Quick HAL 101 for dummies (never considered HAL before)

[Wishing on a star]

Hello,
I have been looking at sailing on another line, and would really appreciate it so much if any experts here could offer a quick HAL 101 and answer a few questions. This would be the Oosterdam -vs- Princess Diamond for Alaska.

Here are the pros and cons of HAL that I am aware of so far.

Pros
1. Cabin size and lay-out. Can cruise with our son in a regular balcony cabin without being crammed in and my husband and I sleeping on the separate twin configuration.

2. Itinerary. Can cruise much easier and cheaper, round trip from Seattle, and still get Glacier Bay and Sitka... Juneau for a full, entire, day.. as there is plenty to do and see there. We would miss Hubbard Glacier, but the advantages above probably far outweigh that.

3. Price. If we were planning to cruise this soon, right now balcony cabins are $200.00 cheaper per person, plus our son would cruise for FREE. Add in the savings of only flying round trip to Seattle... HUGE price difference. Probably 1500.00 - 2,000.00 for our family. That alone is enough to be the huge deciding factor.

Cons
1. The ship and amenities. Princess seems to have so much more to offer. Specialty Restaurants, SkyWalkers, etc.... Can anybody tell me whether the Oosterdam can compare? Or will I miss some of what Princess has to offer?

2. What about the As You Wish or Anytime dining? Is this offered on the Oosterdam? I don't mind a set dining time. But, dining at a large table is an issue for us. (please forgive me if you don't agree...) If it is available, how does it work? On Princess, there are several anytime dining rooms.

3. Our son will be 13-14. I am concerned that he might be 'bored' on either line. But, especially HAL. We would be traveling off season, before families with kids cruise when schools let out for the summer. Can anybody offer any direct comparisons on this?

Also, a specific question... It looks like the lowest category balconies either overlook the lifeboat rigs, or are at the front of the ship where there is a high, solid metal, railing... Can anyone comment on these.

Thanks so much!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Will comment on the As You Wish Dining.

HAL's dinner dining is called "As You Wish". This simply means that you have several options to dine as you wish to.

Your choices for dinner are as dollows:
First is the Lido -- open from 5:30 - 8 PM.
Then you have the Canalleto - free.
There is also the Pinnacle Grill - $20 per person.
On the Eurodam & Nieuw Amsterdam is the Tamarind - $15 per person.
Then you have the main dining room. The upper level of the dining room is fixed dining (traditional dining) - 5:45 and 8 PM. The lower level of the dining room is the Open Seating dining from 5:15 - 9 PM. You can make reservations for 3 days at a time but only during certain times: 5:15 - 6:15 and 7:30 - 9 PM for any size table you want. The time from 6:15 - 7:30 -- you just go to the dining room when you are ready to eat.
The last option is to have dinner in your cabin. You must order within the first hour of the dining room opening -- but you can select any time you want to eat. The dinner menu is posted outside the dining room beginning around lunch time. And it is also on display in the afternoons in the bars/lounges.

[CowPrincess]

IMHO Alaska is all about the trip, and very little about the ship. If you have time and energy and desire to be having lots of experiences on the ship, you're not doing enough on shore in Alaska :) The money you save by going on HAL can be used to do some once-in-a-lifetime shorex.

HAL does have Anytime dining. You can request a specific size of table.

Check out the Alaska forum here on CC for more info on Alaska.

[kathy_bc]

Another PRO for HAL to Alaska, is I noticed they get the best berth at every port (#1). While Princess had the furthest berth. I loved with HAL, I could walk on and off the ship as much as I wanted, while with the Sapphire, I had to add an extra mile or so to my walk....

[SwissMyst]

Hello,
I have been looking at sailing on another line, and would really appreciate it so much if any experts here could offer a quick HAL 101 and answer a few questions. This would be the Oosterdam -vs- Princess Diamond for Alaska.

Here are the pros and cons of HAL that I am aware of so far.

Pros
1. Cabin size and lay-out. Can cruise with our son in a regular balcony cabin without being crammed in and my husband and I sleeping on the separate twin configuration.

2. Itinerary. Can cruise much easier and cheaper, round trip from Seattle, and still get Glacier Bay and Sitka... Juneau for a full, entire, day.. as there is plenty to do and see there. We would miss Hubbard Glacier, but the advantages above probably far outweigh that.

3. Price. If we were planning to cruise this soon, right now balcony cabins are $200.00 cheaper per person, plus our son would cruise for FREE. Add in the savings of only flying round trip to Seattle... HUGE price difference. Probably 1500.00 - 2,000.00 for our family. That alone is enough to be the huge deciding factor.

Cons
1. The ship and amenities. Princess seems to have so much more to offer. Specialty Restaurants, SkyWalkers, etc.... Can anybody tell me whether the Oosterdam can compare? Or will I miss some of what Princess has to offer?

