Willsot Posted March 21, 2006 #201 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Martini of the Day in the Crow's Nest every evening before dinner, along with the hors d'oeuvres as mentioned. Chocolates in the Explorer's Lounge after dinner while relaxing to the string quartet or whatever classical group is performing on your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusieQ11 Posted March 21, 2006 #202 Share Posted March 21, 2006 My husband isn't very formal but has a nice dark suite for Formal night. He doesn't want to bring another jacket, can he get away with slacks, shirt and tie for in-formal night or should I make him drag the second jacket. Your opiniojs would be greatfully appreciated. :) Susie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willsot Posted March 21, 2006 #203 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I'll be on my third HAL cruise in a few weeks. I've always worn my tux on both formal nights and then wear a nice shirt, tie and slacks on informal nights with no concern about being underdressed. In my limited experience I have found that others even skip the tie but maybe wear a jacket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted March 21, 2006 #204 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Now with all this information out there, there are no "Hal Secrets" left. It is all public knowledge. However, if you are in Curacau, *** your ship leaves at midnight, I would advise against being up on the sky deck *** making out. You see as the ship leaves Willemstedt at midnight there is a fire-works display *** many go to the sky deck for a good view. Those who are "making out" might be more than a little embarassed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2Oregon Posted March 22, 2006 #205 Share Posted March 22, 2006 We enjoyed the warm chocolate chip cookies that were served in the Lido every afternoon. A couple of warm cookies and a scoop of ice cream and you are set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basfreeman Posted March 22, 2006 #206 Share Posted March 22, 2006 On a recently completed Ryndam cruise, I discovered two new items. First, the Bread Pudding (not new), but add a scoop of ice cream (vanilla or coconut) on top; second, the Spanish Coffee in the evening in the Explorers Lounge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloriaF Posted March 22, 2006 #207 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Thanks to all you HAL enthusiasts for sharing your secrets!:) :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusieQ11 Posted March 23, 2006 #208 Share Posted March 23, 2006 Thanks for the reply to my ? about dress code! I think I won't pain my husband and force an extra jacket. Hopefully I'll dress well enough for the both of us!;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GloriaF Posted March 23, 2006 #209 Share Posted March 23, 2006 I assume there are 2 formal nights on a 7 day HAL cruise? Are the other nights considered: Semi-formal? Smart Casual? (golf shirt and khakis for men will suffice?) Shows and times on the Westerdam -- approx 8:30 & 10:30? Room Service for OV cabins? Full menu? Write in orders? Only a few items? I'm accustomed to Princess, so what should I do differently on HAL?? Thanks for the info! We just booked short-term and leave April 2 - can't wait!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mim100 Posted March 23, 2006 #210 Share Posted March 23, 2006 What a wealth of information...this could easily be compiled into a how-to for newbie cruisers....and it all sounds so good....how I am ever going to last until April 07?? :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fhmoore Posted March 26, 2006 #211 Share Posted March 26, 2006 I have a rather specific question...I was thrilled to find on our first Royal Caribbean cruise (Vision of the Seas) that the showers had a hand-held Shower-Pik like head. We will be on the Masdaam (May13) and wondered if she has that type of shower head. Thanks for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akur23 Posted April 1, 2006 #212 Share Posted April 1, 2006 Go to the front desk and ask about the cooking classes.... best $29 I've ever spent! :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardyloo2 Posted April 2, 2006 #213 Share Posted April 2, 2006 We've been on many cruise lines, but never HAL. This thread has me sold! I have a couple of questions, are the Reidel wineglasses used in the dining room, or just the alternative restaurant? A good wine glass can make even cheap wine taste better~really! Does HAL make petite fours? My mom loves them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipity1499 Posted April 2, 2006 #214 Share Posted April 2, 2006 My DH always likes to get into the Bow of the ship.. Does anyone know if you are able to do that on the Prinsendam? If so can you give directions.. Thanks & Happy Cruising everyone..:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pisces223 Posted April 2, 2006 #215 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Could you tell us some of the items on the menus? I'm going in two weeks on the Veendam and am curious if I can get Rack of Lamb on Easter? