I HATE that poor HAL gets a bad rap sometimes...

[tiffnco]

I hop around on other boards to see what else is going on and it pains me to read all the posts about HAL being filled with "old" people and that nothing happens past 10pm and basically bad mouthing HAL.

Well, I'm 31 and have been on 2 HAL cruises and NEVER felt like I was visiting my grandmother's. We've had great trips, service, food, excursions, and so on... every single time! There were always things going on (and, dare I say, puzzles in the game room were one of my favorite things to do at odd hours of the night!) and we've had the best table mates...regardless of age.

So I just wanted to give a shout out to HAL and say "We're young and we love you!"

In fact, we've been debating Princess and the Oosterdam for a Mexican Thanksgiving cruise and have finally decided to stick with HAL...the thought of paying for ice cream just ruins it (just kidding!)

That's all really...I just had to get this off my chest!

[TeresaJenkins]

Thank you!
I am going on my 2nd cruise in April on Maasdam, and if I believed everything I read on the net I would cancel. Hubby & I booked last night, and though we are 38/40 we are acting like 5 year olds waiting for Christmas. LOL

BTW, what is the "game room" ? I would love to see a dailey, but couldn't find one on the net.

[tiffnco]

BTW, what is the "game room" ? I would love to see a dailey, but couldn't find one on the net.

This is I believe officially called the Card Room...or something like that...but they have games you can play (monopoly, scrabble, etc.) and on our first cruise they had one table had a puzzle on it the entire cruise. I discovered this late into the trip (which is probably a good thing...because I could have been in there all the time). Passengers would come and go and fill in pieces here and there. It was great!

[MandyGirl]

tiffnco - I agree! I'm 30 and cruised Maasdam and Zuiderdam. We appreciate cruising because we need relaxation - and playing dominoes, watching the sea go by, suffleboard, and afternoon tea are the first things that come to mind. :) Of course we're one of those "old folks" in bed around 10 - or 11 at the latest - so I have no idea what goes on late at night. I'm normally up at 4:30 AM so 10 or 11 is pretty late for me!

[TeresaJenkins]

This is I believe officially called the Card Room...or something like that...but they have games you can play (monopoly, scrabble, etc.) and on our first cruise they had one table had a puzzle on it the entire cruise. I discovered this late into the trip (which is probably a good thing...because I could have been in there all the time). Passengers would come and go and fill in pieces here and there. It was great!

WOW! I love to play games and stuff.:D I hope I don't have to wait to long to join a game. Do they have a "card room" on the Maasdam?

[localady]

I am an "old" cruiser on HAL at age 45!;)

Will have my 100 days on HAL as of July's Prinsendam trip (60+ days on others lines) and really enjoy HAL and the folks I have met on HAL, both passengers and staff.:) We are bringing our boys, my sister and her teen son, and friends and their son on the Zaandam on March 19th. I am hoping they enjoy it as much as I have.:cool:

[ekerr19]

We are "old" cruisers too. We are in our early 40's - one crusie we were the youngest couple on board, but it never detracted from the great experience. It is what you choose to make it - we enjoy meeting people regardless of age or walk of life.

If you want the swinging party, drunken atmosphere though, you may want to consider another line.

[Pudgesmom]

SSSHHHHHH!

Let's don't tell them how great it is. Let them stay with their hairy chest contests, ice skating and paid-for ice cream. Besides, a lady NEVER tells her age, so how can they be so sure how old we are, anyway?! :rolleyes:

Beth

[bonnyweed]

HAL provides a high quality product for those looking for a sedate, relaxed environment. Sometimes quiet and relaxation are just fabulous and it is nice to know HAL is there to provide that.
However, there are also times when I want a bit more energy and excitement in the air. It's nice to know there are other lines out there when I want to have a bit more adventure.
HAL might want to change its brochures and advertising to be a bit more representative of its true age demographic. I do have compassion for folks who may have been misled by a portrayal of a youthful vibrant sizzling cruise and came on board to find something far more restrained than they were hoping for.

[tiffnco]

SSSHHHHHH!

Let's don't tell them how great it is. Let them stay with their hairy chest contests, ice skating and paid-for ice cream. Besides, a lady NEVER tells her age, so how can they be so sure how old we are, anyway?! :rolleyes:

Beth


Ah Ha! NOW I get it. Reverse psychology...let them THINK it's a boring line which means more space and cabin choices for those of us in the know!

