For Those Recently on HAL & Who Also Travel Oceania

[serendipity1499]

We loved HAL's Amsterdam and then went on the Zaandam and were cured from HAL.

I'm sure you know that HAL was acquired by Carnival and on our Zaandam cruise it was so obvious that they were moving towards the Carnival cruise experience. We don't like Carnival so when we choose a HAL cruise, we want a HAL cruise, not a wanna be Carnival cruise. "quote

 

I find this statement very amusing ..How long ago did you travel on HAL &/or Carnival?

 

Since 1989 -19 years ago Hal became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Cruise Corporation-NOT Carnival Cruise Lines..

 

Each and every cruise line which comes under the umbrella of the Carnival Cruise Corporation is completely autonomous.. Carnival does not dictate to HAL... HAL's top Management makes all their own decisions so don't blame Carnival for them..Blame it on the cost's of doing business, such as fuel & food today..Cruise fares have not substantially increased in 20 years, so it stands to reason that costs have to be cut somewhere..Hence you always see it in Service & Food..

 

The one good thing about Carnival owning HAL & other lines is that t they can bid on futures..They can purchase needed fuel & materials in larger quantities rather than on an individual Cruise Line basis..Stockholders (of 100 shares or more ) in Carnival Corp. will get a small discount on HAL..

 

We have over 100 days on various HAL ships..The food on the Amsterdam around South America in 2003 was wonderful & the food on the Prinsendam (25 days) to the Amazon in April 2006, was even better.

 

One complaint on the Regatta, was there were not enough lounges on the Promenade Deck for us to go out & enjoy the sea in peace & quiet on the Regatta..Most of the lounges were on the pool deck where it's hotter & noisier..We love to sit on the Promenade Decks on HAL ships!

Realize food is subjective so this is strictly my opinion..

 

The food in the GDR on the Regatta was equal to the Prinsendam.. Basically it was excellent food, but on several occasions I did not enjoy my meal at all..I could never let our waiters know this, as did not want them to rush to get me another meal... They are always so accomodating..Hey I've made a meal at home that was not always up to par!;)

 

Polo & Toscana were excellent, but became boring to me as our DH's wanted to eat in them a couple of times a week & the menu was always the same in both places...I enjoyed Polo more than Toscana, as was married into an Italian family that were superb cooks..I've also traveled quite extensively (35 years in the Travel field) & really enjoy trying varied cuisine & different dishes from all over the world..We had varied Menus in the GDR, which I really enjoyed...

 

Lunches were in the Buffets & enjoy HaL's pasta bar much more than on Oceania..Also HAL's Bread Pudding was to die for!:) :) Only got to eat in Tappas once, not outside as it was raining, but will definitely try it on our next cruise..

 

Our outside cabin on the Prinsendam was much larger than the Regatta..Love the walk in closets on the Prinsendam but we managed to get all of our things put away on the Regatta.. Also missed not having the bag of laundry done for $15.00 on the Regatta...I did our laundry once..Not enough machines & wish they would offer all you can stuff into a bag for a set price...

 

The service on the Regatta was the best we've ever had! The Concierge, Bruno Haag was incredible & went out of his way to assist our Cruise Critic Group with a coffee, & then he designed, printed up & sent invitations to all of our group for a luncheon in the GDR..

 

Filipe Martens the Charming Restaurant Mgr. was always around & about in all the Restaurants, checking to see that all the passengers were well taken care of...All of the Head Waiters, the Regular waiters, Assistants, people behind the scenes, room stewards, as well as Management wished us a good Morning, Afternoon or Evening & thanked us for coming into their restaurant umpteen times & always with a smile..Even the chap polishing the banister, bid us Good Day with a cheery smile!We could not walk with a cup of coffee or a plate in the Terrace Grill without someone running to help us..At times I felt like an OLD LADY...LOL..

 

And we also enjoyed the Excellent Burger's, hot dogs, shakes & Ice cream...

