New to HAL

[stefmo]

We are new to HAL. We will go with the Nieuw Amsterdam departing November 21, 2010 eastern caribbean.

We are in our mid 30's.
We have been with Princess, RCL, Celebrity Cruises.

Is there a lot of entertainment onboard (pool games, etc..) ?
Are most of the guests older people ? or are there also younger people onboard ?
Food ?

[Krazy Kruizers]

We sailed on the Eurodam -- sister ship -- and there were people of all ages on board.

There will Trivia, golf putting, one or two pool games (not the hairy chest type), free food demonstrations.

There is always something to do.

[Himself]

Like on all ships the only required activity is the Life Boat Drill.

[IRL_Joanie]

What is the average age of passengers by cruise line?

Passenger ages vary somewhat by sailing, but usually they are as follows:
Carnival Cruise Line: 0 - 45 years of age
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: 25 - 55 years of age
Crystal Cruise Line: 55+ years of age
Celebrity Cruise Line: 35 - 64 years of age
Norwegian Cruise Line: 27 - 56 years of age
Holland America Cruises: 30 - 60 years of age
Princess Cruise Line: 35 to 65 years of age

Joanie

[Cruisin Suzin]

I am booked on the Nieuw Amsterdam as well in Feburary.This is only my second cruise and first on HAL..if this is a 7 night cruise when would the first formal night be? And which one is the Captains Dinner or do they have those on HAL.

[jtl513]

I am booked on the Nieuw Amsterdam as well in Feburary.This is only my second cruise and first on HAL..if this is a 7 night cruise when would the first formal night be? And which one is the Captains Dinner or do they have those on HAL.The first formal night will be your first sea day or the first day you leave a port early (3:00p > 4:00p), whichever comes first. The second one will be about 3 or 4 days later, again on a sea day or a early-departure port day ... but not the last night before disembarkation.

Here are my predictions:
2/6 sailing: Formal on 2/7 and 2/11
2/20 sailing: Formal on 2/21 and 2/25
2/27 sailing: formal on 2/28 and 3/3

[Cruisin Suzin]

I hope your right about 2/7 it would give us a chance to get our sea legs...If you were only going to attend one formal night which one should it be? Is one more "attended" than the other? Are tuxes, gowns still worn?

Also is there a sail a way party on HAL...where will it be?

If when I board I do not want to have lunch in the lido(don't really know where that is but have heard others say it ;-) Can we have lunch in the dining room?

What time are the cabins usually ready..

[kazu]

I hope your right about 2/7 it would give us a chance to get our sea legs...If you were only going to attend one formal night which one should it be? Is one more "attended" than the other? Are tuxes, gowns still worn?

Also is there a sail a way party on HAL...where will it be?

If when I board I do not want to have lunch in the lido(don't really know where that is but have heard others say it ;-) Can we have lunch in the dining room?

What time are the cabins usually ready..

Hi and welcome to HAL. YOu are going to love it. I would take HAL any day over Princess, Celebrity or Carnival. As to the formal nights, I never miss them in the dining room. Both nights will be nice, but the last one is towards the end of the cruise and that is usually where the lobster and steak is served and the parade of baked alaska. As to attire, I have found that Caribbean is more casual than Europe. Yes, there will be tuxes, but there will be also nice sports jackets, etc. Wear what you like. I always wear a long gown because I prefer them. Wear wahat makes you happy.

As to boarding day, the Lido is very nice, but there is usually a lunch in the Main dining room, typically reserved for Mariners (past cruisers of HAL), but who is to know? Hal's Lido is set up very nicely though. Different stations. YOu could basically go get your lunch and if you have a nice verandah, take it back to your room and enjoy the ambiance.

Hope this helps a bit, Jacqui

[jtl513]

If you were only going to attend one formal night which one should it be?
Second one usually has the lobster tail & filet mignon surf&turf. First often has crab legs.

Is one more "attended" than the other? Are tuxes, gowns still worn?
Both about the same attendance. On a Caribbean cruise you'll see about 25% tuxes/gowns, 65% dark suits/fancy dresses, 10% "other".

Also is there a sail a way party on HAL...where will it be?
Around the Sea View pool, Lido deck aft.

