Just returned from Statendam cruise

[Georgia]

My husband and I just got back this week from a 16 day cruise to Hawaii on the Statendam. It was a great trip and we enjoyed it thoroughly.

The weather was somewhat rough the first night and next day. Many people became ill. It might be a good idea for those who tend to get seasick to bring along some of the meds that do not make you sleepy since the ones given out at the infirmary do. We also had some rough weather on the way back. Windy, which slowed our progress the first couple of days and very windy the last day. We weren't allowed on deck that day. Fortunately, we did not get sick and were able to enjoy the entire trip.

The food was very good. We had excellent waiters who took such fantastic care of us, seeing that we got the particular things that we wanted, like crab claws even when they weren't on the menu.

The tours were mostly all right, although if we were to go again, I would want to rent a car and go on our own. The one exception was the Polynesian lauau. Spelling is not an issue here, I hope. It was a $99 charge and I would not even consider doing it at the same place again. The entertainment was all right although slow. The food was so bad that it sounds like I am making it up. The pork was greasy, the chicken was dry, the fish had a sauce that ruined it. The rice was cold, sticky and disgusting. The salad was all right. It reminded me of the bagged salad mixes that you get in the grocery store. The cake was like Betty Crocker's, the coconut jelled stuff was tasteless. I can't think of anything else that was on the plate. We paid a premium for our tickets since we were served instead of going through the buffet and had seats in front of the stage, though in the back of the area. The were about 1000 people there so it was not an intimate celebration. Didn't remind me of events you might see in the movies. Some people said that they had been to one put on by a hotel and it was more like what you might expect. If we were the only complainers, I would think that I was being too critical, but there were many who were disappointed enough to write letters to the tour people on the ship. I was especially glad for room service since, as soon as we got back to the ship, I ordered a meal in the room.

Most breakfasts and lunches were in the Lido. Many times the food was identical to what was being served in the dining room. I like the fresh squeezed oranged juice in the Lido.

The shows were excellent. The troops of dancers and singers were especially good this trip. They did 4 or 5 shows. We had a pianist, a ventriloquist, a juggler, a very excellent singer, and a clarinetist who was also good. There were also lectures avaliable about the history of the Hawaiian peoples, and about animals and fish life of the area.

We had some excitement on the way back. The Coast Guard flew over to drop meds for a patient on board the ship. We watched as they around several times and finally dropped the parachute with the meds right into the hands of the crewman on the tender.

We are now thinking about an even longer trip next year. We would like to do the Panama Canal-Amazon River trip. It will take some thinking though.

Georgia

[Bill S]

Georgia: thanks for the report on your Hawaii cruise! We had to cancel our booking for that cruise and wondered how it went. It sounds like it went pretty good! I watched the Statendam in San Diego on the 6th and at least you had beautiful weather for your arrival that day. Thanks again!

[JDee]

Was that at the Polynesian Cultural Center?? A few years ago went there & it was a rather interesting place and enjoyed all the activities (took practically all day) except for the buffet. That was a looser, not as bad as you write, but still a looser. From what I understood at the time, all the food was prepared on the premises and prepared by the young (some teenage) Mormon groups that visit and donate their time & talents. The buffet was an optional purchase, but if you don't go for the buffet, nothing else there to eat while waiting for the tour bus to take you back. If you rent-a-car, no problem. Leave the premises when you are fininshed wandering about.....

[Pincus]

Georgia, thanks so much for your report. We especially appreciate the car rental suggestion.

One question: Air conditioning in the cabins...do you remember your cabin number, and whether or not there were problems -- in the cabin -- or in the public areas.

Appreciate your help.

Thanks.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center a few years ago. Loved it. There were choices for food. Some opted to go to the buffet - others (like us) chose the sit-down and have them bring it to us.

The after dinner was great.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Do tell us what cabin you were in and how the air-conditioning was around the ship.

We had problems on our cruise with the air - infact - the entire ship had problems at time or another.

