First HAL Cruise, Not Impressed

[cbr663]

On 10/8/2023 at 12:39 PM, Abe3689 said:

I have an independent casino rep that’s been in the business for 40 years. He was able to speak to a representative at Carnival and get them to comp the cruise, and I paid $860 in taxes and fees (as well as the gambling I will be doing). 
 

The breakfast buffet’s ingredients just were not fresh. It was an egg mix, not real eggs. Even the people at lunch yesterday who were serial cruisers said the food was awful. 

 

Edited October 9, 2023 by cbr663
Repetitive

[TheMichael]

As another casino comp on HAL (Alaska 3 weeks ago), I was completely satisfied with the food and service (the service was EXCEPTIONAL - MDR food came out like clockwork, our stewards bent over backwards, and Guest Relations even managed to solve an app issue on their own, with smiles on their faces).

 

Chicken and waffle was good, cheese was nice and tangy (and as a Seattle resident I've always found Beecher's a little bland - maybe it was too tangy for OP?), and buffet scrambled eggs were cruise line buffet scrambled eggs, just like Princess, just like Royal - which is why I always got an omelet. My only real quibble with HAL was the older clientele and less variety in entertainment on the ship, but I just love to relax in a nice bar, and they had more than enough of those.

 

It was a trip I'd take again without thinking twice.

Did I mention this was all a COMP? Gold MGM status and an email got me an offer in 15 minutes. I'm not a big wheel, it was a super-nice offer. Two DAYS of room and all the food you can eat at a decent Vegas hotel wouldn't leave you with much of that $860 left. (BTW, I have a few stories about being given a room at nice Vegas hotels and either walking in on someone or having someone walk in on me. it happens.)

 

Here's an important thing to remember if you're served something that looks bad - TELL YOUR SERVER, THEY WILL FIX IT. There's ZERO reason OP had to come here and tell us they were forced to eat "dog food." Their kitchen can fry another piece of chicken and cook another damn waffle. they won't even blink. All my life, I've sent stuff back 100% of the time when it isn't what it should be. I do it nicely, and nobody feels bad.

 

Even the room issue - computers have glitches, sometimes even big ones (that somehow cause two unrelated people to both have their names in the room and on the app, despite only being able to see their own...?). Go fix, and you might get an upgrade in the process. It's a hassle, but you're already on the ship. There's no reason anyone should be crying.

 

There's no point in taking bad vibes on a vacation. When you have a problem, get it fixed with a frickin' smile - it's a VACATION problem. 

 

[TheMichael]

On 10/8/2023 at 11:05 AM, Hlitner said:

The dirty secret about most cruise lines, and many restaurants, is that they use boxed bulk pasteurized egg mix for omelets and scrambled eggs.  Real eggs are reserved for items that need to have a real yolk.  The boxed stuff (often in milk carton-like containers) have a longer shelf life and are easier to store/ship than real eggs.  
 

I used to ask the HAL (and other lines) cooks to please use real eggs for my omelets.  HAL cooks used to comply, but on our last HAL cruise (Mar - May) the cooks refused telling me they were not permitted to do it.

 

Hank

As a longtime stuff-in-cartons buyer, I think you'll find the stuff-in-cartons is in fact real eggs, with maybe a little extra coloring and a tiny bit of preservative. That's common even at some nicer hotels. The texture and taste of the omelette is fine - and an omelette should have the yolks and whites blended well, so it's a step saved that would otherwise slow the line considerably.

 

The big bowl of scrambled eggs out there, though...that's a bit texturally suspect. 

[pmjnh]

On 10/8/2023 at 12:39 PM, Abe3689 said:

The breakfast buffet’s ingredients just were not fresh. It was an egg mix, not real eggs. Even the people at lunch yesterday who were serial cruisers said the food was awful. 

 

You chose a dish with egg mix as the ingredient. There are other choices that do include real eggs. We always do a walk about the entire Lido to see what is being offered. 

Edited October 10, 2023 by pmjnh

[Abe3689]

I probably won’t be continuing on the boat to Ft. Lauderdale. I think I will be getting off in San Diego. There just isn’t enough redeeming qualities about the food, the boat, activities, and especially the gambling which is why I am here. 
 

