a couple questions

[supercutie]

I'm going on a 15 day Holland America Hawaii cruise the begging of Jan, never been on a cruise and i was wondering what to wear to dinner. I was told to wear a nice dress or a cocktail dress to non formal nights, and a nice gown like you are going to prom for formal nights, am i going to be over dressed? I don't want to be under dressed either, what should I wear to fit in the best?

 

What is a Master Chefs dinner and why do people hate it?

 

How much smoking is on the ship? I have breathing issues and can't be around it constantly, or i get sick, but occationally is ok. Also i have a friend going who likes to smoke, so i'm asking for her knowledge too.

 

Do people get sea sick alot? I was on a small fishing boat before and i spent the whole time puking over the edge of the boat, a little nervous about that, but i was told that its a lot different on a cruise.

 

What kind of pillows do they have, and would it be ok if i bring my own? I'm kinda picky about having feather pillows.

 

arrive and depart times at the port, is that the time the ship arrives and departs, or is that the earliest/latest they will let you off/on the ship? How long after that time can you expect to be off the ship?

 

Does Holland America serve cheese cake?

 

Can i walk around the ship bare foot?

 

If you eat dinner at the pinnacle grill can you have a second dinner at the main dining room? Do they serve Breakfast and lunch in the main dining room, and if they do what are the times for that?

 

Last question, will i be the only person in my 20s on the ship?

 

Answers to any will be appreciated

[jhannah]

... wondering what to wear to dinner. I was told to wear a nice dress or a cocktail dress to non formal nights, and a nice gown like you are going to prom for formal nights, am i going to be over dressed?

Perhaps. While you could wear a prom formal for formal night, most ladies won't be wearing quite to that level. For reference, please look over HAL's dress code guidelines. Click here.

 

You won't be around smoking constantly. Smoking is limited in public areas, so you should be just fine.

 

Getting sick can happen if seas are rough. I'd suggest bringing along some meclezine (brand name is Bonine) to take care of this if you think you might have an issue. It's available over-the-counter.

 

I think you can request feather pillows from your room steward. Someone else can confirm this.

 

Yes, they serve cheesecake.

 

If you have late dinner seating and eat in the Pinnacle early, then in theory you could have two full meals. But only do this if you want to assure you're sick as a dog that night! :eek:

 

You may or may not be the only 20-something on the ship. Never can tell.

 

Most of the rest of the information you request can be found on HAL's website under "For Booked Guests." You'll also get it in the "Know Before You Go" booklet you receive in the mail.

[supercutie]

I did look all over their website, maybe i just checked the wrong places, but i didn't really find answers to theses questions, most the info seemed very vague.

[sail7seas]

I'm going on a 15 day Holland America Hawaii cruise the begging of Jan, never been on a cruise and i was wondering what to wear to dinner. I was told to wear a nice dress or a cocktail dress to non formal nights, and a nice gown like you are going to prom for formal nights, am i going to be over dressed? I don't want to be under dressed either, what should I wear to fit in the best?

 

 

What is a Master Chefs dinner and why do people hate it?

 

We don't hate Master Chefs dinner but we don't particularly enjoy it either. WE have experienced it several times and find it too loud and disruptive. HAL's dining rooms are elegant and we don't care for the singing and dancing that takes the stewards away from the usual smooth, professional service they provide. Some people think it is wonderful fun. IMO, everyone should experience it at least once to decide for themselves what they think of it.

 

How much smoking is on the ship? I have breathing issues and can't be around it constantly, or i get sick, but occationally is ok. Also i have a friend going who likes to smoke, so i'm asking for her knowledge too.

 

There are limited smoking areas. Smoking is permitted in cabins and on verandas. Not permitted in any area where food is served nor in the show lounge. There are small smoking areas in several bars and on outside decks it is permitted.

 

Do people get sea sick alot? I was on a small fishing boat before and i spent the whole time puking over the edge of the boat, a little nervous about that, but i was told that its a lot different on a cruise.

Of course, from time to time, some people get sea sick but far fewer than you imagine. A small fishing boat hardly compares to a 55,000 + ton cruise ship. Ask your physician what (s)he recommends you bring with you to use if you feel sea sick.

 

The front office will provide meclizine which many find effective if the seas are rough. Chances are very good you'll be fine.

 

What kind of pillows do they have, and would it be ok if i bring my own? I'm kinda picky about having feather pillows.

 

By all means, bring your own pillow if you wish. HAL provides a wonderful selection of pillows but if it will make you happy, you certainly can bring yours from home.

 

arrive and depart times at the port, is that the time the ship arrives and departs, or is that the earliest/latest they will let you off/on the ship? How long after that time can you expect to be off the ship?

