Are there nice adult pools for myself and my 6 month old?

[isabellmybell]

Hehe, not really, but would yall please tell me the good and bad about this cruise line. Want to take my 19 year old and 31 year old on a good cruise, with a good, fun ship. I know nothing about Holland so please be nice enough to tell me all about it. Thanks a bunch;)

[the2ofus]

Oh boy, you could really fan the flames with that intro...but I think you must be a fun person, and a risk taker.

It might be a good idea if you gave us a bit of info about your offspring and yourself re: interests and expectations. That way we could help you decide if HAL is a good match for your family.

For our part, HAL provides an enjoyable low-key cruise in an elegant laid back atmosphere. There is an absence of ambient noise - announcements, canned music - which pleases us greatly. There is refinement in the decoration of the ships. There is refinement and civility in the service provided. There are activities available if we choose to participate. There is no pressure to party-hearty. There are opportunities to make our own fun. We never feel like sardines or overwhelmed by sheer masses of people in the public areas. The food is more than adequate, above average and sometimes outstanding in quality, quantity and variety. For us, HAL is a perfect fit. YMMV

[dakrewser]

Hmm... there are a few thousands messages on this board, most of which (except for the occasional rant about dress codes, babies in pools or toilet paper) are about cruising on the Holland-America Line.

Spend an hour or two going through them and you'll get a good feel for what a HAL cruise can be.

[RuthC]

Sure like living on the edge, don'cha! :D

The above advice is good. The backround on HAL given, and reading the board is a start. Read the HAL brochures, talk to your TA, then maybe come back with more specific questions.

We're here to help. ;)

[isabellmybell]

http://smileys.******************/cat/36/36_3_11.gif (http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb005) Hi yall And may I say Happpppppppppy Friday!! I have been reading the posts allllllll over this board, & I'm actually looking for the little known secrets yall know that make each line so special or not so special. We like to have a good time, kids like to meet new, interesting, smart, fun people, http://smileys.******************/cat/36/36_1_65.gif (http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb005) as I do. Would be nice not to walk on board and see a sea of white hairs http://smileys.******************/cat/15/15_4_122.gif (http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb005) or sit next to someone & smell that strong odor most older people seem to carry with them. http://smileys.******************/cat/36/36_11_12.gif (http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb005)

Hehe, no offence to ya ol' white hairs, I'm getting there too!
Anyway we like scuba diving, lively, fun times, and lots of
warm beautiful seas.





http://www.******************/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb045&pp=ZSzeb005 (http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb045_ZSzeb005)

[Cathy p]

What old people odors are you talking about? I don't remember smelling them. The thing I find repulsive is people lumping people all in one catagory. Does that mean that all teenagers wear their undies hanging out or how about everyone having every part of their body pierced. If that is all you can find wrong with the world, get your head out of the sand:p

[doone]

Maybe Carnival or Royal Caribbean would fit your needs better than HAL. Just from reading your posts here, I don't think you will be happy.

[Vicar]

UH OH

Here come the "you don't sound like you're one of us, try another cruiseline " posts :)

[Osgood Fielding IV]

What old people odors are you talking about? I don't remember smelling them. The thing I find repulsive is people lumping people all in one catagory. Does that mean that all teenagers wear their undies hanging out or how about everyone having every part of their body pierced. If that is all you can find wrong with the world, get your head out of the sand:p

Yes of course, that's what you(third person plural) say when folks make references to the upper aged demographics. But mention children all over the ship or groups being a little loud and the blue haired brigade becomes as offensive as Michael Jackson performing at a day care center.

It seems my peers want to keep HAL as that bridge between the empty nest and the hospice.

Given the choice, I'm sure HAL would prefer the 35-50 demographic than their current 60-75 group. The HAL vets ought to enjoy it while it lasts and stop their kvetching.

[FlorenceItaly]

Another Oklahoman here........

Cruised two times last year on HAL...solo...LOVED IT! Dh and I are cruising on HAL later in the year, with another couple. We are cruising with our 17 year old son NEXT MONTH, and will be cruising with Royal Caribbean. It is my opinion that my 17 year old would not realize the benefits of HAL. If you are looking for something lively, it is not likely to be found on HAL.

Marie

[jhannah]

It seems my peers want to keep HAL as that bridge between the empty nest and the hospice. You might well be right. But let's face reality ... the different cruise brands have different characteristics that appeal to vastly different people. If someone is seeking a "fun" ship, by the most widely accepted definition thereof, HAL won't be it. I personally have lots of fun on Holland America vessels, but it isn't the belly-flop-and-wet-t-shirt sort of thing.
From isabellmybell's post, I would agree that for her own enjoyment she should look elsewhere.

[FlorenceItaly]

You might well be right. But let's face reality ... the different cruise brands have different characteristics that appeal to vastly different people. If someone is seeking a "fun" ship, by the most widely accepted definition thereof, HAL won't be it. I personally have lots of fun on Holland America vessels, but it isn't the belly-flop-and-wet-t-shirt sort of thing.
From isabellmybell's post, I would agree that for her own enjoyment she should look elsewhere.

