Overall experience vs Carnival or NCL - Panama Canal

[blue_water]

HA has some impressive Panama Canal options, but we're concerned the atmosphere is more reserved than we like. We are not party animals by any means, however we do enjoy bands playing rock & blues and having cocktails. We're in our 50's and definitely not spring chickens! But we prefer fun over formal I guess.

Would we be disappointed with HA on a 14 day canal cruise? It's a long cruise for a first-timer on HA. Or can one expect to hear a reggae band on the deck, for example? Don't expevt a Carnival experience but would like to have a bit of fun too...

[RuthC]

Some of us think formal, elegant, reserved, quiet enough to hold a conversation is fun.

You won't find a great deal of rock, blues, or reggae on HAL. There may be a band playing by the pool for an hour at lunchtime, but not all afternoon, and not necessarily reggae or even rock.
There are entertainement venues in the evening, each playing a different style of music---right up to a disco on the Vista/Signature ships. But there's dance music, too, and light classical in the Explorers Lounge.

[CruiserBruce]

however we do enjoy bands playing rock & blues and having cocktails.

Do you think there is no alcohol on HAL? Must have missed that cut back.

[blue_water]

Thanks Ruth for the useful feedback. We've done the formal and elegant and captain's dinner cruises only on the Carnival ships and they were an experience we're glad we were able to enjoy. We dressed accordingly and it's a shame that's going by the wayside.

However we're a bit more free-spirited now and we spend more time on islands and smaller cruises than than the mega-ships for that reason. But we do cruise the big ships occasionally with friends and we're not averse to dressing formally and enjoying "quiet" moments. We just need a little bit more "activity" than what you're describing I'm afraid, at least at this point in our cruising lives, and that's too bad because these PC itineraries are outstanding.
The PC cruise is a must do we feel and we're all trying to get a feel for the HA ship experience. But I'll hope for others to add their thoughts too. We may just have to bite the bullet and grow up!:(

Cruiser Bruce - you know what happens when we assume - :p

[blue_water]

I have to say that after reading the excellent posts on the Panama Canal on Zuiderdam thread I'm almost ready to book that and try the ferry option to see the remainder of the canal. We've also been considering the Princess partial crossing, but the HAL version does sound great.

[Roz]

Any 14-day cruise is probably going to be more reserved than what you've experienced on shorter cruises. I wouldn't say music is one of HAL's strengths, but I've never missed a happy hour.

Roz