Cruise with no passengers?

[highscar]

Circle Hawaii March 1 2000 roll call. Lots for the following circle. Weird. 

Edited June 20, 2019 by highscar
Confirm facts

[crystalspin]

2020?

 

Start one yourself?

[CruiserBruce]

1 minute ago, crystalspin said:

2020?

 

Start one yourself?

Yep...just need to start one.

 

Also, keep in mind not everyone sailing is on Cruise Critic.

[crystalspin]

6 minutes ago, highscar said:

Circle Hawaii March 1 2000.  No roll call. Lots for the following circle. Weird. 

Actually a single person did start the roll call, it just fell through the cracks to make it to the search by date board:

 

So you can join that person and drum up business! (Click on the embedded pic to go to the thread.)

Edited June 20, 2019 by crystalspin

[highscar]

Sorry, where is the embedded pic

[Hlitner]

Roll Call activity really varies by cruise.   We generally find that our HAL cruises often have very inactive Roll Calls with much of any activity consumed by a handful of cruisers who talk about their dogs., cats, dying friends, etc.  Sometimes we have actually had a decent HAL Roll Call group (this happened once on a Grand Med Cruise) but it is rare when compared to many of the other lines we also cruise.  Why?  My theory is that HAL attracts a disproportionate group of older passengers (we are also Seniors)..many of whom are not really Internet savvy.   In fact, on our longer HAL cruises one of the more popular activities seems to be computer classes where they are teaching things that are pretty basic to many folks...except those on HAL :).    Another issue is that we have previously had Roll Calls that are quickly take over by a few folks who seem to have their own agendas (such as its not cool to talk about private tours or DIY stuff).  Others (including moi) see these kind of posts and quickly learn to ignore the Roll Call. 

 

On our many HAL cruises we have often been involved in friendly dinner discussions (we always prefer open dining with large tables) about travel and the Internet.  When we have mentioned Cruise Critic we are surprised at how many will say things like "we never heard of that"  or "we have heard of CC but never looked."  I have no clue as to the percentage of HAL cruisers who are active on CC (this would be a great poll question) but suspect it is a lower percentage then some other mass market lines.

 

HHank

[highscar]

As 4 star we have cruised only holland America and always had a good response. Via roll calls. I agree much of some are self promoting but many are informative. 

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

Roll Call activity really varies by cruise.   We generally find that our HAL cruises often have very inactive Roll Calls with much of any activity consumed by a handful of cruisers who talk about their dogs., cats, dying friends, etc.  Sometimes we have actually had a decent HAL Roll Call group (this happened once on a Grand Med Cruise) but it is rare when compared to many of the other lines we also cruise.  Why?  My theory is that HAL attracts a disproportionate group of older passengers (we are also Seniors)..many of whom are not really Internet savvy.   In fact, on our longer HAL cruises one of the more popular activities seems to be computer classes where they are teaching things that are pretty basic to many folks...except those on HAL :).    Another issue is that we have previously had Roll Calls that are quickly take over by a few folks who seem to have their own agendas (such as its not cool to talk about private tours or DIY stuff).  Others (including moi) see these kind of posts and quickly learn to ignore the Roll Call. 

 

On our many HAL cruises we have often been involved in friendly dinner discussions (we always prefer open dining with large tables) about travel and the Internet.  When we have mentioned Cruise Critic we are surprised at how many will say things like "we never heard of that"  or "we have heard of CC but never looked."  I have no clue as to the percentage of HAL cruisers who are active on CC (this would be a great poll question) but suspect it is a lower percentage then some other mass market lines.

 

HHank

 

Could not said it better other than the thrill is gone. I find people want to talk about other things than cruising. I can't believe how people talk about so many personnel things hear, like medical conditions, don't like my job, and on and on. On our recent South Pacific cruise I set up some great tours and everyone was pleased. Have in the past tried to set up tours and was like crickets out there; more interested in not upsetting their dog while they are gone. Oh well. 

[Hlitner]

8 minutes ago, RedneckBob said:

 

Could not said it better other than the thrill is gone. I find people want to talk about other things than cruising. I can't believe how people talk about so many personnel things hear, like medical conditions, don't like my job, and on and on. On our recent South Pacific cruise I set up some great tours and everyone was pleased. Have in the past tried to set up tours and was like crickets out there; more interested in not upsetting their dog while they are gone. Oh well. 

