Vancouver, BC
July 15th, 2004, 12:32 AM
We had a wonderful cruise July 3-10. This was our first HAL experience. Our first impression of the ship was that it was rather modest (in both size and decor) compared to our last cruise (on the Grand Princess). However, the ship grew on us (and we grew on the ship, I'm afraid!) as the week progressed. We really liked all of the intimate lounges, particularly at night.
Passenger ages were mixed, although there was a pretty good number of older passengers. There were 85 kids on board (largely invisible due to many organized activities for them). Our daughters (age 11 and 14) enjoyed themselves, although only the younger one participated in Club HAL (and she used it mostly as a place to meet kids to hang out with outside of the club). My mother was with us, and she said this was the youngest crowd she has seen on HAL (but her previous cruises were long ones likely attractive to retirees). Lots of large family reunion type groups.
Weather cooperated (no rain and comfortable temps). We needed fleece jackets at times, but never a rain coat.
Food was fabulous. Lido cafe a bit undersized for the number of patrons, but staff made great efforts to get everyone seated. We enjoyed the entertainment (both musical groups in lounges and shows in main theatre). Quite varied.
Living in Vancouver, we thought the scenery would be similar to home. Some of it was, but we loved it nonetheless. The scenic cruising at Gacier Bay was a highlight. On our last evening during dinner, the ship slowed for both a beach loaded with sea lions and a pod of orca whales. Wonderful.
I seem to be at maximum space. Am happy to answer any Q you might have.
Passenger ages were mixed, although there was a pretty good number of older passengers. There were 85 kids on board (largely invisible due to many organized activities for them). Our daughters (age 11 and 14) enjoyed themselves, although only the younger one participated in Club HAL (and she used it mostly as a place to meet kids to hang out with outside of the club). My mother was with us, and she said this was the youngest crowd she has seen on HAL (but her previous cruises were long ones likely attractive to retirees). Lots of large family reunion type groups.
Weather cooperated (no rain and comfortable temps). We needed fleece jackets at times, but never a rain coat.
Food was fabulous. Lido cafe a bit undersized for the number of patrons, but staff made great efforts to get everyone seated. We enjoyed the entertainment (both musical groups in lounges and shows in main theatre). Quite varied.
Living in Vancouver, we thought the scenery would be similar to home. Some of it was, but we loved it nonetheless. The scenic cruising at Gacier Bay was a highlight. On our last evening during dinner, the ship slowed for both a beach loaded with sea lions and a pod of orca whales. Wonderful.
I seem to be at maximum space. Am happy to answer any Q you might have.