[Georgia]

No, we did not go to the Polynesian Cultural Center, although I wish we had. This was the $99 Lauau (spelling).

[Georgia]

We were in cabin 589. There was no trouble with the air conditioning. I didn't hear that anyone had air conditioning problems.

The toilets refused to flush a couple of times and we were told it was a section problem. It didn't last long.

[SuzyQ Quilter]

Thanks for posting about your cruise, Georgia. It's good to hear that you enjoyed yourself! My hubby and I leave on the Statendam next week for the holiday cruise to Hawaii and are totally excited. I'm chuckling to myself because we chose the Oahu Circle Tour excursion and because it is pretty much an all-day trip, we wouldn't make the Polynesian Luau, which is another we wanted to do. We were going to wait until we boarded to ask if there was a chance to make it (maybe excursions return early or whatever), but between others saying we're going to be pooped and your thoughts about it, I think we'll pass.

P.S. Watched your ship dock on the 6th -- my but it was BEAUTIFUL weather in San Diego that day!

[Georgia]

You are right Suzie, We had beautiful weather most of the time.

Your experience with the luau might be different from ours but there were enough people complaining that I know it wasn't just us expecting too much.

And the wait at the Arizona isn't as long as the tour people say. According to our friends, they did stand in line 40 minutes to get tickets and then the bus driver took them for a tour of the city and they came back and went right in. We didn't go because my health isn't so great that I could stand 2 hours in the heat.

By the way, if you know anyone on dialysis who would like to cruise, it is possible on some sailings.

Enjoy your trip. I would love to go again. We're thinking about the 34 day trip to the Panama Canal and the Amazon.

Georgia

[Pincus]

Georgia, is the Java Cafe still operating ? and complimentary?

Thanks.

[DFD1]

Thanks, Georgia, Great review. We love Hawaii, but have never cruised out there. I think we have missed something.

[Georgia]

Java Cafe is still there and still complimentary. That is part of the ship that is to be remodeled when they go into drydock. That whole section, including the card room and library and reading room will be made into one large area. There are to be more books. And, if I remember correctly, a coffee bar is to be a part of it. The captain told us that it would have the same changes being made to the Ryndam. That includes a climbing wall and a 2-3 story children's activity section with age level rooms added on. I didn't completely understand the concept. But it does sound as though they are looking for a younger clientele.

Georgia

[sweet sheep]

Georgia,

Thank you for the information on your cruise. We are going in October of 2005. When is the ship going into drydock, do you know?

Also, did you stay in a hotel before the cruise and which one did you stay in? Any recommendations?

Thank you in advance,

[Pincus]

Georgia, thanks for your reply. You have been very helpful.

[Pincus]

Java Cafe is still there and still complimentary. That is part of the ship that is to be remodeled when they go into drydock. That whole section, including the card room and library and reading room will be made into one large area. There are to be more books. And, if I remember correctly, a coffee bar is to be a part of it. The captain told us that it would have the same changes being made to the Ryndam. That includes a climbing wall and a 2-3 story children's activity section with age level rooms added on. I didn't completely understand the concept. But it does sound as though they are looking for a younger clientele.

Georgia

Oh, Georgia ! A climbing wall! On a HAL ship...

I do hope not.

Thanks again for your help.

[Georgia]

I thought the climbing wall would be a bit much for the group that was on our cruise. Average age was 74.

I don't know when the ship will go into drydock but it sounded like it would be soon, maybe at the end of the season.

We stayed at Hampton Inn. It is 2 blocks from dock but driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the ship the next morning. There were many people there who were doing the same thing we were. It took 3 or 4 van loads of people to get everyone to the dock. I thought that the staff at Hampton Inn was very helpful.
We considered staying at the Holiday Inn which is just across the street from the dock area (still a ways to walk, Hampton van took us right to our area for leaving luggage). However, Holiday Inn was $30-$40 more per night and I do not think they served breakfast. Hampton Inn had a complete hot breakfast provided.

