Thinking of trying HAL, I have questions

[Sandi149]

Hi,

 

I'm basically new to cruising. I have only been on 3 cruises, 1 on the defunct Premier Lines, and 2 on Carnival. I loved all of my cruises and would definitely sail Carnival again but I love variety so I'm looking into other cruiselines. Specifically the HAL Noordam. She looks absolutely beautiful from the pictures that I have seen. My husband and I are thinking about taking a cruise on the Noordam in 2009. Does she still sail out of NYC because that is where we live and would much prefer to leave from here than have to fly down to Florida.

 

Next year I will be 50 :eek: and my husband 49. Are there a lot of people in that age group or is it much older? We are not party animals and I certainly can't stay up past 1 or 2AM at the latest but we do like to have fun. We both love to dance. Does HAL have live bands with disco and ballroom dancing? We love both types. What other types of activities would we find aboard a HAL ship? Do they have any sort of cooking demonstrations?

 

I know that HAL is more formal than Carnival but how much more? Would my husband have to wear a tux and would I have to wear a gown? Would that be the norm? We certainly wouldn't have a problem with that, but I would just like to know. What type of clothing would be worn for the non formal nights?

 

I also would be interested in seeing any menus or if someone could give me a link to where the current menus are located I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance for any info you can give me. :)

 

 

Sandi

[Jsipes]

I started cruising HAL when I was 50, and I had a great time. Yes some of the people are older, but a lot are your age or younger. If you like Carvival, you'll love HAL...definately a step up.:)

[Seavoyage]

Hi Sandi

I am 41 - ok admit will be 42 (ug - I know I know - WOW congratulations in advance on 50 - it's a wrinkle thing with me - SUN - I love SUN - point - rather cruise than be bruised.... :) ) by next November 08' cruise - DH is 58 - what a TROOPER - he puts up with me.

 

We adore HAL and this will be our 8th cruise - 7th with HAL - honestly - would not even consider another line - we have been so spoiled rotten (that is with the Deluxe Suite amenities - highly recommend)- the disco (not live- DJ) is what you make it - same with Crows Nest - Ballroom - ok perhaps a stretch - but nevertheless - my motto - build (dance) it and they will come - that is how it usually works. They do have cooking demonstrations - have not been - but anyone that has gone - that we have spoken with - has enjoyed and been impressed. My DH wears a tux for all formals - but I have noticed others without (just a nice suit and tie works)- I normally wear some type of formal - you would not be out of place wearing a gown (but if you wear shorter you would not be out of place). If dining in dining room (non-formal nights) - men must wear pants/slacks (no shorts) but if you dine in Lido - does not matter. We have enjoyed every cruise - no complaints here - of course - we feel that vacations are what you make them - we are thrilled to not answer cells phones or check e-mails!

 

Have a great time whatever you decide!

Happy cruising!

 

Turst this is not a double post - some server problems experienced -

[jtl513]

I'm sorry to say that the Noordam will not be cruising out of NYC after April of this year. After that it will be based in Fort Lauderdale.

 

Your husband will not have to wear a tuxedo, nor will you need a gown. It varies a bit with the itinerary and length of the cruise, but on a typical cruise about 35% to 40% of the men will be in tuxes, 40% to 45% in dark suits, and the remainder in light colored suits or sports jackets. HAL's policy on the dress code is:

 

On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen usually wear a suit and tie or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

At most, half of the ladies will wear gowns.

 

There will be at least two cooking demonstrations per week, each lasting about an hour. There are also two hour-long cooking classes per week for $29 pp. Each class will have a maximum of 12 people, and they fill up early. If you are interested, go to the front desk to sign up ASAP after boarding.

[Bill S]

Hi Sandi! Welcome to the HAL board!

First, we have sailed on the Noordam, and you are correct, she IS a beautiful ship-we enjoyed our time aboard her very much. In fact, it was a big-band, trans-atlantic cruise.

The Noordam has a night club with a DJ for disco and up-beat dancing, and there are also a couple of smaller lounges where you can ballroom dance to live music, also something that we enjoy, too. You won't find many folks up past 1 or 2 am on most HAL cruises, but it can happen.

I have not cruised on Carnival, but I imagine that HAL is more formal, in that typically they have 2 formal nights for a seven-day cruise. On formal nights, HAL requests that men wear either a tux or a dark suit, so a tux is not a hard requirement. We typically see a mix of tuxes and suits for men, and it is all over the sky for the gals: sequined, long gowns, to cocktail dresses, to crepe/fancy pants. All other nights are smart casual: for men a polo or dress shirt and slacks and dress/blouse/skirt/pants for women. Shorts are not permitted in the main dining room in the evenings.

