Volendam B2B 6/29-7/13 review

[TMas777]

Hi,
A little about us, were in our 40's cruising the second time on HAL and our third trip to Alaska. We also had our 8 yr. old son with us this time, his first trip to Alaska and second cruise overall.
Good:
The ship is very nice and in good shape for her age (built 1999). The food was good and the service was outstanding. We had a inside cabin (first time) and the room was a nice size, my wife didn't like getting her sunshine in the morning but other than that it was fine for the three of us. Anytime dining worked well for us, when we wanted to eat late we did, or eat by ourselves we did that too. Most nights we ate with others and we had nice talks with other guests. We really like the wrap around decks and enjoyed walking them daily, we knew HAL attracts "older" crowds which is fine with us but...
Bad: (not really bad-but HAL could improve)
Club HAL was a disappointment for our son, events weren't following the schedule and the young ladies running it didn't seem to care. The first week we signed up (day one) nobody asked my son his name nor did they try to include the children into the events. My wife is a Elementary Science teacher and she was wondering why HAL didn't have Alaska type events for the kids to do, some simple talks, hands on events kids this age really do enjoy. Club HAL was geared for coloring, crafts and video games. 8 yr. old boys don't like to color for hours, my son likes video games but I don't want him playing all day to "kill time". Birds, whales, glaciers, weather, rocks, water are all "fun things" kids can do. Clay mountains, fish, eagles. Many activities can be done cheaply and kids love doing them, they will learn about the Alaska without even knowing that their doing it. If HAL wants to attract families they will need to improve Club HAL if I were to cruise again with them, I thought it strange the end of cruise survey had no questions regarding Club HAL (there were 100 kids on board), my wife and I both wrote constructive comments on our survey. Hopefully HAL improves this area, we really like their ships and service but for families I would recommend some other cruise lines (Carnival, RCI, NCL) before I get flamed here we have cruise Carnival and Princess as well, my son had a great time on Carnival. I don't understand why HAL which is a part of Carnival why the kids program is so different. Do they want only "older" people on HAL and leave the middle aged folks to cruise Carnival or RCI?
Lastly, since this was a B2B cruise we were a little disappointed that the Volendam had the same entertainment for both weeks since many people were doing the B2B cruise. Not a deal breaker since we can find things to entertain ourselves.... Write if you have questions.....

[hammybee]

Welcome home and thanks for sharing your vacation .

I am disappointed to hear that the Club HAL experience was not so good. Back when, my daughter lived for Club HAL. Like you said, it does not cost much to create a rewardig experience for children. It sounds like maybe the staff on your sail were immature and/or poorly supervised. I am glad you took the time to make constructive remarks about the program on the comment card.

[twinkletoes4445]

Thanks for sharing your experiences from your cruise. That's too bad about Club Hal, and it's surprising since from what I have read, there seems to be a fair amount of kids on the Alaskan cruises. We've been on Carnival, and HAL, but I have to say our kids wouldn't care for HAL. I know all families are different, but if we were to sail with them and their kids (when they have some), we'd probably stick with Disney or RCCL. But again, that's just us.

I think HAL is trying to attract a younger crowd, however, we chose HAL for the exact opposite reason. We'd heard HAL attracted a more sedate and had an older group of passengers. On our Feb. 2007 cruise that's exactly what we found, and we loved every single minute of our cruise. We've got another one booked for Jan. 2009 and we're hoping it's a carbon copy of our last cruise...or similar. :)

[vbmom87]

Did the Volendam travel through the Grenville Channel on both the Northbound and Southbound segments?

[Sir PMP]