If when I board I do not want to have lunch in the lido(don't really know where that is but have heard others say it ;-) Can we have lunch in the dining room?
The Lido is the buffet restaurant on deck 9 that is primarily used for breakfasts and lunches. Theoretically the dining room is for the Mariner's Brunch on embarkation day, but I've never seen it written that first-timers can't go there. Before the new Mariner's program started last Oct, anyone could eat in the MDR on embarkation day on ships that offered it, and I think that policy continues. I don't think anyone checks. (We didn't go last Dec)

What time are the cabins usually ready.
About 1:30, +/- 15 minutes ... usually.


and if you have a nice verandah, take it back to your room and enjoy the ambiance.IF the cabins are ready.

[kazu]

good point John, it depends on the category of stateroom on if it is ready or not. I have found that deluxe verandahs and superior verandahs are always ready. Never waited for a room yet on HAL

[Cruisin Suzin]

Thank you Jtl513, Kazu, I tired to multi post but boards are still acting up...I appreciate the tips..I am in VD category so I will have a balcony..Baked alaska REally...yummy, both nights sound like they are not to missed so I will attend them both..

I like to dress up, but may only bring one good dress, and a pair of nice dress pants, and blouse..:)

[Cruisin Suzin]

I have a couple of other questions, some pretty silly to some but important to me. Do people wear their charge cards on a lanyard around their necks?

When is the best time to book speciality restaurants..

Do you need to make a reservation for the digital workshops that are offered and are they free..

Do the roll calls get more active as time goes on...they seem to be quite active on the Carnival boards and didn't know why these roll calls appeared quieter...maybe there are larger groups on the others..compared to HAL...

Do you need to bring a power bar and extension cord....

Can you purchase cabin decorations from gift services..I don't see on their web site a detailed decription of what you can buy. With prices. I do see thetelephone numbe to call but until I know what they have for sale I don't know what to ask for..

Is this the right place to be asking all these questions?

[jtl513]

I have a couple of other questions, some pretty silly to some but important to me. Do people wear their charge cards on a lanyard around their necks?
Some do ... including my DW. :)

When is the best time to book speciality restaurants..
As soon as you know which days you want, IMO.

Do you need to make a reservation for the digital workshops that are offered and are they free..
They're free, no reservations possible. Just walk in - EARLY!

Do the roll calls get more active as time goes on...they seem to be quite active on the Carnival boards and didn't know why these roll calls appeared quieter...maybe there are larger groups on the others..compared to HAL...
Some do, some don't. It just depends on the people involved. If there's one or two sparkplugs to keep posting they pick up, but some never go anywhere. Our next cruise is 6 months away, and we have almost 300 posts on the Roll Call ... one quarter of them by the person who started it!

Do you need to bring a power bar and extension cord....
HAL doesn't want people using their own anymore. Ask your steward for one.

Can you purchase cabin decorations from gift services..I don't see on their web site a detailed decription of what you can buy. With prices. I do see thetelephone numbe to call but until I know what they have for sale I don't know what to ask for..
I don't know anything about this.

Is this the right place to be asking all these questions?
Sure ... why not? :D :D
... but I'm going to bed now! :D

[Cruisin Suzin]

... but I'm going to bed now! :D

Thanks jtl513....I will probably be the most active person on my roll call as well :D I was the last time I sailed on my first cruise..

[Cruisin Suzin]

Is it fairly easy to meet other singles on a HAL ship..I will be travelling with my daughter, but I am single, and I also stay up later than her ;-) it would be fun if I could meet other singles, male or female say to have a nightcap with, listen to some music..? Are there arranged get togethers for singles?

[RuthC]

Is it fairly easy to meet other singles on a HAL ship..I will be travelling with my daughter, but I am single, and I also stay up later than her ;-) it would be fun if I could meet other singles, male or female say to have a nightcap with, listen to some music..? Are there arranged get togethers for singles?
You may have to work at it a little, but you can meet other singles.

First, I suggest packing your biggest, brightest smile, and wearing it all the time.
When going to a lounge, belly up to the bar. You're much more likely to get into a conversation with others at the bar than you will at your own table.
Ask for a large table at dinner. Whether you're fixed seating or open, you may request a table for 6 or 8; six is a good size for easy conversation.
Join in the fun and games. Go to trivia, if you enjoy that, and the other games on the Daily Program.
Don't be afraid to initiate a conversation with a stranger. Some people will not be receptive, but others will be. Take a chance.

There will be some sort of singles get-together. Sometimes it's an evening gathering, other times there's a singles/solos lunch.

The opportunities to meet others are there, but you have to reach out, too.