2. What about the As You Wish or Anytime dining? Is this offered on the Oosterdam? I don't mind a set dining time. But, dining at a large table is an issue for us. (please forgive me if you don't agree...) If it is available, how does it work? On Princess, there are several anytime dining rooms.

3. Our son will be 13-14. I am concerned that he would be especially 'bored' on either line. But, especially HAL. We would be traveling off season, before families with kids cruise when schools let out for the summer. Can anybody offer any direct comparisons on this?

Also, a specific question... It looks like the lowest category balconies either overlook the lifeboat rigs, or are at the front of the ship where there is a high, solid metal, railing... Can anyone comment on these.

Thanks so much!

I am assuming this is a 7 day trip. This is really not long enough of a cruise for some of the details that concern you, which are legitimate, to really matter. But if this is a 14 day trip, then some issue might like onboard entertainment for your teenager. This depends on how many at sea days you have and how self-contained your son might be during that time in case there are few other people his age, which would be the case on any ship during a non traditional vacation time for the longer cruises. But all it takes are a few other young people to have fun, not necessarily larger groups.

Cabin comfort it key and HAL cabins are the best. The price appears to be very enticing which will allow you to enjoy your time in port more. HAL also has a great deal of dining flexibility with several different dining venues. You should have no problem getting the dining time and table that suits you best. Alaska views are so sweeping, you need not worry about missing them from many spots around the ship, including a verandah that might overlook a lifeboat.

Most say Alaska trips are itinerary driven for the final decision - Alaska scenery itself provides the entertainment so in that regard both would be fine and if one itinerary appeals more than the other then that alone would make the better choice, with most other things being equal, which they basically are between these two ships.

Keep in mind also Alaska trips even in summer can be quite cold and often rainy so outdoor activities on a ship, and even balcony use, may not be the most important considerations when choosing either ship. We did the sister ship Zuiderdam and enjoyed our upgrade to a larger suite balcony room but mainly for being able to look out the wider windows of that larger suite, while we sat inside the warm room. But others in the warm and covered toasty Lido pool area or CrowsNest got the same view benefits, plus access to both sides of the ship for viewing. So balcony amenities alone should not make or break your decision.

Bottomline, I think what really matters for Alaska trips is the same for both cruise lines - Alaska itself. Pick the itinerary that pleases you first, then I think all other concerns which are good to raise ahead of time, will sort themselves out no matter what line you choose. So then, which ship has both the best itinerary and price to me would be my final decision.

The "bored kids" concern is always an interesting one. Best wishes and welcome to the HAL board -- or is it the HAL bored! ;)

[Boytjie]

Quick comments:

Since Alaska is very port intensive with lots of excursion opportunities, it would be difficult for anyone to be bored! There is Club HAL for the youth.

We did Alaska on the Amsterdam in an obstructed view cabin and did not miss having a balcony at all. We got to see a lot more from the open decks (including the bow) since you can walk around and see things all around you - especially nice in Glacier Bay. They serve pea soup and hot chocholate out on deck while viewing in Glacier Day. Yum

From what I have read, HAL cabins are usually larger than Princess's and HAL does Alaska the best.

The Oosterdam has a specialty restaurant, the Pinnacle Grill, as well as Canaletto, an Italian restaurant, which is in a section of the buffet at dinner time (no surcharge for this one).

There is only one dining room with teh top level reserved for traditional early and late sittings and the lower level is flexible dining and open seating - you can request a specific table size and just show up and wait or make reservations during certain dining hours.

[mamaofami]

If you're cruising before school lets out, there won't be that many children your son's age on either line. Alaska is all about the ports and your son should be kept very busy with all the sight seeing. I would pick Holland America over Princess for all the plus reasons you describe.

By the way, you can always request a table for just the three of you at whichever dining option you desire.

[Wishing on a star]

Thank you so much everyone.
I tend to agree with your comments, and appreciate the info details!

And, yes, for us, it would definitely be 'Alaska' more than the onboard experience.

:)

[Wishing on a star]

Another PRO for HAL to Alaska, is I noticed they get the best berth at every port (#1). While Princess had the furthest berth. I loved with HAL, I could walk on and off the ship as much as I wanted, while with the Sapphire, I had to add an extra mile or so to my walk....


Thanks! Very interesting and valid info!

[SwissMyst]

The one drawback choosing HAL is having to look at the ugly, bulky Princess ships while you are cruising those lovely inlets. Whereas the Princess passengers get to look at the lovely, classic elegant lines of the HAL ships while they are cruising same said waters. :p

[Wishing on a star]

Too funny!!!!

Actually, I don't mind the classic white Princess ships...