I don’t like the food, except in the evening dining room. The rest of the food is just plain not good. The ingredients are not good, not fresh, and low quality. The selections are not good. I’m supposed to be comped a dinner to pinnacle, and maybe others and that’s great. I’m looking forward to trying those outlets. But I haven’t enjoyed the food on here outside the dining room at all. The gambling, and casino are the worst odds and games I have seen (I think this is more a Carnival issue) compared to RCCL and MSC. The casino is empty, and nobody on this ship is playing in the casino. People who are playing, are playing for extremely small stakes. My play really stands out and is garnering a crowd. I don’t mind people watching me play, but it just feels weird because the staff hasn’t seen this kind of action and it’s obvious. It’s not their fault, but it just makes me feel uncomfortable. It would’ve been nice to get a heads up that I’d be more comfortable on ship X, which caters more to gamblers. 
 

Not to sound overly harsh or dramatic, but in my experience thus far on my fourth day there are no redeeming qualities on my experience on HAL. It’s very lacking in my experiences to the Carnival and Celebrity ships I have taken. I guess I should’ve known that it’s a cruise ship that happens to have a casino, not the other way around. That being said I thought they would cater to my gambling, but that really hasn’t been the case. For example craps is my main game, but they refuse to open it until 8pm. When it is open, nobody is betting more than $5. Again, not their fault, just the overall cruise isn’t my scene, coupled with the fact I don’t like the boat or food, I don’t think I should continue. 
 

Perhaps I can find a different itinerary outside of San Diego? I think more elegant lines like Virgin and Celebrity are more my style. I guess you live and learn. 
 

As I’ve mentioned, I’m just starting to get into the whole cruise scene as I find it really relaxing. Do others know of ships/itineraries/lines that are specifically catered towards gamblers?

Edited October 10, 2023 by Abe3689

[rodndonna]

27 minutes ago, Abe3689 said:

 

As I’ve mentioned, I’m just starting to get into the whole cruise scene as I find it really relaxing. Do others know of ships/itineraries/lines that are specifically catered towards gamblers?

 

I was curious as i don't think of any cruiseline as being geared to gamblers ... but this is a list of the top 5 ships that popped up when I googled it ..

 

https://www.gamblingsites.com/blog/5-best-cruise-ship-casinos-115710/

 

not surprised there are no HAL's on that list which includes as RCL, Celebrity, NCL and even a Carnival - but Queen Mary 2 really surprised me. Seems like all the biggest of the ships are the ones to target which is not HAL's foray with generally smaller ships.

[charrach]

If you think the food on Holland America is bad don’t go on Carnival. 
We just got off a Carnival cruise and the food was horrible. 

Could not cut the filet mignon. Service in the dining room was very slow. 
the only rival they in the breakfast buffet in Holiday Inn. 

[dockman]

52 minutes ago, Abe3689 said:

I probably won’t be continuing on the boat to Ft. Lauderdale. I think I will be getting off in San Diego. There just isn’t enough redeeming qualities about the food, the boat, activities, and especially the gambling which is why I am here. 
 

I don’t like the food, except in the evening dining room. The rest of the food is just plain not good. The ingredients are not good, not fresh, and low quality. The selections are not good. I’m supposed to be comped a dinner to pinnacle, and maybe others and that’s great. I’m looking forward to trying those outlets. But I haven’t enjoyed the food on here outside the dining room at all. The gambling, and casino are the worst odds and games I have seen (I think this is more a Carnival issue) compared to RCCL and MSC. The casino is empty, and nobody on this ship is playing in the casino. People who are playing, are playing for extremely small stakes. My play really stands out and is garnering a crowd. I don’t mind people watching me play, but it just feels weird because the staff hasn’t seen this kind of action and it’s obvious. It’s not their fault, but it just makes me feel uncomfortable. It would’ve been nice to get a heads up that I’d be more comfortable on ship X, which caters more to gamblers. 
 

Not to sound overly harsh or dramatic, but in my experience thus far on my fourth day there are no redeeming qualities on my experience on HAL. It’s very lacking in my experiences to the Carnival and Celebrity ships I have taken. I guess I should’ve known that it’s a cruise ship that happens to have a casino, not the other way around. That being said I thought they would cater to my gambling, but that really hasn’t been the case. For example craps is my main game, but they refuse to open it until 8pm. When it is open, nobody is betting more than $5. Again, not their fault, just the overall cruise isn’t my scene, coupled with the fact I don’t like the boat or food, I don’t think I should continue. 
 

Perhaps I can find a different itinerary outside of San Diego? I think more elegant lines like Virgin and Celebrity are more my style. I guess you live and learn. 
 

