Questions From First Time HAL Cruiser

[trabuchet]

Will be cruising with HAL for the first time this November on board the Zuiderdam and had a few questions. This will be my second cruise overall, my first being with Carnival a few years ago. Since HAL and Carnival are owned by the same parent company I was wondering if there were similarities with respect to dress code, food and cabin layout.

1. Is a tux or jacket w/tie required for formal nights? Carnival seemed to be very flexible and would allow "business casual" in the dining room on formal nights (though there were a few who appeared to be dressed as though they were going to the beach or a bar). It would be nice to dress comfortably if possible.

2. Will HAL's menus be similar to Carnival's? Though they are not served for dinner in the dining room, the chicken fingers on Carnival were awesome!

3. Are HAL's cabins as large as those on the Carnival ships?

Thanks for your help.

[jhannah]

I believe you will find HAL a bit more formal than Carnival. Yes, tux or suit/tie are the order of the day for formal evenings. The demographics on Holland America will generally be on the more reserved side ... but by no means dead (as urban legend would have it.)

HAL is known for cabins that are a bit larger than industry standard. The layout of most ships I've been on are very similar. Entry, bathroom on one side, closets on the other, etc. The decor on the Zuiderdam is much "glitzier" than the HAL norm ... so you should find it appealing if you like Carnival's look. Less neon look than on Carnival, though.

We sailed the Zuiderdam and really enjoyed the ship. Big ship, but the space ratio really doesn't make you think you're lost in a mass of people. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Each cruise line has their own menu fare. So doubt if you will see chicken fingers on a HAL menu - I have only seen them as an appetizer.

[RuthC]

There's a children's menu in the dining room availible to all. Fingers and fries are on it every night.
They're good, too.

One night there may be an appetizer of almond-coated chicken. It's delicious, and can also be ordered as an entree.
It's yummy.