 

We thoroughly enjoyed our Regatta (26 day) cruise to the Amazon in Dec 2007 & are looking forward to another Oceania cruise in the near future.....(yes did the Amazon twice...:o LOL)

 

All in all I agree Oceania is much better than HAL, but I would still travel on HAL if we found an interesting itinerary & a good price..;)

 

Again JMHO..Cheers..:) Betty

[Jancruz]

I am looking forward to going on the Amazon trip 11/25/08 Any tips you can give me would be greatly appreciated..I hear you bring candy and toys for the kids in the small Amazon town..

Thanks,

Jancruz1

[serendipity1499]

I am looking forward to going on the Amazon trip 11/25/08 Any tips you can give me would be greatly appreciated..I hear you bring candy and toys for the kids in the small Amazon town..

Thanks,

Jancruz1

 

Jan.. We loved the Amazon..When you get to Manaus, take the Stearns or Amsterdam Sauer Shuttle to the Hotel..In the back of the Hotel is a small well kept zoo, which you will enjoy..Be sure to take the boat ride to the Meeting of the Waters & the jungle ride..You can book either on the ship or on the dock..We did the Opera house on our own the first time..A guide from Amsterdam Sauer took us there..Found that you can bargain with Amsterdam Sauer more than Stearns for jewelry etc.I've purchased a couple of beautiful parrot statues from them..

 

The small Indian village is Boca da Valeria..(mouth of the Valeria River). We love that little village..Read on the ports of call site where people brought things to the kids & school..We drive to the port, so no worries about being overweight..They will only take 200 visitors at a time, as they don't want to over run the village...It's very hot so wear light clothing, a hat & use lots of sunblock..

 

When the ships come in (only a few times a year) school is closed..My friend & I went to our dollar store (everything is only a dollar here) & got a boxes of crayons, pencils, pens, hair clips, toys, small cars, coloring books, stickers, combs, tooth brushes & paste..etc. You name it we had it..During the year we print so much & waste so much paper..Have a paper cutter & made small pads out of all our scraps...the kids love them.. Purchased post it notes at staples..(a better buy than the dollar store)

 

Had several flight bags full of goodies for the kids..Took some of those small shampoos, lotions, baby powders, soaps (Hotel give aways) saved from our various trips, for the ladies..Friends also donated a few things..Didn't take any clothing, but there are some cute Baby things in the Dollar store, such as socks etc..Fortunately our DH's did not complain & helped to carry the load...Didn't take candy as figured they don't have dental service readily available..

 

Our DH's took most of the things up to the school, but my friend & I were mobbed by the kids & their Mothers..We opened up our satchels & handed things out in the town..I broke open a pack of a hundred hair clips & had a wonderful time putting it in the girls & babies hair..

 

The Regatta Crew took up a collection & I believe raised about about $2500...(not sure of that figure) They bought all kinds of toys etc. for Christmas presents for the kids...Santa Claus, played by the Casino Mgr., took all the goodies up to the school & handed them out to the kids..Still remember this tiny little boy of about four or five opening up his bag & discovering a soccer ball..His eyes lit up & he screeched with delight.. It brought tears to our eyes..

 

Many kids dress in costume..If you take their picture be sure to give them $1.00...Throughout the Amazon you'll see some very attractive wooden carvings..We purchased several of them on Boca da Valeria..In Parentins bought some feather headdresses for the grand kids..

 

As soon as the tours come out, be sure to sign up for the Ships tour of the "Boi Bumba Festival" in Parentins..Don't wait till you get on the ship as they can only take a few hundred people & it's always booked up....You can walk up to the theater or hire a triclycle..We hired a tricycle for $20.00 to take us around Parentins for about an hour during the day...Lots of fun but be sure to get one with grab bars...Its a bumpy ride..;)

 

In Santerem took a ships tour out into the Jungle which was very interesting.. Went to an old Manoc (sp?) flour factory & also showed us how they extract latex from the rubber trees..

 

Carry a poncho or Umbrella..It rains quite often.. Have fun planning your trip..

:) Betty

[esther e]

And keep your eyes open for the interesting flying creatures that come aboard in Santerem. In the evening they'll be on the decks....until the crew comes along and sprays, etc.