First time on HAL and First Time Solo since 1993 Jitters

[ScottC4746]

I am an older (53 years old) student who decided to go to school full time to finally get my degree so I am thinking of doing Eurodam from San Diego in April 2019 for the Mexican Riviera. DH's schedule does not permit them to join me on this cruise, but want to do something for my spring break. It is a perfect location: Friday night take the train from LA to San Diego and overnight before the cruise. Sorry getting off topic.

I have been brand loyal to RCCL and seeing that line change not for the better. I am not anti-social but do suffer from slight social anxiety disorder. While only 53 years old, I love classical music and the finer things. Sadly, I don't have THAT kind of income. While the comments below may sound like I am badmouthing RCCL, it has it's nich and I guess I have just grown up. HA! Here are my several questions:

 

STATEROOM: I am looking at an obstructed oceanview because hey, how much time do you really spend in that room? Any pros/cons on this? Cannot pathaom an indoor stateroom. Been there done that on other lines and feel like I am in a broom closet, plus you get a tub in ocean view obstructed and above it looks like.

 

DRESS CODES: How much do they really enforce the formal night code. RCCL last cruise allowed shorts and t shirts for adults in the main dining room. I still like to dress for dinner and stay that way all night. RCCL the one or two that do dress formal for dinner bolt to their room to change right after.

 

MAIN DINING ROOM: Referring to my social anxiety. Do they offer two top tables? What about my choice dining or something similar? How is the quality. RCCL the buffet is actually better than the dining room and they seem to upcharge for half the menu.

 

ENTERTAINMENT/ACTIVITIES: Don't do the pool parties or night clubs with the thumpa thumpa thumpa. I'd prefer a chamber orchestra. I am really looking forward to Lincoln Center Stage. How are the production shows? RCCL is like a low end casino in Vegas.

 

MARINER SOCIETY: I have sailed on Princess and am Gold Captain's Circle with 2 cruises 10 days. I read somewhere and cannot find it that I will automatically be a star mariner on my first HAL Cruise. Would the benefits start like it is my second HAL cruise or would my first have no benefits that journey?

[crystalspin]

STATEROOM: I am looking at an obstructed oceanview because hey, how much time do you really spend in that room? Any pros/cons on this? Cannot pathaom an indoor stateroom. Been there done that on other lines and feel like I am in a broom closet, plus you get a tub in ocean view obstructed and above it looks like.

I have looked like but not booked, obstructed oceanviews on Signature (Eurodam&Nieuw Amsterdam) and Vista class ships. Look at the J and K LARGE insides on the Main Deck. As you say, how much time do you spend in the room? You can set the TV (no sound) to the Bridge Camera and pretend it's a window. This is what I will do in a J cabin on the Zuiderdam next April!

 

DRESS CODES: How much do they really enforce the formal night code. RCCL last cruise allowed shorts and t shirts for adults in the main dining room. I still like to dress for dinner and stay that way all night. RCCL the one or two that do dress formal for dinner bolt to their room to change right after.

The dress code for MDR is actually the same for Gala ('formal') nights as smart casual nights: shirt with collar for men, no distressed jeans for either gender. HAL may or may not ask you to remain dressed up for the entire evening, but this is certainly NOT enforced!

 

MAIN DINING ROOM: Referring to my social anxiety. Do they offer two top tables? What about my choice dining or something similar? How is the quality. RCCL the buffet is actually better than the dining room and they seem to upcharge for half the menu.

There are 2-top tables both assigned and walk-in; the wait may be extended for the latter and waitlisted for the former. "As You Wish" dining on HAL simply means you can sign up for traditional times (same time same table every night), walk in to MDR and ask for your preference -- they will LOVE YOU DEARLY if you say, seat me wherever is easiest for you -- or eat at the Lido (buffet), or go to specialty upcharge restaurant.

 

I am just off two-weeks in Alaska on the Zaandam and found the food and the choices to be noticeably better than some previous cruises on HAL. The only thing that was upcharge in the MDR for the entire two weeks was a platter of crab-legs+lobster fritters+something else. One of our group of 9 got it, and enjoyed it.

 

ENTERTAINMENT/ACTIVITIES: ...I am really looking forward to Lincoln Center Stage. How are the production shows? RCCL is like a low end casino in Vegas.

I too am looking forward to Lincoln Center Stage in April 2019. We have enjoy the Adagio duet on the last four of our six HAL cruises. They played for an hour at a time three or four times a day except when they are used in the main show. The production shows may or may not be a little bit above low end casino. My family members did enjoy them.

