Tell Me about the new HAL?

[steveweese]

It's been about 3 years since we have sailed with HAL and the meantime we have sailed Celebrity and Princess. We have booked the Veendam for November 26 2005 and was wondering what might be different than the HAL of the past.

Thanks Steve

[jhannah]

You will likely find a slightly smaller crew-to-passenger ratio. Just like at most of our land-based jobs, trimming has occured. Other than that, I believe you will find that the overall cruise experience is still very much Holland America. Great crew members, beautiful fresh flowers all through the ship, and handsome artwork everywhere. You will also experience the results of HAL's Signature of Excellence rennovations/improvements.

[JohnSax]

OMG STEVE--We're going to cruise together after all! We're also booked for the Veendam Nov 26 2005 and unlike the December Infinity cruise we swapped out for the Galaxy, I'm pretty sure we'll be going on this one. You'll love HAL, a bit different from Celebrity but I like it just as well and in some areas a little bit better. Last HAL cruise was December 2003 on the Statendam to Mexico and had a great cruise. Hope the Veendam is as good as her sister, and I'm sure she is.

[steveweese]

Well I hope you enjoyed your cruise as the Infinity cruise was absolutely perfect. I also love the Statendam and did the Riveria on her. See you on board.

[JohnSax]

Yes, the Galaxy cruise was great and I'm glad the Infinity cruise was too. Look forward to meeting another drinking Utahn (ha!) onboard the Veendam.