HAL or NCL, please answer some questions

[dorothyl]

My husband and I are both 41yrs old. We have cruised NCL on the Dawn and loved it. We are looking at the Dec 6th Noordam or Dec7th Dawn. Both 10 days, almost identical itinerary, out of NYC. Price on the Noordam actually better, but while I would like to try something new my husband doesn't really want to have to be formal all the time. He loved freestlye cruising.

 

Can someone please answer some questions? Are dinners always formal? How is the food, is there a set menu, or can you choose? How is the entertainment? Is the customer dynamic generally older?

 

Thank you in advance.

[wwinfl91]

Never cruised on NCL but there will be big differences in the fixed seat dining on HAL versus the free style dining on NCL. We have cruised on HAL 7 times and enjoyed each cruise so I would suggest if the dining style difference isn't a problem given HAL a chance and see how you like them.

 

Have a great next cruise.

[jhannah]

Not all dining is formal. Some are informal (jacket for gentlemen, tie optional) but most are country club casual. You will have fixed dining times, but you can always dine in your room or in the Lido if the time doesn't work for you. That being said, we love dining in the dining room. There's just something special about it.

[hammybee]

I have sailed NCL ( Hawaii) and many times on HAL and no two cruise experiences could be any different. I chose NCL becasue of the intinerary and because the people we sail with, with too many kids, preferred it.

 

The fixed dinner seating and true formal nights (probably 3 on a 10 day) are just the begining. If your husband seriously objects to formal attire, which at a minimum, is in only a jacket and tie, you could choose to dine at the clothed tables, in the Lido, or even have meals on formal night in your cabin.

 

On HAL, your ship will be cleaner, the ambiance nicer, your cabin will be larger, the beds will be better,the service more genuine and attentive, the food will contain more variety and certainly be better and on and on.

 

Choose NCL for intinerary /price. Choose HAL for value.

[OceanLiner]

I have sailed NCL ( Hawaii) and many times on HAL and no two cruise experiences could be any different. I chose NCL becasue of the intinerary and because the people we sail with, with too many kids, preferred it.

 

The fixed dinner seating and true formal nights (probably 3 on a 10 day) are just the begining. If your husband seriously objects to formal attire, which at a minimum, is in only a jacket and tie, you could choose to dine at the clothed tables, in the Lido, or even have meals on formal night in your cabin.

 

On HAL, your ship will be cleaner, the ambiance nicer, your cabin will be larger, the beds will be better,the service more genuine and attentive, the food will contain more variety and certainly be better and on and on.

 

Choose NCL for intinerary /price. Choose HAL for value.

 

I could not agree more. HAL is really a great value. As to the demographics, they are skewed to an older more experienced crowd. But do not ever think that this means a more sedate cruise. My wife and I are in our mid 40's and there was no way that we could ever have kept up with this seasoned crowd. What was really interesting was that the seniors seem to divide between two distinct lines: one group was up before dawn, had an early lunch, dinner and a show, then to bed....then there was the other group; you saw them for a late lunch, cocktails, a rip roaring dinner, and shows/casino. They did things that would hold the the Carnival line spring breakers in awe.

 

We had a great time, plenty of people our age, and some kids around 6-10, like ours. But you didn't have screaming families, cartoon characters, or surly teenagers. And the service was really top notch. We will be on HAL again. One interesting piece of advice, make sure to have lunch every day in the dinning room, and ask to share a table. The seasoned seniors that you will have a chance to meet will really amaze you. We had a fantastic group of German sisters who shared stories of survival through the years, people with the most amazing histories of work or hobbies, and once I even had lunch with a pilot who flew the Burma Hump in WWII. Great stories and great people.

 

BTW: my personal take on the food was good to very good, with the soups being excellent. I am not a big soup fan, but the soups on HAL are on par with the best of NYC or Paris.

[DD]

I've been on both ships within the last year. Hands down the Noordam will impress you more than the Dawn. The Dawn is a very pretty ship but the Noordam is nicer, more luxurious, better appointed, nicer cabins, better food, better service, better onboard entertainment. Ok, the Noordam doesn't have the dining room where you can dine with the original masterpieces; however, the Noordam is in a completely different class than the Dawn. The Dawn was fun; the Noordam is spectacular.