As I’ve mentioned, I’m just starting to get into the whole cruise scene as I find it really relaxing. Do others know of ships/itineraries/lines that are specifically catered towards gamblers?

no offense but sounds to me like you should stick to high end vegas resorts for better food, better accommodations and higher stakes gambling.

[whogo]

1 hour ago, Abe3689 said:

I think I will be getting off in San Diego.

Good move. I am surprised at how few cruisers take this option when facing unacceptable conditions.

[3rdGenCunarder]

1 hour ago, Abe3689 said:

I probably won’t be continuing on the boat to Ft. Lauderdale. I think I will be getting off in San Diego.

 

Have you asked about this? The Passenger Vessel Services Act doesn't allow the ship to transport passengers from one US port to another without a stop in a foreign port. I hope other posters who know more of the what-ifs regarding this will be able to explain. 

 

@TheMichael, your post reminded me that I had the problem of a double-booked room several years ago. We checked into a hotel, were given a card key, and when we opened the door, we saw someone's possessions around the room. We went back to the front desk and got it fixed easily enough, but it did make me wonder if someone else would get the key to my room. 

[MISTER 67]

On 10/8/2023 at 9:24 AM, Mosaic said:

Jeeze, some of you people are just too harsh.  Yes, we have had BAD food on HAL and BAD service also.  It happens.

So have we after many years with HAL, we had wonderful cruises with great food, entertainment and service, not the case anymore. 

Edited October 10, 2023 by MISTER 67

[NCTribeFan]

I've sailed Carnival over 30 times.  Food has always been decent to very good.  As has already been noted multiple times, food is very subjective.  And, it can vary from week to week as those who have sailed B2B2B may have discovered.

 

The handful of sailings I've done on HAL, I thought the food was good to very good.  My first HAL sailing on Zaandam, about a dozen years ago, had the best food of any cruise I've ever been on.

 

The casinos on HAL ships are definitely more sedate than those on Carnival, which tend to be packed (and have way too many smokers who ignore the smoking areas and stink up the whole place).  Having said that, I get much better casino offers from HAL (starting after that first cruise), than I get on Carnival. I didn't get a free offer from Carnival until after I'd sailed 30 times.  Small discounts, yes, but never the free cabin offers until recently.  I don't need a party atmosphere in the casino anyway.

 

So, sail HAL with it's beautiful ships, great service, good food, and fewer party passengers or continue to sail Carnival with the same entertainment, jokes, bad entertainment, and ugly decor?

 

Well, I'm sailing Carnival again in January but only because I was able to tack on a 6-night sailing with friends to the front of my 11 night Eurodam sailing.

 

It's all subjective.  If someone isn't happy, so be it.  I tend to think one experience can be an anomaly but I also understand why someone wouldn't want to try again to find out.  But when it's free?  I'd try another time just to confirm that it wasn't for me.

[Mary229]

2 hours ago, Abe3689 said:

I probably won’t be continuing on the boat to Ft. Lauderdale. I think I will be getting off in San Diego. There just isn’t enough redeeming qualities about the food, the boat, activities, and especially the gambling which is why I am here. 
 

I don’t like the food, except in the evening dining room. The rest of the food is just plain not good. The ingredients are not good, not fresh, and low quality. The selections are not good. I’m supposed to be comped a dinner to pinnacle, and maybe others and that’s great. I’m looking forward to trying those outlets. But I haven’t enjoyed the food on here outside the dining room at all. The gambling, and casino are the worst odds and games I have seen (I think this is more a Carnival issue) compared to RCCL and MSC. The casino is empty, and nobody on this ship is playing in the casino. People who are playing, are playing for extremely small stakes. My play really stands out and is garnering a crowd. I don’t mind people watching me play, but it just feels weird because the staff hasn’t seen this kind of action and it’s obvious. It’s not their fault, but it just makes me feel uncomfortable. It would’ve been nice to get a heads up that I’d be more comfortable on ship X, which caters more to gamblers. 
 

Not to sound overly harsh or dramatic, but in my experience thus far on my fourth day there are no redeeming qualities on my experience on HAL. It’s very lacking in my experiences to the Carnival and Celebrity ships I have taken. I guess I should’ve known that it’s a cruise ship that happens to have a casino, not the other way around. That being said I thought they would cater to my gambling, but that really hasn’t been the case. For example craps is my main game, but they refuse to open it until 8pm. When it is open, nobody is betting more than $5. Again, not their fault, just the overall cruise isn’t my scene, coupled with the fact I don’t like the boat or food, I don’t think I should continue. 
 