I think that if I had made one change, we would have gone out 2-3 days early and visited the zoo in San Diego, which is supposed to be a good one and some of the other tourist attractions around. It also helps with the time change. But you change that twice on the way to Hawaii anyway.

Georgia

[sweet sheep]

Georgia,

Is that the Hampton Inn that is near the train tracks? I understand there is a train at night?

Thank you for your help.

[Georgia]

The Hampton Inn is close to the trolley tracks. I don't think there is anything that runs after 10:00 pm. Neither my husband or I was disturbed by train noise during the night. It is the one that is a block away from the Holiday Inn and caty cornered (on diagonal corner) from the Holiday Inn.

There is no place really close by to stock up on pop, etc for the trip, but there is a 7-11 type store a couple of blocks away. They didn't have Pepsi on board ship. All I saw were Coke products. The driver at the motel offered to take us to a grocery store. I think he enjoys the tips.

Georgia

[RevNeal]

The weather was somewhat rough the first night and next day. Many people became ill. It might be a good idea for those who tend to get seasick to bring along some of the meds that do not make you sleepy since the ones given out at the infirmary do. We also had some rough weather on the way back. Windy, which slowed our progress the first couple of days and very windy the last day. We weren't allowed on deck that day. Fortunately, we did not get sick and were able to enjoy the entire trip.

The Pacific is far rougher than most people who've never cruised on her expect ... particularly those who are vets of Caribbean cruises. I remember on my 02 Hawaii cruise there was a couple who were irate the 4th day out of San Diego. We had been experiencing significant swell and they were just certain that the ship was broken. I tried to explain to them that it wasn't that the ship was broken, it's just that the seas were exceedingly rough and we were having VERY high swells. She just shook her head and told me how many cruises she'd made in the Caribbean and how they'd never had anything like this. I finally intercepted a ship's officer who was passing through the lounge at that moment and asked him to comment. He smiled and proceeded to explain the differences in depth, in swell, and that the stabelizers were designed to reduce the roll of the ship, NOT the pitch. I don't think she ever fully comprehended.

You are correct ... those who have trouble with motion sickness should always take medication to assist in that. I always take Scopace with me. I may not need it, but if I do I've go it. I've ridden out storms in the north Atlantic and have done just fine so long as I have my Scopolomine. Without it ... well ... the "head" is my best friend. :D

[Pincus]

Bless you, Rev! We were with similar thinking passengers on our Hawaii cruises. Several of them could not understand why it was not warm on deck the first day at sea..."after all, this is a Hawaii cruise," they said. They never did comprehend that it took four days to get to Hawaii, and we were not successful in talking about pitch and roll with them either.

[Georgia]

I must admit that I didn't really know that the seas would be different from the Caribbean but was not displeased. Our first 2 cruises were in on ships that were not very well stabilized and it was an adventure to walk the corridors. I sort of missed that (a little bit) when we moved our allegiance to HAL. So this roll and pitch were fun. We hadn't taken along any meds for seasickness and did not need any. We spent as much time on deck as we could, even when it was chilly, I put on a jacket and sat out to watch the waves roll by. The trip to and from Hawaii was as much enjoyment for us as being there.

We always ask for cabins in the middle of the ship. It cuts down on movement. And unless we go for a veranda cabin, we go for one of the lower decks. Not only are they cheaper, the lower you go, I think they are calmer in the storm.

If you haven't been before, don't miss the shuttle buses to the various stores. From what I hear, WalMart in Honolulu is less than a block from Hilo Hattie's. Everyone who shopped WalMart said that they had many of the same things as other stores and were cheaper. There is a shuttle for WalMart at Kona. I bought a pretty Hawaiian print dress there. Also got Hawaiian shirts for grandchildren.

Georgia

[Himself]

Rev:

The Pacific can be that rough eh? I was on the Volendam in November and on the 13th and 13th of November we experienced significant swells in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. You are welling me on never going to Hawaii by ship. Do you still recommend it?

