HAL image management

Just returned from 32 day S. America cruise on Zaandam. Cost reduction doesn't always mean cheap. Next time we cruise we'll bring our own toilet paper and tissues. Spending millions on advertising, and pennies on paper supplies doesn't make too much sense. :)

Just returned from 32 day S. America cruise on Zaandam. Cost reduction doesn't always mean cheap. Next time we cruise we'll bring our own toilet paper and tissues. Spending millions on advertising, and pennies on paper supplies doesn't make too much sense. :)

PLEASE do not use your own toilet paper! Using anything other than what is provided may clog the toilet vacuum system (not just yours but others too). Their 's is special and dissolves in water (not instantly).

Your own tissues will be no problem IF you put them in the trash and NOT the commode.

Hope we are able do the South America trip one day.

Cheers!

So, what is the current image of HAL? There are certainly a group of loyal fans for which HAL can do no wrong. But then there is the image of old ships, old people, massive cutbacks, deferred ship maintenance, excessive number of smokers, lack of night life, etc. Perhaps this is not all true, but it is the perception of many...and not without some justification. So what is HAL doing to counter this image and attract a new generation of cruisers? We have no clue!

Hank

So, what is the current image of HAL? There are certainly a group of loyal fans for which HAL can do no wrong. But then there is the image of old ships, old people, massive cutbacks, deferred ship maintenance, excessive number of smokers, lack of night life, etc. Perhaps this is not all true, but it is the perception of many...and not without some justification. So what is HAL doing to counter this image and attract a new generation of cruisers? We have no clue!

 

Hank

Did you miss the big announcement? Snazzy updates to the website will make booking exciting!!!! :rolleyes: (I think HAL has no clue, either)

To be fair, a lot of the perceptions you mention do not match our experience, although I'm not saying other people's experiences aren't like that. I'm probably jinxing myself, but we haven't had maintenance issues or been stuck next to a balcony smoker. (In fact, on Veendam in Sept, the casino didn't have that stale smoke smell that casinos often have.) HAL skews older, but I haven't seen an endless parade of walkers or scooters. A few, yes, but you'll see that on any cruise.

I think the best way to attract younger cruisers would be to work on entertainment and late night life. BB King might help with that, but I've noticed they don't market that partnership, even on the website. I wonder why?

Come to think of it, does HAL do any advertising?

As much as we do not care for HAL's toilet paper -- we certainly would not think of taking our own (would probably have to take a case) -- would not want to screw up vacuum system and then be billed for it.

Kleenex -- do wish that HAL would get rid of those tiny tissues.

So, what is the current image of HAL? There are certainly a group of loyal fans for which HAL can do no wrong. But then there is the image of old ships, old people, massive cutbacks, deferred ship maintenance, excessive number of smokers, lack of night life, etc. Perhaps this is not all true, but it is the perception of many...and not without some justification. So what is HAL doing to counter this image and attract a new generation of cruisers? We have no clue!

 

Hank

So true!

My strongest memories are of non working HVAC and plumbing, buckets in hallways for an entire cruise catching leaks of God only knows what and musty odors on our last HAL ship.

.

Kleenex -- do wish that HAL would get rid of those tiny tissues.

I agree on the tissues. I always bring a box of real Kleenex and dispose of it in the waste can.

Just returned from 32 day S. America cruise on Zaandam. Cost reduction doesn't always mean cheap. Next time we cruise we'll bring our own toilet paper and tissues. Spending millions on advertising, and pennies on paper supplies doesn't make too much sense. :)

OH NO! Please, Please, Please, don't ever put your own toilet paper or anything else including toilet wipes & tissues in any ships's or any boat toilet..You will clog the system & then there will be a problem for everyone in your area!

All ships vacuum systems must have the special toilet tissue which HAL uses..AZ native is correct.. Only 'Marine toilet tissue" can be used in any commercial ship's or private boat's system..

When we had our own small boat, I also had to purchase special toilet paper for it..BTW Hal's toilet paper is not cheap, in fact it is quite expensive.. We used to pay more than $3.50 for one roll in our local Marine store.. When we took guests on board, always had to explain that only the paper we supplied can be thrown in the system...

