll be to stay up until 4 o'clock.

 

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that BB King, Billboard Onboard (dueling pianos) and dancing in the Queens Lounge or Gallery Bar will be your best bet.

 

You should also designate someone in your party to learn to play the steel drums. I have been failing to take the free steel drum lessons since 2003. I regret it, and my lack of a recording contract, almost every day.

[doone]

My 2 cents here is that since you have never been on a cruise and have no expectations I think you will have a good time. Would another cruise line have been better choice for you, perhaps, but since that didn't happen go with an open mind and you will have a great time. My nephews are in their early 20's and enjoy HAL because they go with an open mind. I hope you enjoy the Eurodam......

 

One last thing I have been sailing with HAL since my early 30's and loved all my 19 cruises on HAL.....

[MOcruiserman]

Sorry to inform you that you'll probably be very disappointed. I've been on two HAL cruises and, while I liked them very much I'm in my 60's. They are NOT geared towards young people.

[candbgirl]

I'm hoping the OP posted as a joke but if not the best advice is a combination of all the posts above. Go with an open mind and have fun. Plan to explore the ports and do fun things in the ports. Only the late night bar will be open past 12. I'm not sure how late but probably 1, maybe 2. Who decided on HAL for a Spring Break cruise?

 

 

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[esimon]

My 2 cents here is that since you have never been on a cruise and have no expectations I think you will have a good time. Would another cruise line have been better choice for you, perhaps, but since that didn't happen go with an open mind and you will have a great time. My nephews are in their early 20's and enjoy HAL because they go with an open mind. I hope you enjoy the Eurodam......

 

One last thing I have been sailing with HAL since my early 30's and loved all my 19 cruises on HAL.....

 

 

Ive got to agree - you are in a group of friends - you will be fine - be flexible- service will be amazing and they will take good care of you all - be respectful and the folks on board will be glad to have you

[MOcruiserman]

Ive got to agree - you are in a group of friends - you will be fine - be flexible- service will be amazing and they will take good care of you all - be respectful and the folks on board will be glad to have you

 

I agree, you can have an awesome time. You'll be on one of the best ships from a terrific cruise line going to one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Please keep in mind the age and low-key lifestyle of the vast majority of the passengers. They will have limited patience for partying and excessive drinking, whether done in one of the public areas or in a stateroom.

[vicd1969]

In addition to the advice already given, here are some more points trying to make lemonade out of lemons here.

 

- As others have said, you'll get outstanding service. I'd even venture to guess that the crew will go out of their way for you because you'll stand out among all the other passengers and are closer to their age. As long as you're pretty respectful, you'll be the big fish in the small pond.

 

- Unlike NCL or Carnival, you'll have one stop (I think San Juan) where the ship won't leave until 11 PM. That means you can party onshore until 1030 PM.

 

- You can try the scavenger hunt activity on the sea day, some of the items you may have to get are pretty fun and it actually can be a good excuse to run around the ship.

 

- The Tamarind and Gallery Bars are awesome places to chill, in addition to the rear pool areas.

 

- Half Moon Cay is better than any other private island except maybe for the Disney one.

 

- While every cruise ship has its share of "deck chair hogs", it's not as bad a problem on HAL ships compared to Carnival or NCL if you just want a spot to catch some rays.

 

Hope this helps.

[BikiniBlonde]

You didn't make a mistake! You and your friends will be fine. The ocean, the blue sky and the fresh air will be just what you need to forget about dorms and exams. You are sharing a ship with a crowd that is mainly older adults. You don't have to hang out with them.

 

There are different noise levels associated with college spring break. Laughter, high fives and "lively conversation" when you are near others is what cruise lines encourage. Breaking furniture, yelling to friends at the far end of the hall, crying drunk -- thatsa no good!

Bring Dramamine and follow the directions. You will not have a good time if you over-drink and under-hydrate and get seasick. (Take Dramamine every day; better safe than sorry.)

Most of the ship's crew is young and you may meet some interesting people that way. There will probably be some grandmas and grandpas bringing along their college age kids -- try and meet some, they would probably love to talk to some peers. You might actually ENJOY some of the activities that others here are sure you won't like. My college age son thought the entertainment wasn't so bad. He doesn't mind looking at pretty young ladies in low cut dresses singing and dancing. ;-)

Enjoy your vacay

 

 

 

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[barb-ottawa]

Just curious - when is your booking? I'm on the Eurodam on March 25th and was hoping we'd miss spring break. :(

[cruzngal]

You will be fine. Enjoy the pools, hang out in the sun with a tropical drink, find a public area you like on the ship and have your own gatherings. There is usually a small disco/nightclub area with an adjacent bar on all the ships. Every time we are onboard, that's one spot that the young adults gather later in the evening. Young officers too. Try to avoid having parties in your rooms, because someone will complain. Almost guaranteed. The aft (back of the boat) deck area is a great place to hang out late in the evening, although the pool will be closed. You likely will not bother anyone and the stars will be beautiful.