Himself

[Georgia]

Oh, yes. The cruise is great. Take along meds in case you need them and enjoy the feeling of really being on an ocean. The stabilizers are great but the adventure of going with the flow of events and enjoying it is a big part of the fun.

My first two cruises on ships that were not well stabilized was on Caribbean. We had LOTS of movement. Probably more than we experienced anytime on the Hawaii cruise.

Georgia

[Himself]

If all goes well, I could be on the Statendam for a cruise to Hawaii next fall.
HIMSELF

[sweet sheep]

Himself,

There are ten of us from my church going on the Statendam on October 18th of 2005. Should you decide on that cruise let me know and we can start a new thread and chat about the trip.

[Himself]

Georgia:

I was in Hawaii about 21 years ago and did not do the Polenesian Cultural Center. Was advised Not to do it. The person who adivised against it gave the same "scouting report" you just gave. I guess some things don't change even in 21 years. If I go I would be much more interested in going on the Arizona Memorial Again and also onto the Battle Ship Missouri. (Can you tell I am into history?)

Himself

[Georgia]

I received an e-mail showing that there is a misunderstanding about the Hawaiian meal that was so bad. It was NOT at the Polynesian Cultural Center. From those I talked with, who did go to the Polynesisan Cultural Center, it was very nice.

The complaint that I had was for the luau that was at Paradise Cove. It was a huge disappointment. There were tours there each night we were in Honolulu. The Polynesian Cultural Center was a daytime event.

Georgia

[Celestia]

Ah yes, Paradise Cove. We selected this on our Circle Hawaii cruise 9/30-10/15 and it was most definitely a mistake. I've *never* gone and asked for a refund before (for a tour).

We weren't on the bus five minutes and the 'escort' from PC was telling us how we should tip her at the end of the night. She babbled uninteligibly the entire ride out there (in traffic, in a tour coach) then hit us with another tip pitch as we pulled up. The drinks were pricey (worse than HA's) and the food....as soon as you started describing the food, I knew you went to Paradise Cove! YUCK! I've had some awful food in my time but that was the worst for the price! The show is amaturish at best (I took polyensian dance, so I *know*) and the music was too loud. We wanted back on the bus two hours before time to leave. Long ride back, one person threw up on bus from the terrible start/stop/start/stop driving (and methinks, the food beforehand) and nearly everyone from our bus made a beeline to the Lido to see if there was anything at all we could eat....we'd have eaten anything, even the awful pizzas that night (we ended up doing the same thing you did, ordering room service, but taking it upstairs to the back pool to eat).

I didn't want to do the PCC because I'd been there before and my cruise partner didn't want to do Pearl since he was there the *first* time. We decided later we should have done a taxi or walkabout in Honolulu (actually I had done so earlier in the day and found it quite lovely with great shopping at Aloha Tower).

FW&FS,

Celestia

[Georgia]

I have received e-mail notification of 2 messages on this topic. The first one did not appear on the message board but I responded to it anyway. My response did not appear. Now I have received a second message which also does not appear on the message board. I tried to e-mail the manager of the board but could not do so. What's up?

Georgia

[the2ofus]

Himself, if you are into history I recommend that you rent a car in Honolulu and go to Punchbowl Cemetery. It is not hard to find.

The monument there is wonderful, with mosaics and engraved tablets which describe all the big battles of the South Pacific, plus some interesting detail about the international political situations and aspirations that led to the war. We spent several hours there. It is not very crowded and very beautiful. The tour buses just drive through but none stopped while we were there. Go in the morning as it can get hot there as the day progresses and heats the stone and marble.

[Georgia]

I never considered asking for my money back. I wish I had. It is probably the only thing that will actually influence the tour people to do things differently. And I had forgotten about the lecture about tips. I also thought that it was offensive.

I read the message from someone who was on the next sailing. They also had rough weather but seemed to enjoy the experience.

