Help calm my nerves about HAL (if you can)!!!!

[Avril]

I'm about to sail on my 14th cruise (on December 27th). :D It will also be my 1st Holland America Line cruise. I normaly sail with Carnival and know them by heart. I'm not sure quite what my question is but I have to say that I'm a little (ok, a lot) nervous about trying something new. Please tell me all you can and help calm my nerves about sailing with Holland America Line (I'm 24 and have heard Holland America Line described as "your Grandmother's cruise line" meaning hardly any activities beyond Bridge Tournaments, Bingo Games and no nightlife what-so-ever). What sort of events/activities do they have? I sail in 8 days and I'm really excited!!!! :D Please help all you can (if you can). I'm sailing on the Eurodam if that makes a difference.

[dvrdude]

Avril,
I've never sailed Carnival, so I can't specifically speak to a comparison between the two lines, but having sailed HAL several times, I can give some insight there.
Let me start by saying we love sailing HAL. We're in our early forties, and as such not the "text book" HAL demographic. We have, however, found this reputation of HAL's to be slightly exagerated. On the other hand, DW and I were just on the Westerdam (12-7 thru 14), and it was by far the most senior passenger compliment that we have encountered. DW and I sail to relax and don't get into too many activities, so that's not a factor for us, but don't expect belly flop contests and the like. Of course there's BINGO, but it's not beat to death over the PA system. That's one of the things we like about HAL is that one is not barraged all day and night with announcements about gold by the inch and hairy leg contests.

There has been a disco on every HAL ship we've been on, but as I'm not a dancer or a watcher, I honestly have no idea how late they're open and/or jumping. The casino, if that's your thing, is usually quite busy in the evenings. Particularly if a show has just let out, as the show lounge is just forward of the casino, at least on the Vistas.

My advice is to go with an open mind and have fun. Maybe not in exactly the same way as you would on Carnival, but hey, that's why there's more than one line, and how will you ever really know if HAL or line "X" for that matter is a good fit for you without a test drive?

I hope you have a great cruise, and please post when you return with your opinions. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

These are the Daily Programs from our Eurodam cruises:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=887349&highlight=

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=887248&highlight=

There are lots of daytime and evening activities.

[catl331]

I'm 24 and have heard Holland America Line described as "your Grandmother's cruise line" meaning hardly any activities beyond Bridge Tournaments, Bingo Games and no nightlife what-so-ever). What sort of events/activities do they have? I sail in 8 days and I'm really excited!!!! :D Please help all you can (if you can). I'm sailing on the Eurodam if that makes a difference.We're just off the Noordam (12/7-17), and I think the average age was about 75 ... but it was a 10 day while most schools are in session. On a 7-day cruise on the Eurodam over New Year's I'm sure you're going to have a much younger crowd. Every day there will probably be some sports-slanted dam-dollar event (volleyball serving, golf chipping, basketball shooting, ping-pong tournament, etc) and at night, after the main show, you have the Northern Lights night club with a DJ, or the Piano Bar.

[cmdchiefthom]

Take heart cattl331, your on a holiday cruise which changes the demographics. There should be a variety of age groups and appropriate activities. I've taken my three sons, college age, and friends for each on several HAL New Years cruises, and believe me, they found plenty company, and activities to keep them entertained.;)

[norcal2]

Just go with the flow if it is the Itinerary that counts. Carnival is not my favorite line, NCL is but I am a foody. Looking at the room service menu I am excited to be trying our first HAL cruise as well. We don't get into organized ship entertainment so I am not concerned about what any ship offers by way of games etc. Give me a big veranda, good food, and great stops and I am in ship heaven. I fully expect to love this trip as from the description HAL presents a multiyude of smaller more artistic entrees like NCL and that alone grabs me! ;-)

I do worry that there is nowhere to dance with semi-current music but it would not be a deal killer. Hopefully they have a club that plays good dance music from at least the 80's to present.

