New to HAL asking questions about Hawaii/South Pacific longer cruises

[cowmilker]

5 hours ago, jwb3843 said:

 The first thing that popped into my mind was, “How can anyone spend that many days in an inside cabin??”

LOL.  In early 2020, we did more than 70 days in an inside cabin.  This September, we are hoping to spend 105 days in an inside cabin.

We don't mind it at all.  Not even slightly.

[Mary229]

10 minutes ago, cowmilker said:

LOL.  In early 2020, we did more than 70 days in an inside cabin.  This September, we are hoping to spend 105 days in an inside cabin.

We don't mind it at all.  Not even slightly.

You might feel differently in a Pinnacle class inside.  We sailed a 12 day inside on the Koningsdam and it ruined insides for us.  

[cowmilker]

6 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

We sailed a 12 day inside on the Koningsdam and it ruined insides for us.  

Our first cruise with HAL was on Koningdam, for three weeks, in the Med, in an inside cabin.  🙂  Loved it and HAL.

We've only sailed in an ocean view twice.  Once we were upgraded partway through a b2b2b and the second time was a TA where the ocean view was the same price as an inside.  Neither was with HAL.

We just don't care.  We don't stay in our cabin much and we would NEVER sit on a balcony. I cannot imagine doing that, ever, and I certainly wouldn't pay for it.

[jwb3843]

1 hour ago, cowmilker said:

Our first cruise with HAL was on Koningdam, for three weeks, in the Med, in an inside cabin.  🙂  Loved it and HAL.

We've only sailed in an ocean view twice.  Once we were upgraded partway through a b2b2b and the second time was a TA where the ocean view was the same price as an inside.  Neither was with HAL.

We just don't care.  We don't stay in our cabin much and we would NEVER sit on a balcony. I cannot imagine doing that, ever, and I certainly wouldn't pay for it.

I’ll have to find a YouTube video of a Koningsdam inside cabin!  We’ve only sailed once in an inside cabin on the Celebrity Summit when we went with our adult daughter and wanted to be next door.  I learned that I’m one of those people who needs to be able to see the outside world.  I’d never considered myself claustrophobic, but I felt uncomfortable spending any amount of time inside the cabin.  Sitting on the balcony watching to water pass by is one of my favorite parts of cruising.  We’re all so fortunate that there are so many different types of cabins to suit us all! 

[jwb3843]

Does anyone have an idea when the fall 2024 sailings will be released?

[crystalspin]

On 6/20/2022 at 12:29 PM, jwb3843 said:

Mary, I only see a Feb - March 2024 cruise listed so far, and we need to wait until the (fingers crossed) October sailing.  But thanks for the heads up about the Roll Call ~ I’ll check it out for sure!  And thank you for sharing your thoughts on the laundry.  From a price standpoint it seems more reasonable to use the bags, but I’ve noticed that sometimes as I get older I can more easily convince myself that an increased price for added convenience isn’t always a bad thing...

Hi JWB!

I am "maintaining" the spreadsheet although I did not start the Feb-Mar'24 Roll Call. You are welcome to join and follow along! It's a bit far out for anyone to be lining up private tours, or anything. Following Inside Cabin's narrative is probably more helpful there.

My history is seven cruises with HAL, nine cancellations with HAL (since COVID!), and two current HAL bookings. Four of the cancellations were So.Pac! One was 51-days and visited Fiji and points west of the 35-day route! But that is just too long to be away from home and family at this time.

 

Re: Laundry. I have done all of the following: Done no laundry but packed an enormous duffle. Made it through a north-bound AK cruise without doing laundry (which was closed due to a NORO outbreak), then searched out coin-op laundries in AK during the 2-week self-drive (this wasn't as awful as it seems). Used the self-serve laundry on board (before they were all removed). Did all laundry including men's pants in the sink on a 26-day transAtlantic/mediterranean. Packed resourcefully and did no laundry (7d) or only a little pay-by-the-piece ship-laundry (14-day). And finally, packed lightweight/carry-on only and sent out one tightly-packed laundry bag mid-way in 16-day transAtlantic (twice, one on RCI). 