 

The times listed in itinerary mean the time the ship is scheduled to arrive/depart. All aboard is always 30 minutes prior to time of departure from ports. You must check in on initial embarkation day 90 minutes prior to departure time if you have not pre-registered on line....which you should do. You cannot leave the ship in any port until local authorities clear it. This usually happens very quickly. In Hawaii, no clearing.

 

Does Holland America serve cheese cake?

 

Yes. Several times in the Dining Room at night and often in Lido at lunch.

 

Can i walk around the ship bare foot?

 

At pool and on outside decks, but like at any hotel, you would not be apt to walk around a formal dining room, lounges, or public areas in bare feet. Certainly not in any dining area except at Lido Pool Burger/Taco Bar where you would be poolside. I don't think you would really want to walk around a lovely, elegant ship without shoes.

 

If you eat dinner at the pinnacle grill can you have a second dinner at the main dining room? Do they serve Breakfast and lunch in the main dining room, and if they do what are the times for that?

 

The servings are so ample in Pinnacle, I can't imagine you would have an appetite for more food. If you wished to go to the dining room and Pinnacle, no one would stop you but I'd be shocked if anyone could actually eat that much.

 

Last question, will i be the only person in my 20s on the ship?

 

Not likely but a 15 day cruise often attracts people who are retired as they have more time than younger, working people. It is highly likely there will be other 'young 'uns. :)

 

Answers to any will be appreciated

[Sleepladypalmdesert]

I'm going on a 15 day Holland America Hawaii cruise the begging of Jan, never been on a cruise and i was wondering what to wear to dinner. I was told to wear a nice dress or a cocktail dress to non formal nights, and a nice gown like you are going to prom for formal nights, am i going to be over dressed? I don't want to be under dressed either, what should I wear to fit in the best? You can get by with a nice "little black dress" for the formal nights or the long gown. You will not be out of place. A nice dressy dress will do. The non-formal nights a pair of nice slacks with nice blouse, less dressy dress, etc will do. Men wear suits or tux's on formal nights...I saw many with sports coats and tie. Non-formal nights, men wore slacks and sweaters or collared shirts.

 

What is a Master Chefs dinner and why do people hate it? We somehow missed the Master Chefs dinner. We ate in the Pinnacle Grill on the Wednesday night and I believe it was that night...so I can't help there.

 

How much smoking is on the ship? I have breathing issues and can't be around it constantly, or i get sick, but occationally is ok. Also i have a friend going who likes to smoke, so i'm asking for her knowledge too. We noticed smokey areas in the casino. Some smoking was noticed coming over from our verandah. I don't smoke and it really didn't bother me too much. We didn't spend much time in the casino due to the smoke though. There were plenty of areas that were smoke free.

 

Do people get sea sick alot? I was on a small fishing boat before and i spent the whole time puking over the edge of the boat, a little nervous about that, but i was told that its a lot different on a cruise. I also get sea sick on small fishing boats. Badly so. I took 2 Bonine the night before we sailed and 2 the morning of the sailing. I then took 2 each night at bedtime and had no problems with sea sickness. In fact, I felt great the whole time. I am very sensitive to motion sickness too...

 

What kind of pillows do they have, and would it be ok if i bring my own? I'm kinda picky about having feather pillows. I found the bedding to be absolutely wonderful. Pillows and all. I wouldn't worry too much about bringing extra stuff.

 

arrive and depart times at the port, is that the time the ship arrives and departs, or is that the earliest/latest they will let you off/on the ship? How long after that time can you expect to be off the ship? We arrived to the ship at aout 11:30 am and were on board in about a half hour. I think you should refer to your cruise docs though to be certain about exact times.

 

Does Holland America serve cheese cake? I never had any cheesecake, but there were lots and lots of deserts. In fact, now that I think about it, it seems that there was strawberry cheesecake at least at one dinner. I fell for the bread pudding and spent my extra calories on that wonderful stuff.

Can i walk around the ship bare foot? I think that is discouraged. I had a pair of nice slip on sandels and wore those to and from the spa, pool, etc. I am not much of a barefooter though so it never occurred to me.

 

If you eat dinner at the pinnacle grill can you have a second dinner at the main dining room? Do they serve Breakfast and lunch in the main dining room, and if they do what are the times for that? I can't recall the exact times, but I am always so stuffed after dinner that I could not think about a second one. I fill up pretty quickly. There is PLENTY of food though. Breakfast and lunch can be eaten in the dining room. We usually ordered room service at breakfast, skipped lunch (except bread pudding) and had some crackers/wine at about 4 or so and then dinner at 8. We were always stuffed at bedtime. Don't worry, you will have lot's of food choices and I found the food to be very good.

