Questions from a HAL first timer

[BoardwalkBabe]

Hello, after having booked the 3/19 Zaandam today, I have been actively reading thru most of these posts. However, I have some questions which I hope ya'll can answer for me. :)

We are booked "H" for an oceanview cabin. Will there be a refrigerator in the cabin? If not, can I request one?

How are the hair dryers? Worth fighting with or should I just bring my own?

Dinner - is it truly jackets for men at each dinner or will my DH be able to leave the jacket behind on non-formal nights?

Are there specific dining rotations or do you eat in the same restaurant every night?

What can I expect in regards to photo packages and pricing?

How many pieces of luggage can you bring (per person)?

Can I bring bottled water, diet coke and a couple bottles of wine onboard with me (for the cabin - not for consumption in the dining areas or pools)?

Is there an adult pool? Or a pool which routinely ends up being primarily adults?

What is your favorite snack?

What is the best tip you can share with me?

Thank you all in advance - we booked this trip with only two weeks before departure and we're really excited to try a HAL cruise. :D

[soccerfootballmom]

Welcome aboard :) I can't help you as this is my first cruise as well...but don't forget to sign up on the Roll Call board :)

It's my understanding that the only luggage restrictions are those imposed by the airlines. You can bring water, diet coke and wine with you (based on what I've read on all of these boards)...and I luv popcorn for a snack ;)

[dakrewser]

Hello, after having booked the 3/19 Zaandam today, I have been actively reading thru most of these posts. However, I have some questions which I hope ya'll can answer for me.

Hmm, most of these should have been answered if you read thru the board, but here's my contribution.

We are booked "H" for an oceanview cabin. Will there be a refrigerator in the cabin? If not, can I request one?

I think so, but someone else will need to confirm this.

How are the hair dryers? Worth fighting with or should I just bring my own?

They're fine for me.

Dinner - is it truly jackets for men at each dinner or will my DH be able to leave the jacket behind on non-formal nights?

There are 3 types of dress - formal (tux or dark suit), informal (jacket with or without tie), casual (no jacket needed, collared shirt, slacks)

Are there specific dining rotations or do you eat in the same restaurant every night?

There's only one dinig room but you can choose to eat in the Lido (always casual) or in the Pinnacle Grille (extra $20/PP, jacket required)

What can I expect in regards to photo packages and pricing?

Don't know, never buy them.

How many pieces of luggage can you bring (per person)?

The ship doesn't care. An airline might.

Can I bring bottled water, diet coke and a couple bottles of wine onboard with me (for the cabin - not for consumption in the dining areas or pools)?

Yes

Is there an adult pool? Or a pool which routinely ends up being primarily adults?

The aft pool is supposed to be for adults only.

Have a great cruise!

[grannynurse]

are very good. They are in the drawer by the desk. The old wall-mounted one, I believe, is still in the bathroom. At least it was in january.

Room service has a wonderful cheese and cracker tray. We order it with apples and grapes and Norwehian crisp bread. It's great for late afternoon snacking.

There is storage for luggage under the bed and also the closets have fold down shelves for small bags.

You will find plenty of room to stow stuff. I've never been in an "H" but it's not much smaller than an A or a B minus the veranda.

One a cruise during spring break, I wouldn't guarantee finding an adults-only pool, but maybe with the new teen facilities it won't be too bad.
Happy sailing! We really enjoyed the Zaandam.
GN

[richnorto]

Welcome aboard! We will be on the Zaandam March 19, first time on HAL as well as well:) !