I promise...I won't tell anyone else ;-)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We are way older than you youngsters and appreciate the nice comments and the fact that you don't mind cruising with us and talking with us, etc.

[grannynurse]

the team trivia games held every day, port or not. The nearly newlywed games and all the take-offs of your favorite TV game shows. We collected alot of "Dam - ship" prizes on our New Year's Zaandam cruise, and played trivia 'cross the Atlantic and back last summer, and the summer before.

We're mid-range in age and love HAL.
GN

[heyabbott]

SSSHHHHHH!

Let's don't tell them how great it is. Let them stay with their hairy chest contests, ice skating and paid-for ice cream. Besides, a lady NEVER tells her age, so how can they be so sure how old we are, anyway?! :rolleyes:

Beth

Lets put it this way:
If there are more walkers and wheel chairs than strollers, it's an old crowd.
If 6pm is considered the late seating, it's an old crowd.
If Bingo in the ship's public spaces occurs more than bingo in your cabin, it's an old crowd.
If you have belts on your waist older than the scotch in your glass, it's an old crowd.

more to come...

[TeresaJenkins]

"Lets put it this way:
If there are more walkers and wheel chairs than strollers, it's an old crowd.
If 6pm is considered the late seating, it's an old crowd.
If Bingo in the ship's public spaces occurs more than bingo in your cabin, it's an old crowd.
If you have belts on your waist older than the scotch in your glass, it's an old crowd."

OMG! Now that's funny. LOL
More please. :O)

[HeatherInFlorida]

So happy to read Heyabbot's post and figure out I'm not old!!! Yaaaay!

I want to thank Tiffnco for these great remarks about HAL (and BTW I love both your name AND your avatar ... do you come in a blue box with a white ribbon?http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05b9a/02).

The thing is people are always far more apt to criticize than applaud ... it's just the way we're made. And I think that's why you tend to see so many negatives posted.

But when I'm on those ships, I have to tell you I don't see very many unhappy people ... either young OR old (except possibly at the Main Desk). Believe it or not, you can be what is considered "old" without being dotteringhttp://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05b9a/16.

Happy cruising, everyonehttp://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05b9a/08

[KAJOKG]

Truth be told, there are more older folks on HAL, but for one very good reason. HAL is so good, thus the line has very, very loyal customers. I'm in the "upper" age bracket and see a wonderful mixture of ages on HAL. It has much to offer everyone. Remember all you "young folks," you will be among the loyal 20 years from now. Anyone who shies away from HAL because they think it's only for the old is sadly mistaken. I would sail on Holland all the time if they would only offer Anytime Dining. I'm not a big fan of traditional. That said, we are booked on the Volendam in October in spite of that.

[tiffnco]

I want to thank Tiffnco for these great remarks about HAL (and BTW I love both your name AND your avatar ... do you come in a blue box with a white ribbon?http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05b9a/02).

Too funny!

First of all...the picture in my avatar was taken on the Maasdam...anytime I get wanderlust I just look at that photo and it tides me over for a bit...until the next trip that is!

As for the blue box...well, I have a certain affinity for that color!

[MsJ]

Hello..we are sailing on the Zuiderdam for our first HAL cruise in 2 weeks....I am HAPPY to read that its sedate and not a big party boat and its an older crowd....in fact I have been reading posts and it seems I picked the HAL version of a party boat....hope not....as a 53 year old school teacher I am looking for sedate :) Marianne

[californiacruisefreak]

My wife and I are 35/34 and frequently travel with our two young children on HAL. HAL is the closest thing to the old Sitmar style and has retained some of the best things about cruising that other cruise lines have not embraced. While other lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean have lost what once made them special HAL has pulled forward as the leader (with Celebrity perhaps) in the premium mass market cruising arena.

In fact, I would not even put Princess, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Carnival etc... in the same league as HAL.

[shipcafe]

I hop around on other boards to see what else is going on and it pains me to read all the posts about HAL being filled with "old" people and that nothing happens past 10pm and basically bad mouthing HAL.

Well, I'm 31 and have been on 2 HAL cruises and NEVER felt like I was visiting my grandmother's. We've had great trips, service, food, excursions, and so on... every single time! There were always things going on (and, dare I say, puzzles in the game room were one of my favorite things to do at odd hours of the night!) and we've had the best table mates...regardless of age.

So I just wanted to give a shout out to HAL and say "We're young and we love you!"

In fact, we've been debating Princess and the Oosterdam for a Mexican Thanksgiving cruise and have finally decided to stick with HAL...the thought of paying for ice cream just ruins it (just kidding!)