I agree. I am so grateful for cruiselines like HAL and Celebrity. When I am not cruising with my child I prefer not to be surrounded by children. Btw, I am 42.

Marie

[Cathy p]

Osgood, I am by no means one of the "blue Haired" I am a 54 year old grandmother that has custudy of her 13 year old grandson because someone murdered her 23 year old daughter 10 years ago. Every vacation has revolved around him. This is the first vacation my DH and I will be taking alone and I could care less how old everyone is as long as they don't poop in the pool!

[doone]

Vicar, your absolutely right, I think this poster would be happier spending their hard earned money on a cruise line that they'll be happy on. Why spend it on something they may not enjoy.

Cathyp, I am sorry about your daughter, enjoy your vacation.

I am also one who takes age as what it is, a number. I have seen people at 25 old and people at 85 young. My grandmother had white hair at age 21, she wasn't old then, so just because you have white hair, doesn't make you old!!!!

I enjoy HAL for what it is, classy, relaxing and the most wonderful, sincere crew I have encountered. I like to relax on my cruise, if I want to party, I can do that at home for free, no need spending thousands of dollars to party some where else!!!!

[dakrewser]

UH OH

Here come the "you don't sound like you're one of us, try another cruiseline " posts :)

No, people are giving the poster good advice. Why sail on a ship where you won't enjoy yourself? She might be able to last a week on the Zuiderdam, but vacations should be about having fun and doing the things you enjoy. If that can be found on RCCL rather than on HAL, I see no reason not to point that out.

[Cathy p]

Ok I am relaxed, ready to enjoy my ZUIDERDAM 3/5 CRUISE. Dancing with my docs in hand. Dave, I think you are right everybody is different why not go on a cruise you will truely enjoy. Will let you know how mine was as soon as I get back.:)

[doone]

Cathyp, take care of the Zuiderdam, I board her as you disembark her. Have a wonderful time.

[Osgood Fielding IV]

No, people are giving the poster good advice. Why sail on a ship where you won't enjoy yourself? She might be able to last a week on the Zuiderdam, but vacations should be about having fun and doing the things you enjoy. If that can be found on RCCL rather than on HAL, I see no reason not to point that out.

Is it the case that HAL may not be for everyone or some vocal people who chose HAL would rather not be bothered by a different version of cruising?

[Cathy p]

How does one or two people make a different version of cruising? Dave, help me out I am not understanding what she meant. Must be my age. Oh no:D

[dakrewser]

Is it the case that HAL may not be for everyone or some vocal people who chose HAL would rather not be bothered by a different version of cruising?

No Cruise line (or hotel chain, or restaurant, or any other consumer product) is "for everyone". For people who like to vacation on boats and ships, there are choices in size, itinerary, service-levels, comfort & convenience, demographics, food service, entertainment and more. Decide which things are important to you then choose a line based on that judgement. Allowing everyone to have the cruise they want doesn't mean we all have to be in the same boat!

[Cathy p]

Very well said.:)

[the2ofus]

Isabellmybell, I was prepared to like you. I was encouraged that you, as a new cruiser, were seeking information so that you could choose a cruiseline that would be a good fit for you and your family.

Now I am not so sure that I would want to meet you, as you already have me stereotyped as a smelly old person, if I were to tell you my age and you would see my white hair. Basic hygiene has nothing to do with age. I suggest you broaden your horizons and get to know more people over 60. You might be surprised.

It must be very upsetting to you to realize that, God willing, you will someday be a "smelly old person" too!! Just imagine your children saying that about you!!

[richnorto]

Oh dear!!! Maybe by smelly, she meant overpowering perfume and stinky cigars...? I personally like mild cigar smoke and probably overdo the perfume myself on occasion... cut her a break. This board has broken out in PMS today!:)

[dakrewser]

This board has broken out in PMS today!:)

And your non-sexist expansion of that abbreviation is...? :rolleyes:

-dave
"Who lit the fuse on your tampon?"

[richnorto]

HA HA HA Giggle Giggle... No sexism meant... in our house, we both have our days - freebies- blame it on hormones!!! DH takes advantage of this! The board has been all over the place lately. The poster - no, it wasn't my other personality - started the board with a joke and it seems some posters lost track of that. :)

[stanford's girl]

No Cruise line (or hotel chain, or restaurant, or any other consumer product) is "for everyone". For people who like to vacation on boats and ships, there are choices in size, itinerary, service-levels, comfort & convenience, demographics, food service, entertainment and more. Decide which things are important to you then choose a line based on that judgement. Allowing everyone to have the cruise they want doesn't mean we all have to be in the same boat!

