The One Thing That You Really Like About HAL

[crystalspin]

14 hours ago, isosika said:

we are about to embark on HAL with a 21-day and a 43-day, out first cruises on this line.  I find everything a lot different with HAL in preparing for the first cruise than it is on Princess. 

It appears you have not joined your Roll Calls for the HAL cruises. Therefore, I cannot tell what ship(s) you will be sailing on...

[alwaysfrantic]

17 hours ago, rj59 said:

some ignore the 'no jogging' signs, 

Is there a place on HAL ships where running is permitted aside from a dreadmill?

[vicd1969]

3 hours ago, alwaysfrantic said:

Is there a place on HAL ships where running is permitted aside from a dreadmill?

There is a jogging track above the indoor pool on deck 10 (signature and vista class) or deck 11 (pinnacle class). 
 

edit: the signature and vista ships dont have a purpose-built track, but I’ve seen people jog up there on deck 10.

Edited August 11, 2023 by vicd1969

[terrydtx]

Our favorite thing about HAL is Club Orange specially on the Pinnacle ships. CO provides an elevated cruising experience with higher amenities, without having to buy an expensive high-end suite, like on other cruise lines. The Club Orange dining room (Pinnacles only) provides a smaller more intimate dining venue with more entree choices.

[vicd1969]

This introvert’s favorite thing about HAL:

 

the thermal suite - beats the ones on Celebrity and Princess. The best way to get away from the stress of working, and for some, family and friends 😄

[SeaCapt]

9 hours ago, Lildare said:

Helpful hint: Peanut butter chocolate pie served only on the first day of cruise on the lido deck.  I saw that tip a year ago and was successful on my last cruise.  I think that hint kinda says it all about HAL being smaller and the excitement is pie vs ice skating or wave riding.  I really enjoy the blues bands in BB King.  I tend to stay up late which is not the norm for most HAL cruisers but it’s better in the casino.  If you are up late and miss breakfast the Dutch Cafe has egg options.

 

I did not realize I need to walk counter clock wise on the promenade, but I think I actual follow that rule when I do walk.  

I agree with your sentiment, but happily discovered the peanut butter pie every 2 or 3 days on the N Statendam last month, throughout the 24-day cruise.

[isosika]

8 hours ago, crystalspin said:

It appears you have not joined your Roll Calls for the HAL cruises. Therefore, I cannot tell what ship(s) you will be sailing on...

21-day Eurodam, Jan 2024, Caribbean.

43-day, Westerdam, Jan 2025, South Pacific, Auckland to Vancouver

[crystalspin]

On 8/10/2023 at 7:43 AM, isosika said:

However, we are about to embark on HAL with a 21-day and a 43-day, our first cruises on this line.  I find everything a lot different with HAL in preparing for the first cruise than it is on Princess. 

.... to help us out please tell me the one or two things that you really, really like about HAL. 

OK, here are a couple things I haven't seen others mention.

 

(1) Your cabin will probably be ready to access when you board. If the stewards are still finishing up, you can leave your carry-ons in the closet to explore the ship. Your card-keys will be in the "mailbox" outside the door.

(2) With such long cruises, you will be glad to know that HAL has exceptional laundry service. They follow specific instructions you jot on the slip (hot-warm-cool wash or dry and even AIR-DRY! which will take an extra day to be returned). You can ask for an extra bag to separate the care, or simply circle special-care items. Laundry can be priced by the piece (expensive, but comparable to a hotel), by the bag (economic, but only if you "save up" enough to FILL the canvas/stuffable bag), or unlimited (priced for each day of your cruise, not just the days you use it, so it adds up but could make a difference in how much you have to pack and bring).

 

The prices vary by region of the cruise, but run about $30 by the bag or $9 per cabin per day for unlimited. There are no self-laundries on any HAL ship, if you were wondering. 

[ClippyJoe]

I second all the above but I enjoy talking to the other passengers. So many are well traveled and very articulate. I am so very lucky to be able to travel with such a diverse, gracious group of people.

[crystalspin]

4 hours ago, isosika said:

21-day Eurodam, Jan 2024, Caribbean.

43-day, Westerdam, Jan 2025, South Pacific, Auckland to Vancouver

Very nice! Do you embark on Eurodam the 3rd or the 13rd for your back-to-back? The Eurodam will have the Tamarind Asian-fusion upcharge restaurant in addition to the Canaletto (nominally Italian) and the Pinnacle Grill (steakhouse). 

 

I think your 43-day "Collector" cruise embarks in March 2025? The Westerdam is a very nice-sized ship but does not have the Tamarind. Actually the two ships are laid out much the same, with the Eurodam having an extra deck of passenger cabins and the half-deck up top, where the Tamarind resides.

 

There are roll calls started for all of the "legs" of your cruises, including a separate RC for the 29-day Sydney-Vancouver leg. (Cruise Critic wants individual roll cals for each cruise that is sold by itself! But it doesn't always happen!)

[robotpony]

Aside from the food, lovely staff, and lovely ships, we really enjoy how the entertainment is focused: the EXC talks, special speakers, dance troupe, and cover bands. The entertainment tends to be very sociable too, and we've made connections with most of the bands and cruise directors.

 

We also appreciate that our rooms and bags are ready earlier than some of the other lines, which makes that first day extra special. We tend to book a speciality restaurant that first day (Nami or Tamarind on the Pinnacle ships) to avoid the crowds. We also book a cabana on itineraries that suit it, and the staff and services in the cabanas has been excellent.

[mexico8]

We are new 4 star mariners on the last cruise and had the free laundry service.   It was so nice to send out the laundry and get it back the next  day all folded and ironed.   (We took a cruise on another line and had laundry rooms that were free  to use but very tiny and crowded and always had to wait for a washer and dryer and go back and forth numerous times.)   I will certainly be happy to be with HAL again and send out the laundry for them to do.

 

My husband really enjoys the bread pudding on HAL ships.   I really like the NY deli food.  We both enjoy the live bands in the evening and the dancing.

[Oceansaway17]

On 8/10/2023 at 11:17 AM, MISTER 67 said:

The traditional promenade decks on the older ships with the steamer chairs.

Yes I agree.

Disney Fantasy has these as well.

[shipshape sam]

On 8/10/2023 at 12:06 PM, Fivelinks said:

When you board rather than fighting the crowds going to the buffet, we have found the dining room to be open on many HAL ships but if not, the New York Deli is a great place to eat. No crowds and delicious food like fresh pizza, deli sandwiches, and yummy salads. Grand Dutch Cafe also great for snacks and coffee.

 

The food in general is a step above most lines. Our favorite places are specialty restaurants Rudi's Sel de Mer for the bouillabaisse or whole Dover sole. Also worth the money is Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill (best value is lunch).

 

I echo others that the crew on HAL is the best at sea! I have been on several other lines and while I enjoy many positives about them... hands down HAL has the most genuinely willing crew that are there to see to your every need.

 

Enjoy!!

I like the idea of the New York Deli for Embarkation lunch.  I love their corn beef sandwiches.