That's all really...I just had to get this off my chest!


Tiffnco : I highly agree with you! I just much prefer the intimate ship setting and traditional finishing of the HAL ships.

Also : I notice that you have an interesting crusing history .. one of my first cruises was on the Song of America and I used to work aboard the Viking Serenade! Drop me an e-mail sometime : sgarrod@shipcafe.net

[RuffinReady]

After reading all of the posts on this thread I am happy that we will be going on HAL. My DW and I have just turned the corner at middle age, 75/62, and we are sure that we will fit right in with this diverse crowd.

Ruffin

[cruzingqueen]

We are "old" cruisers too. We are in our early 40's - one crusie we were the youngest couple on board, but it never detracted from the great experience. It is what you choose to make it - we enjoy meeting people regardless of age or walk of life.

If you want the swinging party, drunken atmosphere though, you may want to consider another line.

I am 42 and single and just beginning to enjoy life to the fullest. Your comments here are EXACTLY why I stay on HAL. I've done the partying and late nights (maybe drunk a couple of times) and now I want to relax and enjoy rather than nursing a hangover all the next day. There have been many DAM cruises where I was one of the youngest and those were the best...very relaxing, quiet times at the pools even though every chair is taken, I felt well rested when I got up to go on the tours, nice relaxing dinners with well-rounded people who have alot of things to share, etc. HAL has a different type of clientele and I totally enjoy it.

Zuiderdam (6 cruises!)
Maasdam
Statendam
Rotterdam

[ualtim]

The wife and I are both 35 and love HAL. We look forward to the relaxing atmosphere and traditional cruising experience that they provide. We actually enjoy the fact that the ship is quiet at night. The ships are so different late at night when you can walk around with so few passengers in the public areas it is like you are on your own private cruise liner. It is also nice not to have people running up and down the corridors to the wee hours of the morning when you are trying to sleep. We do not consider HAL to be an "Older persons cruise line" but rather a more "relaxed and traditional cruise line" that many other lines seem to be trying to get away from. We like assigned dining times and tables versus the eat when ever or where ever you please dining options that are becoming more prevelant. We like quiet spaces aboard the ship to get away from the world rather than be overloaded with loud music and a billion activites going on through out the ship. HAL is not for everyone just like Carnival is not for everyone. We like HAL as it suits our tastes. Thankfully, there are other lines that suits other lifestyle tastes or we would all be aboard the same ship hating each other :) Our only concearn is that as more of the lines are becoming too similar, HAL may eventually try to fit it rather than maintain its customary ways.

[Sierrachik]

Hello..we are sailing on the Zuiderdam for our first HAL cruise in 2 weeks....I am HAPPY to read that its sedate and not a big party boat and its an older crowd....in fact I have been reading posts and it seems I picked the HAL version of a party boat....hope not....as a 53 year old school teacher I am looking for sedate :) Marianne

You'll enjoy the Zuiderdam, it's not what I'd call a party boat at all. I just wanted a cruise that would give me downtime and a great time, I found both on the Zui. :)

[kryos]

I am 42 and single and just beginning to enjoy life to the fullest. Your comments here are EXACTLY why I stay on HAL. I've done the partying and late nights (maybe drunk a couple of times) and now I want to relax and enjoy rather than nursing a hangover all the next day.
I couldn't have said it better myself, cruzingqueen!

Though, I'm a bit older than you (49), and I really never liked the party scene even when I was younger, I like a ship where I can find someone to engage in a good conversation with, enjoy good food with a wonderful group of table companions, and then indulge in interesting shore excursions that I have the energy to enjoy.

HAL fits the bill for this lifestyle perfectly. In fact, many of the "so-called" elderly on HAL put me to shame in the late night department. :) Generally, my bed is calling out to me by midnight ... no matter what ship I'm on.