As I said last night, again you are right Dave. And yes, you can tell your wife I said so! Just don't tell my husband I agreed with someone!!!! He would never believe it !!!!!! LOL:D

[GiniB]

PMS in my house means potential murder suspect...and it applies to one of any gender who is not in the mood to be messed with.

[TeresaJenkins]

Hehe, not really, but would yall please tell me the good and bad about this cruise line. Want to take my 19 year old and 31 year old on a good cruise, with a good, fun ship. I know nothing about Holland so please be nice enough to tell me all about it. Thanks a bunch;)


OMG, you really had me going.:p I was afraid to click on this thread because I thought they would slaughter you. LOL
I told my husband that you were the meat of the day, and they were going to make hamburger out of you,:eek: but I had to see how you were doing so I clicked after waiting a long time after I 1st saw the post.

I hope you get/have gotten some good info you BRAVE WARRIOR YOU! :D

[isabellmybell]

As they say on the game board LMAO & Rolling on the Floor Laughing!! :D Hehe, I meant no offense to anyone, but I love what has evolved!! I smell or hear no white hairs on this board :eek: and have not had this good a response to my questions since I started coming to these boards for yall’s awesome advise. Yall sound like your ready to hate me and I love the thought of meeting you, you'd change your mind about me immediately, of that I'm sure! I just wanted yall to talk to me with all the great little secrets each fun ship has. Thanks much to all yall that have taken the time to answer this post And don’t tell anyone, but, I’m 51, guess yall guessed that one, with a daughter 31 & a son 19.:o And have the most wonderful weekend!!:)

[isabellmybell]

:rolleyes: OMG, you really had me going.:p I was afraid to click on this thread because I thought they would slaughter you. LOL
I told my husband that you were the meat of the day, and they were going to make hamburger out of you,:eek: but I had to see how you were doing so I clicked after waiting a long time after I 1st saw the post.

I hope you get/have gotten some good info you BRAVE WARRIOR YOU! :D



Hehe, thanks Teresa, and by the way I have 4 that we rescued! Great babies for my empty nest!! And I don't need a house alarm while my hubby is at war either;) Nice to hear I'm the meat for the day, hehe, sounds like such fun!

[kryos]

What old people odors are you talking about? I don't remember smelling them. The thing I find repulsive is people lumping people all in one catagory. Does that mean that all teenagers wear their undies hanging out or how about everyone having every part of their body pierced. If that is all you can find wrong with the world, get your head out of the sand:p
I think the poster might mean Jean Natah (sp?) ... that cologne a lot of older folks favor? My mom, rest her soul, was a loyal user of that stuff. It does have a distinct "odor" though. But, try as we might ... buying her different colognes to try ... she always went back to her favorite. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Cathy p]

I'm not into that stuff either and when I met my DH was was wearing old spice, Yuck not any more. I can't spell the stuff he was anymore than I can spell mine. So we will leave it at that.:p :p

[dakrewser]

Yall sound like your ready to hate me and I love the thought of meeting you, you'd change your mind about me immediately, of that I'm sure!

Somehow, I doubt that. But have a lovely cruise whichever line you choose...

[isabellmybell]

Somehow, I doubt that. But have a lovely cruise whichever line you choose...

Ahhhh, dakrewser, you ol' charmer you;)

[FlorenceItaly]

Gayle - Honestly, everyone is very nice on this board. We were wanting to be completely honest with you so that you find the best cruise that would fit what you are looking for. Each cruise is a unique experience. As I commented, when I travel solo, or with dh, I choose different lines than when I would travel with our teenager. I understand you wanting a fun-filled time, as that has been my desire on certain cruises too, and if that were the case, it wouldn't be a HAL cruise I booked.

So, have you decided on a cruise yet????

Marie

[Golfgrl1911]

Oh dear!!! Maybe by smelly, she meant overpowering perfume and stinky cigars...? I personally like mild cigar smoke and probably overdo the perfume myself on occasion... cut her a break. This board has broken out in PMS today!:)


How about moth balls??

Seems to me that some of us are just getting "cabin fever":D

[isabellmybell]

Thanks to all for the advise! Think we will go without a hal cruise. Please take no offense to me, I meant no harm. Just wanted to see what kind of folks sailed the seas with hal, ya know like a little experiment;) So everyone can sleep in peace tonight:)

[isabellmybell]

I'm not into that stuff either and when I met my DH was was wearing old spice, Yuck not any more. I can't spell the stuff he was anymore than I can spell mine. So we will leave it at that.:p :p

Oh Cathy I love ol' spice:eek:

[FlorenceItaly]

My very first HAL cruise, was also my very first SOLO cruise. This was last June(maybe May, can't remember, lol) on the NE/Canada itinerary. I went knowing absolutely NO ONE. I had such a wonderful time, I came home and booked another solo cruise on HAL for a few months later to Alaska. Another fabulous cruise. I am STILL in contact with friends that I met on both cruises. HAL cruisers are very nice people.

Marie