 

Last question, will i be the only person in my 20s on the ship? I saw a number of people in all age groups. There were some younger people, but not a huge number of the party crowd. I would say that most were 40's/50's and over. We actually shared a table with a young woman who was our daughter's age (23). She seemed to be having a nice time. There were a number of younger people. They tended to do the more active excursions and we spoke with a group of them on a zipline excursion. They seemed to be having a good time.

 

Answers to any will be appreciated

 

There are a great deal of people on these boards that have much more experience that I. These are some of what I can recall, but many of these good folks will have more to add than I.

[Copper10-8]

I'm going on a 15 day Holland America Hawaii cruise the begging of Jan, never been on a cruise and i was wondering what to wear to dinner. I was told to wear a nice dress or a cocktail dress to non formal nights, and a nice gown like you are going to prom for formal nights, am i going to be over dressed? I don't want to be under dressed either, what should I wear to fit in the best?

 

What is a Master Chefs dinner and why do people hate it?

 

Not everybody "hates" it. Some actualy like it; it is a personal preference. My suggestion; go take it in and form your own opinion. We have done that and find it hokey but, like I said, see what YOU think

 

How much smoking is on the ship? I have breathing issues and can't be around it constantly, or i get sick, but occationally is ok. Also i have a friend going who likes to smoke, so i'm asking for her knowledge too.

 

Do people get sea sick alot? I was on a small fishing boat before and i spent the whole time puking over the edge of the boat, a little nervous about that, but i was told that its a lot different on a cruise.

 

Depends if you're prone to motion sickness. It can be a little rough in JAN (winter time!) during the first couple of days out of San Diego (but it can be smooth also) so take Mr. Hannah's suggestion. Zaandam is a pretty good size ship and has stabilizers to cut down on rolling. It usually smooths out during the middle part of the crossing and around the Hawaiian islands

 

What kind of pillows do they have, and would it be ok if i bring my own? I'm kinda picky about having feather pillows.

 

I like the beds (a lot) and they now give you several pillows to stack (or unstack) - personal choice!

 

arrive and depart times at the port, is that the time the ship arrives and departs, or is that the earliest/latest they will let you off/on the ship? How long after that time can you expect to be off the ship?

 

See S7S's answer - she's been around the HAL block just a couple of times;)

Sorry about ending you guys' streak today, S7S - Go Lakers!:)

 

Does Holland America serve cheese cake?

 

Yes Ma'am!

 

Can i walk around the ship bare foot?

 

At both pools, sure! Inside the Lido Restaurant, nope! Inside the ship, period, not a good idea! Wouldn't do it on the Lower Promenade wrap-around teak deck either. Inside your cabin and if you have a balcony, out there, have at it

 

If you eat dinner at the pinnacle grill can you have a second dinner at the main dining room? Do they serve Breakfast and lunch in the main dining room, and if they do what are the times for that?

 

If your little heart desires a 2nd meal after having consumed one in the PG, by all means, go for it (You would have to time your PG reservation with your normal DR reservation and/or go AYW

 

Breakfast times in the DR: 8:00-9:30 or 7:30-9:00

Lunch: 11:30-12:30 or 12:00-1:00

 

Last question, will i be the only person in my 20s on the ship?

 

To Hawaii? Chances are there will be more 20-yr olds - Watch for the "singles get together's" in the Daily Program - Enjoy your cruise!

 

Answers to any will be appreciated

 

[supercutie]

Thank you for all the answers. Its nice to hear everyones opinions. A friend of mine went on a cruise and was told the ship did not serve cheesecake, i think it was Carnival line, but i might be wrong.

 

I don't know how often the serve the same meals in the main dining room, but i would hate to miss the night they served something i really wanted to try because i had reservations at the Pinnacle. I'm small but i can eat a lot, unless I'm stuck sea sick or something.

 

I've had a few different hotel experiences with overstuffed non feather pillows, and overstuffed gives me a neck ache, and if the pillows aren't feather they get to hot. Does Holland America offer different kinds of pillows?

 

I don't really know what its like on a ship, because i have never been on one, but i have seen some hotels were people walk around some of the areas other then the pool, with no shoes.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We did the Master Chef dinner a couple of times -- JMO -- but we hate it.

The group "The Mix" from the Crow's Nest played the music about 80% of the time. The crew staff and dancers from the production shows led the waitstaff in the dance routines. The lead singer from the cast did the opening song. It was the only time she sang. Since she was on the steps, halfway down, many people didn't even know that she was singing. I understand that (whomever) and the HAL Cats do the singing and music now.

 

When we entered the dining room there was already a Parker House with various seeds on top on the butter plate which was under your chef's toque and menu. The menu was a special cut out showing a spatula, cork screw, rolling pin, chopping knife and big spoon.