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geonna Posted April 2, 2006 #216 Share Posted April 2, 2006 That's funny about making out on the sky deck...On our last Christmas cruise on the Zaandam we found 2 pieces or irrefutable evidence of romantic interlude up there among the deck chairs. One morning we went up to the deck, the one most high and most far forward, (is that the sky deck?), and there they were, lying on the deck, crumpled and spent. (Not the people, but their, shall we say... devices) Along side these two somewhat unpleasant used and discarded items was the name tag of a crew member! O-la-la! :confused: :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruznon Posted April 3, 2006 #217 Share Posted April 3, 2006 This thread is so fantastic! One thing about HAL that I love is the wonderful abundance of flowers everywhere--even fresh orchids on tables in Lido Buffet. I also love that when you order champagne in the bar, you get a small bottle of the bubbly!:) AND.... If it's your birthday--ask the waiters to sing "Happy Birthday" in Indonesian--it's beautiful. (My daughter's an opera singer and she was delighted as they sang to her--the photo taken of her as they sang captured a beautiful moment.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sayyadina Posted April 19, 2006 #218 Share Posted April 19, 2006 We enjoyed the warm chocolate chip cookies that were served in the Lido every afternoon. A couple of warm cookies and a scoop of ice cream and you are set. We found they kept the desserts left over from lunch out almost all afternoon for snacking at the Lido. They kept them cool, don't worry, but it was quite nice. :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kakalina Posted April 20, 2006 #219 Share Posted April 20, 2006 I have a rather specific question...I was thrilled to find on our first Royal Caribbean cruise (Vision of the Seas) that the showers had a hand-held Shower-Pik like head. We will be on the Masdaam (May13) and wondered if she has that type of shower head. Thanks for the info! Yes, all the rooms with showers have hand held devices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ventru Posted April 20, 2006 #220 Share Posted April 20, 2006 The Sky Deck, at night, is a good make-out spot, as there seldom is anyone there -- and, if there is, it's too dark to see what's going on You forgot the security camera's, we loved your video:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugger Posted April 20, 2006 #221 Share Posted April 20, 2006 We've cruised on several line's only once on HAL 20+ year's ago. At that time the crowd was bit to mature for us LOL Now that we are in the "mature" crowd we were trying to decide between trying RCL or HAL - normally we cruise with Princess and love them. However, after reading the past 11 pages of this thread we're hooked on HAL. We're thinking of the Veendam, Westerdam or the Zuiderdam for the fall. Which is your favorite and why? Are all S class suites created equal??? Are the amentites the same for all S class suites? We are platinum level on Princess do you know if there are any priviledges that are extened with HAL being they are all part of the VIP program? THANKS everyone What a FABULOUS job of sharing your tips on HAL. They should give you all a discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaches from georgia Posted April 20, 2006 #222 Share Posted April 20, 2006 The S suites on the Zuiderdam and Westerdam (both Vista class ships) are smaller than on the Veendam and other S and R class ships. There are many more S suites on the Vista ships, but while the Vista ships are bigger they have many more suites not only because of their size but because the suites themselves are smaller. We much prefer the S and R class mid-sized ships and also prefer the larger S suites on them. An S suite is a terrific way to cruise, both for the size of the suite and balcony, and for the amenities which are only available to S suite pax and the PS (penthouse). And yes, the amenities are the same for all S Deluxe Verandah Suites, but do not be fooled when HAL calls other categories 'suites'. Read carefully. Only the PS, SA, SB, and SC suites get the amenities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugger Posted April 20, 2006 #223 Share Posted April 20, 2006 I was fooled as we were looking at the SS cat. So I take it that you don't get anything with these suites? WOW - it is really very confusing the way HAL does their cat's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peaches from georgia Posted April 20, 2006 #224 Share Posted April 20, 2006 You got it- it's confusing and I often wonder if that is intentional. Many posters here think they are getting the amenities with every cabin called a 'suite'. Since people who read these boards are a lot more educated as to these categories than the normal new pax who doesn't read online, I can imagine how many get on the ship and think they are getting perks that they are not. The SS category is only on the Vista class ships and the cabin is larger than the A and B 'mini-suites' on the mid-sized ships (such as Veendam). We have not been in one, but I know many here who have have been very happy. We loved the Veendam, by the way. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papadave Posted April 21, 2006 #225 Share Posted April 21, 2006 I have been on the Westerdam in an SS. The room, the balcony and the bathroom are all really nice. If you don't need the concierge and other added amenities, the SS is a great value for the money. I wish HAL could come up with less confusing terminology, because some folks have gotten less than they expected. However, when you see a huge price difference it normally indicates something. We paid only a few hundred dollars over the rate for a standard balcony and got an SS and would be very happy to do so again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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