 

What I have not done is paid the $7/day for daily laundry. I can see that option as a value if you NEED to pack as little clothing as possible -- perhaps you are a photographer, or a snorkler/diver bringing your own gear??? You could pack as little as 4-days of clothing, remembering that you can't send laundry out on the last few days of a cruise and keeping in mind whatever shoreside travel you have at the end as well.

[crystalspin]

On 6/20/2022 at 7:08 PM, jwb3843 said:

I’ll have to find a YouTube video of a Koningsdam inside cabin!  We’ve only sailed once in an inside cabin on the Celebrity Summit when we went with our adult daughter and wanted to be next door.  I learned that I’m one of those people who needs to be able to see the outside world.  I’d never considered myself claustrophobic, but I felt uncomfortable spending any amount of time inside the cabin.  Sitting on the balcony watching to water pass by is one of my favorite parts of cruising.  We’re all so fortunate that there are so many different types of cabins to suit us all! 

I understand that the insides on K'dam are quite small. The earlier ships (in the S-class) had quite spacious insides even for three adults. Of our seven HAL cruises, two were insides (3-adults!), a balcony (Vista suite) that we didn't use very much at all, three oceanviews (last two on the deck with the actual Promenade, which is the biggest balcony on the ship), and an inside-with-a-window on the Observation Deck -- where the Crows Nest is like your own living room. 

 

However, in the world since COVID, I am only booking balconies ("verandahs" on HAL). 

 

Speaking of rooms, let me direct you to HALFACTS.com where you can find photos of specific staterooms (that act as category types) according to the Class of ship: R-class is the smaller Volendam & Zaandam, Vista is Zuiderdam/Oosterdam/Westerdam/Noordam, Signature is Nieuw Amsterdam & Eurodam, and Pinnacle is Koningdam/Nieuw Statendam/Rotterdam. It is not only K'dam that makes this trip so I mention them all!

https://halfacts.com/

 

BTW, if you click on the bold-face "February 17, 2024 Hawaii and Tahiti" in the previous post [ETA, or right here], it will take you to the Roll Call.

Edited June 22, 2022 by crystalspin

[jwb3843]

19 hours ago, crystalspin said:

I understand that the insides on K'dam are quite small. The earlier ships (in the S-class) had quite spacious insides even for three adults. Of our seven HAL cruises, two were insides (3-adults!), a balcony (Vista suite) that we didn't use very much at all, three oceanviews (last two on the deck with the actual Promenade, which is the biggest balcony on the ship), and an inside-with-a-window on the Observation Deck -- where the Crows Nest is like your own living room. 

 

However, in the world since COVID, I am only booking balconies ("verandahs" on HAL). 

 

Speaking of rooms, let me direct you to HALFACTS.com where you can find photos of specific staterooms (that act as category types) according to the Class of ship: R-class is the smaller Volendam & Zaandam, Vista is Zuiderdam/Oosterdam/Westerdam/Noordam, Signature is Nieuw Amsterdam & Eurodam, and Pinnacle is Koningdam/Nieuw Statendam/Rotterdam. It is not only K'dam that makes this trip so I mention them all!

https://halfacts.com/

 

BTW, if you click on the bold-face "February 17, 2024 Hawaii and Tahiti" in the previous post [ETA, or right here], it will take you to the Roll Call.

 

Thanks SO much for all the information above!  It’s amazing what you don’t know about a new to you cruise line and why I love Cruise Critic!  I’ve already signed up to receive notifications on postings for the Feb. roll call and look forward to seeing what fun comes up there!  

 

Do you mind sharing what you’re most looking forward to on this cruise??  Is it a specific port or ports, an excursion or two, time with friends/family, or just the whole thing?  Since you’ve already done a 26 day sailing, I imagine that a 35 cruise won’t seem much longer.  In a perfect world where money and vacation days are no object, would you exclusively book these longer trips?   I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and insight!

 

[jwb3843]

21 hours ago, crystalspin said:

Hi JWB!

I am "maintaining" the spreadsheet although I did not start the Feb-Mar'24 Roll Call. You are welcome to join and follow along! It's a bit far out for anyone to be lining up private tours, or anything. Following Inside Cabin's narrative is probably more helpful there.

