HAL changes

[jackson bernard]

Considering a cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam sorta last minute this November and have a few questions if anyone would be so kind to answer. This will be in the Caribbean if that makes a difference.

 

Do you have to sit with other passengers to eat? Is it open seating? Are the tables for two so close to the other tables for two that they might as well be tables for four or six?

 

We will not be dressing up, just slacks and button down style shirts and tops. is there anywhere to eat on formal nights if you don't wear a jacket?

 

Do they still have nightly entertainment? I don't need anything like Broadway, just something to go see is fine, anything to kill a few hours at night.

 

Other cruise lines seem to have problems cooling the cabins at night. I like the room cold. Is Hal okay for that?

 

Finally, probably a sore subject so I apologize, but can you still smoke on the veranda and in the casino or at any bars?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Jack

[kazu]

Considering a cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam sorta last minute this November and have a few questions if anyone would be so kind to answer. This will be in the Caribbean if that makes a difference.

 

Do you have to sit with other passengers to eat? No, you don't have to sit with other passengers if you have open seating. Is it open seating? yes. There is "fixed" and open. Are the tables for two so close to the other tables for two that they might as well be tables for four or six? not in my experience

 

We will not be dressing up, just slacks and button down style shirts and tops. is there anywhere to eat on formal nights if you don't wear a jacket? from what I understand a jacket and tie are not necessary now on Gala (aka Formal nights) as long as you are dressed nicely. I will let others confirm though. You can always eat in the Lido in casual dress and the Canaletto (cost) in casual dress.

 

Do they still have nightly entertainment? I don't need anything like Broadway, just something to go see is fine, anything to kill a few hours at night. yes

 

Other cruise lines seem to have problems cooling the cabins at night. I like the room cold. Is Hal okay for that? I haven't had a problem. Some have reported a problem on certain ships/cabins but I don't recall this ship mentioned.

 

Finally, probably a sore subject so I apologize, but can you still smoke on the veranda and in the casino or at any bars? yes, you can

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Jack

 

My answers are above in bold underline.

[RAYSAN11]

Hal now says that a Jacket and tie are appropriate, but collared shirts and long pants are suitable. I may not have got their wording precise

[Vict0riann]

Regarding "cold at night", we usually pre-order a fan to be in the room, as I like it cold for sleeping as well. Sometimes I've had to use it, sometimes not, but at least it's there! (DD likes it for a little background noise while she sleeps.)

[Fouremco]

Just a couple of things building on Kazu's response:

 

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in February and had to ask the steward for an extra blanket at night. We found it difficult to set the AC to the perfect temperature, and found it easier to have it a bit too cold and use a blanket. I doubt that you'll find it too warm. :)

 

Smoking in the casino is meant to be limited to active players, but I don't know how closely this is enforced. Unless there has been a very recent change, the only bar allowing smoking is the Sea View.

[kazu]

Just a couple of things building on Kazu's response:

 

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in February and had to ask the steward for an extra blanket at night. We found it difficult to set the AC to the perfect temperature, and found it easier to have it a bit too cold and use a blanket. I doubt that you'll find it too warm. :)

 

Smoking in the casino is meant to be limited to active players, but I don't know how closely this is enforced. Unless there has been a very recent change, the only bar allowing smoking is the Sea View.

 

thanks Fourmenco, I should have elaborated on the bars - missed that

[Fouremco]

thanks Fourmenco, I should have elaborated on the bars - missed that

Given the huge number of really helpful and thorough posts you make, I suppose we can forgive you for hitting the enter button before you were entirely finished your post. :)

[106f]

Frequently mentioned on other threads, keep your drapes drawn when possible. If you leave the ship for the day with them open it can be too much for the AC.

[jtl513]

In the lower MDR (where the seating is Open) there are only 6 tables for two that are not just inches away from another table. See http://wa70.com/hal/dining/llSig.jpg and click on it to enlarge. But sometimes if you go when it is not busy (i.e. early) they will seat you at a four-top and pick up two place settings. Once they took us up the inside stairs to a 2-top in Fixed seating that wasn't being used that night.

 

If you go to the Tamarind, Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, or Lido you will not be seated with others.

.

Edited September 8, 2015 by jtl513

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have you looked at your reservation to see what your TA requested for dining?

There are tables for 2 in both the fixed and open seating options. More in the fixed dining than open dining.

In the Open Seating -- there are several tables for 2 by the railing. In the Open Seating you can request a table for 2 only during certain times: 5:15 - 6:16 and 7:30 - 9 PM. And you make reservations for 3 days at a time.

[jtl513]

have you looked at your reservation to see what your ta requested for dining?

considering a cruise on the nieuw amsterdam sorta ...

.... Edited September 8, 2015 by jtl513

[hugger]

Regarding "cold at night", we usually pre-order a fan to be in the room, as I like it cold for sleeping as well. Sometimes I've had to use it, sometimes not, but at least it's there! (DD likes it for a little background noise while she sleeps.)

 

We always take a fan with us - loose precious luggage space to that fan. How do we pre order a fan to the room?

That would be so much easier

Thanks:confused:

[maimeo]

We have never had a problem on HAL getting a 2-top that is comfortably away from others just like any nice restaurant. We eat at the late seating in the dining room. On the first day of the cruise we visit the dining room to see where our table is and request a change if we are not happy. Even at the first dinner, you can talk to the Maitre-d and may be able to change for the rest of the cruise. Many people don't go to the MDR the first night but do a specialty restaurant instead.

[maimeo]

My husband and I as well as our daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren will be on the Nov 29 sailing of the Nieuw Amsterdam. Which one are you considering?

[jackson bernard]

My husband and I as well as our daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren will be on the Nov 29 sailing of the Nieuw Amsterdam. Which one are you considering?

 

 

On nov 15 or something like that. The one that goes to Cozumel