 

MARINER SOCIETY: I have sailed on Princess and am Gold Captain's Circle with 2 cruises 10 days. I read somewhere and cannot find it that I will automatically be a star mariner on my first HAL Cruise. Would the benefits start like it is my second HAL cruise or would my first have no benefits that journey?

The only 'benefit' to being a "star" Mariner is an invite to one or two gatherings (one is sailaway, I believe; the only time we ever started to go, the line was so long and slow-moving we didn't bother). Your days or points do not transfer, but you are as if on second cruise (with the first not having any days). I believe you have to go to the Front Desk to get the picture of the ship and/or the plaque of the ship; at least they have never been delivered to me (3* mariner).

[crystalspin]

BTW, we chose between PRIME verandah, partially obstructed (i.e. blocked by the winches not the tenders themselves), and large inside on my upcoming HAL transatlantic. I decided that the obstructed window was more depressing than no window at all, and DH did not want to spend $1340 for the balcony that would look out on the same ocean 3/4 of the cruise! So the large inside won.

[bjarrett7]

The J and K cabins on the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam are pretty awesome. If we can’t swing a Suite, we look closely at those inside cabins... they are huge! Then we book a retreat cabana for the week. It’s a nice trade off! [emoji41]

 

 

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[TiogaCruiser]

Wow. So many similarities between us here. I’ve sailed solo now 4 times, with the longest being 20 days. You might find you really enjoy it.;)

 

I can’ Help with the ship as I’m only interested in the smaller ones, but you can google Hal facts and find lots of pictures of cabins to help with the choice. I believe Roy, a regular poster here, has a cache of pictures of obstructed views so maybe someone will post that link.

 

I’ve never had any problem getting a table in the MDR with Anytime dining. I get the shy part. I normally go around 6:00p, and have been offered my choice of a table for 1 or a group. My first solo cruise I stayed in the Lido alone, and forced myself to do MDR solo twice. It went fine. Over the next several cruises I started doing more MDR and started joining groups. My last cruise was all group tables and I had a blast. It just took some time.😉 (It got easier with practice and realizing that everyone was in the same boat (so to speak) at Anytime Dining. So do what you feel comfortable with but please know the the group table can also be a great experience.

 

The photo shop is where I have always picked up my ships photo. You just show your room key.

 

I can’t speak to Lincoln Center, as there has always been an Adagio quartet or duo on my sailings. The most recent trip the duo played limited hours and nights. In 2013, we had about 3+ hours of a classical chamber quartet (2 violins, viola and cello) that played every night (20 nights). It was heaven.... (they still had the good chocolate truffles in Explorers Lounge then too.)

 

For both Mexico cruises I took Amtrak from Anaheim to the dock. It took 8 minutes to walk to the dock. I did carry on for the train and ship. Do watch the size of your luggage for Amtrak.:eek: (I chose to leave on the 9:00ish train and had DH drop me off. The back up plan was he would take me to San Diego if Amtrak didn’t work.) You do have to port your bags up the stairs of the train, so be aware if you don’t do check on. (Not all trains offer check on service). I bought my return ticket after disembarking as sometimes there are delays.

 

You haven’t asked about ports, so I’m assuming you already have that sorted out....

[Essiesmom]

If you check in at LA Union Station you can check your large bag (I think). We went cross country on Amtrak and transferred in LA from the Southwest Chief to the Pacific Surfliner, and our bags were checked all the way through (from Philadelphia!). They actually made it to San Diego on the train before ours. EM

[ScottC4746]

Well, I booked my frist dam crruise on HAL. Sorry I know Holland America is getting tired of the dam puns. Couldn't resist it.VF Main Deck deck 8 Starboard (right) side. TA talked me into it saying there isn't that big of a price point difference. with My Choice/Freedom/whatever dining. I fear 5 PM will be too early and 8 PM too late.

[OlsSalt]

Mexican Riviera is a great choice since you can easily do all the ports on your own, if you like to walk.

 

CABO - now has a protected inner harbor area where you can walk the full way out to the very lovely Hacienda Hotel if you want to have lunch. Looks like a nice European seaside village now with no hassles.

PV - take the local bus - they take dollars - to the downtown Malecon area and walk their oceanside pedestrian way all the way to the end and have lunch at La Palapa, and then wander the shopping streets and old historic district.