It is the same with the tissues & sanitary protection.. Put these things in the trash basket..They must use paper on all ships & small boats which dissolve easily..

There have been numerous times when people have thrown things into ship's toilets which have caused problems for all the people on the same line..

There are signs over the toilet to put nothing else down except the toilet paper HAL puts there. "Nothing" means not one thing. No tissues, wet wipes, not even sanitary protection!

So many people don't think this sign is for them & they cause major problems for others...

I agree on the tissues. I always bring a box of real Kleenex and dispose of it in the waste can.

Ditto! now, if they would fix the non- to semi-absorbent TP.....

Just returned from 32 day S. America cruise on Zaandam. Cost reduction doesn't always mean cheap. Next time we cruise we'll bring our own toilet paper and tissues. Spending millions on advertising, and pennies on paper supplies doesn't make too much sense. :)

Jollyollie, I am sorry you had these paper issues. Hopefully the rest of your experience was much better. I posted some current Zaandam related questions yesterday and have not had any answers thus far. Would you please take a look and perhaps offer whatever response you may?

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2278330

Thank you!

First post....hmmmmm...

Just returned from 32 day S. America cruise on Zaandam. Cost reduction doesn't always mean cheap. Next time we cruise we'll bring our own toilet paper and tissues. Spending millions on advertising, and pennies on paper supplies doesn't make too much sense. :)

Both products are a real joke. :eek: However I will continue to use what Hal supplies even if the cabin steward is constantly having to renew my supply. I find the tissues almost useless. I have allergies so one blow and the one tissue is done. I must go through 4 or 5 boxes in 14 days as I also use them to remove make up before I wash my face.

Just returned from 32 day S. America cruise on Zaandam. Cost reduction doesn't always mean cheap. Next time we cruise we'll bring our own toilet paper and tissues. Spending millions on advertising, and pennies on paper supplies doesn't make too much sense. :)

Jolly, I have to agree with serendipity1499...

I'm sorry, but your perception of cost cutting on the TP and Tissues is way off base. This specialty paper is MUCH more expensive than anything you could purchase to bring on board, unless the papers you bring clog the system... in that case what you bring board could end up being even more expensive with cost of repairs thrown in. :eek:

I hope the rest of your cruise was much more comfortable and enjoyable!

OH NO! Please, Please, Please, don't ever put your own toilet paper or anything else including toilet wipes & tissues in any ships's or any boat toilet..You will clog the system & then there will be a problem for everyone in your area!

 

All ships vacuum systems must have the special toilet tissue which HAL uses..AZ native is correct.. Only 'Marine toilet tissue" can be used in any commercial ship's or private boat's system..

 

When we had our own small boat, I also had to purchase special toilet paper for it..BTW Hal's toilet paper is not cheap, in fact it is quite expensive.. We used to pay more than $3.50 for one roll in our local Marine store.. When we took guests on board, always had to explain that only the paper we supplied can be thrown in the system...

 

It is the same with the tissues & sanitary protection.. Put these things in the trash basket..They must use paper on all ships & small boats which dissolve easily..

 

There have been numerous times when people have thrown things into ship's toilets which have caused problems for all the people on the same line..

 

There are signs over the toilet to put nothing else down except the toilet paper HAL puts there. "Nothing" means not one thing. No tissues, wet wipes, not even sanitary protection!

 

So many people don't think this sign is for them & they cause major problems for others...

While you are quite correct that nothing like paper towels or feminine supplies should go down the toilet, I'll once again denounce the urban myth of the "special toilet" paper.

There is quite a difference between a small boats sanitary system and a cruise ship's. Your marine toilet tissue is designed to dissolve since in most cases you are hand pumping the toilet to the tank, and this involves some check valves which can become clogged with tough paper.

Without getting too graphic, a cruise ship's vacuum toilet system requires that the "slug" from the toilet remain as a compact mass all the way down to the vacuum pump in the engine room. If the distance is too great, there will be "booster stations" that will "reform" the mass. So, quick dissolving toilet tissue is detrimental to the vacuum system. Also, the ship treats the sewage, which your typical small boat does not, and this takes care of the paper fibers.