Georgia

[sweet sheep]

Georgia,

Happy New Year to you! I have another onboard question for you. I enjoy days at sea because of all the activities! With that many days at sea what does HAL do usually? Do they have trivia which i enjoy most? I would appreciate any input you can give me and thank you very much.

[Georgia]

There were activities going on all the time. Card meets in the card room, bingo, games. I think they did have trivia. There were also 3 lecturers who talked about Hawaii, the animal and fish life there, and a woman who talked psychology. There was the art auction. Dance classes. All the tours of the various aspect of the ship.

Georgia

[Celestia]

[QUOTE=Georgia]I never considered asking for my money back. I wish I had. It is probably the only thing that will actually influence the tour people to do things differently. And I had forgotten about the lecture about tips. I also thought that it was offensive.

I'm sure there are folks who love the Paradise Cove experience. Just not many!

In case you are curious, we did not get our money back from Shore Excursions, and to be honest, I didn't expect to (though I'd surely have accepted!). I mostly went and asked for a refund to point out to the SE desk just how offensive and low-class our Paradise Cove experience was. Unlike any cruise line I've sailed before, HA doesn't send a ship's representative on each tourcoach, and I have a feeling they have no idea what Paradise Cove is really like. More likely, some head office honcho went to a carefully scripted demo *once* and hasn't any idea what the passenger experience really is.

I'm seriously looking at booking a second Circle Hawaii cruise...first one was with an old friend, second one would be me and the honey. But you can be sure we won't be going on the Paradise Cove excursion.

FW&FS, and a Happy New Year to you all!

Celestia

[Georgia]

I'm sorry you did not get your money back but hopefully all the complaints will make an impression. I also intend to speak to someone at HAL's offices and complain. Haven't done it so far because Christmas was snapping at my heels when we got back from our cruise. Now, family has returned home to Kansas and we are back to regular activities in south Texas. Actually had snow on Christmas Day. First time in many, many years. People in their 70's had never seen snow or only seen it once in this area. Which has nothing to do with the Statendam.

I fully intend to rent a car and do our own touring if we go to Hawaii again. I've heard a lot of favorable things about doing that and haven't heard anyone who thought it was a bad idea. With a AAA map of the islands, it would not have been difficult.

We came home with macadamia nuts and found them here in the grocery store, some of the same brand. Didn't find the honey coated ones. My son in law really likes those.

Georgia

[sweet sheep]

Georgia,

I have two questions to ask you about the Statendam.

Did you use the laundry facilities ( not the service but using the washer and dryer onboard) ? How many do they have? How much? Soap?

on Disembarkation-do you remember when you were able to get off? We have to return to the East coast and are trying to figure out what time to plan for our airline reservation that we are going to make very soon.

Sorry-I guess that is more than two, but thank you very much!

[Georgia]

There were 2 washers and 2 dryers on the main deck. I noticed that one of the other decks had 3 or 4. Washer costs $2 and includes soap. Please use the soap provided since your own soap will probably make WAY too many suds. I learned that the hard way. The dryer costs $1. There is a change machine in the room but it is sometimes empty. You can get change at the front desk. There is also an iron and ironing board in the laundry room.

Disimbarkation was a bit late for us, but not much. We had had engine trouble and were just a little late getting into port. There was another ship there at the same time. The day before we gave our flight times to the front desk and our disembarkation schedule was planned from that. Our flight left at 2:00 and we were off by 10:30. There were many groups that left before we did. Earlier flights had priority for disimbarkation.

The dock was crowded with passengers from both ships trying to get to their rides at the same time. The airport is only a few minutes away from the dock. You can practically see it. HAL published a notice that we could have transportation on their bus for around $15 each. We got a taxi for under $10 plus tip. Getting a porter was hard to do since there was so much congestion. My husband caught one on the way back from another passenger before he reached the customs area. This porter took us clear up to the street where we were able to get a taxi immediately before they had to get in line to pick up passengers closer to the dock. He also got a nice tip. We had come in a day early and arranged our own transportation.