I just feel at home on HAL.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[cruzingqueen]

Hello..we are sailing on the Zuiderdam for our first HAL cruise in 2 weeks....I am HAPPY to read that its sedate and not a big party boat and its an older crowd....in fact I have been reading posts and it seems I picked the HAL version of a party boat....hope not....as a 53 year old school teacher I am looking for sedate :) Marianne

Marianne - I'll be on the ship with you. Hopefully we can meet and say hello. Many of the bartenders and waitresses know me if you ask for me or I never miss bingo so maybe we can meet. I'm so ready to go.....see you there! Lisa - msfed2you@hotmail.com

[MandyGirl]

You know, though, we have thoroughly enjoyed the people we have met at HAL afternoon tea (especially the Maasdam). My husband absolutely loves visiting with WWII Veterans - especially ones tied to aviation - and I would just know that when he meets someone onboard he'll listen to them for hours. (And then spend so much time excitedly recapping their conversation to me later!) We have not experienced the terrific conversations on other lines like we have during our HAL afternoon tea...:)

[Cathy p]

This will be my first cruise and I am one of those GRANDMA'S OF 54. My 13 year old grandson put it best when he said, "Granny you'll never be old" and ya know what, he's right...:p My Daddy is 76 and cruises all year long and he has more energy than any 20 year old I know. Please don't classify us poor people over 40, we can hang in there with the best of you. See you on the Zuiderdam on the 5th of March.:rolleyes:

[CHRIS3169]

I can't wait for our upcoming cruise on the Zui, in May. Best of all I just found out my son and his friends are wrong! I am young! At only 35, go figure just when your feeling a little bit older someone comes along and tells you are young! Isn't that just great! Isn't it great when you ask a kid how old they think you are and the response is just old. Age is all in the eye of the beholder, to a child a teenager is old, to a twenty something 30 is old, to a 30 year old, well now I think your not old until at least 100!
Enjoy your cruise!
Christy:)

[Mary Ellen]

DH and I first cruised on HAL when I was 26, he 30. That was almost 25 years ago. We loved it then, we love it now. Two of the last three years we've cruised with my family, including two half-sisters in their late 20s/early 30s. They had a wonderful time. Their only complaint was that the location of their cabin faced the front, under the bridge and Crow's Nest - and that the music from the Crow's Nest would keep them awake some nights. So much for HAL being 'dead' after 10pm.

What REALLY gets me are the posters on other forums who say things like "I haven't sailed on HAL, but they are only for OLD folks"

[ehrkes]

Hello all,

We are cruising on the Westerdam in March, and we don't have any issues with ages, male or female, gay or straight.............everybody is somebody important and it doesn't matter how old or young you are.........we always have a great cruise and make the best of our time away.........We are both 35 and most of our best friends are older, like 80-95 years old.............so we cannot wait to get aboard and meet you Westerdammers(hehe) and have fun, meet new people, and see how we are all on vacation and getting along..........besides I am always the guy on the cruise who is opening a door, giving out friendly recommendations on intineraries(we post them outside our cabin door--what is coming up in the next port and things to do(short list) just in case someone is thinking huh-what do I do in Tortola etc.....)

or me carrying a tray of food or helping someone with walking, giving up my seat for them or getting on/off the elevator---they who may not be as spry as I am........(at least today I am still spry....) ANYHOW, we cannot wait to see and cruise for our first time on the Holland America Westerdam...BON VOYAGE!

:) Ehrkes in Chicago

[cru1s1ng]

I like going to granny's house. :D I choose HAL because it is an older crowd. I'm 43 and want a more sedate experience than what I've had on Carnival (and frankly less scream brats in the dining rooms, no offense).

[TYMAN]

Just got off the Disney Wonder(02/06/05)...wow! Can't wait till our June 4th Zuiderdam cruise! Our DS7 said it best..."too many kids Dad" :D We've been on 2 HAL cruises (we're 45/40) 17 total cruises, and still love HAL the best! I found an older couple (60ish) in the Cafe Cove hiding....all they could say was "too many kids" as they quivered. :rolleyes:

[Cally]

I like going to granny's house. :D I choose HAL because it is an older crowd. I'm 43 and want a more sedate experience than what I've had on Carnival (and frankly less scream brats in the dining rooms, no offense).

This is like comparing apples to oranges. Way different cruises.

There are a lot of cruiselines between Carnival and HAL. There is no need to settle for one that is as extreme as either of these. I am not saying that either one of these lines is bad but don't continue to cruise on a line that isn't compatable to you likes and needs. I have cruised on both of the above lines and would not choose either again. There are so many choices in cruising today that no one should be on a ship that isn't the right fit for them.

[Cally]

Just got off the Disney Wonder(02/06/05)...wow! Can't wait till our June 4th Zuiderdam cruise! Our DS7 said it best..."too many kids Dad" :D We've been on 2 HAL cruises (we're 45/40) 17 total cruises, and still love HAL the best! I found an older couple (60ish) in the Cafe Cove hiding....all they could say was "too many kids" as they quivered. :rolleyes:


Now wouldn't one expect to have kids on a Disney cruise???
Just a thought...

