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Christmas Eve on a HAL ship: Some Advice, Please

rkacruiser

By rkacruiser,
in Holland America Line

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rkacruiser

rkacruiser

Posted
Posted

My traveling companion and I are looking forward to our Christmas/New Year's Cruise on the Prinsendam.

 

From what I have been able to learn, there are special events and programs on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Our dining arrangements are for 2nd Seating. I am wondering if dining earlier on those evenings might not be a good idea. We would not want to miss special programs and events simply because of our dining time.

 

I would like some advice about our concern. Particularly, if you have sailed on a HAL ship on Christmas Eve and/or New Year's Eve, what did you experience? When do the special events/programs begin on those evenings?

 

Thanks for your insights!

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sail7seas

sail7seas

Posted
Posted

Your dining arrangements will not interfere with Christmas Eve or New Years Eve festivities. There are hundreds of folks who will be dining same time as you and you will be well finished with dinner before Captain lights the Christmas tree in show lounge (if Captain on your ship does so) and the crew sings carols in different languages. We've always enjoyed a lovely buffet set out for after the events in the show lounge.

 

Same for New Years Eve. There will be parties all over the ship.

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cruz chic

cruz chic

Posted
Posted
Totally agree with Sail.

 

Christmas Eve doesn't usually have a whole lot going on, except a really exceptional menu in the DR.

Most parties and events are later on in the evening.

 

Have a super Christmas!!

 

Hmmm, exceptional menu. Since it's been dumbed down I hope that doesn't mean spaghetti-o's :D;).

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antique sailor

antique sailor

Posted
Posted
ahoy all gullible shipmates,

 

ii heard a rumor that all jackpots on the slots in casino will pay double and all jackpots of the same suit in hearts will pay triple.

 

Good luck

 

sea ya

 

this is only in effect from 8pm till 1am . If it is successful they will do it again on new years eve.

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Sue from Canada

Sue from Canada

Posted
Posted
My traveling companion and I are looking forward to our Christmas/New Year's Cruise on the Prinsendam.

 

From what I have been able to learn, there are special events and programs on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Our dining arrangements are for 2nd Seating. I am wondering if dining earlier on those evenings might not be a good idea. We would not want to miss special programs and events simply because of our dining time.

 

I would like some advice about our concern. Particularly, if you have sailed on a HAL ship on Christmas Eve and/or New Year's Eve, what did you experience? When do the special events/programs begin on those evenings?

 

Thanks for your insights!

 

rkacruiser - Have you signed up on our roll call???

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cruz chic

cruz chic

Posted
Posted
Hummm, not cheese ravioli? Bummer!

 

We have found the Christmas Eve menu very good, much better than Christmas Day!

 

Kinda strange eh? You'd think Christmas Day would be better. I was so tempted to get on the Amsterdam on December 19 for Xmas, New Years and my birthday because it was a great price. Things have changed so much this year Christmas will be very odd but I just couldn't justify spending the cash. I'd like to try it some time.

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SilvertoGold

SilvertoGold

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Kinda strange eh? You'd think Christmas Day would be better. I was so tempted to get on the Amsterdam on December 19 for Xmas, New Years and my birthday because it was a great price. Things have changed so much this year Christmas will be very odd but I just couldn't justify spending the cash. I'd like to try it some time.

 

The pricing was great? In CND???

 

Sorry you didn't take this cruise, though. Always a treat to do the holidays on HAL. The Amsterdam does a very good job with Christmas!

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cruz chic

cruz chic

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The pricing was great? In CND???

 

Sorry you didn't take this cruise, though. Always a treat to do the holidays on HAL. The Amsterdam does a very good job with Christmas!

 

I have "special" pricing and all in single supp is around $3k for an 18 day cruise in an ov room. I'm paying a lot more for the NA in April. The economy seems to get worse here by the day. Now isn't a good time for me to be frivolous. I bet the Amsterdam would do a fine job of Chrismas.

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Stratheden

Stratheden

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Kinda strange eh? You'd think Christmas Day would be better. I was so tempted to get on the Amsterdam on December 19 for Xmas, New Years and my birthday because it was a great price. Things have changed so much this year Christmas will be very odd but I just couldn't justify spending the cash. I'd like to try it some time.

 

Perhaps they follow the European tradition of having the main Christmas meal on Christmas Eve

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cruz chic

cruz chic

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Perhaps they follow the European tradition of having the main Christmas meal on Christmas Eve

 

Could be. We used to have a lovely Ukrainian meal on Christmas Eve and have the usual on Christmas Day. Can't say which was better. I enjoyed them both.

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SilvertoGold

SilvertoGold

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I have "special" pricing and all in single supp is around $3k for an 18 day cruise in an ov room. I'm paying a lot more for the NA in April. The economy seems to get worse here by the day. Now isn't a good time for me to be frivolous. I bet the Amsterdam would do a fine job of Chrismas.

 

Hmmm... so I looked it up.

 

About CND 4220 for 2 in an OV. Or CND 3700 for 2 an Inside.

 

I wonder how much the air is? I think I will take a look, but I expect awful.

 

Thanks for the numbers: it looks as if that is one of the few good Christmas deals!

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cruz chic

cruz chic

Posted
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Hmmm... so I looked it up.

 

About CND 4220 for 2 in an OV. Or CND 3700 for 2 an Inside.

 

I wonder how much the air is? I think I will take a look, but I expect awful.

 

Thanks for the numbers: it looks as if that is one of the few good Christmas deals!

 

Yes, air was pricy but not outrageous if you stayed an extra night in Florida. Take me, I'll carry your luggage and be your butler :D;). The price is decent for a holiday cruise.

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SilvertoGold

SilvertoGold

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Yes, air was pricy but not outrageous if you stayed an extra night in Florida. Take me, I'll carry your luggage and be your butler :D;). The price is decent for a holiday cruise.

 

I never really looked at Panama cruises at Christmas because we can do one- way air on the repos in April or September. But I agree the pricing is very good for CND.

 

About CND 985 for air pp, though, which I do not consider good at all.

 

Still, we have to think about this....HAL used to do Christmas so well. Now, who knows what changes have been made. Will there be the usual massive amount of beautiful decorating? Special afternoon teas, special menus....?

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cruz chic

cruz chic

Posted
Posted (edited)

:please

I never really looked at Panama cruises at Christmas because we can do one- way air on the repos in April or September. But I agree the pricing is very good for CND.

 

About CND 985 for air pp, though, which I do not consider good at all.

 

Still, we have to think about this....HAL used to do Christmas so well. Now, who knows what changes have been made. Will there be the usual massive amount of beautiful decorating? Special afternoon teas, special menus....?

 

See $985 isn't super high for us but we all have money falling out of our pockets or so think the airlines. I think the cold hard reality is starting to hit them that the gravy days from Alberta is over, at least for now. I just bought my air for April, Calgary to Fll, then San Diego to Calgary ( non stop direct flights to boot ) for $690. I had to have a promo code to get that.

 

Don't forget about me being your butler :p.

Edited by cruz chic
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SilvertoGold

SilvertoGold

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:please

 

See $985 isn't super high for us but we all have money falling out of our pockets or so think the airlines. I think the cold hard reality is starting to hit them that the gravy days from Alberta is over, at least for now. I just bought my air for April, Calgary to Fll, then San Diego to Calgary ( non stop direct flights to boot ) for $690. I had to have a promo code to get that.

 

Don't forget about me being your butler :p.

 

$690 is good. I'd be happy with that.

I am sure you would make an excellent, first rate butler. We'd have to get rid of DH and have some fun!

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