Newbie Questions.....

[FamilyMiracle]

Hello Everyone!

I just booked my parents on their first HAL cruise, and they have a few questions. They are doing a 14 day Southern Caribbean aboard the Veendam from Tampa on Nov 25th.

How many formal nights are there on a 14 day cruise?

and what is dress code for dinner (for men) on other nights?

Also, what is their chance of changing their dinner time to early dining, via the Maitre'D once they board? They have late dining, however my Dad is diabetic and really cannot wait til 8:45 to eat :)

Our travel agent had us fax a Special requirements information form to HAL this morning, if that makes any difference.

Thank you for any help you gave them/me.

[middle-aged mom]

Hello Everyone!

I just booked my parents on their first HAL cruise, and they have a few questions. They are doing a 14 day Southern Caribbean aboard the Veendam from Tampa on Nov 25th.

How many formal nights are there on a 14 day cruise? Should be Four. (You can wear the same suit/outfit more than once).:)

and what is dress code for dinner (for men) on other nights? "Smart Casual". (That means he doesn't have to wear a tie or jacket) Here is a link to HAL's website with a description of the dress code. (http://www.hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=packing&topic=dressCode)

Also, what is their chance of changing their dinner time to early dining, via the Maitre'D once they board? They have late dining, however my Dad is diabetic and really cannot wait til 8:45 to eat :)

Our travel agent had us fax a Special requirements information form to HAL this morning, if that makes any difference. That will make a difference. They should be able to get the time of their choice with a medical condition such as diabetes.

Thank you for any help you gave them/me.

Congratulations to your parents! I wish them a Bon Voyage!:) That Southern Caribbean itinerary sounds great! You are very good to take such care of your parents.:)

[grannynurse]

Hi,
Welcome to the HAL Board. There should be at least 3, probably 4 formal nights on the Veendam 14 day cruise. The other evenings are "smart casual". Your dad could order something from room service to tide him over, or they could do in-room dining from room service using the dining room menu, or choose to eat in the Lido restaurant, which in the evening, closely mirrors (nut not exactly) the dining room menu. You choose your salds etc from the buffet, place your entree order, and it is delivered to your table. The Lido opens about 6pm. I don't think there will be "as you wish dining" on the Veendam until spring 2008.
I think they will really like HAL, they will be so pampered.
Good luck on getting the times changed, butif it doesn't happen before boarding, have them see the dining room manager (old title maitre d').
GN

[JimVrhovac]

Ruth and I will be on that cruise also.

There is a roll call thread in the Veendam section with quite a few people from the boards getting to know each other. Why don't you join us.

You will not be able to miss us. We are the ones with the animal slippers on.

Ruth & Jim

[WeLoveCruising]

You should be able to get the dining time changed without too much fuss. If they dont change it before your cruise, your parents can see the dining room manager (maitre'd) on embarkation day. His hours and location will be posted in the daily program. There are always a number or people wanting to change dining times and tables, so many options open up once onboard. He should have no problems accomodating them.

There are sugar free desserts every night, as well as at the Lido for lunch and dinner. I cruised last year with my diabetic mother and they took really good care of her.

[middle-aged mom]

Ruth and I will be on that cruise also.

There is a roll call thread in the Veendam section with quite a few people from the boards getting to know each other. Why don't you join us.

You will not be able to miss us. We are the ones with the animal slippers on.

Ruth & Jim

Jim, I'd love to go cruising with you and Ruth, with or without animal slippers:). However, I'm not the one going on this cruise. The parents of "Family Miracle", the original poster, will be on this cruise with you. Your invitation and offer are a great idea for Family Miracle's parents. Joining a roll call is always a great way to learn more about the cruise, and meet other folks who will be sailing with you.:)

Karin

[jtl513]

In the unlikely event that the Maitre d' can't accommodate the time change, he could always eat a small "pre-dinner" in the Lido before going to the full dinner. :)

[FamilyMiracle]

I really appreciate the information.

I have another question.... is there a way to send them drink tickets or a bon voyage gift thru HAL?

I am all over HAL's site and not having much luck.

[LoveMyBoxer]

I really appreciate the information.

I have another question.... is there a way to send them drink tickets or a bon voyage gift thru HAL?

I am all over HAL's site and not having much luck.

You have to click on for booked guests and have their booking number. Then you have a wide variety of choices to choose from. Hope this link works https://www.hollandamerica.com/shop/onboardLogin.do;jsessionid=qboK4dik_NSn1bv2E7HDmQi

[FamilyMiracle]

Wow.. another amazing, correct fast reply!

THANK YOU so much!


This board is such a wealth of knowledge.

As first time HAL cruisers (well my Mom sailed HAL when she came to the US in the 60's).... anything else they should know.

We went clothes shopping today... bought some great dressy pants outfits and skirts for Mom for dinners and 4 nice cocktail dresses for formal nights and Dad, he has 2 suits going, so we bought him a new pile of Ralph Lauren dress shirts and nice ties.

Just thinking if there is anything else I need to tell them.....

[LoveMyBoxer]

Some of the lounges and/or dining rooms seem to get breezy for some of the mature people, so she may want to bring a shawl or sweater. Also, don't know how rough the ocean will be when they sail, but it's always a good idea to bring a black pair of flat shoes, I always do. Hapy sailing!

[robertmnch]

Is your Dad a Type 2 Diabetic or Insulin Dependent? I'm a Type 2 non-insulin dependent diabetic. Ten years ago, a HAL Maitre D' made life very easy for me. He gave me the next evenings menu at Dinner so I could select my Carbohyrates and Proteins 24 hours in advance. The next day, I knew what I could eat for Breakfast and Lunch as I knew what I would be eating at Dinner!:)
Robertmnch

[hammybee]

In the unlikely event that the Maitre d' can't accommodate the time change, he could always eat a small "pre-dinner" in the Lido before going to the full dinner. :)

This is good advice. I have read several posts where HAL is no longer accepting a doctor's note relative to dining times as it was abused and there are alternatives, as you suggested.

This would be one case where open seating might work in the passenger's favor. Unfortunately, it will not be available until April on this ship.

In any event, I hope your parents get what they want.

[middle-aged mom]

This is good advice. I have read several posts where HAL is no longer accepting a doctor's note relative to dining times as it was abused and there are alternatives, as you suggested.

This would be one case where open seating might work in the passenger's favor. Unfortunately, it will not be available until April on this ship.

In any event, I hope your parents get what they want.

The best thing any passenger with special dietary or medical needs can do is contact HAL's Accessibility and Compliance department (http://www.hollandamerica.com/contacts/cmpyList.do)prior to departure and fill out the necessary paperwork. It sounds as if FamilyMiracle's travel agent has already been pro-active in this regard, as she mentions a "special requirements information form" that she faxed to HAL.

[ortrud]

Hello Families Miracle,
My Husband And I Are Also On This Cruise, Please Check The Veendam Roll-call For The 11/25/2007 Date And Many Of Your Questions Will Be Answered. Looking Forward To Meeting Your Mom And Dad. We Are Ortrud And Gene.