HAL Happy Hour?

[newtocruiseinblue]

 

Does Holland America still do a daily happy hour? On our last cruise in 2018 there was a happy hour where you could buy one drink and get 1/2 off the next drink or something like that…any recent travelers know if happy hour is still alive and well? Thank you so much!! 

[crystalspin]

Recent reports are half-off drinks in one bar or another, and yes, daily! Previously it was what you said with the second drink having to be the exact same beverage (what we experienced in 2015, which was the last time we cruised without SBP). 

[robotpony]

Yes, daily, and it was half-off second drinks (August 2022, Koningsdam). Not much use with the HIA plan, but that's expected.

[crystalspin]

The drink stewards like to call SBP/HIA "all day happy hour".

[rkacruiser]

19 hours ago, crystalspin said:

The drink stewards like to call SBP/HIA "all day happy hour".

 

😀    Maybe the goal of this program is to change the image of HAL from those who will soon be deceased to rival the reputation of Carnival's Fun Ships?  😀   Another example of marketing that I don't understand (nor appreciate) just to keep up with "the others" that offer such packages?  

 

A couple of very pleasant benefits advantages of HH is the connection with other guests that frequent that event.  Many are regulars; some newbies arrive from day to day.  I have noticed that these newbies often return and join our pleasant group.  The other benefit is the continuance of the canapes and snacks served during that time.  Some warm; some cold.  Most are all good.  But, I have noticed the lack of a previous "regular":  Bitterballen.  

[Mary229]

Yes, on my cruise last week there were happy hours every day in various locations 

[vswan]

On the Westerdam in August they had half price drinks for happy hour in all the bars. Was great, we didn't have that HIA, but bought a "bucket" of beer for the room during happy hour and all the beer was half price. No limit on how many could order. I can't say for sure it was everyday since we didn't figure it out until later in the cruise. But did have it the last several days.

[ChinaShrek]

On the Rotterdam in August, it was half-price all drinks from from 4-6pm in three locations.

[Gbstoker]

We loved the smoked drinks at 1/2 price. $8 at happy hour and was about 2drinks in size 

[RobTheGob]

We're onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam now and the daily Happy Hour says "50% Off" from 4:00-5:00 in two bars. I'm planning to buy a six pack of beer for the fridge...

[cruzer0007]

17 hours ago, vswan said:

On the Westerdam in August they had half price drinks for happy hour in all the bars.

we are just back from a 7 day on Westerdam, happy hour from 4-5 every day, in every bar we came across that was open at the time.  It did bring out some social connections, we thought it was a quiet and pleasant happy hour, not a race to drink.

[LuAnn]

Any entertainment offered during HH? I know a # of years ago they did have a piano player..but that could have gone by the wayside?!!

[ChinaShrek]

59 minutes ago, LuAnn said:

Any entertainment offered during HH? I know a # of years ago they did have a piano player..but that could have gone by the wayside?!!

On the Rotterdam, they had trivia going on during HH in the Rock Room.

[lavictoria]

On 9/11/2022 at 3:17 PM, rkacruiser said:

The other benefit is the continuance of the canapes and snacks served during that time.  Some warm; some cold.  Most are all good.  But, I have noticed the lack of a previous "regular":  Bitterballen.  

No bitterballen?!? That's it, I'm staying home! (who am I kidding 🤣)

Edited September 14, 2022 by lavictoria
removed excess quotation

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, lavictoria said:

No bitterballen?!? That's it, I'm staying home! (who am I kidding 🤣)

 

One never knows what the snacks will be.  Maybe Bitterballen might make a sudden appearance.  I will give credit to HAL for some canapes that have been creative in what was prepared.  They sometimes serve in their shot glasses some interesting liquid creations that sometimes appear unusual, but, often are quite good.  One HH, a 3 part dish was served with olives, potato chips, and I don't remember what.  The olives were good; the potato chips were good (and something different).  Whatever #3 was, it was good as well.  Variety is the "spice of life".

[cruzer0007]

On 9/12/2022 at 4:25 PM, LuAnn said:

Any entertainment offered during HH? I know a # of years ago they did have a piano player..but that could have gone by the wayside?!!

 
ocean bar (on Westerdam) had a piano player most days at 4pm (and again at 5pm)

[Overhead Fred]

On 9/14/2022 at 6:49 PM, rkacruiser said:

One HH, a 3 part dish was served with olives, potato chips, and I don't remember what.  The olives were good; the potato chips were good (and something different).  Whatever #3 was, it was good as well.

 

Sounds like something from the Gallery Bar