Perhaps I can find a different itinerary outside of San Diego? I think more elegant lines like Virgin and Celebrity are more my style. I guess you live and learn. 
 

As I’ve mentioned, I’m just starting to get into the whole cruise scene as I find it really relaxing. Do others know of ships/itineraries/lines that are specifically catered towards gamblers?

Good move.  You should receive port fees returned for ports you aren’t going on.  Be sure to clear your departure with the front desk. 
 

My view is that cruise lines can never offer the same experience as land based food or entertainment. HAL cruisers are sailing to travel primarily.  The other services are secondary.  Let’s examine this - cruise lines collect provisions by mass order at specific ports therefore they don’t have access to daily fresh markets required for the finest dining experience.  Entertainers don’t have access to their entire production facilities so it is going to be a lesser product (I have actually seen some of these same entertainers on land and they are far better when they are fully accompanied by their own stage crew and musicians. )

 

simply, HAL cruise fares (port fees are non negotiable) range from $80 to $140 a day per person.  One could not buy a decent hotel much less a fine meal anywhere in the US or Canada for that price.  Now add in entertainment and activities such as gym and pool.  One must adjust their expectations in line with the economies.  

[ECCruise]

24 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Good move.  You should receive port fees returned for ports you aren’t going on.  Be sure to clear your departure with the front desk. 

Don't think that is going to happen without paying the fine for breaking the PVSA.

 

[t]he penalty imposed for the unlawful transportation of passengers between coastwise points is $300.00 for each passenger landed on or before November 2, 2015 and $778.00 for each passenger so transported and landed after November 2, 2015 (46 U.S.C. 55103,

[aaaaa]

3 hours ago, Abe3689 said:

"Not to sound overly harsh or dramatic, but in my experience thus far on my fourth day there are no redeeming qualities on my experience on HAL."

 

 

If this comment, plus your earlier likening of the food to "dog food," is not "overly harsh or dramatic," what would be?

 

I'm sorry to hear that you are not enjoying your cruise.

Edited October 10, 2023 by aaaaa

[Mary229]

43 minutes ago, ECCruise said:

Don't think that is going to happen without paying the fine for breaking the PVSA.

 

[t]he penalty imposed for the unlawful transportation of passengers between coastwise points is $300.00 for each passenger landed on or before November 2, 2015 and $778.00 for each passenger so transported and landed after November 2, 2015 (46 U.S.C. 55103,

Where did he embark?

[ECCruise]

5 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

Where did he embark?

OP: Through the casino I was able to get a 21 day comped cruise from Seattle to Ft. Lauderdale through the Panama Canal. 

[Mary229]

49 minutes ago, ECCruise said:

OP: Through the casino I was able to get a 21 day comped cruise from Seattle to Ft. Lauderdale through the Panama Canal. 

Then he will have to wait until Mexico and recross. If you are miserable you do what you need to do.  Been there, done that

Edited October 10, 2023 by Mary229

[Sir PMP]

5 hours ago, Abe3689 said:

I probably won’t be continuing on the boat to Ft. Lauderdale. I think I will be getting off in San Diego. There just isn’t enough redeeming qualities about the food, the boat, activities, and especially the gambling which is why I am here. 
 

I don’t like the food, except in the evening dining room. The rest of the food is just plain not good. The ingredients are not good, not fresh, and low quality. The selections are not good. I’m supposed to be comped a dinner to pinnacle, and maybe others and that’s great. I’m looking forward to trying those outlets. But I haven’t enjoyed the food on here outside the dining room at all. The gambling, and casino are the worst odds and games I have seen (I think this is more a Carnival issue) compared to RCCL and MSC. The casino is empty, and nobody on this ship is playing in the casino. People who are playing, are playing for extremely small stakes. My play really stands out and is garnering a crowd. I don’t mind people watching me play, but it just feels weird because the staff hasn’t seen this kind of action and it’s obvious. It’s not their fault, but it just makes me feel uncomfortable. It would’ve been nice to get a heads up that I’d be more comfortable on ship X, which caters more to gamblers. 
 

Not to sound overly harsh or dramatic, but in my experience thus far on my fourth day there are no redeeming qualities on my experience on HAL. It’s very lacking in my experiences to the Carnival and Celebrity ships I have taken. I guess I should’ve known that it’s a cruise ship that happens to have a casino, not the other way around. That being said I thought they would cater to my gambling, but that really hasn’t been the case. For example craps is my main game, but they refuse to open it until 8pm. When it is open, nobody is betting more than $5. Again, not their fault, just the overall cruise isn’t my scene, coupled with the fact I don’t like the boat or food, I don’t think I should continue. 
 