HAL offers a variety of activities both at night and during the day. Yes, HAL ships have cooking demonstration facilities. Typically, the daytime activities include port lectures, team trivia, the obligatory bingo, skill contests like basketball toss, ping-pong tournaments, seminars about various topics, kitchen and back-stage tours, etc. Of course, the Noordam has a casino, a combined internet lounge/library/coffee bar, shops, and small function rooms for bridge and other games. There is also a multi-function venue for the cooking demonstrations and for movies.

I don't know if the Noordam will be sailing out of NYC next year. I'm sure others here will know. Hope this helps!

[Suitegurl]

Sandi - I too had been cruising on Carnival and enjoyed it. Then we tried HAL. That was about 7 years ago and we haven't gone back to Carnival since. We love HAL and I celebrated my 50th on the Zaandam in a suite. Wonderful experience! Don't worry about the age, I have found most poeple to be extremely friendly on HAL cruises and some of the youngest "seniors" I have every met. But on most of our cruises, I have seen passengers of all ages. There will most likely be alot less children though. Both depend somewhat on itenerary.

 

For formal nights, you will see a range of apparel, but I noticed that most took the opportunity to dress up. Men wore tuxes, suits or jackets. Lots of long dresses, beads and sequins for the women, but I also saw cocktail dresses and dressey pant suits. And even those that weren't in formal wear, the one thing different I appreciated on HAL is that I never saw coverups over bathing suits or shorts in the dining room at dinner like I did on Carnival. Since it will be your 50th...I think you should go all out and buy yourself a gorgeouos dress!!!!

 

We loved the Crow's Nest and stopped by several times during the day for a drink and the view. They have dancing there in the evenings. Different type of music on different nights. But it didn't go on until wee hours of the night and there were no bright flashing neon lights all over the place like on Carnival. There are several spots to dance.

 

The food has always been good. I also read on a link somewhere that the menus are changing to reflect more of a local flair so I am guessing that they will be different based on itenerary. But you should really plan to go to the Pinnacle Grill one night (maybe your birthday). It is an extra charge...I think $30 per person...but well worth it. Do some searches on the PG and read some of the comments.

 

I have found this to be a very friendly board, so ask questions as you think of them! There is alot of great information to be had here.

[Sandi149]

Thanks everyone for your replies. That's too bad that the Noordam is moving out of NY. I guess we will just have to try her down in Florida. :p

 

Ok....as long as my husband could wear a suit that's great and I would just wear a cocktail dress. No problem there.

 

I actually did really like Carnival and plan on cruising with them again, it's just that I like variety and want to try different things. I'm hoping to try many of the cruiselines in my lifetime. :D Actually when I was on the Miracle I didn't see any of that "typical" Carnival stereotype. Nobody wore shorts in the dining room in the evening.

 

That Pinnacle Grill sounds similar to the supper club on the Miracle. The food and service in there were outstanding.

 

What types of shows does HAL have? While we wouldn't go to the show every night, we might go a few of the nights.

 

Ohh another question. Is there an adults only pool or area?

 

Thanks for everyone's help. :)

[oldmedic]

thanks for the info!!!

[jtl513]

What types of shows does HAL have? While we wouldn't go to the show every night, we might go a few of the nights.

At least two nights per week will be "Broadway review" type of shows ... but not as good, of course. The rest will be a variety of acts - comedians, both family and 'adult', magicians, acrobats, jugglers, guitar player/folk singers, ventriloquists, piano players ... just about anything that used to appear on TV variety shows!

Ohh another question. Is there an adults only pool or area?

Many HAL ships "request" that the Lido deck aft pool (outdoors) be kept as an adult pool, but it is not enforced. The only place that is kept as an adult area is the casino!

[Solo Cruiser]

My favorite things about HAL so far:

 

Cabins are a little larger than the ones in the same categories on Princess and MUCH more comfortable. The bed was the best I've slept on in my life. Even though I travel on a very limited budget (since I have to pay the dreaded single supplement) I found the fully obstructed outside cabin to be perfect for me... it had a BATHTUB!!

 

Although my main entertainment choice was the casino (good-bye budget LOL), the piano bar was a great option as well. Always something going on and really good pianist/singer/comic on the Westerdam.

 

This was my first experience with fixed dining and I really loved it. Great tablemates and we were all traveling alone. Food is good to very good to excellent in the dining rooms. I will also vote you make a dinner reservation at the Pinnacle Grill. Superior filet mignon and suprisingly wonderful side dishes.