[Balliett]

The dinner seating on HAL should not be a deal breaker. Since the Noordam is less expensive, you could dine in the Pinnacle for $20 more, whenever you liked (after making reservations). As far as formal nights, half the men wore business suits. My daughter (32) and her husband sailed on the Dawn out of NYC this summer. She tells me that her past sails on HAL ships were better.

[karen2cruz]

Just coming back from our first HAL cruise and agree with the others here. Give HAL a try. The amenities, food and service as well as the staterooms (bedding/bathrooms/robes) are wonderful. Casual dining in Lido area, so you and your husband can go there instead of the formal /informal nights in the dining room.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise, whatever you decide.

[dorothyl]

Can you tell me how the tipping works? Is it automatic( on your shipboard account?) or is there a recommended tip? Are there extra cost restaurants? Can you order room service anytime, particularily breakfast?

 

Thanks

[Balliett]

tipping, automatic, on your bill, reasonable, I forget exactly. room service breakfast, every day for us. give the guy $2-3 is what we did. occasional dollar extra in a bar for a drink. maybe $10 extra tip in the Pinnacle (premium restaurant) which costs $20 extra pp. No one will diss you if you don't tip anything but the automatic on your bill.

[AAAAmerican]

 

dorothyl

My husband and I are both 41yrs old. We have cruised NCL on the Dawn and loved it. We are looking at the Dec 6th Noordam or Dec7th Dawn. Both 10 days, almost identical itinerary, out of NYC. Price on the Noordam actually better, but while I would like to try something new my husband doesn't really want to have to be formal all the time. He loved freestlye cruising.

 

Can someone please answer some questions? Are dinners always formal? How is the food, is there a set menu, or can you choose? How is the entertainment? Is the customer dynamic generally older?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

One basic way to say it the ms Noordam is H A L and one Pier over and above on the Hudson River.

 

Another please check your so called FEES/TAXES paid in your costs...

 

*YIKES* NCL is out of ther minds in M H O!

 

They do have a nice art collection worth millons of dollars to some people and an acquired asset for NCL which is (HQ) based in Malaysia.

 

ms Nordaam and HAL in food are a few steps ahead and no real nickel and diming you!

 

We usually dine for most meals in the formal dining rooms and/or the Pinnacle Grill ..only one on HAL's ms Noordam and TEN on NCL Dawn *YIKES* and it used to be having a great meal was normalcy in a cruise too.. now with so many ships afloat they do need to pay with revenues generated more...

 

 

Dawn does have 24 hour food which to some is a necessary evil.. but have you ever heard of anyone starving on a cruise..? Most people gain 3-4 pounds before they return..

 

Formal wear can be rented prior to leaving and measured at a local shop or tailor. o need to be an M. P. to get good fits...eh..

 

One good reason to do this once is to have photographs taken for memories in years fore... yes NCL hounds you.. HAL we never found intrusive.

 

 

 

It is your decision and the cost basis being a much better valuation should help you choose.. but a WARNING*WARNING* Once you go aboard a HAL ship thats where you may only want to cruise on from then on...*

 

PS: Staying in NJ over night across the Hudson River will save you about 60% too in a nice Hotel with all amenities.

[Sillyjilly]

On the Amsterdam the same food served in the dining rooms was served at the buffet. We never even got out my hubby's suit or tux. We dined in the buffet every night.

 

There is NO comparison between Holland & NCL. (IMHO) You'll never go back to NCL after trying Holland. Their food & service are the best.

 

Good luck deciding and Happy cruising!

 

Jill

[Navy_Chief]

Can you tell me how the tipping works? Is it automatic( on your shipboard account?) or is there a recommended tip? Are there extra cost restaurants? Can you order room service anytime, particularily breakfast?

 

Thanks

 

The tipping is included in your room bill, $10 per person in each stateroom, per day (this can be adjusted down or even removed from your bill but I doubt many people mess with it, it is IMHO reasonable). There is also a 15% gratuity attached to each drink/soft drink you purchase. You may tip on your own beyond the amounts I just mentioned, it's totally up to you but is not required. If you do decide on the Noordam on December 6th, we have a group of about 35 people going who have checked into the Roll Call thus far and will welcome you as well.

[Bouff]

I thought I would my two penny worth to this thread.

