NCL to HAL?

[newmexicoNita]

5 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

"Used to be" being the operative language here.  I've read your Alaska bus story so many times on here since HAL banned smoking I probably know it by heart.  But of what relevance is it now?   HAL banned smoking on its balconies nearly three years ago, and in many of its casinos as well -- unlike NCL, where you need an oxygen mask just to walk through the casinos.  The interior of the HAL Zuiderdam was completely smoke free, and it was wonderful, unlike NCL ships.  On my 20-day HAL cruise, I spent a great deal of time in close quarters with many other guests on shore excursions, private and ship-sponsored, and I did not smell smoke on anyone. 

 

Do you think guests on NCL ships don't smoke?  The only ships I have ever been on where other guests were smoking on their balconies in violation of the rules were NCL ships.  

 

 

And do you think other ships don't have people who break the rules? BTW, I have never experienced anyone smoking on their balcony on any line since rules were changed several years ago. I am certainly not saying it doesn't happen, I am just saying it is not the average smoker than breaks the law, anymore than the average driver breaks laws. 

[davy jones]

5 minutes ago, newmexicoNita said:

And do you think other ships don't have people who break the rules? BTW, I have never experienced anyone smoking on their balcony on any line since rules were changed several years ago. I am certainly not saying it doesn't happen, I am just saying it is not the average smoker than breaks the law, anymore than the average driver breaks laws. 

On two of my last 3 NCL cruises, there were smokers on adjacent balconies.  One was so bad that he kept us off our balcony.  The guy spent most of the day on the balcony smoking while listening to music on speakers.  Someone (not us) must have turned him in because we saw security enter the balcony and tell him that smoking was prohibited.  I don't know if he was charged for smoking, but it looks like it is one rule that the cruise line will enforce, probably because it costs them extra to deodorize the cabin.

[newmexicoNita]

9 minutes ago, davy jones said:

On two of my last 3 NCL cruises, there were smokers on adjacent balconies.  One was so bad that he kept us off our balcony.  The guy spent most of the day on the balcony smoking while listening to music on speakers.  Someone (not us) must have turned him in because we saw security enter the balcony and tell him that smoking was prohibited.  I don't know if he was charged for smoking, but it looks like it is one rule that the cruise line will enforce, probably because it costs them extra to deodorize the cabin.

this is just like someone breaking a law or rule on land> Someone was smart enough to report him and he got caught. I bet he will not repeat: you can be assured this is an exception not the general rule about finding people smoking on balconies. 

[travelnap]

Hello. I am platinum on NCL and  have also sailed multiple times on HAL, so I have spent quite a bit of time on both Lines.

They are both enjoyable for me, but there are some differences.  HAL is more of the classic cruise ship line rather than the big bells and whistles you find on the mega ships like NCL and RCL.  I sail for the itinerary and not for the ship itself so I may be a bit biased. I will try to break down some of the differences and similarities in my opinion.

 

Dining: I find both to be fine, but give an edge to HAL on the MDR and Buffet.  I would give NCL an edge on the specialty restaurants as they have more of them.  HAL does offer free room service if that is something you use.

Entertainment: I would give the edge to NCL, more production shows and more activities aboard ship.

Ships: Both have been fine but I would give an edge to HAL here for a nicer decor and more passenger space.

Service: I have found service to be very good and very friendly on both lines so I would call that a draw.

Passenger mix, NCL does tend to be more of a younger demographic and more family mix.  HAL does have an older customer mix, but most are friendly and well traveled.  

 

I cruise to relax and am able to do so pretty much on every line I have sailed with.  I enjoy both HAL and NCL and the bulk of my cruises have been on those two lines, although I have sailed on other lines as well.  I do think HAL has more interesting itineraries.

 

Hope you have a great cruise no matter what you decide to do.

[napper777]

7 hours ago, Umbarger said:

HAL ships have no water slides, go carts or rock climbing wall.  It is  a cruise ship.  Lovely areas all over the ship.  We call it the blue hair cruise line as people are elderly but we don't mind  as we love older people.  I believe older people are better behaved.  No seat saving, lounge saving or drunks.  Food is great,  much better than NCL in my opinion.  Service is also a step above NCL.  We still cruise NCL often and enjoy them as well.  