 

If you are into pampering and water activities, get a pass to the Thermal Suite / Hydrotherapy Pool. I was in that area twice a day at least and thought it was a major contribution to this being the most relaxing vacation ever.

 

Have a super cruise.

[Sandi149]

My favorite things about HAL so far:

 

Cabins are a little larger than the ones in the same categories on Princess and MUCH more comfortable. The bed was the best I've slept on in my life. Even though I travel on a very limited budget (since I have to pay the dreaded single supplement) I found the fully obstructed outside cabin to be perfect for me... it had a BATHTUB!!

 

Although my main entertainment choice was the casino (good-bye budget LOL), the piano bar was a great option as well. Always something going on and really good pianist/singer/comic on the Westerdam.

 

This was my first experience with fixed dining and I really loved it. Great tablemates and we were all traveling alone. Food is good to very good to excellent in the dining rooms. I will also vote you make a dinner reservation at the Pinnacle Grill. Superior filet mignon and suprisingly wonderful side dishes.

 

If you are into pampering and water activities, get a pass to the Thermal Suite / Hydrotherapy Pool. I was in that area twice a day at least and thought it was a major contribution to this being the most relaxing vacation ever.

 

Have a super cruise.

 

What is the Thermal Suite/Hydrotherapy Pool? Is that part of the spa and is there an extra cost?

[Solo Cruiser]

On Vista Class ships (see sticky on HAL board for description of different class ships within HAL) the Thermaly Suite / Hydrotherapy Pool is in the spa area but there is a seperate charge for use. You can do a search on this board and see lots of information about this area. I will give you my impressions and experience there.

 

I took a spa tour immediately after boarding the ship so I could purchase my week long pass for both areas and got my first in person look at them. The Hydrotherapy Pool was in a glassed in room just off the spa lobby. There were lounge chairs that were nicely padded, a place for lots of towels, a squared off pool about the size of 5 or 6 large hot tubs. The Thermal Suite contained a sauna, steam room, aromatherapy shower and the curved, reclining, heated, ceramic lounge chairs overlooking the ocean through floor to ceiling windows. I gladly paid my $139 for one person for a week for use of both areas as long as the spa was open. When I went back that evening, the glassed in area around the pool had been screened with fabric shades so that nobody could see in. It was like having a private pool. I had decided to use this as one of my "shore excursions" and it was the best investment I ever made. :D

[BarbCT605]

Does she still sail out of NYC because that is where we live and would much prefer to leave from here than have to fly down to Florida.

She is a pretty ship. As mentioned, the Noordam won't be sailing out of NYC in 2009.

Are there a lot of people in that age group or is it much older? We are not party animals and I certainly can't stay up past 1 or 2AM at the latest but we do like to have fun. We both love to dance. Does HAL have live bands with disco and ballroom dancing? We love both types. What other types of activities would we find aboard a HAL ship? Do they have any sort of cooking demonstrations?

DH & I found that the demographic was generally older, but had enough of an age mix to make it interesting. A Florida-based cruise may have more elderly pax.

 

NCL had much more live music than the Noordam. For sailaway, NCL has a Reggae-type band to play music in the pool area (nothing like "Hot, hot, hot" playing while holding a Pina Colada in the hot sun during sailaway -- aaahhh!). The Noordam had the show band around the smallish aft pool area during sailaway.

 

Later in the evening, Noordam was much quieter than NCL, which has live music in the disco.

 

Noordam had many cooking demos/some classes. NCL had fewer, in comparison.

I know that HAL is more formal than Carnival but how much more? Would my husband have to wear a tux and would I have to wear a gown? Would that be the norm? We certainly wouldn't have a problem with that, but I would just like to know. What type of clothing would be worn for the non formal nights?

HAL is definitely more formal than NCL. NCL has optional formal nights, which means you can dress if you like. You'll see some pax in tuxedos and some in dockers. You wouldn't have to pack a tux/gown, if you don't want to.

 

Non-formal nights is anything except shorts (called something like "Resort Casual" but a dress code is not strictly adhered to on NCL).

I also would be interested in seeing any menus or if someone could give me a link to where the current menus are located I would appreciate it.

Take a look on the NCL board. They have many threads on food and links to menus.

 

DH is in 70's, I'm in my 50's and, in my opinion, HAL is too "old" for us. We found HAL very quiet, which is great if that's what you want. Not us -- we like the occasional poolside party/contest; dancing to live music. On NCL, there was almost always some live music somewhere on the ship.