We were on Southwest Airline which does not supply anything resembling a meal. We ended up going one at a time down the corridors of the airport to find something to eat (we did not arrive home until 1:00 a.m. because of some bad weather in Dallas). It was too much trouble to move carry-on luggage to a restaurant. If I had it to do over, I would get a sandwich from room service on the ship that morning and take it with me. We had a little lunch size cooler with us. Much simpler.

I hope that you have a wonderful time on your trip. We enjoyed ours very much. Crusing is one of the things I can still do and be on dialysis.

Georgia

[1cruiselvr]

Keep in mind when booking departing flights out of San Diego that fog during the winter months can delay the ship. Don't book your flight too early or you might risk the chance of missing it. Happy Sailing!

[sweet sheep]

Georgia, Thank you very much for your info.

1Cruiselvr, I see you were on the stardancer in 1988. Did you take it to Alaska? I was on that also but in 1987. I thought it was a nice ship even with all the cars down below.

I see you were on the Statendam in Dec. What is your overall impression about your trip?

Thank you for your help.

[ryansmemom]

Shirley

I was on the Statendam with 1cruiselvr in December and posted a four part review. You might want to check it out. Here is a link to Part 1.

Statendam Circle Hawaii Review part 1 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=113369)

Linda

[sweet sheep]

Georgia,

I would appreciate your help again! I have looked at a HAL book that i have for Hawaii and can't find my answers. This info is always in the Celebrity book.

On the 15 day cruise how many formal nights, informal and etc?

Also, do they have any special nights like country western or any theme specials?

Thank you in advance

[sweet sheep]

Hello it is me again-asking more questions! We have chosen some possible shore excursions which i will list below. If anyone has taken these i would appreciate your input, and thanks.

(HILO) PELE--GODDESS OF FIRE

(HONOLULU) DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC - A POLYNESIAN LUAU

(KONA) GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT OR SUBMARINE DIVE

(MAUI) HALEAKALA CRATER & LAU VALLEY TOUR

(KAUAI) GRAND CANYON OF THE PACIFIC

i AM TRAVELING WITH A GROUP AND PROBABLY OTHERS WILL TAKE DIFFERENT TOURS. I GUESS AT THIS TIME I AM JUST INTERESTED IN MY OWN CHOICES.

[temple10]

Shirley, I returned Jan 5th 2005 from a 15 day on the statendam to hawaii. We did the submarine dive and I have to admit that was the only excursion we were so disapointed in. We thought we would see beautiful colors of coral,pretty fish, turtles,etc. and if we were lucky octopus or something. Well we saw the ocean floor some coral that was black and brownish, sand, and fish- ugly fish, I mean nothing where we thought wow I never seen one like that before.They were just grey and black fish. oh and the old anchor they probably placed down there.I thought I just needed to tell you before deciding to put out the 89.00 a person. wish I hadn't. I hope you have a wonderful cruise. Christine:)

[sweet sheep]

Christine,

Thank you very much for your information. I appreciate it.

[Joal]

Thanks Georgia for your excellent reviews.
My wife and I are booked on the 10/3/05 Hawaiian cruise. We have an outside cabin in the Lower Promenade. Never been on HAL. Think the idea of renting a car is a very good one. Are the car rental offices near the docks? I think some companies will bring the car to the dock.
Joal

[Celestia]

Will try to answer (p.s. it would be much easier if you didn't post in color, at least for me):

PELE--GODDESS OF FIRE

Did not do this one. Can highly recommend the one that goes up to the observatories, but not if you are sensitive to altitude as they will have to come back down for you and no, they do not refund the others who are now cheated out of their tour (thankfully, not the van I was in), but this was one we seriously looked into doing.

DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC - A POLYNESIAN LUAU

I do not recommend either of the 'professional' luaus. If you go, eat on the ship first.

GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT (MAUI)

Interesting if you have never done it or are not a diver/swimmer like me. For $40 it was worth it.

