how formal

[rabbitneedles]

Hi, considering booking with HAL for the first time . How many formal nights are there on a panama canal cruise. The formality is part of the cruise that we really enjoy. Have only sailed once before TA on QM2 so how do they compare:confused:

[jhannah]

On a 10-day cruise there are usually two formal evenings.

The QM2 is a much different ship ... much larger with different classes of service in the dining arrangements. But Holland America ships offer wonderful service by highly-trained Indonesian and Filippino crew who are anxious to make your vacation as carefree as possible.

Which ship will you be on?

[rabbitneedles]

not decided yet amsterdam, noardam, vovemdan and zuidendam all do the panama. Is there much difference between them ?

[osiebosie]

I am sailing on HAL for the first time, also. However, I've done the Panama canal, and here's my one piece of advice for you, whichever ship you choose: GET A BALCONY! It is hot, hot, hot down there, and we were so thankful for our balcony while cruising the canal. We'd watch the workings of the actual canal and then the banks of Gatun Lake, and when we were wilted, we'd just walk into our cabin and cool off.

If you don't have a balcony, you have to go up to a public deck to watch, and, I'm telling you, it's hot, hot, hot!

Have fun. It's an awesome cruise.

Shay

[Krazy Kruizers]

It all depends on how long your cruise is. You didn;t mention that. On a 10 day cruise we have always had 3 formal nights - have done quite a few of them. On a full repositioning cruise of 21 days we have had 5 and 6 formal nights - depends on the ship.

[RevNeal]

not decided yet amsterdam, noardam, vovemdan and zuidendam all do the panama. Is there much difference between them ?
It sounds like you're doing a full transit of the canal. These are usually longer than 10 days and, hence they will tend to be a little more formal than even the average HAL cruise. In 2004 I took a 21 day cruise from Vancouver to Pt Canaveral, Fl. and on that cruise we had 6 formal nights, including a Black and white ball. Have a blast! The Panama Canal is a great cruise destination!

[jtl513]

not decided yet amsterdam, noardam, vovemdan and zuidendam all do the panama. Is there much difference between them ?Yes. The Amsterdam and Volendam are much smaller and older than the Noordam and Zuiderdam. I suggest you read THIS STICKY (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=350993) for starters.

[cruiserking]

Hi Rabbitneedles,

We are Cunard veterans and have sailed frequently on the QM2. While the service is certainly top notch on the Queen Mary 2, I would actually give the edge to HAL.

We were extremely impressed with the high caliber of service from the entire Noordam crew. The officers are very visible throughout the voyage and go to great lengths to insure your needs are met.

Originally Posted by Revneal
It sounds like you're doing a full transit of the canal. These are usually longer than 10 days and, hence they will tend to be a little more formal than even the average HAL cruise. In 2004 I took a 21 day cruise from Vancouver to Pt Canaveral, Fl. and on that cruise we had 6 formal nights, including a Black and white ball. Have a blast! The Panama Canal is a great cruise destination!

Hey Greg,

Your description of your 21-day voyage sounds very exciting. Is this fairly standard for the longer trips, can we expect equivalent types of perks on our upcoming Transatlantic voyage next April? I certainly hope this is the case, my excitement level has just jumped another hundred and twelve notches in the last seven seconds.

Jonathan

[kakalina]

Hi Rabbitneedles,

We are Cunard veterans and have sailed frequently on the QM2. While the service is certainly top notch on the Queen Mary 2, I would actually give the edge to HAL.

We were extremely impressed with the high caliber of service from the entire Noordam crew. The officers are very visible throughout the voyage and go to great lengths to insure your needs are met.



Hey Greg,

Your description of your 21-day voyage sounds very exciting. Is this fairly standard for the longer trips, can we expect equivalent types of perks on our upcoming Transatlantic voyage next April? I certainly hope this is the case, my excitement level has just jumped another hundred and twelve notches in the last seven seconds.

Jonathan

Hi Jonathan: I am not Greg but I can answer your question. It is the norm on every cruise over 14 days to have a black and white ball. There will two high teas instead of one. There will be a Grand Buffet ( don't miss it ) and several other events that are not done on cruises of shorter duration. There will also be male dance hosts for those without an escort or who have a disabled partner of someone who is unable for whatever reason.
Have an amazing cruise you've already made the best possible choice for a cruise line.

[rabbitneedles]

Thanks everyone feel confident to book now ,just need to decide on which ship and for how long ,proberly 17-18 days ft lauderdale to vancouver

[cruiserking]

Hi Jonathan: I am not Greg but I can answer your question. It is the norm on every cruise over 14 days to have a black and white ball. There will two high teas instead of one. There will be a Grand Buffet ( don't miss it ) and several other events that are not done on cruises of shorter duration. There will also be male dance hosts for those without an escort or who have a disabled partner of someone who is unable for whatever reason.
Have an amazing cruise you've already made the best possible choice for a cruise line.

Hi Kakalina,

Thanks for your very informative response. I am now quivering with anticipation for this wonderful voyage next year. The high teas you mentioned, how do these differ from the standard, daily afternoon teas. I imagine they are a bit more elegant. The Grand Buffet sounds very exciting, that's different than the Chocolate Extravaganza isn't it?

I love Arizona, one of my favorite places on the planet. Haven't been there in several years, but, had some adventures in Scottsdale, Sedona and the Canyon. Give the Saguaros my best.

Jonathan