 

If you liked Carnival, I think you would enjoy NCL.

 

For 2009, you may want to take a look at NCL's Gem and Jade, both out of NYC (west side of Manhattan). I highly recommend a suite, catergory AE or higher for the best overall cruise experience and suite "perks."

 

Enjoy your future cruise!:D

[Cerinda]

Sandi,

 

We're your age and love to dance, too. One of the things we like best about HAL is that the dance floor is ordinarily populated with several pairs of very polished dancers (particularly in the Ocean Bar before dinner). And those dancers are inevitably obviously older than we are! The difference in our ages certainly doesn't prevent our sharing the floor, sharing a drink, enjoying a chat, and picking up a few pointers.

[Sandi149]

She is a pretty ship. As mentioned, the Noordam won't be sailing out of NYC in 2009.

 

DH & I found that the demographic was generally older, but had enough of an age mix to make it interesting. A Florida-based cruise may have more elderly pax.

 

NCL had much more live music than the Noordam. For sailaway, NCL has a Reggae-type band to play music in the pool area (nothing like "Hot, hot, hot" playing while holding a Pina Colada in the hot sun during sailaway -- aaahhh!). The Noordam had the show band around the smallish aft pool area during sailaway.

 

Later in the evening, Noordam was much quieter than NCL, which has live music in the disco.

 

Noordam had many cooking demos/some classes. NCL had fewer, in comparison.

 

HAL is definitely more formal than NCL. NCL has optional formal nights, which means you can dress if you like. You'll see some pax in tuxedos and some in dockers. You wouldn't have to pack a tux/gown, if you don't want to.

 

Non-formal nights is anything except shorts (called something like "Resort Casual" but a dress code is not strictly adhered to on NCL).

 

Take a look on the NCL board. They have many threads on food and links to menus.

 

DH is in 70's, I'm in my 50's and, in my opinion, HAL is too "old" for us. We found HAL very quiet, which is great if that's what you want. Not us -- we like the occasional poolside party/contest; dancing to live music. On NCL, there was almost always some live music somewhere on the ship.

 

If you liked Carnival, I think you would enjoy NCL.

 

For 2009, you may want to take a look at NCL's Gem and Jade, both out of NYC (west side of Manhattan). I highly recommend a suite, catergory AE or higher for the best overall cruise experience and suite "perks."

 

Enjoy your future cruise!:D

 

Thanks but I'm not interested in sailing NCL at the moment. Looking into HAL for my next cruise.

[newmexicoNita]

Sandi,

 

I noticed you mentioned not being interested in NCL. Everyone has his/her own opinion but I am just curious as to why? I only ask because some of what you seem to be looking for you will not find on HAL. Much of it you might and there is no line that will offer you everything you want. Example, HAL has some great dance music if ballroom dancing is what you are thinking but disco type will be hard to come by. As for activities and not wanting to stay up much past midnight; you don't need to worry, very few on HAL will be up much past 10 or 11pm. HAL ships are known for being very subdued with not an much energy or activities as most other lines. The age range will be that of many older people, but there certainly will be several in your age group as well. also you will find families.

 

You ask about cooking demo, they usually offer an opportunity for a very small group to actually participate in a cooking lesson, but they only take a few. Other than that there won't be much.

 

If it sounds like I am dsicouraging you from sailing HAL it is my second favorite line, but it is better you know ahead of time what to expect. If this type of refinement is what you are looking for you will love the HAL cruise experience.

 

Nita

[catl331]

You ask about cooking demo, they usually offer an opportunity for a very small group to actually participate in a cooking lesson, but they only take a few. Other than that there won't be much.

There will be at least two cooking demos per week in the Culinary Arts Center ... same as the number of cooking classes.

[Sandi149]

Sandi,

 

I noticed you mentioned not being interested in NCL. Everyone has his/her own opinion but I am just curious as to why? I only ask because some of what you seem to be looking for you will not find on HAL. Much of it you might and there is no line that will offer you everything you want. Example, HAL has some great dance music if ballroom dancing is what you are thinking but disco type will be hard to come by. As for activities and not wanting to stay up much past midnight; you don't need to worry, very few on HAL will be up much past 10 or 11pm. HAL ships are known for being very subdued with not an much energy or activities as most other lines. The age range will be that of many older people, but there certainly will be several in your age group as well. also you will find families.

 

You ask about cooking demo, they usually offer an opportunity for a very small group to actually participate in a cooking lesson, but they only take a few. Other than that there won't be much.

