Considering HAL for next cruise

[SusieV]

Someone mentioned to me that Marriott points were redeemable for a cruise, so I checked and saw that we're getting closer to having enough for a Holland America cruise.

 

We love Celebrity- would we like HAL? What ships would you recommend that we look into if we like the M class size? We're in our mid twenties and enjoy wine and good food, the casino, and onboard activities during the day.

 

Thanks!

[tuggers]

My favorite HAL ship is the Prinsendam but it's a smaller ship - 750 passengers - very elegant with terrific food and service. I did over a month in the Amazon on her and could have stayed on forever (well, except for that nasty Amazon bug that kept me sick for 4 months and left me with a permanent problem, but that's another story...). I still hope to repeat that trip but in the dry season. On Prinsendam.

If you are in to the larger ships the P won't work for you. Too bad 'cause she's a beauty!

As with X, the longer the cruise, the older the demographic until you get up to the 3 week point. Then you start to get a mix again of young retirees plus the older. There were plenty of 40ish and 50ish pax on the P cruise.

I would look for a 7 night or a little more that doesn't leave out of Miami!:rolleyes:

 

You'll love the Yum Yum man! Oh, and the fact that your cruise is FREE!!!!!!

[caviargal]

The Vista class ships would be closest to M class on X. We have been on the Zuiderdam, the Oosterdam (Mexican Riviera) and the Noordam and loved them all. the Oosterdam had the most lively nightlife and the crew and staff were especially terrific but we did not care much for the ports of call (we had so much fun though we might go back just for the ship). The new Eurodam might also be a good fit depending on when you want to cruise and has a really nice itinerary IMO.

 

HAL's cabins are spacious and the bedding luxurious. bathrooms are large and in cabin amenities provided are very nice. Their room service is excellent (warming trays and menu not dependent on cabin category booked). We happen to prefer HALs food to the French influenced cuisine of X.

 

It is a traditional line and IME passengers follow the dress code which we enjoy. I would say that onboard activities are similar to X and you will not be bothered with announcements.

 

The Piano Bar can be a fun place to hang out in the evening and their Martini Mixology class is a good time.

 

Gyms are large and well appointed and there is a hydropool as well.

 

HAL is our favorite mass market line. :)

[Bouff]

We have sailed HAL twice and loved it. Cruising with X for the first time this coming June.

 

I can't recommend HAL strongly enough although, as yet, I've nothing to compare it to!

[dmk]

caviargal:

What is the difference in the food between X and Hal? What exactly do you mean by french influenced cuisine? You have mentioned it before and I have meant to ask you. I hope it is not to OT.

[caviargal]

caviargal:

What is the difference in the food between X and Hal? What exactly do you mean by french influenced cuisine? You have mentioned it before and I have meant to ask you. I hope it is not to OT.

 

I find X's cuisine to be on the heavy side. Saucy, rich and fattening, like French cuisine. I generally end up ordering from the alternative menus and have breakfast and lunch at the Aqua Spa.

 

I prefer HAL's Asian influenced cuisine. I can find more items that are prepared to my taste and the fish dishes in particular are tasty and nicely seasoned. Just personal preference.:)

[Host Anne]

Susie ~ I think you'd like HAL. We did our first HAL cruise last March and really enjoyed it. Definitely a much older crowd but we like that sometimes. I think their ships (except the Zuiderdam or Oosterdam) feel intimate and comfortable...that's one thing we really liked about Veendam. Great size.

 

dmk ~ one thing that stood out for us on HAL was their buffet area. I thought the food selection and preparation here was far better than any other line we've sailed (Celebrity, RCI, Princess & NCL). However, we found the dining room food uninspiring and just OK. Nothing memorable. And the M-Class specialty restaurants (along with Murano) are far superior than what we experienced in HAL's Pinnacle Grill.

 

We'd definitely sail HAL again but are definitely still sailing Celebrity as well. ENJOY!

[SusieV]

Thanks for all the comments!

 

We would be going sometime in 2009 if I can get those last few points. Free is always good!

 

I've read that they'll let us upgrade to a balcony for a fee, which would be nice.

[caviargal]

if I can get those last few points. Free is always good!

 

I've been saving my Marriott points for about 5 years so we can go to the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman for 5 nights. A cruise is actually fewer points but we love being right on that beautiful beach and that island is so expensive we would not make the trip otherwise.

[caviargal]

if I can get those last few points. Free is always good!

 

I've been saving my Marriott points for about 5 years so we can go to the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman for 5 nights. A cruise is actually fewer points but we love being right on that beautiful beach and that island is so expensive we would not make the trip otherwise.