[fireman845]

Avril, My DW and I have sailed both Carnival and HAL, with HAL being our first. We are both mid 30's and we enjoyed our HAL experience much better. To begin I believe that if you rate overall service on a scale of 1-10 I would give HAL a 15 and Carnival a 7. With that being said HAL's food was much better and the ship is very elegant. Carnival's night life was OK and the ship was more a party scene with of course more people our age, but I will take a HAL's service, food, and reputation over Carvinal anyday. On a side note (Now Nobody Else Take Offense) some of the "older" crowd can be great, just start up a conversation and see where it takes you, you will be suprised how many of the oldies are goodies!!

Good Luck on your cruise I am sure you will have a great time and when you get back lets us know what you think?

[CowPrincess]

The Eurodam is a bigger ship, so based on what I've read here, that in itself will give you a more mixed age group. Also over a holiday.... that'll get more families, singles, etc, on the ship.

If you like wine, consider a wine tasting class (there is a cost), or if you like cooking, check out the cooking classes (again there is a cost). There are new-to-DVD movies shown daily.

As well, plan on taking a good book, or something else that you enjoy doing in your spare time just in case you find there's not enough to do during the day. I've personally always found there's enough to do on a ship to stay as busy as I want. Some activities IMHO were kinda lame, but it didn't kill me to try them :)

We recently got back from a HAL cruise, and the Crow's Nest was pretty busy every night we checked. Though we aren't much for "night life", so can't really evaluate it fairly!

[our turn]

I think you will be pleasantly suprised by your experience on HAL. There really is so much to do that we were not able to try everything we wanted to. It is hard to know what you expect of night life but we found plenty to do. We loved the shows, the movies, the casino and Northern Lights was still going strong around midnight when we called it a night.

If you enjoy fine dining, do not miss the Pinnacle and the Tamarind. They were both fabulous. On the 11/29 cruise there was a mix of all ages with a few children. If your cruise stops at Grand Turk, Margaritaville is a blast. Enjoy the beautiful ship and the pampering, friendly crew.

Kim:D

[CuriousJ]

There's plenty to do for the younger set on HAL - just not as much of the (for lack of a better word) "zany" stuff you would find on Carnival. On HAL they will still have fun things - like 70's Disco Night, Eurodam Idol (like American Idol), various games, poolside activities/games geared toward the younger set, nightlife, etc. One thing I found if you are a late-nighter is that at a certain point in the evening (I think usually around midnight but don't quote me) activity in the nightclub would actually pick up quite a bit because many of the ship's younger officers and members of "the cast" (also a younger crowd) would come down and start hanging out and drinking and dancing. Basically the fun is there but you just have to read your daily program because it might not necessarily be as obvious as on Carnival (blared over the loudspeakers during announcements or whatever).

Have fun!

[HALFans]

I'm about to sail on my 14th cruise (on December 27th). :D It will also be my 1st Holland America Line cruise. I normaly sail with Carnival and know them by heart. ... Please help all you can (if you can). I'm sailing on the Eurodam if that makes a difference.

As far as the age range, you've got a couple of factors working in your favor:

Itenerary: Caribbean - attracts younger crowd
Length: 7 days - attracts younger crowd
Holiday Cruise: New Years - attracts younger crowd

Some bonuses for you... The Eurodam has the 'Northern Lights' nightclub... noticed some other posters have mentioned it... BE SURE to check it out! It really is a nice venue built into the ships original plans and is geared specifically towards the 'younger set'.

Caribbean cruises have few Sea Days, so you'll not really miss it much if you don't find many activities to participate in. (At least, that's my experience.)

DON'T FORGET - Room Service is free! Order anything on the list, from the book in your stateroom, or from the menus posted for the Dining Room. And it's free.

Have fun and please do let us know about your very 1st HAL experience!