My history is seven cruises with HAL, nine cancellations with HAL (since COVID!), and two current HAL bookings. Four of the cancellations were So.Pac! One was 51-days and visited Fiji and points west of the 35-day route! But that is just too long to be away from home and family at this time.

 

Re: Laundry. I have done all of the following: Done no laundry but packed an enormous duffle. Made it through a north-bound AK cruise without doing laundry (which was closed due to a NORO outbreak), then searched out coin-op laundries in AK during the 2-week self-drive (this wasn't as awful as it seems). Used the self-serve laundry on board (before they were all removed). Did all laundry including men's pants in the sink on a 26-day transAtlantic/mediterranean. Packed resourcefully and did no laundry (7d) or only a little pay-by-the-piece ship-laundry (14-day). And finally, packed lightweight/carry-on only and sent out one tightly-packed laundry bag mid-way in 16-day transAtlantic (twice, one on RCI). 

 

What I have not done is paid the $7/day for daily laundry. I can see that option as a value if you NEED to pack as little clothing as possible -- perhaps you are a photographer, or a snorkler/diver bringing your own gear??? You could pack as little as 4-days of clothing, remembering that you can't send laundry out on the last few days of a cruise and keeping in mind whatever shoreside travel you have at the end as well.

 

This is the first time we’ve ever taken a cruise longer than 14 days, so the first time I’ve had to think about laundry.  Since we have to fly to San Diego, we don’t really want to take more than one suitcase each just for ease of travel.  We do usually bring our own snorkel gear, but we may have to ponder that more carefully.  I admit that we’re spoiled living in FL where we can easily drive to the port and don’t have to consider the additional cost and hassle of extra bags.  

[Mary229]

Just now, jwb3843 said:

sailing, I imagine that a 35 cruise won’t seem much longer.  In a perfect world where money and vacation days are no object, would you exclusively book these longer trips?   I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and insight!

Because of our careers we only took 30 day vacations and when we started cruising a lot we naturally sought out long cruises.  This is where you find great itineraries, you can do round trips if you don’t want to fly great distances, usually there are deeper enrichment programs on these ships and a sense of community develops.   You get into a rhythm and soon the days are gone.       

[crystalspin]

1 hour ago, jwb3843 said:

Do you mind sharing what you’re most looking forward to on this cruise??  Is it a specific port or ports, an excursion or two, time with friends/family, or just the whole thing?  Since you’ve already done a 26 day sailing, I imagine that a 35 cruise won’t seem much longer.  In a perfect world where money and vacation days are no object, would you exclusively book these longer trips?

I wish I could say I was looking forward to Bora Bora, as I was in March of 2020! I guess "just the whole thing" is the right answer: we are not snorklers and my husband burns if he so much as looks at the sun! (Funny choice of destination, but he picked it!) With three transAtlantics under our belt, we like seadays just fine.

 

In a world without responsibilities at home, or really even with (!) -- I would not cruise for less than 14-days, or for that matter pick a short road/bus trip either. The effort to plan and get somewhere is enough work that a shorter time just doesn't seem worth it! The exception would be a short tour or cruise with some time on in one place at a location at either end of the tour. 

 

P.S. This destination was picked for 2020 to observe my husband's retirement on 12/31/19. So by Feb'24 it will be four years late!

[crystalspin]

2 hours ago, jwb3843 said:

 

This is the first time we’ve ever taken a cruise longer than 14 days, so the first time I’ve had to think about laundry.  Since we have to fly to San Diego, we don’t really want to take more than one suitcase each just for ease of travel.  We do usually bring our own snorkel gear, but we may have to ponder that more carefully.  I admit that we’re spoiled living in FL where we can easily drive to the port and don’t have to consider the additional cost and hassle of extra bags.  

The ships' laundry on HAL is very good, and the by-the-bag deal is reasonable! I am attaching a list of what-all I got in one bag. If the assortment seems odd, we had spent a week or so on the ground in Florida before sailing for Copenhagen!

 

Also, I believe that Koningsdam will be like all the HAL ships I've sailed on and have a clothesline in the shower, for any truly delicate things you might want to swish out in the sink.