I love the thought of well behaved people!! 😁. Thanks so much for your impressions

[jimdee3636]

I'm a 4-star Mariner with HAL (meaning 200+ nights) and I've taken two fairly short (5 or 6 night) cruises on the NCL Joy and Bliss in the past six months.

 

As others have said, there are vast differences between the two lines but it's possible to like both of them (I do), as long as your expectations are realistic. If you sail with HAL---particularly on the older, smaller (1250 to 1450 passenger) ships---you have to accept that the entertainment options are limited. You also have to accept that the passenger mix isn't as diverse as that on NCL, and is decidedly older. But on the plus side, the older demographic means that you don't have to have a well-thought-out strategy to avoid the hordes of people that you have on ships like the Joy or Bliss, and you don't have to avoid entire areas of the ship (like the Atrium) that are way too noisy at all hours (too noisy for me, anyway).

 

If you do some research on HAL, if you choose the right ship with the right itinerary, and if you're not looking for non-stop entertainment, there's no reason you can't enjoy the HAL experience.

[napper777]

3 hours ago, newmexicoNita said:

Without reading all the responses I am going to give you mine: We are certainly NCL loyalist and are sad to say our cruising days have come to an end. With that I will give my opinions of HAL. The 2 lines are as different as night and day. We love HAL for different reasons. It is a bit, or a lot more formal. The service not as friendly but again outstanding and the food is better or it was on HAL. I love NCL food for many reasons but true quality HAL can not be beat Cabins are larger on HAL We enjoy the lectures, etc on sea days. Now the downside which has to be considered: if you are under 60 or even 65 or so you will be in the minority. The nightlife is pretty dull and the casinos are not jumping or even much fun on HAL. You will the passengers not as friendly either. They are not unfriendly but just not as casual as NCL> I think the best word I can think of the describe HAL compared to other lines: it is more subdued. One more thing: the entertainment, regardless what you like is better, much better on NCL  

 

You talk about a couple of Bliss cruises that have been just so/so. We prefer the mid sized ships over the mega ships. 

 

Hope this helps you a little. I have to be honest, even though we like both lines unless you do want to experience the quietness and less exciting adventure I think I would try another line, maybe Celebrity. It is good to experience a variety of lines.     

Thank you! You're right that the Jewel class is probably what I should return to. I fell in love with the Getaway (maybe bc of the outstanding senior staff and crew--the days of Sean etc all).  I read one of your other posts on saying goodbye to cruising and hope your experience can still be shared on CC as it's been valuable to me!

[napper777]

11 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

I'm not loyalist....to any cruise line.  I pick the cruise line that goes when I can go to the best itinerary.  That end's up being some cruises on about all the major lines.  Carnival/RoyalNCL the most.  I've been on two HAL cruises lately.  Latest one was on the Rotterdam this past spring.  I'll post a link to my review at the bottom of this post....it might help you.  Below is my opinion answering some of your questions.

 

1. Service- Overall I'd say HAL is better than average.  "Sevice" is a broad term.  Bar service isn't what it should be in some areas and Is excellent in others.  In the buffet, they take your drink order and bring you your drinks.  Tables are generally cleared quickly.  Usually an empty table is easy to find.  Restrooms have actual cloth towels to dry your hands, a nice touch.  PILES of elevators!!  I believe they all have three elevator banks.

 

2. Food/dining experience- Overall I'd have to say a couple of notches above average.  Food/service/dining experience is definitely better than average.  Probably better than anything this side of Celebrity's Luminae.  24 hour room service is no extra charge for most items.  ALSO...you may order from the MDR dinner menu and have it delivered to your cabin, no extra charge.  There won't be the variety of "specially" restaurants as on NCL but for sure the quality is there.

 

3. Entertainment- Royal Caribbean is #1. VAST choices.  HAL IS going to be down the list on amount and variety of entertainment but what they DO have is GOOD!  My last cruise they literally had a string quartet and they were AWESOME!  BB King is great.  

 

4. Misc- It's a quieter cruise!  RARELY any announcements!  Average age of your fellow cruiser is going to be older.  If you have to be constantly entertained, prob not your best choice.  If you are a big partier, probably not your best choice.  I really liked that aspect myself!   Most ships are much smaller....easier to get around AND get on and off.  RARELY an issue finding a couple of empty deck chairs.  

