What to expect on Holland America

[flymeorion]

Going with my parents on 11 day HAL Zuiderdam Panama Canal in January. My first time on HAL. I keep reading that HAL is an older crowd but in general, since we always cruise the first week in January it's always an older crowd right after the holidays.

 

It appears that most HAL has LGBT Meet and Greet but again, can't find a lot of information.

 

If anyone has been on HAL I would love your insight.

 

Thanks

[Bostonjetset]

Going with my parents on 11 day HAL Zuiderdam Panama Canal in January. My first time on HAL. I keep reading that HAL is an older crowd but in general, since we always cruise the first week in January it's always an older crowd right after the holidays.

 

It appears that most HAL has LGBT Meet and Greet but again, can't find a lot of information.

 

If anyone has been on HAL I would love your insight.

 

Thanks

 

One thing you can expect on HAL is fabulous service from a great crew!

Don't miss the Indonesian/Filipino buffet that is held in the Lido one evening; it is the only time on any cruise that we have skipped the MDR for dinner. The food is terrific if you like Indonesian or Filipino food and the crew are very proud to share their heritage with the passengers.

 

HAL {at least the voyage I was on} does skew older than any other line I've sailed but there were many well-traveled, interesting passengers; again more so than any other line I've sailed [other than Cunard].

 

What other lines have you sailed with? As you can see in my signature, I am not nearly as experienced as many on this board but we've tried a good sampling of the major lines; I would rate HAL as one of my faves along with Princess and Cunard. We really wanted to sail HAL for our Med cruise next year but RCCL had an offer we could not refuse on an itinerary that was perfect for our desires.

[flymeorion]

One thing you can expect on HAL is fabulous service from a great crew!

Don't miss the Indonesian/Filipino buffet that is held in the Lido one evening; it is the only time on any cruise that we have skipped the MDR for dinner. The food is terrific if you like Indonesian or Filipino food and the crew are very proud to share their heritage with the passengers.

 

HAL {at least the voyage I was on} does skew older than any other line I've sailed but there were many well-traveled, interesting passengers; again more so than any other line I've sailed [other than Cunard].

 

What other lines have you sailed with? As you can see in my signature, I am not nearly as experienced as many on this board but we've tried a good sampling of the major lines; I would rate HAL as one of my faves along with Princess and Cunard. We really wanted to sail HAL for our Med cruise next year but RCCL had an offer we could not refuse on an itinerary that was perfect for our desires.

 

 

Thanks for your reply. I've done 6 cruises weirdly 2 NCL 2 RCCL and 2 Celebrity.

 

As far as ship and service I loved Celebrity.

[westoftheashley]

If you liked the service on Celebrity, you should love HAL. We're about to do our second HAL cruise and it's mostly because of the service and experience we had. There wasn't a lot of nightlife, and the LGBT meetings were not well attended (ie, one other couple showed up twice), but overall we really enjoyed it. We unexpectedly really enjoyed the high tea service in the afternoon. When on a whim on day and we loved it. You'll have a great time!

[Darrell6t]

My partner and I love HAL, but we are now part of that older demographic these days. With the homogeneous staff of Indonesians and Filipinos, HAL has wonderful, friendly service. The ships are also very comfortable and generally don't have loud music everywhere. The piano bar is often the place you will find LGBT folk after dinner, in my experience. Since your cruise is 10 days, it will probably skew a bit older than a 7 day.

 

Have a great time.

[Typhoon1]

Excellent Service.

 

Nothing but the best from the gay friendly HAL crew. HAL has hosted many gay charters.

[Nanobot]

My partner and I have had 5 weeks aboard various HAL ships over the last three years including Zuiderdam (one of those 'dam ships, LOL).

 

We attended all the LGTB gatherings and met many very nice singles and couples; male and female. Many of whom are good friends today. Many times we went to the LGTB gathering (which is published in the daily ship program) then to supper (as we all chose the 'dine as you wish' option in the MDR).

 

Zuiderdam was fun, but we did not like the location of the LGTB and suggested to the Cruise Director many changes, then took it upon ourselves to keep the venue but change the location of the seating within it. The crew are always accepting of the venue and our patronage. When in doubt speak to the Cruise Director, active feedback, in my humble opinion, accomplishes a lot.

 

Our night usually went: LGTB gathering, supper, something in-between like the live show or casino or piano bar..., then to the Northern Lights dance club (disco) which only closes when there is a small group left, and finally to the after pool deck to 'chill' and consume drinks purchased elsewhere.

 

Note, as already posted HAL mainly hosts an older clientelle, but at the winter break many others add to the demographic. We had LGTB participants 21-65 years old. The non-LGTB older crowd are early sleepers and early risers but this did not detract from our fun.

 

Daytime activities shore/ship are person-based not LGTB-based, so you could expect anyone in your planned activities.

 

Please ask if you have more questions.

Edited November 5, 2015 by Nanobot

[donnatello]

What to expect?......Outstanding service, excellent food, beautifully decorated and appointed ships, and some of the most comfortable bedding on a cruise ship. It completely depends on the specific sailing, regardless of the line, but the last HAL cruise we were on was the best attended and most congenial LGBT get togethers we've ever had!

[pxn748]

We have been on 6 HAL cruises. Have thoroughly enjoyed them all. They have all had LGBT meetings every night. At every one we have met some very nice guys and have kept in contact with some of them. On one cruise maybe 6 years ago there was a group of about 20 every night. Go, it will be great!!

[AFuncruiser]

Expect more canes, crutches, walkers and scooters along with older ladies and gentlemen. A classy cruise line.

 

Dennis

Jacksonville, Fl

 

537 days at sea

60 cruises

12 cruise lines

T/P, T/A, Hawaii, Central & South America, New Zealand & South Pacific, Rio/ Amazon, Alaska

[GNGator]

We have sailed multiple cruise lines but HAL gets my vote for larger ship voyages. LGBT gatherings have been well attended and I've met a lot of great people over the years there. Crew is always top notch and very gay friendly. I have done both long and shorter trips on HAL and I don't find the passengers any older than similar voyages on other lines. Usually that has more to do with the duration and cost of the cruise, rather than the line itself. Older folks have the time and money to spend weeks at sea! My partner and I are always looking toward our next HAL voyage.