If we want to 'talk ship' here, I am thinking that the mattresses, the room service, and the coffee would be a few good topics! (even though the coffee is not THAT bad, and my back likes a 'firm' mattress)
:p

[sail7seas]

Too funny!!!!

Actually, I don't mind the classic white Princess ships...

If we want to 'talk ship' here, I am thinking that the mattresses, the room service, and the coffee would be a few good topics! (even though the coffee is not THAT bad, and my back likes a 'firm' mattress)
:p


I'm not sure if you are saying you prefer HAL or Princess when it comes to coffee, room service and mattresses.

I think HAL wins by leaps on bounds in those categories.

Does Princess permit all cabins to order hot breakfast for Room Service and to write in things that aren't even listed on the menu door hang tag? That wasn't our experience even when staying in their biggest suite for back-to-back. Room Service breakfast was very limited. Have they improved in recent years?

Many, actually most of us love HAL's mattresses. Reading through many threads here we see frequent mention of HAL's great mattresses.
But, of course, you can never please all the people all the time. :p

[jtl513]

Also, a specific question... It looks like the lowest category balconies either overlook the lifeboat rigs, or are at the front of the ship where there is a high, solid metal, railing... Can anyone comment on these.

Thanks so much!Seems to me no one has addressed this question yet.

Don't worry about the lifeboats substantially blocking your view from the deck 5 (Verandah deck) VE or VF cabins. If you're standing at the railing looking directly down you can't see where the water touches the ship, but when you're seated the lifeboats won't even be in view. For any VE or VF that are positioned over a davit (i.e. between two lifeboats) you may even get a fairly good view of the waterline.

The question of the metal railings on the deck 4 is best explained by Peter Boytjie's excellent picture below. It was taken on a VD4043 balcony looking toward a VF4041 balcony. The VD has the plexiglas and the VF has the steel wall railing. When you're seated on the VF the wooden rail is just about eye level, so all you can see is sky, distant horizons, or nearby mountains. However, most of the time when there's something to see (entering/leaving port, scenic cruising) we're usually standing at the railing anyway. :)


http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/44116/2889069070102790654S600x600Q85.jpg

[Boytjie]

I should get royalties for that picture. ;)

[BarryFromBoston]

IMHO Alaska is all about the trip, and very little about the ship. If you have time and energy and desire to be having lots of experiences on the ship, you're not doing enough on shore in Alaska :) The money you save by going on HAL can be used to do some once-in-a-lifetime shorex.

HAL does have Anytime dining. You can request a specific size of table.

Check out the Alaska forum here on CC for more info on Alaska.


To add another humble opinion, it is about the ship as far as one thing goes... Alaska is often about seeing what's going on outside, what you're cruising through. So, you want a ship with big walls of glass, such as on the Radiance class of ships for Royal Caribbean. Stories and stories of glass to take in the vistas.

The other most important factor for Alaska is whether or not the ship takes the Inside passage. It is faster and more fuel efficient to not do so. A passenger on RCCL was furious when they did not take the inside passage, and made no announcement. When he asked and told them that was his whole reason for taking the cruise, they told him that there were unavoidable delays, and they had to skip the Inside Passage to make the shore excursions in time.

So, check the ship layout (are there multiple stories of glass to see these glaciers through?), and the itinerary.

[jtl513]

I should get royalties for that picture. ;)Too late! It's "public domain" now! :D

So, check the ship layout (are there multiple stories of glass to see these glaciers through?), and the itinerary. When I'm at a glacier, I'm not behind any glass ... I'm out on a forward deck where I can hear the cracks of the calving, and take pictures with worrying about reflections in a glass wall. :)

[Boytjie]

Too late! It's "public domain" now! :D

But you always give me credit, thanks! :)

When I'm at a glacier, I'm not behind any glass ... I'm out on a forward deck where I can hear the cracks of the calving, and take pictures with worrying about reflections in a glass wall. :)

No glass for me either! Unless it contains a cocktail.

[SwissMyst]

......However, most of the time when there's something to see (entering/leaving port, scenic cruising) we're usually standing at the railing anyway. :)



This is so true. Plus it would be rare the weather in Alaska beckoned much outdoor seating anyway. And where there is scenery to enjoy while seated, it is often in the Inside Passage where the expansive views go up to the mountains and trees and not down to the water. When things are happening in the water itself like iceberg and marine life, one does tend to get up and lean over the railings to see it better.

[kazu]

Just chiming in. I have sailed on Princess and far prefer HAL any day of the week. the food is better, the beds more comfortable and while I don't think any of the ships have great coffee, for what it's worth their coffee is better. HAL traditionally has better itineraries. usually they are far more interesting and/or different.

Enjoy your cruise :):)

[IRL_Joanie]

......

Pros
1. Cabin size and lay-out. Can cruise with our son in a regular balcony cabin without being crammed in and my husband and I sleeping on the separate twin configuration.