Perhaps I can find a different itinerary outside of San Diego? I think more elegant lines like Virgin and Celebrity are more my style. I guess you live and learn. 
 

As I’ve mentioned, I’m just starting to get into the whole cruise scene as I find it really relaxing. Do others know of ships/itineraries/lines that are specifically catered towards gamblers?

It's a ship by the way.

[OlsSalt]

Suggest you look into Resorts World Cruises, a restructure of the former Genting Star Chinese/Malaysian gambling casino cruise line:  https://www.casino.org/news/resorts-world-cruises-splashes-first-cruise-out-of-hong-kong-on-china-tour/

 

HAL is a total mismatch for you.

[Laminator]

5 hours ago, Abe3689 said:

I probably won’t be continuing on the boat to Ft. Lauderdale. I think I will be getting off in San Diego. There just isn’t enough redeeming qualities about the food, the boat, activities, and especially the gambling which is why I am here. 
 

I don’t like the food, except in the evening dining room. The rest of the food is just plain not good. The ingredients are not good, not fresh, and low quality. The selections are not good. I’m supposed to be comped a dinner to pinnacle, and maybe others and that’s great. I’m looking forward to trying those outlets. But I haven’t enjoyed the food on here outside the dining room at all. The gambling, and casino are the worst odds and games I have seen (I think this is more a Carnival issue) compared to RCCL and MSC. The casino is empty, and nobody on this ship is playing in the casino. People who are playing, are playing for extremely small stakes. My play really stands out and is garnering a crowd. I don’t mind people watching me play, but it just feels weird because the staff hasn’t seen this kind of action and it’s obvious. It’s not their fault, but it just makes me feel uncomfortable. It would’ve been nice to get a heads up that I’d be more comfortable on ship X, which caters more to gamblers. 
 

Not to sound overly harsh or dramatic, but in my experience thus far on my fourth day there are no redeeming qualities on my experience on HAL. It’s very lacking in my experiences to the Carnival and Celebrity ships I have taken. I guess I should’ve known that it’s a cruise ship that happens to have a casino, not the other way around. That being said I thought they would cater to my gambling, but that really hasn’t been the case. For example craps is my main game, but they refuse to open it until 8pm. When it is open, nobody is betting more than $5. Again, not their fault, just the overall cruise isn’t my scene, coupled with the fact I don’t like the boat or food, I don’t think I should continue. 
 

Perhaps I can find a different itinerary outside of San Diego? I think more elegant lines like Virgin and Celebrity are more my style. I guess you live and learn. 
 

As I’ve mentioned, I’m just starting to get into the whole cruise scene as I find it really relaxing. Do others know of ships/itineraries/lines that are specifically catered towards gamblers?

Regarding the gambling situation I would put most if not all of the blame on your casino host with 40 years of experience. He needed to put you on a cruise where HAL was running a casino event. You may not have been able to participate in the casino events which in the grand scheme of things isn't that big of a deal but the casino overall will be very busy. 
The other thing I am curious about is your rate of play. If it as high as you claim your host should have gotten you a comped Neptune Suite with a significant amount of free play. 
On the Pinnacle class ships the high limit blackjack table is always against the back wall. It is nearly impossible for there to be gawkers as there is no room to congregate. I am assuming you are not on the Koningsdam. 
This is my recommendation. The Panama Canal is a beautiful cruise. I would hang on til the end. You will then receive casino offers from HAL to their special event cruises where you will find the casino to be packed. 

[Roz]

@Abe3689, you keep mentioning that food ingredients and items aren't fresh.  Other than the eggs, what exactly isn't fresh?

[StLouisCruisers]

14 minutes ago, Roz said:

@Abe3689, you keep mentioning that food ingredients and items aren't fresh.  Other than the eggs, what exactly isn't fresh?

 

Maybe the bananas aren't up to his standards.  I know I like mine just as they turn from green to yellow.  😉🤣

[cruisemom42]

7 hours ago, pmjnh said:

 

You chose a dish with egg mix as the ingredient. There are other choices that do include real eggs. We always do a walk about the entire Lido to see what is being offered. 

Eggs Benedict for the win!

 

[pmjnh]

5 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Eggs Benedict for the win!

 

YES! OMG, love the eggs bennies. I even like grabbing a hard boiled egg...yup, a real egg! 😋

 

i am wondering about the troll factor here.