New to HAL -thanks & couple of ??

[karen2cruz]

First, thanks to everyone for all the information I have absorbed from these threads. We have cruised several lines and are easy to please - so never had a "bad" cruise, even with missed ports.

 

I am taking my son to Alaska as his graduation/birthday/congratulations gift. He earned a four year scholarship, which justifies the expense of this cruise! He is 18, has cruised before, has a tuxedo, is a (ballroom) dancer and plays viola in the symphony (so loves music).

 

HAL sounds perfect for us. It seems to combine everything we love on other lines. This is what I've learned are HAL standards (tell me if I'm wrong):

- early embarkation

- staying in your stateroom thru disembarkation (and hot breakfast room service on that day to top it off!)

- fruit, flowers in the stateroom

- traditional dining....love having same tablemates/waiters

- "personal" service/crew has great attitude

- smaller ships (compared to voyager class and grand class of other lines)

- anytime ice cream

- great itineraries/shore excursions

 

Food is subjective so not picky - besides, if I don't have to cook or clean up -woohoo! Entertainment is subjective too - so no expectations. Exercise rooms/spa seem similar to other lines.

 

Now the questions--

 

1.Onboard activities (besides drinking/casino)Are there dance lessons?

Cooking classes? Any other classes? What kind of "games" (such as trivia, liar's club)?

2.Are there chairhog issues on this line as all the other lines seem to complain about it?

3. Is the late dinner seating good for the Alaskan itinerary? Seems like we leave ports late for the whole cruise and we dont want to get back to the ship until we have to! We normally do early dining and are in bed by 11-11:30 pm

4. How are the beds and will I need to request an eggcrate mattress?

 

Thanks in advance for any answers. I really did try to research the HAL board before asking these. I feel comfortable with our room choice (VA) and deckplan.

 

Karen

[WindyCity]

Welcome to HAL.

1. There are cooking lessons - Culinary Arts, but sign up as soon as you board because classes are limited and fill up quickly. I don't know about dance classes - I think there was one on line dancing, but not positive. Besides daily trivia, other group games/activities, such as Scattegories, are offered.

2. No chair hog problems that I have seen.

3. I would suggest late seating for dinner. We had early and missed dinner in the dining room because of shore excursions. Ended up getting room service off the dinner menu.

4. The beds are heavenly! No need to get anything. In fact, their mattresses are by Sealy and are offered for sale. I know laffnvegas has bought one and loves it.

Enjoy your cruise to Alaska - it is truly a GLORIOUS cruise and congratulations to your son. Our son was 21 when we cruised to Alaska and he thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, he asked that the next cruise we plan for 2007 be back to Alaska.

[karen2cruz]

Thanks WindyCity.

 

Another question - how much is the internet and are there package prices?

[arzz]

1 - Yes

2 - Not particularly -- do you mean deck chairs or the seats at the show?

3 - Depends on what you mean by late dinner -- are 8 and 8:30 late enough?

4 - As stated earlier -- beds are heavenly, previous poster took the words right out of my mouth

 

Yes there are internet packages -- if you buy on the first day there are usually extra minutes included. Usually (unless it has changed since December) $55 for 100 minutes, $100 for 250 minutes or a straight $.75/minute. I bring my lap top so that I can compose off line and maximize the use of the time I pay for. There is an internet cafe, and there are also several wi-fi "hot spots" around the ship. I usually prefer the large desks facing the ocean in the library so that I can type and enjoy the view at the same time. Others prefer the views and internet from the Crow's Nest.

[cruznon]

Karen

You're gonna love HAL!

[karen2cruz]

Thanks Arzz & Cruznon.

 

re: internet - Ususally my DH brings the laptop but since he is not coming I will probably get the 100 minute pkg to just check email for the most part (and Cruisecritic of course).

[dakrewser]

Thanks WindyCity.

 

Another question - how much is the internet and are there package prices?

 

You'll find all the info you need at the Digital Seas web site - HAL's shipboard ISP.

[doone]

Welcome to HAL and congratulations on your sons scholarships, how wonderful is that.

 

The best on HAL are the best you can find on the seas or even at home!!!! You won't want to get up in the morning.

 

Enjoy your cruise.