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Posts
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Joined
About Me
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Location
NE
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Interests
snorkel, SCUBA, hiking, kayaking, reading, yoga, movies, plays, music
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Favorite Cruise Line(s)
No idea
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Favorite Cruise Destination Or Port of Call
Depends
coolbluegreenseas's Achievements
Cool Cruiser (2/15)
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NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
The time of year you sailed is likely why there were 160 children on the Carnival cruise opposed to appealing to a different demographic. Go over spring break and you’ll see many children on any 7 day mass market cruise. Now, the scooter set and a mosh pit might actually be worth checking out! 🤣 -
NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
We are going to agree to disagree on this subject as your experience and mine are absolutely the opposite. -
NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
That very well maybe true, but families are also notoriously poor tippers. Why, you ask? Well, the family has pretty much blown their budget on everything else which leaves the hospitality crew out to dry. But, CCL/HAL does not care about that as it does not affect shareholder value. It hurts the people who actually work on the ship. Best tippers? Boomers followed by GenX. -
NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
Well, I can tell you that would be a hard no on seating at that table. -
NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
My guess is you will find entitled parents result in poorly behaved children. -
NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
Ah, exactly why I chose the Caribbean for our December cruise: we are only getting off once. I want to enjoy the ship while everyone else is gone. For hubby and I, this is pretty much a cruise to nowhere. Also, we have seen enough of the Caribbean to know we have seen enough of the Caribbean. -
NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
Actually, Carnival is the opposite of refined, so if HAL is marketed to refined adults, it is nothing like a Carnival cruise. Or are you suggesting HAL is becoming Carnival without the moshpit? 😋 -
NEVER book a 7 day Caribbean Cruise on HAL
coolbluegreenseas replied to Real NHDOC's topic in Holland America Line
As previously noted, there are cruise lines that are child free. Also, there are lines such as Windstar that restrict smaller children, but allow older kids with the caveat that parents are responsible for entertaining their child. In general, it keeps most adults with kids, off. Now, as far as the OP indicated, they went at one of the worse times possible for the kiddos. Schools break between Palm Sunday and Easter increasing the likelihood of a large number of little people on board. But, here is the beautiful thing: traveling a week or 2 before/after will result in reduced fares and smaller crowds. I planned my (almost) birthday cruise around Christmas by selecting the week before winter break which means lower fares and fewer people. If you are unhappy with HAL, that is fine. Cruise lines are businesses and their first priority is the shareholders with customers a distant second. The best way to get their attention is by hitting them at the bottomline and spending your money with a line that meets your expectations. If there is enough of a downturn in revenue, they’ll pivot. -
NEWS FLASH: HAL to favor Triples and Quads
coolbluegreenseas replied to crystalspin's topic in Holland America Line
Honestly, I do not think CCL has any idea what to do with HAL. The low entry line, Carnival appeals to families and budget minded tourists. The upper end cruise line, Seabourn, captures the attention of more affluent, more luxury minded cruisers. Where does this leave HAL? The business people clearly do not know. Why they don’t pivot to an adult only line that attracts couples or groups who are childfree or not interested in traveling with children is perplexing. DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) have money and time to travel. You’re welcome, CCL. -
NEWS FLASH: HAL to favor Triples and Quads
coolbluegreenseas replied to crystalspin's topic in Holland America Line
I think so. I don’t use the casinos so it is not something I take into consideration. I will tell you I was looking at Virgin, but I couldn’t get the dates to line up. I had a very specific period in mind that is close to my birthday but still a shoulder season period. Overall, I liked HAL the last time I boarded and I am sure I will this time, too. -
NEWS FLASH: HAL to favor Triples and Quads
coolbluegreenseas replied to crystalspin's topic in Holland America Line
I sailed Windstar in the South Pacific during August of 2023. It was one of the sailing vessels and you actually get to know people. Also, you need to be able to entertain yourself (I read 6 books). You know you are on a ship and not a floating hotel. This is why I came back to HAL as the largest vessels are still relatively small in comparison to the RCCL monsters. Full transparency: I looked at Windstar during the period I wanted, but couldn’t get it to line up. I suspect you’ll like it. -
NEWS FLASH: HAL to favor Triples and Quads
coolbluegreenseas replied to crystalspin's topic in Holland America Line
Or perhaps, with a little imagination, HAL should go the Virgin route and make their cruises kid free. I stay away from ships that cater to families as children can negatively impact any given experience or vacation. Right now, HAL markets to older, more affluent adults, but if that changes, so will my choices. -
NEWS FLASH: HAL to favor Triples and Quads
coolbluegreenseas replied to crystalspin's topic in Holland America Line
All while sharing one bathroom? That does not sound like a vacation but a test in patience. -
Air Tahiti Nui Strike and air/cruise package
coolbluegreenseas replied to coolbluegreenseas's topic in Windstar Cruises
Well, that was fun: https://www.airtahitinui.com/us-en/air-tahiti-nui-strike-update Strike over. -
Considering the nonsense going on with Air Tahiti Nui, booking the airfare separately makes canceling the flights easier. Right now, I am on TN flights and if I’d booked separately, I’d probably cancel the flights and rebook on AF. Hopefully, the strike is resolved in the next 2 days or so. If not, I am calling Windstar to find out my options. From now on, I book all air separately.