.......
Thanks so much!

On the Stateroom itself. There are VA and VB staterooms on Decks 6, 7 and 8 that are triples, so you and your hubby could sleep on HAL's Sealy® Premium Euro-Top Queen Sized mattress, while your son can sleep on the sofa bed.

You would not have to worry about the steel railings, as they are only on deck 4....

You can see photos of many of the Oosterdam's Staterooms, and read comments about them from CC members here: http://abqreunion2008.com/Oosterdam/index.html

Welcome to HAL:)

Joanie

[CowPrincess]

To add another humble opinion, it is about the ship as far as one thing goes... Alaska is often about seeing what's going on outside, what you're cruising through. So, you want a ship with big walls of glass, such as on the Radiance class of ships for Royal Caribbean. Stories and stories of glass to take in the vistas.

The other most important factor for Alaska is whether or not the ship takes the Inside passage. It is faster and more fuel efficient to not do so. A passenger on RCCL was furious when they did not take the inside passage, and made no announcement. When he asked and told them that was his whole reason for taking the cruise, they told him that there were unavoidable delays, and they had to skip the Inside Passage to make the shore excursions in time.

So, check the ship layout (are there multiple stories of glass to see these glaciers through?), and the itinerary.

Seriously, as other posters have mentioned, you want to be on deck for glacier viewing. HAL opens the bow for pax to view the glaciers -- that is an experience. So IMHO having "walls of glass" has zero to do with choosing a ship for Alaska. Sun or rain, warm or cold, being on deck is real. Being behind glass is similar to watching TV.

The OP already stated they want to do a RT from Seattle, so chances are VERY good they will cruise on the west side of Vancouver Island, missing a lot of Inside Passage scenery. The trade-off to that is they get to Sitka.


OP -- coffee on HAL is better than on Princess IMHO. The room service menu does not discriminate by cabin category -- you can order the same room service food regardless of which cabin you are in. That includes a hot breakfast. We like the mattresses on HAL. We like that there are VERY FEW p.a. announcements. Many posters find that the actual bed linens on HAL are wonderful -- I find them less than stellar, but YMMV.

[ilovecruisesmm]

i am 15 (nearly 16) and have been on several HAL cruises. i have sailed on the westerdam which is a very similar sister ship to the oosterdam and it is great for kids/teens. there is a great teen club. if it is a seven day cruise i think you will always find at least a few teens, because schools in diff parts of the country have different schedules. i preferred haveing just a few teens and not a whole lot because the activities are more enjoyable when they are less crowded. i would just call the line and ask how many kids and teens usually sail on this ship at this time of year. don't be discouraged if the number is small.
even if there are a few kids, the loft (the teen club) is always open and staffed on this size ship. there are lots of planned activities and i have always found the staff to be friendly and fun and really get along with the teens. i was once on a HAL cruise (different ship, different itinerary) that had almost no kids except my sister and me. but we had activities and video games and were never bored.

[govgurl]

I took the 7 day cruise from Seattle with my parents last year (I'm not a teen, but in my early 20s) and I agree with what other here have said. On an Alaskan cruise you spend most of your time off of the ship, so I don't think you have to worry about it being too boring for your son.

For the two sea days (and the day at the Glaciers, I don't think they count that as a sea day, but it sort of is once you've taken in the vista) there will be the teen club, the pool, plenty of board games in the Explorer's Lounge, DVDs, etc., probably enough to keep him stimulated for most of the trip. Plus there is plenty of good food, and if I remember my brother's teenage years well enough, a teen boy's favorite activity tends to be supporting their growth spurt through food. There is also a sport's deck with a small basketball and tennis (or maybe just pickleball) court. I saw a lot of teens up there playing with their parents/with other teens when I was on deck.

I can't speak for how it compares to other cruise lines, the Alaska cruise was my first cruise ever, but I really enjoyed our cruise, and as Seattle natives the extra convenience of being able to just drive from our house to the dock was great.

[CowPrincess]

For the teenager, I'd suggest getting a good pair of binoculars and some basic instruction, and sending him out to watch for whales. He will in all likelihood have success.

[alpal1993]

Another PRO for HAL to Alaska, is I noticed they get the best berth at every port (#1). While Princess had the furthest berth. I loved with HAL, I could walk on and off the ship as much as I wanted, while with the Sapphire, I had to add an extra mile or so to my walk....

In Skagway a group of us watched many people walking around amlissly in the wrong direction trying to get to their Princess Ship.We were all sitting in the Crows Nest(Amsterdam) laughing and wondering if the ones that all ready walked way out of their intended path would let others know that they were walking into a dead end.Most did not tell fellow passengers that they were going the wrong way. Very sad.

[Wishing on a star]

Wow, thank you all so much.
A great bunch of folks here on the HAL board!!! :)