1st time Hal cruiser,a few questions

[NicksPhilly]

Hi all.
This is our first HAL cruise and we wanted to ask a few Questions.
1.Is a soft drink card offered?
2.How about anytime dining,Do you need to make a reservation?
3.Specialty dining,We were thinking of 1,Which one is the best.
4.Coming off 3 NCL,and 1 Princess cruises,Are chair hogs a problem on HAL?
5.What special perks are there on HAL?
I thank you all in advance. Nick & Hilary

[jhannah]

Yes, there is a soft drink card. It is for a fixed number of sodas ... not unlimited.

With anytime dining, you do not need to make a reservation. However, if you choose to you may call each morning and request a certain time and/or table. They usually do not take reservations for the busiest times.

There is only one specialty dining on HAL ships. The Pinnacle Grill. Excellent food and atmosphere.

From what I've seen sailing both HAL and Princess, chair hogs aren't quite as much a problem on Holland America ships.

Perqs will depend on the stateroom level you choose. Basically, you must be in a suite (PS or S/SA/SB to have use of the Neptune Lounge, laundry service, etc.)

You will find Holland America ships to be classy without being stuffy. The crews are wonderful, and will greet you with a smile.

Enjoy!

[planobob]

Hi all.
Specialty dining,We were thinking of 1,Which one is the best.




Jim, I don't believe the OP specified which ship they would be sailing on; if it's one of the Signature Vessels would you not call the following specialty dining (other than MDR/Lido)?

Canaletto Restaurant


Tamarind Restaurant
Bob

[Krazy Kruizers]

I see that you are on the Eurodam.

Canaletto -- open only for dinner -- free.

Pinnacle Grill - lunch $10 per person; dinner $20 per person.

Tamarind - lunch free -- dinner $15 per person.

We love the Tamarind and the Pinnacle Grill.

Chair hogs -- found more on the Eurodam because she is a larger ship.

[Lesinindy]

Hi all.
This is our first HAL cruise and we wanted to ask a few Questions.
1.Is a soft drink card offered?
Yes
2.How about anytime dining,Do you need to make a reservation?
Have not tried it, we like the assigned late seating.
3.Specialty dining,We were thinking of 1,Which one is the best.
By far without a doubt the P Grill is the way to go. Best Filet I have had in years.
4.Coming off 3 NCL,and 1 Princess cruises,Are chair hogs
a problem on HAL?
Never seems to be a problem, maybe due to the older crowd. If you move quick you can outrun most of the guests, except those more mature ladies with the big beach bags, they pack a good punch.
5.What special perks are there on HAL?
Service, elegance, food, the crew and ship in general
I thank you all in advance. Nick & Hilary

Bottom line, I like HAL no excuses.