 

I hope some of this is helpful to you!

 

 

 

VERY helpful, thank you very much. Enjoyed your review and the photos!!!

[napper777]

2 hours ago, travelnap said:

Hello. I am platinum on NCL and  have also sailed multiple times on HAL, so I have spent quite a bit of time on both Lines.

They are both enjoyable for me, but there are some differences.  HAL is more of the classic cruise ship line rather than the big bells and whistles you find on the mega ships like NCL and RCL.  I sail for the itinerary and not for the ship itself so I may be a bit biased. I will try to break down some of the differences and similarities in my opinion.

 

Dining: I find both to be fine, but give an edge to HAL on the MDR and Buffet.  I would give NCL an edge on the specialty restaurants as they have more of them.  HAL does offer free room service if that is something you use.

Entertainment: I would give the edge to NCL, more production shows and more activities aboard ship.

Ships: Both have been fine but I would give an edge to HAL here for a nicer decor and more passenger space.

Service: I have found service to be very good and very friendly on both lines so I would call that a draw.

Passenger mix, NCL does tend to be more of a younger demographic and more family mix.  HAL does have an older customer mix, but most are friendly and well traveled.  

 

I cruise to relax and am able to do so pretty much on every line I have sailed with.  I enjoy both HAL and NCL and the bulk of my cruises have been on those two lines, although I have sailed on other lines as well.  I do think HAL has more interesting itineraries.

 

Hope you have a great cruise no matter what you decide to do.

Thank you!! Helpful information!

[napper777]

15 minutes ago, jimdee3636 said:

I'm a 4-star Mariner with HAL (meaning 200+ nights) and I've taken two fairly short (5 or 6 night) cruises on the NCL Joy and Bliss in the past six months.

 

As others have said, there are vast differences between the two lines but it's possible to like both of them (I do), as long as your expectations are realistic. If you sail with HAL---particularly on the older, smaller (1250 to 1450 passenger) ships---you have to accept that the entertainment options are limited. You also have to accept that the passenger mix isn't as diverse as that on NCL, and is decidedly older. But on the plus side, the older demographic means that you don't have to have a well-thought-out strategy to avoid the hordes of people that you have on ships like the Joy or Bliss, and you don't have to avoid entire areas of the ship (like the Atrium) that are way too noisy at all hours (too noisy for me, anyway).

 

If you do some research on HAL, if you choose the right ship with the right itinerary, and if you're not looking for non-stop entertainment, there's no reason you can't enjoy the HAL experience.

You're so right about the chaos in the atrium on NCLs big ships. I'm definitely a strategizer in avoiding throngs of people (especially poorly behaved ones!)  Thank you so much for your input as a well versed HAL customer! 

[napper777]

I hope I thanked everyone who responded to my question and I will continue to read posts. Soooooo....I've decided to take a leap onto HAL! Everyone's opinions factored into my decision so thank you very much. I'm not a very adventurous person and like routine for the most part so going on another cruise line is a big move for me. I'm going today to my TA!!

[ColeThornton]

25 minutes ago, napper777 said:

I hope I thanked everyone who responded to my question and I will continue to read posts. Soooooo....I've decided to take a leap onto HAL! Everyone's opinions factored into my decision so thank you very much. I'm not a very adventurous person and like routine for the most part so going on another cruise line is a big move for me. I'm going today to my TA!!

 

 

Anyone who has "nap" in their screen name will fit right in on HAL.   🙂

[4774Papa]

6 hours ago, davy jones said:

On two of my last 3 NCL cruises, there were smokers on adjacent balconies.  One was so bad that he kept us off our balcony.  The guy spent most of the day on the balcony smoking while listening to music on speakers.  Someone (not us) must have turned him in because we saw security enter the balcony and tell him that smoking was prohibited.  I don't know if he was charged for smoking, but it looks like it is one rule that the cruise line will enforce, probably because it costs them extra to deodorize the cabin.

davy jones,

We have only had one cruise were our neighbors smoked on their balconies (unfortunately they were upwind from us).  That was Around the Horn of SA on Celebrity Infinity in 2014.   The culprits were Europeans and not to be denied their nicotine.

 

I complained to on day one of the violation, and it was the two adjacent balconies upwind from us.  It didn't stop, even after they were warned.  It took five days for the smoking to stop.  I complained every day for five days.   Finally, the Housing Manager came to our cabin and told us that finally had to issue them a letter threatening them with eviction from the ship.