[Copper10-8]

1. Tamarind
2. Pinnacle Grill
3. Canaletto

Do it! You will like it!:)

[world~citizen]

1. Tamarind
2. Pinnacle Grill
3. Canaletto

Do it! You will like it!:)

With particular emphasis on the Tamarind. :)

[AlohaPride]

I just wanted to chime in here. DH and I were 24 when we took our first HAL cruise (Christmas '06). We are going again next month and taking the daughter we found out we were pregnant with on our last cruise with us (she'll be 16 months) ;). We didn't find the age demographic "old" at all! We always had SOMETHING to do. The service, food, and tradition is what will keeps us coming back :)

[Dancer Bob]

I was on the Maasdam for 2 cruises about 1 1/2 years ago. The second cruise I was traveling with a large group, had a lot of fun. I for several reasons booked a B2B the cruise before. Boring, boring, boring! My table companions were interesting enough, but I never saw them after dinner- I was pretty much the only passenger still awake by midnite. The Crowsnest did not even pretend to be a disco- a nice dance floor and a lot of nice music went to waste. And I've been on ships with an older crowd before, there's always been at least a few party animals. Same ship, same time of year, radically different experiences.

[AlohaPride]

I was on the Maasdam for 2 cruises about 1 1/2 years ago. The second cruise I was traveling with a large group, had a lot of fun. I for several reasons booked a B2B the cruise before. Boring, boring, boring! My table companions were interesting enough, but I never saw them after dinner- I was pretty much the only passenger still awake by midnite. The Crowsnest did not even pretend to be a disco- a nice dance floor and a lot of nice music went to waste. And I've been on ships with an older crowd before, there's always been at least a few party animals. Same ship, same time of year, radically different experiences.

Would you please let us know the time of year you went and the cruise location?

[Bamabeardog]

We just got off the Eurodam and it is a great ship. Yes there is an older set but there was young people aboard. This is not a Carnival party boat but a classy group of people looking to relax and have a great time. The food is great and the service is greater. Just have fun.

[WhansaMi]

I'm about to sail on my 14th cruise (on December 27th). :D It will also be my 1st Holland America Line cruise. I normaly sail with Carnival and know them by heart. I'm not sure quite what my question is but I have to say that I'm a little (ok, a lot) nervous about trying something new. Please tell me all you can and help calm my nerves about sailing with Holland America Line (I'm 24 and have heard Holland America Line described as "your Grandmother's cruise line" meaning hardly any activities beyond Bridge Tournaments, Bingo Games and no nightlife what-so-ever). What sort of events/activities do they have? I sail in 8 days and I'm really excited!!!! :D Please help all you can (if you can). I'm sailing on the Eurodam if that makes a difference.

I've sailed both. Your experience will be quite different. That could be good, or bad, depending on what you are looking for in a cruise.

For the lack of a better term, HAL will be less energetic, overall. There will be fewer activities, on the whole, less noise, less rushing about. If you like to sit and read, or just listen to music, it is very relaxing. Bring your iPod (one of the things that drove my hubby bonkers was the lack of rock music).

I'm an extrovert, so I spend a lot of time just striking up conversations with people. You'll find some fascinating, well-travelled people.

If you find it is something different than you are used to, take the opportunity to try some new things: the afternoon teas or the wine tastings. Also, on the Rotterdam, there is a bulletin board for people to post information if they want to meet others for games of scrabble, bridge, or the like. I would guess there would be something like that on your ship,as well.

Have fun!

Sheila

[Homosassa]

My 25 year old daughter loves HAL. Carnival? Well, she says she might sail Carnival again if she won a free cruise but otherwise, no.

It just depends on what you are looking for in a cruise vacation.

[Aunty Pat]

My family 16 to 58, were on the Zuiderdam last year for the New Years cruise and there was a big New Years Eve party, with party hats, noise makers, balloons, confetti drop, Champaign, countdown clock, etc. in the Vista Lounge. On New Year’s Day there were football games being shown on the big screen n the Queen’s Lounge and Vista Lounge with popcorn, hot dogs & buckets of beer. It wasn’t quiet at all because the ship was full of multi generational families of all ages having a good time.

You should have a nice celebration without a lot of drunk partiers like you would on Carnival or RCL.