[dakrewser]

This is like comparing apples to oranges. Way different cruises.

There are a lot of cruiselines between Carnival and HAL. There is no need to settle for one that is as extreme as either of these. I am not saying that either one of these lines is bad but don't continue to cruise on a line that isn't compatable to you likes and needs. I have cruised on both of the above lines and would not choose either again. There are so many choices in cruising today that no one should be on a ship that isn't the right fit for them.

Which "extreme" are you putting HAL in?? And why wouldn't you sail on her ships again??

[Cally]

Which "extreme" are you putting HAL in?? And why wouldn't you sail on her ships again??

After cruising on a number of lines my opinion is that HAL caters to a very different crowd. Older which I have no problem with but way to sedate for my liking. My husband and I are in our early 50s, travel a lot and enjoy relaxing but like bit more activity then HAL offers. There is a difference in cruise lines and there really is a fit out there for everyone. I just responded as I laugh when I see people compare HAL to Carnival. Worlds apart but there are plenty of cruiselines out there that offer that refined high end cruise experience without screaming kids or overly sedated environment.

I would not cruise HAL again as I have found other options that I have been much happier with. It's not a bad thing...Just not for me.

[DFD1]

We were on the Carnival Conquest last week. It was a mad house and we talked with several passengers who wished mightely for some of the peace and quiet of an "older crowd" HAL cruise.

It was wall to wall people, loud music, cold buffet food well worked over..... all that and more.

Those who did not know better had a blast.

Those of us who know HAL will most likely not venture very far away....at least not very often.

[Cally]

We were on the Carnival Conquest last week. It was a mad house and we talked with several passengers who wished mightely for some of the peace and quiet of an "older crowd" HAL cruise.

It was wall to wall people, loud music, cold buffet food well worked over..... all that and more.

Those who did not know better had a blast.

Those of us who know HAL will most likely not venture very far away....at least not very often.

I agree with the statement about Carnival but my point is HAL is not the only line that offers a quiet cruising experience.
Celebrity, Crystal and Radison are very nice...No screaming kids and a nice mix of passengers. Great food too...

[cruzingqueen]

I traveled on HAL specifically looking for some "downtime"...no late night partying, a quiet afternoon nap at the pool, etc. Talk about bad timing! I sailed on the inaugural (3rd & 4th week) on the Zuiderdam..12/28/02-1/11/03. The first week was horrible...hundreds of kids under 18. Luckily the second week there were less than 20. I planned a 10 day cruise last year knowing that it was spring break time, but thought with kids only being out for one week, they would not be on the 10 day cruise. I was on the Maasdam and there were over 300 kids under 18 on this cruise. Nothing against kids, but an idea of vacation to me is "quiet". Thus, I choose HAL to relax. SO, the lesson here is don't assume HAL is always an older crowd and plan accordingly.

[Cally]

I traveled on HAL specifically looking for some "downtime"...no late night partying, a quiet afternoon nap at the pool, etc. Talk about bad timing! I sailed on the inaugural (3rd & 4th week) on the Zuiderdam..12/28/02-1/11/03. The first week was horrible...hundreds of kids under 18. Luckily the second week there were less than 20. I planned a 10 day cruise last year knowing that it was spring break time, but thought with kids only being out for one week, they would not be on the 10 day cruise. I was on the Maasdam and there were over 300 kids under 18 on this cruise. Nothing against kids, but an idea of vacation to me is "quiet". Thus, I choose HAL to relax. SO, the lesson here is don't assume HAL is always an older crowd and plan accordingly.

LOL...Go figure...

I think a lot depends on the time, destination and length of the cruise. We usually take longer cruises thus the older crowd.

[Arubalisa]

Thank you!
I am going on my 2nd cruise in April on Maasdam, and if I believed everything I read on the net I would cancel. Hubby & I booked last night, and though we are 38/40 we are acting like 5 year olds waiting for Christmas. LOL

BTW, what is the "game room" ? I would love to see a dailey, but couldn't find one on the net.I have posted all of the "Daily Programs (http://www.arubabound.com/image/lg/us/zaandam/zaan_prog1218.htm)" from our 10 night Zaandam sailing.

[TeresaJenkins]

I have posted all of the "Daily Programs (http://www.arubabound.com/image/lg/us/zaandam/zaan_prog1218.htm)" from our 10 night Zaandam sailing.