MAZATLAN - walk to the Centro Historico for a lovely treat of colorful restored colonial buildings and public market, lovely plaza and plenty of sidewalk cafes. or take the short ferry hop over to Stone Island for a beach day.

 

Taking any of the ship's shore excursions is one way to spend time with others if that is your preferance.

 

So that leaves only a few at-sea days which can be filled with enough activities or just being lazy in the sun or shade reading, listening or attending movies or talks. I think you made a very good choice for your first HAL cruise and from what you describe, I think you will find a new and happy cruise home for yourself.

[ScottC4746]

Mexican Riviera is a great choice since you can easily do all the ports on your own, if you like to walk.

 

CABO - now has a protected inner harbor area where you can walk the full way out to the very lovely Hacienda Hotel if you want to have lunch. Looks like a nice European seaside village now with no hassles.

PV - take the local bus - they take dollars - to the downtown Malecon area and walk their oceanside pedestrian way all the way to the end and have lunch at La Palapa, and then wander the shopping streets and old historic district.

MAZATLAN - walk to the Centro Historico for a lovely treat of colorful restored colonial buildings and public market, lovely plaza and plenty of sidewalk cafes. or take the short ferry hop over to Stone Island for a beach day.

 

Taking any of the ship's shore excursions is one way to spend time with others if that is your preferance.

 

So that leaves only a few at-sea days which can be filled with enough activities or just being lazy in the sun or shade reading, listening or attending movies or talks. I think you made a very good choice for your first HAL cruise and from what you describe, I think you will find a new and happy cruise home for yourself.

 

This is over my spring break so the idea is rest and relaxation...not rush rush rush.

[OlsSalt]

This is over my spring break so the idea is rest and relaxation...not rush rush rush.

 

Then you picked a perfect ship. Look also into their outdoor cabanas as an extra charge and their extra charge indoor thermal spa pool and heated loungers. People who stay onboard during port days love the quiet, relaxed feeling having the whole ship almost to themselves. If the Pinnacle restaurant is serving lunch on those port days, you are in for a real treat at a very reduced cost over their dinners. And of course, the real treat is enjoying the Tamarind surcharge restaurant at least once.

[crystalspin]

VF Main Deck deck 8 Starboard (right) side. TA talked me into it saying there isn't that big of a price point difference. with My Choice/Freedom/whatever dining. I fear 5 PM will be too early and 8 PM too late.

 

We did a transatlantic in a Main Deck OV on Eurodam's sister ship the Nieuw Amsterdam. Very nicely arranged with the sofa near the window instead of the bed being there; nice for reading in the light.

[ScottC4746]

Then you picked a perfect ship. Look also into their outdoor cabanas as an extra charge and their extra charge indoor thermal spa pool and heated loungers. People who stay onboard during port days love the quiet, relaxed feeling having the whole ship almost to themselves. If the Pinnacle restaurant is serving lunch on those port days, you are in for a real treat at a very reduced cost over their dinners. And of course, the real treat is enjoying the Tamarind surcharge restaurant at least once.

Do tell me more about the outdoor cabanas and how much and the indoor thermal pool and heated lounges and how much. How do I book either?

[ksqueak]

I know you said you don't want an inside but on the Zaandam (and her sister ships) the back wall has a curtain and is backlit so it almost seems as if there is a window there. Something to consider. I've done a mix of both inside and oceanview and have traveled many solo trips now (my longest and first solo was 28 days to/from Sydney Australia - talk about brave).

[rafinmd]

Tiogacruiser has referenced me but I'm pretty late to the game with a few comments. As she referenced I do have a number of photo groupings of limited view cabins but it's mostly for the smaller ships. That's also where I've cruised most so it fits in with my experience. I see you've already found a cabin so this may be a bit late but I'll mention it anyway since you said "First" HAL cruise and not "Only" HAL cruise.

 

 

 

I have only one experience with a limited view cabin on a HAL ship and it was very limited. This is the Westerdam deck 4 (4102) but I think the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam would be very similar.

 

 

 

 

I had a bath tub and I think similar rooms on the Eurodam would as well but they are gradually disappearing so if that's important take care in choosing. I don't mind a shower for shorter cruises but greatly prefer a tub for anything over a couple of weeks.

 

 

The older ships have Adagio, a small usually piano and violin duo but on the Eurodam and other larger ships they are replaced by Lincoln Center Stage. I attended a few of their performances on the Westerdam and found the 5-piece group quite good and the music they played varied.

 

 

Have a great cruise.

 

 

Roy