Hi,
A little about us, were in our 40's cruising the second time on HAL and our third trip to Alaska. We also had our 8 yr. old son with us this time, his first trip to Alaska and second cruise overall.
Good:
The ship is very nice and in good shape for her age (built 1999). The food was good and the service was outstanding. We had a inside cabin (first time) and the room was a nice size, my wife didn't like getting her sunshine in the morning but other than that it was fine for the three of us. Anytime dining worked well for us, when we wanted to eat late we did, or eat by ourselves we did that too. Most nights we ate with others and we had nice talks with other guests. We really like the wrap around decks and enjoyed walking them daily, we knew HAL attracts "older" crowds which is fine with us but...
Bad: (not really bad-but HAL could improve)
Club HAL was a disappointment for our son, events weren't following the schedule and the young ladies running it didn't seem to care. The first week we signed up (day one) nobody asked my son his name nor did they try to include the children into the events. My wife is a Elementary Science teacher and she was wondering why HAL didn't have Alaska type events for the kids to do, some simple talks, hands on events kids this age really do enjoy. Club HAL was geared for coloring, crafts and video games. 8 yr. old boys don't like to color for hours, my son likes video games but I don't want him playing all day to "kill time". Birds, whales, glaciers, weather, rocks, water are all "fun things" kids can do. Clay mountains, fish, eagles. Many activities can be done cheaply and kids love doing them, they will learn about the Alaska without even knowing that their doing it. If HAL wants to attract families they will need to improve Club HAL if I were to cruise again with them, I thought it strange the end of cruise survey had no questions regarding Club HAL (there were 100 kids on board), my wife and I both wrote constructive comments on our survey. Hopefully HAL improves this area, we really like their ships and service but for families I would recommend some other cruise lines (Carnival, RCI, NCL) before I get flamed here we have cruise Carnival and Princess as well, my son had a great time on Carnival. I don't understand why HAL which is a part of Carnival why the kids program is so different. Do they want only "older" people on HAL and leave the middle aged folks to cruise Carnival or RCI?
Lastly, since this was a B2B cruise we were a little disappointed that the Volendam had the same entertainment for both weeks since many people were doing the B2B cruise. Not a deal breaker since we can find things to entertain ourselves.... Write if you have questions.....

Yes we want older people on the HAL and definitely no kids!

[brucory]

Not flaming, but why did you choose HAL with a young son? There are so few children aboard that the other options would surely be more favourable as their programs are more geared towards that demographic...:confused:

[ehogan]

Thanks for sharing - we are sailing on a B2B on Aug. 24. Could you tell me which ports you had to tender in?

Also, did you keep the same cabin throughout the sailing?

Thanks.

[TMas777]

ehogan- Yes we kept the same cabin during the two weeks, all ports we docked. You can google Alaska Port's website and check for your dates which docks you will be arriving at in each port as well as other ships that will be port that day.

brucory- We like HAL and they do have 8 ships in Alaska compared to the other lines they do have many more options in Alaska. Carnival/RCI have only have a couple ships with less choices in Alaska. We were only going to use Club HAL a few times anyway since Alaska has so many things to offer I was surprised the program didn't offer much.... We vacation as a family, I'm not one of those that dump my kid off because I'm on vacation. Getting back to your question, it really was port stops and price is the reason we choose HAL.

vbmom87- Can't find my map right now, but if my memory is right the Grenville Channel is south of Ketchikan than yes we did go that way both NB and SB.

Sir PMP- very sad.....

[papadave]

We are taking our 9 year old daughter on the Volendam for 14 days in August. I hope that we won't have the same issues with the kids club. Unfortunately for you, your son was the top age for the group and everything must be on the level of what the youngest kids can do or else things are very frustrating for the younger kids (I have two younger brothers and you learn some things just by living through them). If you go back in a year and your son is in a group where he is the youngest he may have a much better time in the kids club.

[norcal2]

We are taking our 9 year old daughter on the Volendam for 14 days in August. I hope that we won't have the same issues with the kids club. Unfortunately for you, your son was the top age for the group and everything must be on the level of what the youngest kids can do or else things are very frustrating for the younger kids (I have two younger brothers and you learn some things just by living through them). If you go back in a year and your son is in a group where he is the youngest he may have a much better time in the kids club.

THAT is an excellent point! It makes sense and may explain why one child may love it and another may not. Perhaps HAL should make some adjustment for that age gap of youngest to oldest within a group of children.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome Home.

We have done quite a few back-to-back cruises on 3 cruise lines. And it was very rare for the entertainment to change the second week or second segment (depending on length of cruise).

[camrosegirl]

HI,

I was on this same trip-- with no kids. I met several people who were very happy with Club HAL. When I was reboarding in Seward, one young girl said she was so glad that they were getting back on the ship when many of her new friends had to get off!!! That being said I think that Carnival or RCCL are a better choice for children.

As far as the routing, I have done 2 previous back to back on Veendam and Ryndam and we definetly did not do scenic cruising on Day 13 into Vancouver on Volendam that I have done on previous cruises. We did do it on northbound. Many ships cheat by going out in the open ocean and they can say they do the Inside Passage because they do part of it.

[CruiseLiz]

Thanks for posting your experience with the Volendam.
I'll be sailing on her in about 5 weeks (same cruise as eHogan) and I appreciate hearing about the ship and the cruise.

