RuthC Posted March 27, 2013 #51 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Why? Have there been a lot of cutbacks? Have there been cutbacks? Let me count the ways... Fewer stewards in the dining room for the number of passengers to be served. More cabins for those stewards to service. Fewer stewards in the lounges. Food quality has gone down. Fewer, poorer quality prizes at activities. Fewer activities. Earlier closing hours in the lounges. No more beverage cards with a built-in bonus. I could go on, but it gets depressing. The fact is, though, that HAL does still offer a good product, and the value is still there, if not the former standards. The crew is as helpful as they always were. They try their very best to deliver, and usually with a smile and a good word. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoloNoMo Posted March 28, 2013 #52 Share Posted March 28, 2013 That sounds right from what I remember last year. The second formal night had the lobster and steak main course if I remember correctly. So, if I booked the dinner at Le Cirque, which is Sunday, Glacier Bay night, then we miss out on one of the formal nights in the main dining room. Hmmm, that doesn't seem fair! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruizer Bill Posted March 29, 2013 #53 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Hi, this is my first time going on a Holland America cruise (we're going to Alaska) and I was wondering if anyone could provide me with any special information such as menus on board or secrets/tricks specially geared toward to ship. As well as where I'd be able to access complementary food/snacks/drinks outside of meals.If anyone could be of help, I'd be vey much appreciated! :) My tip is "Don't book a Category H (or Cat G) Guarantee)!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startwin Posted March 29, 2013 #54 Share Posted March 29, 2013 The crew. :) Frankly, after the last several years of changes in the HAL product, the crew is the only thing that sets it apart from other cruise lines. :( I totally agree. Over the years we have seen standards decline, food decline service decline, maintenance decline I could go on) but the one thing that stays constant is the friendly and hard-working crew. so I guess HAL must be doing something right - that's what keeps us coming back. But we still do go to another cruise line now and then, so we are able to make comparisons. It's just the crew now that makes HAL stand out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovely_serenity Posted March 29, 2013 Author #55 Share Posted March 29, 2013 My tip is "Don't book a Category H (or Cat G) Guarantee)!!!! I believe I booked a category DA, is that one good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovely_serenity Posted March 29, 2013 Author #56 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Have there been cutbacks? Let me count the ways... Fewer stewards in the dining room for the number of passengers to be served. More cabins for those stewards to service. Fewer stewards in the lounges. Food quality has gone down. Fewer, poorer quality prizes at activities. Fewer activities. Earlier closing hours in the lounges. No more beverage cards with a built-in bonus. I could go on, but it gets depressing. The fact is, though, that HAL does still offer a good product, and the value is still there, if not the former standards. The crew is as helpful as they always were. They try their very best to deliver, and usually with a smile and a good word. Awh, that's disappointing, because my parents went on a HAL cruise in Europe a couple years back and were extremely impressed, I guess I won't be experiencing the same awesomeness? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruizer Bill Posted March 29, 2013 #57 Share Posted March 29, 2013 I believe I booked a category DA, is that one good? Yes, Category DA is wonderful, you will have a great cruise!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovely_serenity Posted March 29, 2013 Author #58 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Yes, Category DA is wonderful, you will have a great cruise!! Yay! Good to know =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovely_serenity Posted March 31, 2013 Author #59 Share Posted March 31, 2013 I totally agree. Over the years we have seen standards decline, food decline service decline, maintenance decline I could go on) but the one thing that stays constant is the friendly and hard-working crew. so I guess HAL must be doing something right - that's what keeps us coming back. But we still do go to another cruise line now and then, so we are able to make comparisons. It's just the crew now that makes HAL stand out. How would you rate the quality of the food out of 10 (in your opinion), considering all the cutbacks? Is it still of superior quality compared to quite a few other cruise lines? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcon10156 Posted April 3, 2013 #60 Share Posted April 3, 2013 In your opinion, what is the absolute best thing about HAL that sets it apart from other cruise lines? The Crew, the beds, the chocolate chip cookies and the bread pudding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovely_serenity Posted April 12, 2013 Author #61 Share Posted April 12, 2013 I appreciate all the responses guys :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmsll Posted May 17, 2018 #62 Share Posted May 17, 2018 Thank you for posting Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jodaytona Posted May 17, 2018 #63 Share Posted May 17, 2018 Hi, this is my first time going on a Holland America cruise (we're going to Alaska) and I was wondering if anyone could provide me with any special information such as menus on board or secrets/tricks specially geared toward to ship. As well as where I'd be able to access complementary food/snacks/drinks outside of meals.Hi Welcome! food available almost 24 hrs a day.Ice tea/lemonade coffee and tea free as well as juice and milk for breakfast menu on all cruiselines seems repetitive. if you go on your account/ship you can se the specialty restaurants menu (extra charge). Don't worry you will eat very well!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigwally Posted May 17, 2018 #64 Share Posted May 17, 2018 Guys, this is an ancient thread which looks like maybe it got bumped to the top page by either a spam post (subsequently deleted) or an unwitting board member. It is pretty much a waste of time buoying it more, since so much has changed on the Volendam in the last 5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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