Roll Calls also lead to Meet and Greets which we now avoid on most HAL cruises.  We used to go the M&Gs, socialize with many folks, talk about the ports, tours, DIY options, etc.  A few senior officers would also attend and socialize and it was an enjoyable time.  But then things changes.  Some HAL fans decided it was not appropriate for anyone to talk about private tours, DIY options, etc.  They insisted that it should only be about all things HAL including their excursions.  Suddenly many folks (including moi) stopped attending and even HAL's Senior Officers started ignoring the Meet and Greets.  Last November we took our first MSC cruise (in the really nice Yacht Club) and decided to check-out their Meet and Greet.  There were over 100 folks at the party which was also attended by the Captain, Staff Captain, Hotel Manager, Beverage Manager and several other senior officers and staff.  The cruise line provided free drinks, snacks, and even had live music performed by a guitar player/singer.  The Captain made a nice speech and then asked everyone in the room to get together so that the ship's photographer could take a shot.  Everyone at the party was later given a free 8x10 of the entire group.  We met lots of nice folks at that party and there were no "referees" who tried to tell attendees what they could and could not discuss.  What a difference from HAL.

 

Hank

[cowmilker]

11 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Roll Calls also lead to Meet and Greets which we now avoid on most HAL cruises.  We used to go the M&Gs, socialize with many folks, talk about the ports, tours, DIY options, etc.  A few senior officers would also attend and socialize and it was an enjoyable time.  But then things changes.  Some HAL fans decided it was not appropriate for anyone to talk about private tours, DIY options, etc.  They insisted that it should only be about all things HAL including their excursions.  Suddenly many folks (including moi) stopped attending and even HAL's Senior Officers started ignoring the Meet and Greets.  Last November we took our first MSC cruise (in the really nice Yacht Club) and decided to check-out their Meet and Greet.  There were over 100 folks at the party which was also attended by the Captain, Staff Captain, Hotel Manager, Beverage Manager and several other senior officers and staff.  The cruise line provided free drinks, snacks, and even had live music performed by a guitar player/singer.  The Captain made a nice speech and then asked everyone in the room to get together so that the ship's photographer could take a shot.  Everyone at the party was later given a free 8x10 of the entire group.  We met lots of nice folks at that party and there were no "referees" who tried to tell attendees what they could and could not discuss.  What a difference from HAL.

 

Hank

And I had the exact opposite experience. The HAL roll call was active and busy. MSC?  Crickets.  I didn't even bother with it after a while.  B2B cruises.  

 

[bcummin]

Each HAL Roll Call is different.  Some groups work better than others.  Some leaders are exceptional.  Problems were caused by people more interested in filling private tours than exchanging useful port information.  Good Roll Calls can still happen.  Ours last winter were superb.

Barbara

[crystalspin]

7 hours ago, highscar said:

Sorry, where is the embedded pic

Click on the line below, or in my earlier message. Or scan to the second page in Eurodam Roll Call DISCUSSIONS -- do not rely on the "find your Roll Call" link because it routinely misses some startup posts.

 

cruisinlivin created a topic in Eurodam Roll Calls

[KirkNC]

9 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Roll Call activity really varies by cruise.   We generally find that our HAL cruises often have very inactive Roll Calls with much of any activity consumed by a handful of cruisers who talk about their dogs., cats, dying friends, etc.  

 

HHank

 

Funny but true!

[ski ww]

The longer cruises have a more active roll call then the short 7-14 day ones. Our last 28 day one had over 100 members and 3000+ posts. We met almost nightly for Happy Hour, had a great time.

[Krazy Kruizers]

When we used to join Roll Calls, many years ago, our Hawaiian cruise had exactly 4 of us.

 

You can not predict how a roll call will go.

[terrydtx]

We are on a sold out Noordam Alaska cruise July 21st and we only have 12 of us in the Roll Call. I agree the Roll Calls just do not have the interest they use to have.

[Tampa Girl]

Our 22-day SA/Antarctica cruise of  December 18, 2019, does not even have a roll call, and to date it comprises only five pages.  And, no, I have no intention of starting one.  I did it for the Grand Asia, and I want a break.  So far, no one has offered to do it, despite my suggestions.  Maybe this ship will sail half full and we can get a reasonable upsell to an NS!  LOL.