[SEPyle]

ehogan- Yes we kept the same cabin during the two weeks, all ports we docked. You can google Alaska Port's website and check for your dates which docks you will be arriving at in each port as well as other ships that will be port that day.

brucory- We like HAL and they do have 8 ships in Alaska compared to the other lines they do have many more options in Alaska. Carnival/RCI have only have a couple ships with less choices in Alaska. We were only going to use Club HAL a few times anyway since Alaska has so many things to offer I was surprised the program didn't offer much.... We vacation as a family, I'm not one of those that dump my kid off because I'm on vacation. Getting back to your question, it really was port stops and price is the reason we choose HAL.

vbmom87- Can't find my map right now, but if my memory is right the Grenville Channel is south of Ketchikan than yes we did go that way both NB and SB.

Sir PMP- very sad.....

Thanks vbmom87 for asking the question about the Volendam cruising via the Grenville Channel going southbound. We'll be going southbound and TMas77, I would really appreciate it if you happen to have the map for that day and let me know. Someone else mentioned the ship goes open sea to for part of the southbound. My understanding that is just ships sailing to Seattle. I hope this is true, because I'm sure looking forward to the inside passage!

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[Bradtez]

Yes we want older people on the HAL and definitely no kids!

I hope i never have the misfortune of being on a cruise with you. What an intolerant and discrimintary comment to make.

[vbmom87]

Thanks vbmom87 for asking the question about the Volendam cruising via the Grenville Channel going southbound. We'll be going southbound and TMas77, I would really appreciate it if you happen to have the map for that day and let me know. Someone else mentioned the ship goes open sea to for part of the southbound. My understanding that is just ships sailing to Seattle. I hope this is true, because I'm sure looking forward to the inside passage!

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

I was thinking of you when I posted the question. You will definitely get some of the inside passage, it is just a matter of how much.

[vbmom87]

Thanks vbmom87 for asking the question about the Volendam cruising via the Grenville Channel going southbound. We'll be going southbound and TMas77, I would really appreciate it if you happen to have the map for that day and let me know. Someone else mentioned the ship goes open sea to for part of the southbound. My understanding that is just ships sailing to Seattle. I hope this is true, because I'm sure looking forward to the inside passage!

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

I think I had also suggested to you to call HAL, but on second thought that is probably not a good idea. Their staff, both onboard and off are clueless.

[Rabbitlady]

The entertainment was not exactly the same. There were some different activities, as well as completely different movies the second week, the Gold show performed by the Volendam d and s was not performed on the first week, and the pianist performed a different show........ I didn't see the first one so I am hearing that one second hand.
Rabbitlady

[SEPyle]

I think I had also suggested to you to call HAL, but on second thought that is probably not a good idea. Their staff, both onboard and off are clueless.

This made me laugh outloud. I actually called HAL and the rep was as you mentioned...was clueless!

I'm still hoping someone will be able to share the route the southbound Volendam follows on the inside passage. It's such fun to obsess on Alaska cruises!:D

Thanks again for your help; three weeks from today we'll be on our way to Seattle; then a flight to Juneau; then a short flight to Hoonah for three nights; then a flight to Anchorage; and 7 nights exploring the Kenai Peninsula before boarding the Volendam on August 17th!

[thomasale]

Yes we want older people on the HAL and definitely no kids!
Prunes with that...I wondered about the shades but now I don't have to wonder any longer. I bet you're a real FUN guy to be around!

Socks with sandals I'm sure!

[CoconutFish]

TMas777

Thanks for your review.
We'll be on the Volendam soon and would love to know who the senior officers are (Captain, Hotel Manager, Cruise Director, Dining Room Manager), if the menu was the same northbound and southbound and if there were many cold fruit soups.

Thanks for any info.

[vbmom87]

This made me laugh outloud. I actually called HAL and the rep was as you mentioned...was clueless!

I'm still hoping someone will be able to share the route the southbound Volendam follows on the inside passage. It's such fun to obsess on Alaska cruises!:D

Thanks again for your help; three weeks from today we'll be on our way to Seattle; then a flight to Juneau; then a short flight to Hoonah for three nights; then a flight to Anchorage; and 7 nights exploring the Kenai Peninsula before boarding the Volendam on August 17th!

What a wonderful pre-cruise tour you have planned. I can't wait to hear about it. You can also try emailing HAL with your question. It takes them about 3 days to get back to you.

[TMas777]

Coconutfish- Peiter is the ship's Captain, he seemed nice enough, I did see him in the Lido a few times (once getting some of that hand scooped ice-cream), the CD was young lady (sorry, I forgot her name) she was fine, not over the top but good for a CD. The others mentioned (hotel manager and dining room manager) I never seen much of.... There were a few cold fruit soups each week (2 or 3 per week) because I tried them all, I only like cold soup....

Somebody mentioned the entertainment, the movies were different each week but the piano player and the juggler were the same both weeks, I went to the juggler's show both weeks and it was the same except for the different kid he bought up on stage....