Anything like toilet tissue, or Kleenex, which have pressed paper fibers, are safe for vacuum toilets (any brand). The problem comes with items that have "wet strength" from woven paper fibers like wipes, paper towels, etc. Cruise lines do not use "Marine toilet tissue", they use the cheapest commercial brand they can, because they go through so much of it.

First post....hmmmmm...

I thought the same when I saw it was the OP's 1st post. BUT then saw they have been a member since 2011. So long time member, as a lurker though.

OP has apparently been reading and paying attention and did not feel the need to post until now.

I agree that the TP is crappy (NO PUN INTENDED), however, OP please do not bring your own TP or Tissues unless you place them in a Sanitary bag (provided) for proper disposal. As others have already stated, DO NOT FLUSH private stock TP or Tissues down the toilet.

Joanie

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While you are quite correct that nothing like paper towels or feminine supplies should go down the toilet, I'll once again denounce the urban myth of the "special toilet" paper.

 

There is quite a difference between a small boats sanitary system and a cruise ship's. Your marine toilet tissue is designed to dissolve since in most cases you are hand pumping the toilet to the tank, and this involves some check valves which can become clogged with tough paper.

 

Without getting too graphic, a cruise ship's vacuum toilet system requires that the "slug" from the toilet remain as a compact mass all the way down to the vacuum pump in the engine room. If the distance is too great, there will be "booster stations" that will "reform" the mass. So, quick dissolving toilet tissue is detrimental to the vacuum system. Also, the ship treats the sewage, which your typical small boat does not, and this takes care of the paper fibers.

 

Anything like toilet tissue, or Kleenex, which have pressed paper fibers, are safe for vacuum toilets (any brand). The problem comes with items that have "wet strength" from woven paper fibers like wipes, paper towels, etc. Cruise lines do not use "Marine toilet tissue", they use the cheapest commercial brand they can, because they go through so much of it.

Thank you for giving us the straight goods on ship issues. It's very nice to have someone on this board that can debunk myths. I appreciate your contributions.

While you are quite correct that nothing like paper towels or feminine supplies should go down the toilet, I'll once again denounce the urban myth of the "special toilet" paper.

 

There is quite a difference between a small boats sanitary system and a cruise ship's. Your marine toilet tissue is designed to dissolve since in most cases you are hand pumping the toilet to the tank, and this involves some check valves which can become clogged with tough paper.

 

Without getting too graphic, a cruise ship's vacuum toilet system requires that the "slug" from the toilet remain as a compact mass all the way down to the vacuum pump in the engine room. If the distance is too great, there will be "booster stations" that will "reform" the mass. So, quick dissolving toilet tissue is detrimental to the vacuum system. Also, the ship treats the sewage, which your typical small boat does not, and this takes care of the paper fibers.

 

Anything like toilet tissue, or Kleenex, which have pressed paper fibers, are safe for vacuum toilets (any brand). The problem comes with items that have "wet strength" from woven paper fibers like wipes, paper towels, etc. Cruise lines do not use "Marine toilet tissue", they use the cheapest commercial brand they can, because they go through so much of it.

I have to tell you that your posts are extremely informative. Thanks!

While you are quite correct that nothing like paper towels or feminine supplies should go down the toilet, I'll once again denounce the urban myth of the "special toilet" paper.

 

There is quite a difference between a small boats sanitary system and a cruise ship's. Your marine toilet tissue is designed to dissolve since in most cases you are hand pumping the toilet to the tank, and this involves some check valves which can become clogged with tough paper.

 

Without getting too graphic, a cruise ship's vacuum toilet system requires that the "slug" from the toilet remain as a compact mass all the way down to the vacuum pump in the engine room. If the distance is too great, there will be "booster stations" that will "reform" the mass. So, quick dissolving toilet tissue is detrimental to the vacuum system. Also, the ship treats the sewage, which your typical small boat does not, and this takes care of the paper fibers.