[jwb3843]

22 hours ago, crystalspin said:

I wish I could say I was looking forward to Bora Bora, as I was in March of 2020! I guess "just the whole thing" is the right answer: we are not snorklers and my husband burns if he so much as looks at the sun! (Funny choice of destination, but he picked it!) With three transAtlantics under our belt, we like seadays just fine.

 

In a world without responsibilities at home, or really even with (!) -- I would not cruise for less than 14-days, or for that matter pick a short road/bus trip either. The effort to plan and get somewhere is enough work that a shorter time just doesn't seem worth it! The exception would be a short tour or cruise with some time on in one place at a location at either end of the tour. 

 

P.S. This destination was picked for 2020 to observe my husband's retirement on 12/31/19. So by Feb'24 it will be four years late!

 

We’re disappointed that Bora Bora is no longer a stop too!  I’m telling myself that the other nearby islands will be similar enough . . . And maybe one day we’ll still get there.  I’m looking forward to hearing how your cruise goes ~ living vicariously through you and your husband while we patiently wait for ours to roll around!  Thanks again for all your help!

[CruisingGrandmaW]

@jwb3843 - You will love this cruise

We are on same Itinerary Sail Date 02/18/2023 on the Konningsdam.

 

Laundry - After 100+ cruises --- we've learned to pack LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT

Less to pack, less to unpack upon boarding ship, and less to unpack & launder when we get home.

We have always found "The Bag" the best way to go.  You can get a lot into one bag.

Below is the link to HAL's current pricing on Unlimited Laundry - $210 

Unlimited Laundry Package - 35 Days | Packages & Gifts | Holland America Line

PS:  We've even done by the bag as close to leaving ship -- less to wash when I got home LOL.

Eventually if you sail HAL enough - you'll quickly gain Mariner Stars - @ Level 4 you get free laundry.

 

Entertainment Celebrity vs HAL

I have cruised both lines.  HAL's entertainment is not as good as Celebrity in my opinion.

But you will still enjoy.  HAL, to me, is leaning towards their Music venues on what I call the "Music Walk" - where BBK, Billboard etc is located.  People really enjoy singing along with the dueling pianos in the Billboard --- then dancing at BB Kings.

 

HAL's environment is different than Celebrity -- now that we're in our 70s we really enjoy HAL now better than Celebrity.

 

Can't remember if you said you had booked your cabin already,

I agree with those who say the Inside Cabins of Konningsdam are smaller than on other ships.

My husband & I tried it once -- never again on the Konningsdam (Pinnacle Class)

I'd encourage you to take an outside Cabin with unobstructed view.

Ocean View vs Veranda/Balcony --- We take a veranda on long cruises like this -- ONLY because sometimes it's nice to get away from people & just be in your own "cabin/home" alone.  The water colors on this cruise are fantastic & the weather perfect for sitting on veranda.  We use ours all the time.

 

I've begun booking our snorkeling excursions with private vendors already -- as they can book quickly.  (We going 2/23 - so it's early for you).  I've always enjoyed brining my own snorkel gear.  But want to give you 'heads up" that all the vendors I've been in contact with tell you to bring your own snorkel gear.  Covid I think has changed things & they are no longer offering gear.  This may change again by 2024 --- but just a "heads up".

 

Ship Movement

We've taken 3 cruises out of San Diego per season until Covid hit.

We've always run into some rough sailing the 1st day & half leaving & returning to San Diego.

Nothing that bad --- but one year it was SO bad that they shut the Lido & closed the pools.

We had a front Ocean View Cabin & they covered our window (never knew they did that) as the waves were high & crashing as high as our windows.  Many people had motion sickness 

But this was only once, again 1 day out from San Diego & it was the 3rd week of Dec.

 

You will gleam a lot of information off your Roll Call for your specific cruise.

Excited for you --- you'll enjoy it!!

 

[manteonc]

18 hours ago, CruisingGrandmaW said:

@jwb3843 - You will love this cruise

We are on same Itinerary Sail Date 02/18/2023 on the Konningsdam.

 

Laundry - After 100+ cruises --- we've learned to pack LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT

Less to pack, less to unpack upon boarding ship, and less to unpack & launder when we get home.

