Is Hal For Me?

[elou]

I want to try HAL. The things important to me are the shows production numbers and, for the days at sea (which I do not like), I am looking for seminars, lecturers, arts and crafts, not interested in pool games. Food is not important to me, only pastry. I like to be entertained. Even though I'm in my 60's I do like to be casual at night, no dress up. I've been on at least 40 cruises and find Celebrity and Princess to be the best during the day. Any suggestions?

[jhannah]

Seminars, arts and crafts are almost never offered. Lectures are generally limited in scope, and mainly on longer sailings. Production numbers are subjective, so it's hard to say. I have enjoyed the ones I've seen on HAL ships. (Naturally, some are better than others.) HAL ships do have casual, informal, and formal attire nights.

 

My general advice is to give anything a try to see how you like it. But from my interpretation of your post I'm not sure you would find Holland America to your liking. I doubt you would be entertained to the level you expect.

[hammybee]

elou,

You certainly sound like you know what you want out of a cruise. I am going to toss my hat in the jhannah ring, and agree, HAL may not be the best place for you.

 

This must be my week for championing NCL, while on the HAL board....and I am thinking you might enjoy sailing with them, in Hawaii. In particular, I am thinking of the sail that goes to Fanning Islands. It's 2 sea days out and back but the trip is worthwhile and then there are all the Hawaiian islands. I am not a fan of sea days or crafts, but NCL did a darn good job of keeping us entertained on sea days with Hawaiian crafts and some semblance of local lectures.

 

The casual evenig enviornment may suit you well.

[Moonhead15]

After many cruises with other lines we tried HAL. The shows were good, not great...activity was lacking (not much in arts and crafts)...a little too dress up for my husbands taste but service is the best...food was excellent too. I too liked Princess..I don't really suggest NCL.

[SDHALFAN]

I want to try HAL. The things important to me are the shows production numbers and, for the days at sea (which I do not like), I am looking for seminars, lecturers, arts and crafts, not interested in pool games. Food is not important to me, only pastry. I like to be entertained. Even though I'm in my 60's I do like to be casual at night, no dress up. I've been on at least 40 cruises and find Celebrity and Princess to be the best during the day. Any suggestions?

 

 

Judging by the parameters you have set forth I would say that HAL is definitely not for you - better stick with Celebrity and/or Princess.

 

Whichever line you choose for your next cruise I hope that you have a wonderful time aboard ship, but I don't see HAL in your future given your tastes.

 

Valerie:)

[newmexicoNita]

I second either going back to Princess or trying NCL. The food may not be quite as good as other lines, of course this is subjective. You will have lots of day time activities like some arts and crafts, lots of trivia, a little nightlife, and definently better entertainment. Of all the mass marketed lines you will find the dress code the most casual. You can, if you choose dress to the nines on formal optional nights, but you do not have to. The other option, for you, would be the luxury liners, but you are going to double your cost and may not get the production shows you want. As for lectures these are almost a thing of the past. NMnita

[MBeamTX]

I also suspect that HAL may not be to your taste, given the specific things you are looking for. But I thought it worth mentioning that HAL does have some team games during the day (trivia, Scattergories, Pictionary, etc.) as well as cooking demonstrations on ships equipped with the Culinary Arts Center. Then there are afternoon movies. For those that are happy to entertain themselves, as opposed to being entertained, there is the wonderful Explorations Cafe/library on some ships. It offers internet access, books, magazines, DVDs and board games, as well as specialty coffees and pastries, in a comfortable atmosphere.

[newmexicoNita]

I also suspect that HAL may not be to your taste, given the specific things you are looking for. But I thought it worth mentioning that HAL does have some team games during the day (trivia, Scattergories, Pictionary, etc.) as well as cooking demonstrations on ships equipped with the Culinary Arts Center. Then there are afternoon movies. For those that are happy to entertain themselves, as opposed to being entertained, there is the wonderful Explorations Cafe/library on some ships. It offers internet access, books, magazines, DVDs and board games, as well as specialty coffees and pastries, in a comfortable atmosphere.

You are right about the library. I can't imagine any line with a better one and it is always busy, especially on sea days. As for the games, yes, they have some but we found them poorly attended and a few actually cancelled. As for the movies, many attended them even though they were certainly not the best ones. DH did two, while I entertained myself in the casino. He may not have seen the best movies, but certainly choose the cheaper activiity.NMnita