 

I thought the problem was gone, but two days prior to the end of the cruise, I noticed it again and complained again.  I could have taken a photo of the culprit next door.  The Housing Manger came by the next day (one day prior to the end of the cruise) and said they couldn't prove the violation.  

I think once we passes the last port prior to the end of the cruise the culprits decided to smoke again, thinking what could the cruise line do?   I though that the cruise line could fine something line $2000, but it didn't happen.

We have done 20 cruises and only one was a problem.  I guess that is pretty good odds.

[pcrum]

We have sailed HAL twice.  The first time we loved it, thought the MDR food was wonderful, loved that you could order a hot breakfast from room service, and loved the entertainment.  This was in 2007 on the Veendam.  Sailed the Ryndham in 2012 and had a completely different experience.  We were sailing with my mom for her 80th birthday.  The family checking in ahead of us was celebrating a 90th birthday, which set the tone for the entire trip.  At 80, my mom was literally in the "younger" crowd on the ship.  The quality of the MDR food had gone way down and nothing was seasoned very well.  We commented that it tasted like nursing home food.  The entertainment options were very few and by 10:30 pm, that ship was a ghost town, as everyone was in bed.  After that experience, we vowed never to sail HAL again.  My mom was a very young 80 and commented about how depressing it was with all of the "old" people on the ship.  There were lots of wheelchairs and walkers. 

 

Both cruises were taken in March during my kids' spring break week from school, so we are comparing two sailings at the same time of year.  Now, it's been 7 years so perhaps the food and entertainment options have improved, but after our experience in 2012 we didn't care to try HAL again.

 

We love Howl at the Moon on NCL as well as the Broadway shows.  Although we are platinum on Carnival, after the great experience on our last NCL cruise, I don't see us sailing another line unless the price is too good to pass up (which when adding in a drink package that is offered as a perk on NCL, I don't see happening).  

[Zippeedee]

Sorry if I missed it, but I haven't seen anyone mention dining and seating. Does anytime dining also mean no forced large tables and assigned seating? I always cruise as a solo on NCL and only use specialty dining and the smaller free restaurants (O'Sheehans , the noodle bar, etc) because I have found less than great service when asking to be seated alone in the MDR. The last thing I want to do is play dining table roulette on vacation.

 

Also, does the older demographic on HAL mean they have actual chairs that are comfortable for those with some mobility issues? Sturdy, not too low to the floor, etc?

[HarpHarp]

We sail mainly NCL, but are highly impressed with the HAL cruises we experienced. The entertainment is a highlight for us, with Lincoln Center Stage and the BIllboard piano bar as well as the main stage entertainment. Despite what I imagined. The BB King Blues club was hopping in the evening  and we enjoyed the Americas test kitchen during the day. The computer classes were very well done.

 

The ships are lovely, with beautiful wood and artwork all over the ship. It was entertaining to find pieces in every nook & cranny. The observation lounge and the shore excursion staff were first rate.

[Crusin-Suzan]

We are Platinum Plus on NCL and 3 star on HAL!   We like both lines for different reasons!  Itinerary are much more interesting on HAL!   HAL does not penny and dime you every time you turn around!   We do NCL for fun cruises not the itinerary!   Cant get my husband off those race cars!  And he is 76!   Bars are more fun on NCL and officers mush more friendly!   
 But then again we enjoy the dining room on HAL!  Apples and oranges!   Whatever floats your boat!  

[Newleno]

16 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

HAL is the cruise line of OLD people.  I live in Seattle and have been on many of their ships.  I have to agree with the fact that they have really good food, but that's where my applause for them ends.  If you are under 50, and desire entertainment later than 10 pm, this in not the cruise line for you. And much of the quality entertainment they used to offer is nowhere to be found these days. The last cruise I took they had a subpar dance troupe who used laser lights to supplement their show. It was just ok.  
The only thing HAL has going is their itineraries. 
 

I am no spring chicken myself but I literally had a HAL passenger say to me "what are you doing here?"  However we like all the cruise lines and go with the best overall deal, on the ncl escape the other day I was on the water slides, on HAL smaller ships I go to listen to adago and relax.  It is all good it is a cruise

[Turtles06]

2 hours ago, Zippeedee said:

Also, does the older demographic on HAL mean they have actual chairs that are comfortable for those with some mobility issues? Sturdy, not too low to the floor, etc?

