Lights Out at Midnight

[DRedmond]

We are on the Eurodam.  We were very surprised to find out all the bars were closed at 12:00. Couldn’t find a drink anywhere, not even a Diet Coke. The casino was open but no drink service there either. I was really surprised everything was closed so early, very disappointing 

[FlorenceItaly]

I am sorry to hear this!  Please mention this in your post survey or even in the Navigator while you are on board.  It is the only hope of things being changed.  If HAL is hoping to attract a younger audience and new future cruisers this must change.  IMO, if there is a CCL company consolidation HAL is the weak link.  For point of reference I have two HAL cruises coming up.

[tuolumne couple]

What about the mini bar in your cabin? ..or you can order a bottle of your favorite libation...

 

Edited March 6, 2023 by tuolumne couple

[cruisemom42]

This is one of the things about HAL that I'm least fond of. 

 

I'm a night owl and I don't like to sit in my cabin and drink (!!). Even if it is just one lounge open for late night conversation, that would be a start.

[*Miss G*]

That’s crazy!  At a minimum, I would expect the SeaView Bar to be open for the smokers.

[SilvertoGold]

2 hours ago, FlorenceItaly said:

I am sorry to hear this!  Please mention this in your post survey or even in the Navigator while you are on board.  It is the only hope of things being changed.  If HAL is hoping to attract a younger audience and new future cruisers this must change.  

I wonder if this varies by ship/itinerary.  The ships know their statistics and if they have an older pax load they would maybe plan earlier closings. A younger crowd might see more open later if the demand is there.

[iceman93]

I'm surprised they wouldn't keep a bar open near the casino as long as there are people gambling.  Seems like they're losing both beverage revenue and the chance to keep people playing longer!

[Laminator]

37 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

That’s crazy!  At a minimum, I would expect the SeaView Bar to be open for the smokers.

On the Rotterdam 2 weeks ago and the SeaView bar closed at midnight. May be because HAL is still claiming to be short staffed.

 

[*Miss G*]

I think I would use the Navigator app to request a response as to where you could obtain beverages and when.  There is a check box available when you send a query.

[VMax1700]

Obviously HAL are concerned that pax will go over their 15 drinks limit with HIA and are trying to protect both cruisers from the expense and the Front Desk staff from the abuse of those who have  inadvertently gone over the 15 limit. 😉

 

(is there a 'tongue firmly in cheek' emoji?)

[Florida_gal_50]

1 minute ago, VMax1700 said:

Obviously HAL are concerned that pax will go over their 15 drinks limit with HIA and are trying to protect both cruisers from the expense and the Front Desk staff from the abuse of those who have  inadvertently gone over the 15 limit. 😉

 

(is there a 'tongue firmly in cheek' emoji?)

I would have thought there would have been a few waiting for the new day to start.  Surprise!  All bars are closed.

[VMax1700]

2 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I would have thought there would have been a few waiting for the new day to start.  Surprise!  All bars are closed.

It's a long wait if the new day starts at 6am as has been mentioned on a few threads 🤣🤣

[Colorado Klutch]

I think it is indeed likely due to short staff. If there are a limited number of bartenders onboard, obviously HAL wants them working during the most profitable hours and not at midnight when there are only a few people around. So, it's either having the bar open during the day or late at night, but not both. 

[Laminator]

3 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I would have thought there would have been a few waiting for the new day to start.  Surprise!  All bars are closed.

It's HAL. They are lined up early for the 7am bar opening for the breakfast of champions!

[DRedmond]

6 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

It's a long wait if the new day starts at 6am as has been mentioned on a few threads 🤣🤣

We were told by one of the servers the new day starts at 2 am. 

[Florida_gal_50]

5 minutes ago, Colorado Klutch said:

I think it is indeed likely due to short staff. If there are a limited number of bartenders onboard, obviously HAL wants them working during the most profitable hours and not at midnight when there are only a few people around. So, it's either having the bar open during the day or late at night, but not both. 

How do you know there only a few people around?  We are not talking 3am.  Maybe it's the supply chain again ;).

[Colorado Klutch]

Just now, DRedmond said:

We were told by one of the servers the new day starts at 2 am. 

 

But apparently, there's no one to serve you a drink at 2 AM. 

[albingirl]

Important to note, I bet the bar staff gets tired after a long day. Especially on packed ships.

 

 

[Sir PMP]

On the 'old' Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Crows nest was open until at l least 1:30 am and the new day starts at 2:00am..

[FlaMariner]

The HAL operating hours fits our lifestyle......I'm fine with a midnight closing of a bar....And I have never witnessed "last call" on a HAL ship. 

 

And didn't our Mama's say "nothing good every happens after midnight?"

[RICHARD@SEA]

This is quite remarkable that HAL management once again pulls the plug on a normal accommodation.  I like late seating dinner , after dinner drinks &  listening to music afterwards.... if the bars close down at midnight that cuts my evening short.  The fact they cut down on live bands etc is like sailing in a floating Holiday Inn Hotel.

 

Even longtime fans of HAL have mentioned the food being bland & repetitive and entertainment that isn't very entertaining (even on the "GRAND" World Cruise).

 

Enough of the lines making excuses for cost cutting & thereby padding the Carnivore & HAL Executives Bonuses & pockets. Instead of spreading the crews among so many ships  - why not consolidate the crews to a few ships & run a quality operation that will bring repeat customers & good PR.

 

This is ridiculous!!!!

[oaktreerb]

There is a minibar in your room.  You can keep beer in your cooler/fridge.  You can order two drinks at a time.  Do the bartenders actually make you leave the area?   Order your two drinks and sit there and visit with your fellow travelers until you are ready to call it a day.  

 

Some of the forward staterooms are within the sound range of the bands in BBKIng and Rolling Stone.  Those people are probably glad that the party ends at Midnight.

[Florida_gal_50]

3 hours ago, albingirl said:

Important to note, I bet the bar staff gets tired after a long day. Especially on packed ships.

 

 

I can’t tell you I’m plenty tired working too but I think it’s pretty early to close things down at midnight.  I don’t stay up that late but I can see those with a late dinner being up then.  I don’t think it’s too much to ask to have one bar open until 1 or 2.  It’s not like they are open at 6am. Does hal want to compete with the competition or should they just throw in the towel now?

Edited March 6, 2023 by Florida_gal_50

[PACD_JG]

I'm more surprised that the OP is surprised.

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, oaktreerb said:

There is a minibar in your room.  You can keep beer in your cooler/fridge.  You can order two drinks at a time.  Do the bartenders actually make you leave the area?   Order your two drinks and sit there and visit with your fellow travelers until you are ready to call it a day.  

 

Some of the forward staterooms are within the sound range of the bands in BBKIng and Rolling Stone.  Those people are probably glad that the party ends at Midnight.

Yes, take it to your room and party there and keep people up.  Hopefully they’ll be next to your room and not mine.  You don’t need to have a blasting band in a bar.