We have always found "The Bag" the best way to go.  You can get a lot into one bag.

Below is the link to HAL's current pricing on Unlimited Laundry - $210 

Unlimited Laundry Package - 35 Days | Packages & Gifts | Holland America Line

PS:  We've even done by the bag as close to leaving ship -- less to wash when I got home LOL.

Eventually if you sail HAL enough - you'll quickly gain Mariner Stars - @ Level 4 you get free laundry.

 

Entertainment Celebrity vs HAL

I have cruised both lines.  HAL's entertainment is not as good as Celebrity in my opinion.

But you will still enjoy.  HAL, to me, is leaning towards their Music venues on what I call the "Music Walk" - where BBK, Billboard etc is located.  People really enjoy singing along with the dueling pianos in the Billboard --- then dancing at BB Kings.

 

HAL's environment is different than Celebrity -- now that we're in our 70s we really enjoy HAL now better than Celebrity.

 

Can't remember if you said you had booked your cabin already,

I agree with those who say the Inside Cabins of Konningsdam are smaller than on other ships.

My husband & I tried it once -- never again on the Konningsdam (Pinnacle Class)

I'd encourage you to take an outside Cabin with unobstructed view.

Ocean View vs Veranda/Balcony --- We take a veranda on long cruises like this -- ONLY because sometimes it's nice to get away from people & just be in your own "cabin/home" alone.  The water colors on this cruise are fantastic & the weather perfect for sitting on veranda.  We use ours all the time.

 

I've begun booking our snorkeling excursions with private vendors already -- as they can book quickly.  (We going 2/23 - so it's early for you).  I've always enjoyed brining my own snorkel gear.  But want to give you 'heads up" that all the vendors I've been in contact with tell you to bring your own snorkel gear.  Covid I think has changed things & they are no longer offering gear.  This may change again by 2024 --- but just a "heads up".

 

Ship Movement

We've taken 3 cruises out of San Diego per season until Covid hit.

We've always run into some rough sailing the 1st day & half leaving & returning to San Diego.

Nothing that bad --- but one year it was SO bad that they shut the Lido & closed the pools.

We had a front Ocean View Cabin & they covered our window (never knew they did that) as the waves were high & crashing as high as our windows.  Many people had motion sickness 

But this was only once, again 1 day out from San Diego & it was the 3rd week of Dec.

 

You will gleam a lot of information off your Roll Call for your specific cruise.

Excited for you --- you'll enjoy it!!

 

Please share your known and trustworthy private snorkeling and other vendors. There is a lot of information out there and it would be great to have some good solid recommendations. On the 51 day starting in just a few months. Thank you!

[jwb3843]

19 hours ago, CruisingGrandmaW said:

@jwb3843 - You will love this cruise

We are on same Itinerary Sail Date 02/18/2023 on the Konningsdam.

 

Laundry - After 100+ cruises --- we've learned to pack LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT

Less to pack, less to unpack upon boarding ship, and less to unpack & launder when we get home.

We have always found "The Bag" the best way to go.  You can get a lot into one bag.

Below is the link to HAL's current pricing on Unlimited Laundry - $210 

Unlimited Laundry Package - 35 Days | Packages & Gifts | Holland America Line

PS:  We've even done by the bag as close to leaving ship -- less to wash when I got home LOL.

Eventually if you sail HAL enough - you'll quickly gain Mariner Stars - @ Level 4 you get free laundry.

 

Entertainment Celebrity vs HAL

I have cruised both lines.  HAL's entertainment is not as good as Celebrity in my opinion.

But you will still enjoy.  HAL, to me, is leaning towards their Music venues on what I call the "Music Walk" - where BBK, Billboard etc is located.  People really enjoy singing along with the dueling pianos in the Billboard --- then dancing at BB Kings.

 

HAL's environment is different than Celebrity -- now that we're in our 70s we really enjoy HAL now better than Celebrity.

 

Can't remember if you said you had booked your cabin already,

I agree with those who say the Inside Cabins of Konningsdam are smaller than on other ships.

My husband & I tried it once -- never again on the Konningsdam (Pinnacle Class)

I'd encourage you to take an outside Cabin with unobstructed view.