HALEAKALA CRATER & LAU VALLEY TOUR

The Crater is very interesting. The Valley, mostly a lot of coach time.

GRAND CANYON OF THE PACIFIC

Interesting, take a jacket, it can be cold and foggy up there and many folks on our tour missed the canyon because they didn't want to brave the weather and get off the bus (also a very long coach tour. I find this difficult personally as I seem to always wind up next to someone of questionable hygiene or a smoker).

Hope this helps!

FW&FS,
Celestia

[stanford's girl]

Wal-Mart is a much better place to buy. More selection, better prices and very inexpensive silk shirts and dresses. A much better selection of prints also. I always hit it when we are there!!!:)

[sweet sheep]

Hi everyone,

I have another question concerning Holland Americas policy on soda cards? How much do they charge for 15 days?

I apologize if this has already been answered but could not find it anywhere.

Many thanks,

[Frogso]

Hi Georgia,
This is a wealth of information that you've given me. We also booked at the Hampton Inn. Glad to hear that the van was available like they said.

So here go my questions:
How many formal nights are there? informal? What seating did you have? Were there 2 shows each night to accomodate the different seatings?
Did you use the spa at all?
Was the luau booked through HAL? Did they have a luau on the ship at all? Any theme nights?
Are there religious services available on board?

Anything that you would have liked to have had with you that you didn't bring?

Thanks so much!

[sweet sheep]

Frogso,

When is your cruise?

[Frogso]

We'll be cruising beginning Oct 3. Can't wait. Our first experience with HAL.

[Joal]

Frogso:

We are also going on the Oct.3. We will be staying at the Hampton Inn too.

JL

[JoyAnn]

I bought two soda cards as we are on the 17 day repositioning cruise to Hawaii, the 10 day and the 7 day card.

Hi everyone,

I have another question concerning Holland Americas policy on soda cards? How much do they charge for 15 days?

I apologize if this has already been answered but could not find it anywhere.

Many thanks,

[Georgia]

Somehow I have missed the more recent responses to my original posting. For those who were interested in formal, etc. nights: there were 4 formal nights, 3 or 4 Hawaiian nights, which might be informal or casual, 5 casual nights and 3 or 4 informal nights. It seemed to me that this cruise was more open to your own interpretation of what was informal or casual than others.

I'm ready to take another cruise. It has been too long.

Georgia

[Cruz'n Couple]

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful insight. We are booked for the 11/02/05 cruise to Hawaii, and are really looking forward to it. We go to Hawaii every year, but this is our first cruise to Hawaii. On our first cruise on HAL I remember how rough the Pacific was as soon as we rounded the area at Cabo and headed back to California! I had already planned for this experience of rougher weather and rougher seas. Our 4 Caribbean cruises on HAL were usually calm other than going out of FT. Lauderdale before getting into the Caribbean (while still in the Atlantic), and once on a very rough, stormy night returning into Tampa.

I can't wait till November. Thanks for the info on the number of formal nights!

[JoyAnn]

I get sea sick once we enter deep sea (even if it's calm), so I bought one of those watches and some extra gel, and some ginger capsules. I'm also bringing my sea bands and some non-drowsy bonine just in case. I know I must be crazy, but I love cruising and 7 days never seems long enough to spend on a ship.


Thanks to everyone for your wonderful insight. We are booked for the 11/02/05 cruise to Hawaii, and are really looking forward to it. We go to Hawaii every year, but this is our first cruise to Hawaii. On our first cruise on HAL I remember how rough the Pacific was as soon as we rounded the area at Cabo and headed back to California! I had already planned for this experience of rougher weather and rougher seas. Our 4 Caribbean cruises on HAL were usually calm other than going out of FT. Lauderdale before getting into the Caribbean (while still in the Atlantic), and once on a very rough, stormy night returning into Tampa.

I can't wait till November. Thanks for the info on the number of formal nights!