Aunty Pat


Barefoot Windjammer - Phantom ‘81
K&D German Rhine Line ‘84
NCL - Norway ’85, Pride of America ’05, Southward ’87, Star ’97 & ‘05, Starward ’92, Sun ’02 & Windward ’93
RCC - Song of America ‘89
American Hawaiian - Independence ‘98
HAL - Volendam ’99, Noordam ’06, Oosterdam ’07 & ‘09, Statendam ’02 & ‘08, Prinsendam ’03 & ’06, Westerdam ’09 & Zuiderdam ’04, ’06 & ‘07
Carnival - Spirit ‘05
Celebrity – Summit ‘05
Cruise West - Yorktown Clipper ‘06
Princess - Golden Princess ‘07
A & K - East Queen ‘07
Cunard - QM2 ’08

[mamadot]

If you enjoy classical music there is a group in Explorer lounge each evening. There may be a string quartet or some other ensemble but they are always excellent musicians. The piano bar is another place where you can enjoy all types of music each night. Enjoy!!

[DFD1]

Carnival........party, party, party, loud, loud, loud!
HAL..............party, not so loud... in fact, kinda quiet, but not stuffy. Plenty to do, but more civilized.

We've cruised both lots of times. Carnival for price. HAL for...well, 'cause we like it more.

[cruiseapril]

We've been on most of the main cruise lines and found our Westerdam cruise this year to have more activity choices than on other cruises. Perhaps it is because we had a very good cruise director- Jason. Is he still there?

[InTheWASide]

We've been on most of the main cruise lines and found our Westerdam cruise this year to have more activity choices than on other cruises. Perhaps it is because we had a very good cruise director- Jason. Is he still there?

jason Venner is incredible!!

Right now the CD is Kerry Watkins who was the CD on my June cruise. Very good as well, and the combo of him and DJ Jazzy was fantastic!

[Mooguy]

We are late 30's and thinking about giving HAL a try next December on the Westerdam to Aruba.

[MadManOfBethesda]

I'm 24 and have heard Holland America Line described as "your Grandmother's cruise line" ....

Well, on another thread there is an ongoing discussion about the average number of people who die on each HAL cruise and on how many bodies the ship's morgue holds. Somehow, I doubt that those topics ever have been discussed on the Carnival board. That will give you some inkling of the difference between the demographics of the two lines.

That said, I've sailed on both Carnival & HAL multiple times and have always had a great time on each cruise. And I'm sure that you will too.

[GS99]

As far as the age range, you've got a couple of factors working in your favor:

Itenerary: Caribbean - attracts younger crowd
Length: 7 days - attracts younger crowd
Holiday Cruise: New Years - attracts younger crowd


We just got off the Noordam and had about 50 - 75 youths on board. The next crowd (for Christmas) had 220 +/- and about 10% more passengers in total.



DON'T FORGET - Room Service is free! Order anything on the list, from the book in your stateroom, or from the menus posted for the Dining Room. And it's free.


Order ANYTHING you desire from room servce and they seem to find a way to make it. We wrote in "blue cheese" for our English Muffins and got three or four scoops complete with some nuts and seeds as garnish. We ordered two ham, provolone and onion sandwiches on rye and wrapped in Saran Wrap for a day's excursion off the ship and they even came with chips. (I have to bring baggies next time for the chips.)

If you order something that looks bare on the plate, it will come with something else to spice up the presentation.

If you order the fresh fruit for breakfast and write in "no watermelon" they'll likely pick and poke to get it right. If you order tea, specify the flavour you desire. The room service isn't perfect, one time our "picnic" sandwich came toasted, but they do what they can with what you request. The more specific you can be the closer they are likely to come to what you want.

GS

[GS99]

If you like wine, consider a wine tasting class (there is a cost), or if you like cooking, check out the cooking classes (again there is a cost).


On the back to back cruises I just finished on the Noordam there were two free cooking demo presentations with two recipes per presentation and samples of one of the recipes were handed out to all in attendance.



As well, plan on taking a good book,


We met a number of people on the Noordam who used the 2000 book ships library. One friend managed to get through 5 books on the back to back 20 days.

GS

[DizzyDallasDi]

I want to second GS's compliment of HAL's room service. On my Eurodam cruise in Nov., I ordered a cheese plate the first evening for a snack but they called me back to apologize that it wasn't available. No big deal to me and I appreciated that they took the time to call and let me know. The next evening, I ordered something else from room service and the delivery steward ponted out that they had added the cheese plate to my order since it wasn't available the nght before. What a nice gesture! I really didn't need or want the cheese plate with that order, but I was very impressed that they were trying to right what had happened the night before.

