Is HAL for me??

[Carol P.]

We are wondering if we would like HAL. Our cruises are on RCCL & Princess. We like the smaller ships!! Would you be kind enough to tell me about the smaller ships on HAL and why you like sailing with this cruise line? We are retired and in our 60s and are addicted to cruising:) Thank you for your response.

[hammybee]

Generally speaking, I think you would like HAL and the only way to know for sure is to book it.

What have you enjoyed most abut your RCL and Princess experiences. The more we know about what you value the better the response.

[Carol P.]

After I entered my post I went to HAL website and found out some info about the ship sizes and the ports that they visit. I saw some interesting cruises listed in the fall of '09 that we are considering. We have cruised on NCL (our first) Celebrity, RCCL & Princess. We choose the line according to where they are going. We find that we enjoy the longer cruises 10 or more days. We like sea days although we just came back from Hawaii and the 5 sea days going and coming were a little much for us. We also like the early dining but have also done anytime on Princess which actually was early too. Both lines are comparable and as I said we choose according to the ports. When on one we try not to compare the other. We were always treated well and found the staff anxious to please. I just think it is time to try another line and see what is offered.

[hammybee]

Carol, I think you will be just fine on HAL. Actually, I think you are apt to enjoy your cruise on just about any cruise line.

Like you, I like to mix them up and try new things although I always come home to HAL.

Perceptions of food, entertainment and service are subjective and vary by passenger ,within a cruise.

The biggest difference to me is that the HAL cruise is apt to be more laid back than a sail on any of the cruise lines you mentioned. And the HAL cabins are better appointed.

The real difference for me however, is HAL's crew. They are the best in my book.

[anchorage1977]

I have not sailed a lot yet, and have been so happy with HAL it's hard for me to think of why I'd need to go with another line. But in time, perhaps switching things up will be in order.

In any case, I agree... you'll love the staterooms, the dining and the crew. I also agree that smaller ships agree with me more. I've never felt it crowded - even with their larger Vista ships.

Perhaps stick to the Prinsendam (793 passengers) or the newer Amsterdam or Rotterdam. I bet you'll feel right at home.

Happy Travels!

[cccole]

We just took our first HAL cruise. We have also been fortunate to enjoy Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, and Royal Caribbean. HAL was wonderful. The crew is exceptional and I think that is something that gives HAL such high marks. We have never had a bad cruise and if you find a HAL ship with the dates and itinerary that you like, why not? If you are not into evening entertainment HAL is fine, and if you like something to do after dinner HAL has a variety of opportunities. The piano bar is particularly lively. I didn't think that the food was exceptinal (except for the surf and turf) but dinner was such a social occasion that I really didn't pick apart everything. The food was always good, always a good selection on the menus, and room service always wonderful. Cherie

[sassyredhat]

We are 62 and 59~~~ young. :) We like HAL because the ships are smaller, and there are fewer children running around.

The cabins have bathtubs in verandah category and above, which I like.
The service and dining are outstanding.

We aren't pool people, nor do we dance, so the clubs are not high priority.
HAL is just~~~comfortable.

I do have some health challenges, which means I rest alot, so the ship itself is important to us.

Hope this helps.

Pat

[RuthC]

The cabins have bathtubs in verandah category and above, which I like.
Actually, outsides have tubs on HAL.