Ocean View vs Veranda/Balcony --- We take a veranda on long cruises like this -- ONLY because sometimes it's nice to get away from people & just be in your own "cabin/home" alone.  The water colors on this cruise are fantastic & the weather perfect for sitting on veranda.  We use ours all the time.

 

I've begun booking our snorkeling excursions with private vendors already -- as they can book quickly.  (We going 2/23 - so it's early for you).  I've always enjoyed brining my own snorkel gear.  But want to give you 'heads up" that all the vendors I've been in contact with tell you to bring your own snorkel gear.  Covid I think has changed things & they are no longer offering gear.  This may change again by 2024 --- but just a "heads up".

 

Ship Movement

We've taken 3 cruises out of San Diego per season until Covid hit.

We've always run into some rough sailing the 1st day & half leaving & returning to San Diego.

Nothing that bad --- but one year it was SO bad that they shut the Lido & closed the pools.

We had a front Ocean View Cabin & they covered our window (never knew they did that) as the waves were high & crashing as high as our windows.  Many people had motion sickness 

But this was only once, again 1 day out from San Diego & it was the 3rd week of Dec.

 

You will gleam a lot of information off your Roll Call for your specific cruise.

Excited for you --- you'll enjoy it!!

 

 

Thanks so much for all the information you shared!   We haven’t selected a cabin yet, as the fall of 2024 sailings haven’t been released yet.  But I want to be poised and ready to go so that we can book as soon as they do!  We’re leaning towards an AFT balcony since you and others have alleviated our concerns about rough waters for the majority of the itinerary.  I know we’d get a lot of use out of it with all the beautiful waters!  There’s just something about watching the wake go by!

 

I especially appreciated your sharing your comparisons with Celebrity, as that’s what we’re used to!  I do think we’ll be just fine on HAL.  We’re mid-60’s and not much on late night activities.  

 

And yes, please do share any information you have regarding any snorkeling excursions you’re planning if you feel comfortable doing so.  We’ll definitely plan to bring our own equipment at your suggestion.  I honestly hadn’t considered the impact COVID may have had on such things and I appreciate the heads up!

 

When you have a moment, could you please share any recollections you may have regarding how formal nights are handled on these longer cruises?  If I’m traveling light, I really don’t want to bother with traditional formal wear if we don’t have to!

 

Thank you again!!

 

[rkacruiser]

20 hours ago, CruisingGrandmaW said:

We had a front Ocean View Cabin & they covered our window (never knew they did that) as the waves were high & crashing as high as our windows.

 

If interested, do some googling about the damage that the Italian Line's Michelangelo experienced during a very severe storm during an Atlantic crossing.  

 

2002, Volendam, crossing the Pacific on her first Asia Pacific cruise, there were waves crashing above the Crow's Nest at times when the bow dipped into the waves.  

 

 

[WriterOnDeck]

15 hours ago, jwb3843 said:

When you have a moment, could you please share any recollections you may have regarding how formal nights are handled on these longer cruises?  If I’m traveling light, I really don’t want to bother with traditional formal wear if we don’t have to!

 

 

Dress on Gala nights (as formal is now called) on HAL are all over the spectrum. When I am traveling light, it's easy to take a nice pair of slacks and a couple of dressy tops. No one else remembers what you wear, and everyone wears things over and over on long cruises. As the cabins have safes, I bring some nice jewelry I never have an opportunity to wear at home.

[Mary229]

One trick I learned from my sister is to carry my own bar of soap.  Yes, they provide soap but sometimes the deodorant bar you use at home is what is called for particularly in the tropics.    It is such a small item to pack that might enhance your comfort a lot. 

[jwb3843]

8 hours ago, WriterOnDeck said:

Dress on Gala nights (as formal is now called) on HAL are all over the spectrum. When I am traveling light, it's easy to take a nice pair of slacks and a couple of dressy tops. No one else remembers what you wear, and everyone wears things over and over on long cruises. As the cabins have safes, I bring some nice jewelry I never have an opportunity to wear at home.

 

Those are great suggestions!  I too have some jewelry that I don’t have an opportunity to wear at home!  And I’m sure you’re correct that no one else remembers what you’ve worn before!   Thanks so much!