[CruiserBruce]

34 minutes ago, Tampa Girl said:

Our 22-day SA/Antarctica cruise of  December 18, 2019, does not even have a roll call, and to date it comprises only five pages.  And, no, I have no intention of starting one.  I did it for the Grand Asia, and I want a break.  So far, no one has offered to do it, despite my suggestions.  Maybe this ship will sail half full and we can get a reasonable upsell to an NS!  LOL.

How can it not have a Roll Call, but contain 5 pages?

[terrydtx]

21 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

How can it not have a Roll Call, but contain 5 pages?

My question too?

[kazu]

1 hour ago, Tampa Girl said:

Our 22-day SA/Antarctica cruise of  December 18, 2019, does not even have a roll call, and to date it comprises only five pages.  And, no, I have no intention of starting one.  I did it for the Grand Asia, and I want a break.  So far, no one has offered to do it, despite my suggestions.  Maybe this ship will sail half full and we can get a reasonable upsell to an NS!  LOL.

 

Bolding is mine.  Do you mean a Meet and Greet/Meet and Mingle by any chance?

 

If you have a thread, you have a roll call 😉 

 

 

[Tampa Girl]

31 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

How can it not have a Roll Call, but contain 5 pages?

 

Because I misspoke!  What I meant was that no one on the roll call has actually started a roll call of its members, i.e. a list.  No one has offered, including me.  

[Tampa Girl]

Just now, kazu said:

 

Bolding is mine.  Do you mean a Meet and Greet/Meet and Mingle by any chance?

 

If you have a thread, you have a roll call 😉 

 

 

 

A meet and greet list, also referred to as a roll call spreadsheet.  At least that is how I titled the one that I did for the Grand Asia.  

[Hawaiidan]

15 hours ago, Hlitner said:

Roll Calls also lead to Meet and Greets which we now avoid on most HAL cruises.  We used to go the M&Gs, socialize with many folks, talk about the ports, tours, DIY options, etc.  A few senior officers would also attend and socialize and it was an enjoyable time.  But then things changes.  Some HAL fans decided it was not appropriate for anyone to talk about private tours, DIY options, etc.  They insisted that it should only be about all things HAL including their excursions.  Suddenly many folks (including moi) stopped attending and even HAL's Senior Officers started ignoring the Meet and Greets.  Last November we took our first MSC cruise (in the really nice Yacht Club) and decided to check-out their Meet and Greet.  There were over 100 folks at the party which was also attended by the Captain, Staff Captain, Hotel Manager, Beverage Manager and several other senior officers and staff.  The cruise line provided free drinks, snacks, and even had live music performed by a guitar player/singer.  The Captain made a nice speech and then asked everyone in the room to get together so that the ship's photographer could take a shot.  Everyone at the party was later given a free 8x10 of the entire group.  We met lots of nice folks at that party and there were no "referees" who tried to tell attendees what they could and could not discuss.  What a difference from HAL.

 

Hank

3000 more people... is a real difference   and not in a good way to me.... 

[Hlitner]

12 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said:

3000 more people... is a real difference   and not in a good way to me.... 

Ahhh and we had many doubts including the size of the vessel and nearly 4000 passengers.  But, at the risk of alienating other fans of their Yacht Club (because we reveal the secret) here is the reality.  MSC's Yacht Club concept is terrific on many levels.  It is also quite unique in the entire cruise world.  The Yacht Club (which is only on some of their ships) is truly a "ship within a ship."  It is a separate section of the vessel only accessible by a special cruise card.  Within that enclave are most of the cabins, an expansive lounge (similar to the Crow's nest view) with a bar and rotating snack buffet that operates about 20 hours a day.  There is a relatively large private sun deck (with plenty of loungers) which also has its own buffet, cooking station (for breakfast and lunch) and dedicated excellent staff.   There is also a dedicated restaurant (open 3 meals a day even when in port) and 24 hour Concierge desk.  When inside the YC there is more space then on even the most luxurious lines.  But go outside the YC and you are suddenly part of a very large ship, with lots of passengers, that offers all the amenities you can only find on large ships.  I am talking about large production shows, multiple public venues with live music (until late at night), alternative dining venues, activities, etc.  In a sense it is the best of both worlds.  For those that want nothing to do with that more crowded world they can simply stay inside the YC area.  The YC Lounge even has its own nightly entertainment which is usually some type of lower volume classical group.  When in the YC you do not even need to show your cruise card.  Want a cocktail?  Just ask.  Want a mimosa made with fresh squeezed OJ and French Champagne....just ask.  