Thank you a MILLION! If they do the same general activities then I am sure to have a blast. My butterflies are awake again. LOL:D

BTW, great job on the site. You put a lot of work into that page.

[DFD1]

You gotta' be careful about the scheduling of any cruise if you want to avoid lots of kids.
We try and sail very late in the fall or very early in the spring. They are usually elsewhere during those times. I like 'em, just not all at once.

On the other hand, I recognize that many of us can't always cruise exactly when we want.

[Georgetown Mike]

As one with extensive life experience I believe age to be more of a state of mind than counting years. Yes, I have gray hair and can't move as fast as I did a few years ago, but am reasonably fit and know how to enjoy life. I know people who are half my age that are "older" than I. I enjoy the HAL experience as well as Princess. Cruising, like life, is what you make of it. I enjoy dressing up on formal nights, good food, congenial company and all of the entertainment options crusing offers. I also appreciate men that act like gentlemen and women that are ladies. I am also somewhat amused by the trivial whining of some postings. It appears that some who regularly frequent Waffle House expect everything to be absolutely perfect and their every need catered to by the cruiseline and staff. HAL provides superior service to their passengers often in the face of rude passenger behavior and unreasonable demands.:cool: ;) :)

[ekerr19]

Well, we always stay up late. We have found great late night options on HAL. We both like to dance and socialize and the Crow's Nest after 11:00 pm is the place for us! We get to meet many of the officers and staff, as well as dance into the early hours. I've never really thought of HAL as sedate, and we tend to take 10+ day cruises as well.

Like localady, I will have my 100 days on HAL on our upcoming cruise. I'm pretty excited - I didn't think I'd ever get there. :)

[mtnmommy]

Add me and my husband to the list of thirtysomethings who adore HAL. We've done the party scene, and we love Las Vegas. But, if we want Vegas, than that's where we go. I don't want a floating Caesar's Palace...I want Noel Coward at sea! I saw "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" as a child and loved the glamour of Marilyn and Jane walking into the formal dining room, dressed to kill. On our first cruise, formal night was on my birthday. I had a floor-length gown, a new strand of pearls (thanks to generous hubby), my gorgeous Greek guy looking like 007, a martini, caviar and lobster. Can you say seriously hooked? It's one of the few places you can get that kind of elegant experience. And we've always adored the people we've met, of all ages. I've taken several long cruises with my Mom and have enjoyed been among the youngest passengers--as a somewhat haggard mother of two, it's fun to be thought of as a "young lady" once in a while! I hope HAL doesn't change the traditional experience in the hopes of attracting our demographic, when many of us do choose them because we want a classic (and classy) cruise. (Seattle, can you hear me?)

[TYMAN]

:rolleyes:

[Thoth]

You know, though, we have thoroughly enjoyed the people we have met at HAL afternoon tea (especially the Maasdam). My husband absolutely loves visiting with WWII Veterans - especially ones tied to aviation - and I would just know that when he meets someone onboard he'll listen to them for hours. (And then spend so much time excitedly recapping their conversation to me later!) We have not experienced the terrific conversations on other lines like we have during our HAL afternoon tea...:)
I agree that the veterans get together is a very nice occasion. I just love talking with those wonderful gents and ladies who served in the armed forces.
Some times we get a little chocked up reflecting on some sad times in human history. By the way I'm 40 and don't feel that HAL is a "geriatric love boat" as I have heard it called. Even if it WAS all aged 70+ pax, I would still enjoy myself. For example we are losing the WWII generation at an alarming rate and before long we won't have their stories to hear.
HAL afternoon tea is also wonderful! As is the single/solo traveler social functions. I make so many friends on those cruises that it is depressing to leave those ships ALL ALONE.

[Tatka]

We were both 32 during our only HAL (Zuiderdam cruise) last summer , plus our 12 years old.

While I like to see some pool competitions ..I don't need to be entertained. Give me a good Caribbean music, sun, pool, good book or magazine, good weather and I will be ok.

Looks like our 12 years old also enjoyed himself in a company of 400 other kids. He decided to join group of 13 - 17 yo (which created some other unexpected problems for us) and played basketball etc all day long.

I understand we sailed in August (school vacation) , and demographic would be different in a middle of winter , but same can be applied to any line, including my still favourite (HAL is close) Celebrity.:)

Oh..and by the way we really enjoyed playing ping-pong (will probably bring our own equipment next time) and Black Jack tournament.:)