 

Anything like toilet tissue, or Kleenex, which have pressed paper fibers, are safe for vacuum toilets (any brand). The problem comes with items that have "wet strength" from woven paper fibers like wipes, paper towels, etc. Cruise lines do not use "Marine toilet tissue", they use the cheapest commercial brand they can, because they go through so much of it.

This is really interesting, because it has been argued on here - and I believed it - that kleenex should never be flushed down the toilets on the ship. Even the thin ones provided by HAL. Thank you for the information.

This is really interesting, because it has been argued on here - and I believed it - that kleenex should never be flushed down the toilets on the ship. Even the thin ones provided by HAL. Thank you for the information.

I have the feeling, since this myth seems to be really prevalent on the HAL board, that HAL actively promotes this myth. It could be corporate, or it could be misinformed crew. I've shaken my head at some of the incorrect technical explanations that hotel crew give to passengers.

Most of the common advanced waste water treatment systems the ships use, process waste water so quickly that paper fibers are not digested as they are in septic or municipal systems. So the paper is removed at a point in the treatment process and either incinerated or pumped overboard when at sea as a sterilized paper pulp.

I don't believe I've ever seen a vacuum toilet pipe clog caused by either toilet paper or Kleenex.

The answer is quite simple. It is easier to tell passengers that NOTHING going into the bowl other than the papers that is provided and the poo. Start tell passengers that this paper or that paper and will only confuse the issue.

Too much information does not help the system.

While you are quite correct that nothing like paper towels or feminine supplies should go down the toilet, I'll once again denounce the urban myth of the "special toilet" paper.

 

There is quite a difference between a small boats sanitary system and a cruise ship's. Your marine toilet tissue is designed to dissolve since in most cases you are hand pumping the toilet to the tank, and this involves some check valves which can become clogged with tough paper.

 

Without getting too graphic, a cruise ship's vacuum toilet system requires that the "slug" from the toilet remain as a compact mass all the way down to the vacuum pump in the engine room. If the distance is too great, there will be "booster stations" that will "reform" the mass. So, quick dissolving toilet tissue is detrimental to the vacuum system. Also, the ship treats the sewage, which your typical small boat does not, and this takes care of the paper fibers.

 

Anything like toilet tissue, or Kleenex, which have pressed paper fibers, are safe for vacuum toilets (any brand). The problem comes with items that have "wet strength" from woven paper fibers like wipes, paper towels, etc. Cruise lines do not use "Marine toilet tissue", they use the cheapest commercial brand they can, because they go through so much of it.

I stand corrected! You are right this has been drilled into us for years..

There are many threads on this..

So I take it you are saying that we could all bring our own TP from home & it would not clog the system..

I stand corrected! You are right this has been drilled into us for years..

 

There are many threads on this..

 

So I take it you are saying that we could all bring our own TP from home & it would not clog the system..

Personally, I wouldn't want to use up the space for a couple of rolls in my luggage, but unless you have some super strong toilet paper, it won't matter. Naturally, if you're like some of my kids, who use half a roll at a time, it won't matter whether you use Costco, Charmin, or the ship's paper, it may well cause a clog once it swells up.

Personally, I wouldn't want to use up the space for a couple of rolls in my luggage, but unless you have some super strong toilet paper, it won't matter. Naturally, if you're like some of my kids, who use half a roll at a time, it won't matter whether you use Costco, Charmin, or the ship's paper, it may well cause a clog once it swells up.

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"but unless you have some super strong toilet paper, it won't matter."

You should know better. I can see it know. "Well Chief Engineer told me I could take ANY toilet paper and now my toilet is clogged."

.

 

 

"but unless you have some super strong toilet paper, it won't matter."

 

 

 

You should know better. I can see it know. "Well Chief Engineer told me I could take ANY toilet paper and now my toilet is clogged."

Quite frankly, I don't see what the fascination with toilet paper is anyway. We use a perfectly good bargain brand at home, and the ship gets whatever junk the chandler sends out. You just adjust the quantity used to meet the absorbancy need. I've used some really inefficient stuff, but would it annoy me to the point of ruining my vacation, or bringing my own? Nope. On a cruise to chill, not obsess over the small stuff.