 

As a short woman (and probably someone you'd call part of the "older demographic" 😊), I don't recall being particularly uncomfortable on the HAL Zuiderdam, which means the chairs were probably okay.  Unlike some of the insane seating that Celebrity, via the "revolutionizing" of its ships, is putting on them.  (We were just on the Celebrity Summit, so I'm speaking from very recent experience.)    Again, though, unless someone has sailed on all of a cruise line's ships, you are only getting a person's experience on the ships she has sailed.

[Zippeedee]

3 minutes ago, Turtles06 said:

 

As a short woman (and probably someone you'd call part of the "older demographic" 😊), I don't recall being particularly uncomfortable on the HAL Zuiderdam, which means the chairs were probably okay.  Unlike some of the insane seating that Celebrity, via the "revolutionizing" of its ships, is putting on them.  (We were just on the Celebrity Summit, so I'm speaking from very recent experience.)    Again, though, unless someone has sailed on all of a cruise line's ships, you are only getting a person's experience on the ships she has sailed.

Thanks! I only used that term because of the other posts. I’m almost 61 so not exactly a kid. I do love NCL’s entertainment and casinos. Dealing with the crowds has started to wear a little thin. Being served coffee in the buffet sounds like such a luxury!   
 

 

[Turtles06]

1 minute ago, Zippeedee said:

Thanks! I only used that term because of the other posts. I’m almost 61 so not exactly a kid. I do love NCL’s entertainment and casinos. Dealing with the crowds has started to wear a little thin. Being served coffee in the buffet sounds like such a luxury!   
 

 

 

LOL!   Yes, it was really nice to have beverage service in the buffet on the Zuiderdam.  There was a great deal about HAL that we liked.   

[Oakman58]

There were a lot of little touches that  I really liked about the Westerdam, every morning in the buffet there were “newspapers” available with news from various countries in the language of that country.  I was really been impressed with the little things that Holland America does for its passengers. 

 

Once you are retired, every day is a Saturday and there is a tendency to forget what day of the week it is.  The Westerdam had this covered too.  Every day the carpet square on the elevator floor reflected the day of the week.  😄

 

 

[shealea]

I have cruised several times on NCL. Once on Holland America. We are both now 61 and 62 years old. We thought that the nightly shows on NCL were much better than on Holland America. 

We did enjoy ourselves on Holland America, but overall it seemed a bit lacking in some of the livelier entertainment that we have had on NCL.

The food seemed about the same to me on both lines. We don't visit the specialty restaurants. 

I enjoyed the computer classes available on Holland America. But I do think the classes are aimed at the older crowd that don't know how to use many features of their computers at home.  I also enjoyed watching the cooking demonstrations that Holland America offers.

It just seems to get really quiet on Holland America in the later evening. We prefer NCL over Holland America. 

I would suggest giving Holland America a try and see what you think. 

[newmexicoNita]

18 hours ago, napper777 said:

I hope I thanked everyone who responded to my question and I will continue to read posts. Soooooo....I've decided to take a leap onto HAL! Everyone's opinions factored into my decision so thank you very much. I'm not a very adventurous person and like routine for the most part so going on another cruise line is a big move for me. I'm going today to my TA!!

Good luck and of course let everyone know how it works when you have completely your cruise. I am sure you will enjoy HAL. Everyone needs try move out of their comfort zone from time to time

[newmexicoNita]

14 hours ago, Zippeedee said:

Sorry if I missed it, but I haven't seen anyone mention dining and seating. Does anytime dining also mean no forced large tables and assigned seating? I always cruise as a solo on NCL and only use specialty dining and the smaller free restaurants (O'Sheehans , the noodle bar, etc) because I have found less than great service when asking to be seated alone in the MDR. The last thing I want to do is play dining table roulette on vacation.

 

Also, does the older demographic on HAL mean they have actual chairs that are comfortable for those with some mobility issues? Sturdy, not too low to the floor, etc?

Very good point.. This is probably my number one complaint with NCL, and I have mentioned it several times. The seating situation for those with mobility problems especially around the pool is non existent.