 

As stated above we are first time cruisers. I originally booked, a year in advance, on the Norwegian Dawn because we are not used to being formal on holiday. However NCL completely changed the duration and itinerary of our proposed trip. I had also been following the threads on the NCL board and was starting to have reservations particularly with numerous comments about the food.

 

As a result of all this I jumped ship, cancelled NCL and booked with HAL. Although we haven't cruised yet I am getting much better 'vibes' from the HAL board than I was previously getting from the NCL board.

 

At this stage I am confident I have made the right decision! I would go with HAL!

[AZjohn]

Just want to add my two cents too since I have cruised on both lines and have no allegiance to either:

Are dinners always formal?

No, just a few. I too am in my 40’s and do not like dressing formal at all. I enjoyed NCL “freestyle” dinning concept very much but would rank food quality much higher on HAL. Also, I don’t mind getting dressed formal a few times to make my wife happy….LOL:)

Is there a set menu?

No, it changes every night and you can chose anything and any quantity you like (that’s a big plus for me during lobster night).

How is the entertainment?

That’s truly dependent on each person’s taste. I will not express an opinion on this topic.:cool:

Is the customer dynamic generally older?

I would say physical age yes, but I got to tell you that’s one of the things I truly enjoy. I have met some very cool “older” passengers that are a blast to talk with (and they are much younger in spirit than I am). I have also seen many “younger” passengers and everything in-between.

I’m not trying to sell anyone on HAL and would suggest you do what is right for you. It’s just been my experience (which has already been stated by others in previous posts) that there seems to be a different class of atmosphere once you step onboard a HAL ship. We enjoy it very much…:D

John

[newmexicoNita]

I have not cruised HAL for about 15 years so really can't totally compare, but I have cruised Celebrity which seems to be in a similar catagory. This is my opinion only which may not be worth a damn thing, but it is my opinion.

 

HAL: food will probably be slightly better, especially in main dining rooms

Cabins will be larger.

Service in the dining room will be as good, if not better depending on wait persons.

It is nice to know the food in the dining room and Lido are the same. I still can't imagine eating all my meals buffet style.

People on HAL will, for the most part be older, and perhaps a little more sophisticated (spelling)

They will probably be more seasoned travelers

You will see them up earlier in the morning and lights out earlier at night.

 

NCL: freestyle allowing you to eat with and when you want.

Many more dining choices.

more relaxed athosphere

outstanding, friednly crew

better entertainment

more nightime activities for those who like the night life.

never a reason to feel you have to dress formally or even informally.

 

I hope this helps some. My views are based on experience plus views my cliants have given me on the two ships.

 

Both lines have something special to offer. If you really enjoyed freestyle my advise would be stick with it: if you like fomality give HAL a try. We are sailing them in November because of the itinerary but are not looking forward to dressing for meals nor would we consider eating in the Lido. there is no way a buffet can be the same as a sit down experience. As for the tipping, the policy is identical on both lines and becoming the norm throughout the industry it appears.

 

Before you decide I would suggest you pose the same question on the NCL board.

 

NMnita

[dorothyl]

Thanks for the response. I have sailed the Dawn, and loved it. I lurk all the time, it does become addictive. I read your responses also and value your opinion.

 

I was looking at 2 things, itinerary and cost. The itineraries are almost identical, but I am very surprised at the price difference. NCL is quite a bit higher for even the standard balcony. I have done my homework. I think I will give HAL a try.

 

I am now debating a TA or online. One of the agencies has a $100 shipboard credit, so I may go that way. Any suggestions?

[newmexicoNita]

Dorothy,

 

I would try a TA first and see what they come up with. Sometimes, usually, in fact, the OBC credits etc are special promos that are being run either by the cruise line or perhaps by the agency. Of course, even if I am not a fan of online booking $100 is $100.00.

 

Be sure and let us know your experience both with the booking and the cruise. I don't blame you for choosing HAL. We did the same about 3 years ago over Thanksgiving. Celebrity had a better deal on balcony cabins than NCL so we went with them. Of course we had a great time and it was a wonderful itinerary. I would say, I had expected Celebrity to be a full step or two above NCL: this was not the case. We, like so many book, price and itinerary, then cruise line. Even as a TA we do this and do not use TA discounts; it is too big of a hassle anymore. NMnita

[dorothyl]

My local CAA actually has the $100 shipboard credit also. I think I may book today. The exchange rate looks good. Thanks for the advice. I am soo excited about cruising again.