Also, each time I ordered room service, I was given a time period it would be delivered (usually 30 - 45 min.) and they always added that they would try to get it to me sooner. I never waited more than 20 min. I had breakfast room service each morning (via the card on the door) and it was prompt, correct and the right termperature.

The crew is very nice, always greeting you with a smile and friendly word.

It's HAL's dedication to excellent service that makes such a world of difference!

Diane

[usctrojangal]

Avril,
My husband and I cruised HAL Sept. 2007 to Alaska - it was our first cruise and I didn't know prior to cruising that HAL had a reputation for older clientele. I'm 32, my husband is a little older. We had a blast. There was a mixed bag of age groups. I was definitely not the youngest aboard. I'd prefer to be with a more mature crowd anyway. I love to dance and was excited to try out the disco. No one was in there and I was the lone dancer. The casino was so much fun and I sat next to interesting crowds of people at the roulette table. Saw an older lady sitting in her wheel chair playing two slot machines at the same time hitting the spin button on one machine with her cane and using her had on the other machine.... quite the sceen! HAL did have several programs like bingo and ping pong tournaments but they seemed to schedule them while at port. I think it's great they provide those programs - hey - some of us don't have the opportunity to play games like that at home so take advantage of new activities. By the way - I have a perception of Carnival - that it's a younger, partying, booze cruise sort of crowd. I'm sure it's not but that is the perception I have. I will certainly try a Carnival cruise though and you should look forward to your HAL cruise. Keep an open mind, have fun, meet new and interesting people and age groups.

[happy cruzer]

In the OPs signature, I see Princess and Celebrity. If you enjoyed those cruises, you will be just fine on HAL. However, if you only enjoyed the Fun Ship experience, then you may be a little bored at night.

Just doing a short, older Carnival ship, I experinced much more entertainment at night. Several rock/disco type venues plus the main showroom and the karaoke and adult humor that start at 11 or 12. Hal has the main showroom, one ballroom stype band, piano bar, and disco. If the disco is quiet on your cruise, which can happen, then the other venues are more sedate than Carnivals. Enjoyable but just not as crowded and a bit quieter. I think your main difference activity wise will be after dinner. Hal won't be totally dead but it doesn't hop like the Fun Ships.

In all other ways, HAL is a notch above the Carnival experience. But typically you pay more per night so that makes sense.

JMHO.

[Nasmas]

I'm about to sail on my 14th cruise (on December 27th). :D It will also be my 1st Holland America Line cruise. I normaly sail with Carnival and know them by heart. I'm not sure quite what my question is but I have to say that I'm a little (ok, a lot) nervous about trying something new. Please tell me all you can and help calm my nerves about sailing with Holland America Line (I'm 24 and have heard Holland America Line described as "your Grandmother's cruise line" meaning hardly any activities beyond Bridge Tournaments, Bingo Games and no nightlife what-so-ever). What sort of events/activities do they have? I sail in 8 days and I'm really excited!!!! :D Please help all you can (if you can). I'm sailing on the Eurodam if that makes a difference.
I've never been on Carnival either, but some friends of ours that sail regularly on HAL took their teen-aged children on Carnival a couple of years ago. Their take on it was, " It was ok, but certainly not what we're accustomed to.' So, I think if you like Carnival, you'll love HAL. And no, its not your grandmother's cruise. I was relatively young (not yet 40) the first time I was on HAL and I loved it. If you're looking for a week-long party, though, Carnival is probably still your best bet. We like to party but we also like the cruise for some down time. Its all what you're looking for.

[pokeyjones]

On the Zuiderdam's sea days, we had line dance lessons in the afternoon, sailaway parties after port days, poolside with the HAL Cats and singer (Jalynn), Late night disco was always fun, especially on sea days, about 1 hour or so, after the last performance...the dancers and singers would come in for 30-45 minutes, then go up for the late buffet in the Lido.

Just get out there and have fun!

[Dancer Bob]

This was Caribbean, mid-winter. Forgot to mention the Maasdam had a very nice library.