 

If it sounds like I am dsicouraging you from sailing HAL it is my second favorite line, but it is better you know ahead of time what to expect. If this type of refinement is what you are looking for you will love the HAL cruise experience.

 

Nita

 

Hi Nita:

 

I'm not interested in sailing NCL at the moment, but eventually I will try them. I want to try all the major lines at least once. I like variety.

 

From what I have seen, the HAL ships look absolutely beautiful and elegant and I have read very good things about them. When I do sail on one of their ships, if I don't like it, I won't sail on them again, but I know I will like them. I just love going on vacation and I'm very easy to please. :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

You won't be disappointed in HAL!!

[Sandi149]

You won't be disappointed in HAL!!

 

I believe you are right. :)

[newmexicoNita]

There will be at least two cooking demos per week in the Culinary Arts Center ... same as the number of cooking classes.

Not on the Amsterdam there wasn't. There was only one, I know cause I was hoping to do one just like one of the gals at our table did.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

Hi Nita:

 

I'm not interested in sailing NCL at the moment, but eventually I will try them. I want to try all the major lines at least once. I like variety.

 

From what I have seen, the HAL ships look absolutely beautiful and elegant and I have read very good things about them. When I do sail on one of their ships, if I don't like it, I won't sail on them again, but I know I will like them. I just love going on vacation and I'm very easy to please. :D

Seems reasonable to me. I was just curious as to why, did you have a particular reason or just knew what line you wanted to try next. It is a great idea to try every mass market line. It amazes me when people judge lines they haven't been on. The exception might be a travel agent who has information as close to first hand as can be gotten without an actually experience.

 

Nita

[Jade13]

 

You ask about cooking demo, they usually offer an opportunity for a very small group to actually participate in a cooking lesson, but they only take a few. Other than that there won't be much.

 

 

 

Nita

 

That is not accurate regarding the cooking. Each ship we have been on has had two cooking demos per week open to everyone. On the last one they took two volunteers from the audiance and had a cook off competition. HAL has teamed up with food & Wine Magazine (great demo kitchen) and on certain sailings have Celebrity Chefs (you can check the schedule on the HAL web site). In addition on a week cruise there will be two classes where you can participate for a fee. Additionally, HAL normally has a Kitchen tour the first sea day as well as other related demos (last cruise they had an ice carving demo at the Aft deck as well as another demo at another location where they were making the marzipan flowers and critters, many you will see at the Dutch Tea and late night Dessert Extravaganza).

[newmexicoNita]

That is not accurate regarding the cooking. Each ship we have been on has had two cooking demos per week open to everyone. On the last one they took two volunteers from the audiance and had a cook off competition. HAL has teamed up with food & Wine Magazine (great demo kitchen) and on certain sailings have Celebrity Chefs (you can check the schedule on the HAL web site). In addition on a week cruise there will be two classes where you can participate for a fee. Additionally, HAL normally has a Kitchen tour the first sea day as well as other related demos (last cruise they had an ice carving demo at the Aft deck as well as another demo at another location where they were making the marzipan flowers and critters, many you will see at the Dutch Tea and late night Dessert Extravaganza).

Ice carving demo, yes, I don't know of many lines that do not do that once, a tour of the kitchen Princess did this just last week on the Golden. I can assure you on the Amsterdam a year ago classes were not held twice. As for demos I made no statement about them and have no idea. We were on a very port intensive cruise so when we were at sea, other than wine tasting (which I am sure you are including) we spent time doing other things.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

That is not accurate regarding the cooking. Each ship we have been on has had two cooking demos per week open to everyone. On the last one they took two volunteers from the audiance and had a cook off competition. HAL has teamed up with food & Wine Magazine (great demo kitchen) and on certain sailings have Celebrity Chefs (you can check the schedule on the HAL web site). In addition on a week cruise there will be two classes where you can participate for a fee. Additionally, HAL normally has a Kitchen tour the first sea day as well as other related demos (last cruise they had an ice carving demo at the Aft deck as well as another demo at another location where they were making the marzipan flowers and critters, many you will see at the Dutch Tea and late night Dessert Extravaganza).

Ice carving demo, yes, I don't know of many lines that do not do that once, a tour of the kitchen Princess did this just last week on the Golden. I can assure you on the Amsterdam a year ago classes were not held twice. As for demos I made no statement about them and have no idea. We were on a very port intensive cruise so when we were at sea, other than wine tasting (which I am sure you are including) we spent time doing other things.

 

Nita