SEPyle- We did go inside passage on the way up (NB), on the SB leg we traveled mostly at night and I think we did the same, I'm not 100% sure but it felt smooth sailing to me....... The lonly time we had any rough (only a little) was coming back down the Gulf of Alaska then into Glacier Bay, it really wasn't that bad, a little rougher that most of the trip.... Hope that helps....

Lastly- My son was in the "tweens" group for which is (ages 8-12) and he is eight going to be nine in Sept. I don't recall seeing many boys his age in Club Hal, seemed like a lot more girls than boys for the two weeks... I understand HAL can't control those numbers, but they could improve their kids program to include some "Alaska-type" activities. With all those ships in Alaska during the summer when kids like mine are cruising I would like think they would want to attract more families..... I guess by the comments I read here most people think I should have cruised with another line (Carnival or RCI) but I like HAL and it has nothing to do with the fact about it being a "older" group cruise line. I like their ships, port stops and I think their service is the best for the cruises I've been on, hopefully they will improve the Club Hal because that would be the only issue for me and my family..... Thanks for understanding....

[camrosegirl]

Hi,

Here is summary of Southbound Cruise Log--Master Pieter Visser,Hotel Manager Simon De Boer,Cruise Director Rebecca Fabischek,Dining Room Manager Andrie Hikmat--usually on Ryndam.

Sunday July 6-8:50pm vessel undocked,9:51 passing Cape Resurrection,11:00 passing Cape Puget, 11:45 transiting Montagues Strait.

Monday 5:30 entering College Fjord, 7:30 resume journey to Glacier Bay, 1:20 exiting Hinchinbrook Entrance, 5:00pm passing Cape St. Ellias, 6:30 Medical Evacuation. My notes--College Fjord is spectacular--set your clocks!!!!!

Tuesday -note we were 2 hours or more late because of Medical Evacuation. 9:00am pilots on board, 9:15 Passing Cape Spencer Entering Cross Sound, 11:00 Rangers on board proceeding in Glacier Bay, 4:00pm viewing Margerie Glacier, 5:45 viewing John Hopkins Glacier,6:30 completed tour of north part of Glacier Bay, 8:40 rangers disembarked,10:00 transiting Icy Strait. My notes--best calving at Marjorie in 7 visits, we also viewed Lampaugh Glacier.

Wednesday
12:01am passing south of Sisters Reef, 12:30 transiting Lynn Canal, 5:30 docked in Haines, 9:48 undocked vessel, 10:30 transiting Lynn Channel.

Thursday 3:00am passing Horse Shoal, 5:55 ship docked, 5:36pm vessel undocked, 7:00 passing Marmion Pt., 7:15 transiting Stephens passage, 9:00 transiting Federick Sound, 11:00 transiting Chatham Channel.

Friday 4:00am transiting Cape Decision, 7:00 transiting Snow Passage, 11:00 passing Guard Island, 12:00 ship docked, 9:30pm ship undocked, 12:00 passing International Boundary.

Saturday 1:30 canadian pilot onboard, "2:00am" transiting Hecate Strait,"3:00pm" passing Pine Island, 5:00 transiting Blackney Pass, 7:00 transiting Race Pass, 8:30 transiting Seymour Narrows, 9:30 passing Cape Mudge, entering Strait of Georgia. My notes--you will notice the lack of posting between 2 am and 3 pm--in 1 one way and 3 back to backs I have always done Grenville Channel--I have sent a note to Holland America about my great disappointment at not doing that route. Maybe you will be luckier!!!

Sunday 4:00am docked Vancouver

[waiting2retire]

TMas777, thank you for your review of the ship, and particularly your comments regarding Club HAL. It is unfortunate that the staff did not seem to be particularly interested in creating a fun and educational environment for the kids. If HAL truly wishes to attract some of this demographic, they will need to put a little more effort and thought into activities for the children. It shouldn't be terribly difficult for them to come up with an "Alaska" children's program as you suggested. The Club HAL staff could then pull from the program the activities that are appropriate for their age group.

I am glad to hear that you left constructive comments on your Club HAL experience. I once had an excellent manager who told me never to bring him a problem without a solution. There is no point in criticizing or whining about things you don't like. Give suggestions for improvement, as you did. They say that all of the comments are read and distributed to the departments responsible for the issues raised, so hopefully your view will be heard.

Bonnie

[Rabbitlady]

I just wanted to add that I had noticed that the kids were just all over the Lido and two of the little girls came over to my husband and I because they couldn't reach something. My husband and I looked at each other because we thought..... they are not watching the kids. The girls were clear on the other side of the Lido. They were given a chocolate packet to make hot chocolate and were trying to use the hot water spout.
Rabbitlady