 

Want somebody to escort you off the ship when in a port (or at disembarkation) simply ask.  When you embark on the cruise you go to a separate embarkation area where you are guided through a shorter security line and directly to an expansive VIP room (in the terminal) until it is time to board.  At that point one of the Butlers will escort you, via a waiting elevator, directly to the YC area.  And consider that in the YC you do not need to book a ridiculously expensive suite (think Neptune suites) as they offer various cabins from suites down to some inside cabins (on a few vessels).  Our cabin was akin to a deluxe balcony cabin and our cost was about $300 per passenger day which was truly all-inclusive.  The only money we needed to spend aboard was to purchase an Internet Package (very high speed unlimited Internet) which was relatively inexpensive.  Since we had a very nice OBC (provided by our cruise agency) we found ourselves with over $500 of unspent money which we "had to spend" on the last evening (DW purchased some nice jewelry).

 

We still like HAL for the fantastic itineraries.  But if not for the itineraries I doubt if we would ever set foot on another HAL cruise.  There are just too many better options out there in the cruise world.

 

Hank

[Hawaiidan]

10 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Ahhh and we had many doubts including the size of the vessel and nearly 4000 passengers.  But, at the risk of alienating other fans of their Yacht Club (because we reveal the secret) here is the reality.  MSC's Yacht Club concept is terrific on many levels.  It is also quite unique in the entire cruise world.  The Yacht Club (which is only on some of their ships) is truly a "ship within a ship."  It is a separate section of the vessel only accessible by a special cruise card.  Within that enclave are most of the cabins, an expansive lounge (similar to the Crow's nest view) with a bar and rotating snack buffet that operates about 20 hours a day.  There is a relatively large private sun deck (with plenty of loungers) which also has its own buffet, cooking station (for breakfast and lunch) and dedicated excellent staff.   There is also a dedicated restaurant (open 3 meals a day even when in port) and 24 hour Concierge desk.  When inside the YC there is more space then on even the most luxurious lines.  But go outside the YC and you are suddenly part of a very large ship, with lots of passengers, that offers all the amenities you can only find on large ships.  I am talking about large production shows, multiple public venues with live music (until late at night), alternative dining venues, activities, etc.  In a sense it is the best of both worlds.  For those that want nothing to do with that more crowded world they can simply stay inside the YC area.  The YC Lounge even has its own nightly entertainment which is usually some type of lower volume classical group.  When in the YC you do not even need to show your cruise card.  Want a cocktail?  Just ask.  Want a mimosa made with fresh squeezed OJ and French Champagne....just ask.  

 

Want somebody to escort you off the ship when in a port (or at disembarkation) simply ask.  When you embark on the cruise you go to a separate embarkation area where you are guided through a shorter security line and directly to an expansive VIP room (in the terminal) until it is time to board.  At that point one of the Butlers will escort you, via a waiting elevator, directly to the YC area.  And consider that in the YC you do not need to book a ridiculously expensive suite (think Neptune suites) as they offer various cabins from suites down to some inside cabins (on a few vessels).  Our cabin was akin to a deluxe balcony cabin and our cost was about $300 per passenger day which was truly all-inclusive.  The only money we needed to spend aboard was to purchase an Internet Package (very high speed unlimited Internet) which was relatively inexpensive.  Since we had a very nice OBC (provided by our cruise agency) we found ourselves with over $500 of unspent money which we "had to spend" on the last evening (DW purchased some nice jewelry).

 

We still like HAL for the fantastic itineraries.  But if not for the itineraries I doubt if we would ever set foot on another HAL cruise.  There are just too many better options out there in the cruise world.

 

Hank

Yes Hank, there are.... I think you mentioned your going to Oceania.... where the whole ship is  like your yacht club...    I am doing 1 last HAL cruise after  a long absence  only because of a very rare and seldom  ever done itinerary .   I have no expectations other than a  hot water, warm food and  a dry bed.    HAL  is fine for what it is, but too many try to want it to be something it  is not and can not be.