[Misery (Missouri) Man]

Avril...

You asked for and received a generous handfull of replies. Now I'll ask something of you:

I'm genuinely interested in hearing your opinion AFTER your first HAL cruise. In this same thread, when you get back would you please post a short (if you wish) but candid message reporting how your HAL cruise stacked up for you in comparison to Carnival?

Thanks!

[CelebConsult]

Please calm my nerves... It will also be my 1st Holland America Line cruise. I normaly sail with Carnival and know them by heart...
Your question is a bit analogous to asking, "I've enjoyed driving my simple, loud, cheap Yugo, and I don't know if I'm up to driving a BMW 7-Series."

It's more dependent on your comfort and maturity level. If your selection of HAL was made on itinerary, port shorex opportunities, cuisine and service quality, then you'll be in cruise heaven, relatively speaking. If you are a drinking party-animal, HAL will not be your environment.

END

[Sundagger]

Your question is a bit analogous to asking, "I've enjoyed driving my simple, loud, cheap Yugo, and I don't know if I'm up to driving a BMW 7-Series."

It's more dependent on your comfort and maturity level. If your selection of HAL was made on itinerary, port shorex opportunities, cuisine and service quality, then you'll be in cruise heaven, relatively speaking. If you are a drinking party-animal, HAL will not be your environment.

END

She is already on the ship and halfway through the cruise.

[Mooguy]

I'm about to sail on my 14th cruise (on December 27th). :D It will also be my 1st Holland America Line cruise. I normaly sail with Carnival and know them by heart. I'm not sure quite what my question is but I have to say that I'm a little (ok, a lot) nervous about trying something new. Please tell me all you can and help calm my nerves about sailing with Holland America Line (I'm 24 and have heard Holland America Line described as "your Grandmother's cruise line" meaning hardly any activities beyond Bridge Tournaments, Bingo Games and no nightlife what-so-ever). What sort of events/activities do they have? I sail in 8 days and I'm really excited!!!! :D Please help all you can (if you can). I'm sailing on the Eurodam if that makes a difference.


Hoping we will get a followup on this.

[GOLDENBONNY]

I'm about to sail on my 14th cruise (on December 27th). :D It will also be my 1st Holland America Line cruise. I normaly sail with Carnival and know them by heart. I'm not sure quite what my question is but I have to say that I'm a little (ok, a lot) nervous about trying something new. Please tell me all you can and help calm my nerves about sailing with Holland America Line (I'm 24 and have heard Holland America Line described as "your Grandmother's cruise line" meaning hardly any activities beyond Bridge Tournaments, Bingo Games and no nightlife what-so-ever). What sort of events/activities do they have? I sail in 8 days and I'm really excited!!!! :D Please help all you can (if you can). I'm sailing on the Eurodam if that makes a difference.

wE JUST BACK FROM OUT 1-ST HAL CRUISE,i DONT KNOW WHO MADE THIS RUMOR,THAT ITS "grandmather " cruise:confused:We had sooo many kids,teens,and "young people" like us 35-40:D.We are not party animals:),so we loved more older crowd around us.Its true ,that they don't have as much activities as other lines during days,but night time I even found its too late for us,most of activities start 11 pm?:confused:Hal is different,but good different from other lines(We been on Costa,Princess,NCL).We loved Hal,we like bigger ships,so its not gonna be our first choice cruise line,but service is great,food is best we ever had on cruise line.

[AlohaPride]

wE JUST BACK FROM OUT 1-ST HAL CRUISE,i DONT KNOW WHO MADE THIS RUMOR,THAT ITS "grandmather " cruise:confused:We had sooo many kids,teens,and "young people" like us 35-40:D.We are not party animals:),so we loved more older crowd around us.Its true ,that they don't have as much activities as other lines during days,but night time I even found its too late for us,most of activities start 11 pm?:confused:Hal is different,but good different from other lines(We been on Costa,Princess,NCL).We loved Hal,we like bigger ships,so its not gonna be our first choice cruise line,but service is great,food is best we ever had on cruise line.


I'm so happy you enjoyed your cruise!!