 

Then we had the Ballet Service. This was the only time we had a singer. The waitstaff entered both levels of the dining room to the tune of "Swan Lake". The assistant waiter held the try of napkins while the waiter placed them in our laps. The crew and cast had to help out here in some sections as there weren't enough waitstaff to quickly get the napkins to everyone.

 

Act 1 - Once again the waitstaff, crew and cast entered the dining room carrying the Chef's Amuse Surprise -- mushroom mousse with asparagus en bouche. This was a tiny empty puff pastry with a tiny dab of mouuse on top.

 

After those dishes were cleared away, the waitstaff. crew and cast again assembled in the hall and entered the dining room to begin Act 2 -- The Swing Service. The crew and staff "mixed" the salad in HUGE salad bowls to music -- waitstaff get throwing in fake tomatoes, peppers, etc -- some of the waitstaff tried to juggle the peppers -- very funny. Show Salad Spectacular: menu said that we were to have assorted baby greens, pepper rings, mushrooms, scallions & cherry tomatoes with a honey mustard dressing. What we actually got was a tomato stuffed with the assorted baby greens, enoki mushrooms with chopped up onion, scallions and peppers sprinkled on top and the honey mustard dressing drizzled over everything.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Then the waiters came around and took our orders for the Starters and Entrees.

 

Starters:

1.Dialogue of Alaskan Salmon Tartare with avocado: cold smoked, pickled and chipotle-hot-smoked salmon with lime-avocado-tomato sauce. DH had this -- loved it the first segment. 2nd segment -- it was mostly BIG chunks of onion and very little salmon.

 

2.Golden Baked Brie in Phyllo Dough served with a cinnamon-spiced apple cranberry compote -- have had this many times in the past -- love it -- it was excellent the first segment -- not completely heated through -- brie -- wasn't even melted a little bit.

 

3.Lobster Bisque sensuously smooth classical shellfish soup enhanced with aged French cognac and whipped cream. We both have had this in the past -- it's okay -- not one of our favorites.

 

4.Oxtail En Crote - flavorful classical soup slow-simmered and served in a crisp pastry crust -- excellent both segments.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Entrees:

 

1.Tagliatelli with Roasted Chicken & Portobello Muchrooms tossed in olive oil and lemon cream.

 

2.Sauteed shrimps "Provencales" scented with Mediterranean herbs, tomato concassee', florets of crisp, tender broccoli and sticky rice -- you got 4 medium size shrimps -- some people ordered 3 of this dish in order to get more shrimp -- which sent the waiter into a tizzy since they were on a time schedule.

 

3.Apricot Glazed Salmon with Soya Garlic and Ginger Spalsh -- I have had this on other ships and love it. 1st segment -- excellent RED sockeye salmon -- 2nd segment -- pink salmon -- tasteless.

 

4.Duck Breast a l'Orange - the old time favorite, oven roasted until crisp amd served with a Grand Marnier sauce, braised red cabbage, pea pods, carrots julienne and William potatoes. DH had this the first segment -- excellent.

 

5.Whole Roasted Tenderloin of Beef on an earthy bed of calvados-spiked mushroom ragout, with vegetable bundle, braised onion & horseradish mashed potato. DH had this the second time -- beef was tough and fatty.

 

6.Wild Mushroom Strudel - selected forest mushroom spinach & feta cheese rolled in Phyllo dough and baked until crisp and flaky. Served with a Thai red curry sauce and a timbale of basmati rice.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Act 3 - The Final Service --- the waitstaff, crew and cast began to assemble out in the hallway around 7:15 for this. Then they came parading into the dining room carrying trays of Chef's Rudi's "Hat's Off" dessert. Some of the cast and crew members had bottles of fake champagne that when they popped the corks, some bottles sent out streamers aimed towards the chandeliers which also landed on the people and tables directly below. Other fake botles of champagne gave off smoke. We have had this dessert before. There is a small piece of cake resembling a peg that holds the chef's hat in place - the chef's hat is made out of white chocolate - chef's hat conceals a small amount of chocolate mousse. It was excellent the 1st segment. The second segment -- the cake was flavored in mint -- the mousse was flavored in mint. All you could taste was mint!! A lot of white chocolate went to waste. Many people could not (including us) break the hat up -- it was too thick in places.

 

We noticed that on the 1st segment, the section of tables in front of ours were all served their dessert before the Act 3 parade took place. As a result, several people left early not knowing that something else was going to happen.

 

Now some people have been reporting that on recent cruises, the Chef's Toque has been replaced with the Baked Alaska Parade.

[SuperTrooper00]

Sorry...realized the OP is already gone.