[NoNoNanette]

On the Amsterdam the same food served in the dining rooms was served at the buffet. We never even got out my hubby's suit or tux. We dined in the buffet every night.

 

There is NO comparison between Holland & NCL. (IMHO) You'll never go back to NCL after trying Holland. Their food & service are the best.

 

Good luck deciding and Happy cruising!

 

Jill

 

Hey, Silly! (My favorite niece is named Jill :))

 

Dom and I thought that we'd like to stick with room service and Lido for dinners for a change.

 

What kind of clothes did you see on the formal nights at the buffet?

 

We ate in our cabin 6 out of 7 nights on the Grand Princess. It kind of "spoiled" us. Looking forward to maybe doing the same this time. ;)

[SDHALFAN]

Hey, Silly! (My favorite niece is named Jill :))

 

Dom and I thought that we'd like to stick with room service and Lido for dinners for a change.

 

What kind of clothes did you see on the formal nights at the buffet?

 

We ate in our cabin 6 out of 7 nights on the Grand Princess. It kind of "spoiled" us. Looking forward to maybe doing the same this time. ;)

 

 

I realise that you addressed this post to "Silly", but thought that I would put my two cents worth in anyway:

 

I am a big fan of room service and/or the Lido for dinner. First of all on HAL you can order anything on the Dining Room menu from room service for dinner in your cabin. Some people have posted earlier that you have to call within the first half hour before the first dinner sitting but that's not exactly true. The Dining Room menu is posted outside the Dining Room after the lunch service and all you need to do is check it out and decide what you want for dinner, then call room service and place your order. You will be told that it can't be delivered until at least the first seating but they will give you a time frame of when to expect delivery. Be sure to tip the room service guy - those trays get really, really heavy!:D Oh, and the food always arrives hot and just the way you ordered it. It truly is a luxury, especially if you have a balcony and want to dine a deux or, like me, you just have an outside cabin with a view but have a DVD movie you have brought with you that you are dying to watch.

 

As far as eating dinner in the Lido: the dress code seems to be mostly country club casual on formal nights. I tend to dress up for the formal nights because I want to go to the Crows Nest or the casino after dinner and don't want to look too out of place but that truly is not a requirement. It is not exactly buffet style as others may have mentioned in that certainly you go through the line choosing your appetizers, salads, etc., but when it comes to your entree you choose (and they usually have plates on display so you can see what your are getting), then are given a number and a waiter will bring your entree to your table, which by the way is covered with a white linen tablecloth and has flowers and candles adorning it. It is actually a very nice dining experience, it is too bad that the hours in the Lido are so short most of the time because that is truly where I would prefer to eat - for one thing it is quieter and less crowded than the Dining Room and I do find almost everything on the menu that is being served in the Dining Room.

 

I hope that this was some help to you.

 

Have a wonderful cruise (if it was up to me I would choose HAL any day).

 

Valerie:)

[dorothyl]

Thanks everyone for your comments, they have certainly helped and tomorrow I will be booking a beautiful balcony room that I most definately will be eating on.

 

Has anyone sailed in December before and can you tell me what to expect weather wise?

[newmexicoNita]

Aren't you sailing out of NY? If so, you can expect some nippy weather the first few days. You may not want to eat on the balcony or even use it much without sweat shirts. The further south you get, of course the nicer the weather. Early dec should be very comfortable. I hope you don't plan on eating all your meals in your cabin, on your balcony or in the buffet. Enjoy the pleasure of the dining room and your table mates.

 

Have a great cruise.

 

NMNita

[dorothyl]

We will be trying everything. The dining room sounds like a wonderful experience.

My job is one that dictates I attend black tie and formal functions weekly, while I was hoping to bypass that ( here it is work) I am quite looking forward to the experience being social. I love to meet different people.

 

7 days on the Dawn wasn't enough so I am going to enjoy 10.

[NoNoNanette]

That was a GREAT help, kiddo. Many thanks for taking the time to post! :)

 

We usually "dress" for dinner, but found something very enjoyable about enjoying lobster tails and bubbly while in pajamas! ;)

 

We might hit the dining room once or twice, as well as the Lido, but will probably enjoy our meals in our cabin....

 

I'm REALLY looking forward to HAL. Thanks again, baby. :D