 

Enjoy the ports of call. Enjoy the beautiful sand beach and warm waters at Half Moon Cay. Just remember, you are not somewhere cold. More importantly, you are not in classes and you are with your friends. Make your own fun. It will be a wonderful week!

[cruisequeen4ever]

As a 35 year old who did a college cruise with friends (on Carnival, though), who has cruised since age 8 (starting with HAL), and who mostly sails Princess, I would like to reassure you that though I would never recommend HAL to a college group, you will still have a blast. Cruising is just plain awesome no matter what cruise line you're on. The group you're with will create the fun. You may be the only ones dancing to modern music (if there is any), but you will have your group to dance with! There's plenty of alcohol onboard. Check the website for options to pre-order bottles of alcohol. Be respectful of the other pax while still enjoying yourselves, and you'll be fine. And next year, pick Carnival or NCL! ☺

 

 

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[cruzngal]

You didn't make a mistake! You and your friends will be fine. The ocean, the blue sky and the fresh air will be just what you need to forget about dorms and exams. You are sharing a ship with a crowd that is mainly older adults. You don't have to hang out with them.

 

There are different noise levels associated with college spring break. Laughter, high fives and "lively conversation" when you are near others is what cruise lines encourage. Breaking furniture, yelling to friends at the far end of the hall, crying drunk -- thatsa no good!

Bring Dramamine and follow the directions. You will not have a good time if you over-drink and under-hydrate and get seasick. (Take Dramamine every day; better safe than sorry.)

Most of the ship's crew is young and you may meet some interesting people that way. There will probably be some grandmas and grandpas bringing along their college age kids -- try and meet some, they would probably love to talk to some peers. You might actually ENJOY some of the activities that others here are sure you won't like. My college age son thought the entertainment wasn't so bad. He doesn't mind looking at pretty young ladies in low cut dresses singing and dancing. ;-)

Enjoy your vacay

 

 

 

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BikiniBlonde, you are so right! My kids have been coming on Holland America cruises since they were little. They are now young adults and all of them keep bugging us as to when we will take them (read that as pay for them...) on another one. They would have loved to have us send them on a HAL cruise for Spring Break. No matter what line you are on, it's all about enjoying the journey and making your own fun.

 

Fair winds, Spring Breakers! :cool:

[sevenseasnomad]

One post in particular urged you to jump ship while you can, saying that HAL is basically crammed with passengers who depend upon wheelchairs and walkers. Our family will be sailing on our 17th HAL cruise on March 31. On shorter cruises, the demographics skew much younger than on Holland's longer cruises.

 

Our then 24-year old son experienced his 1st HAL cruise about 6 years ago. Like you, he worried about finding "some fun." After the 1st day, we rarely saw him. He found a group of about 50 young people who hung together, partied most of the night in the Northern Lights or at the aft pool. He had such a good time that he's now a loyal HAL passenger who pays his own way when he cruises. He's never had a problem having a good time or experiencing a late-night venue with other younger passengers. He also enjoys talking with some of the "older" passengers who are generally well-traveled and extremely polite.

 

Will you find the party-hearty atmosphere of NCL/Carnival? Probably not, but any cruise is what you make of it. And remember, most of us are loyal to HAL because of their excellent service. I can almost guarantee that you will come back totally spoiled. Please check back in afterwards and let us know what you experienced. I, for one, am curious to hear your impressions. Enjoy your spring cruise and being away from the books!

[zoncom]

I cannot imagine college kids on HAL. Dont trip on the dozen wheelchairs parked nightly outside dining room. Drinks run over $8 each on any ship. At top of page here, "Search Cruise Critic", look up RUM RUNNERS, food grade clear plastic liquid 32oz containers which show like a blob on the scanners which all your bags go through. Buy on line.

[blizzardboy]

You are paying for the sun, food, and ports of call. You'll have more fun if you can remember them later. That being said, we usually have a 9:00 a.m. Bloody Mary Meeting at the Sea View Bar (aft pool). POA1 gave you stellar advice in his post. If there's a group at the bar, and he covered my suggested locations, they'll stay open. The tip is included in your drink price, but a little extra thanks shown for great (and late) service is always appreciated at any venue, land or sea.