Reds4life

I was hoping to book excursions ahead of time and then pay once onboard with OBC. Is there a way to do this? I am new to the website and it seems to not allow this, also does not allow me to add/delete items from the cart, and does not provide many details of what is included on the excursion. Tried to call the toll free number and got two different uninformed agents that really could not understand my question (yes, I do have an accent from Southern Ohio) and put me on hold and then hung up. TIA

I have never heard MSCs pizza sucks but to each their own

We are Diamond on MSC and getting ready for our first cruise on HAL. I can't compare yet, but I can tell you MSC has amazing pizza 🙂 Shows are good if you are ok with more theatrical type visual performances. They don't have much dialogue but lots of dance, acrobatics, music, and elaborate costumes. Many different nationalities on MSC ships. MSC ships are very well kept and clean. MSC does have some evening deck parties and an active nightlife, but not a "party" ship like Carnival.

When I booked HAL they told me they were "premium" 🙂 But, I did have lobster on Royal Caribbean and shrimp on most nights in the MDR but never on the buffet. I wouldn't consider them premium at all. But, I am sure we will enjoy and be grateful for whatever we are offered. Thanks to everyone for the information. It does sound like HAL has a better buffet than most.

How about lobster, shrimp, crab legs? Any of those on Lido or in MDR?

Gosh that sounds amazing! Can't wait until Dec 29

Sounds like two very good options. I am primarily concerned with whether the buffet has the beef choices that the MDR does. I like steak, prime rib, tenderloin, etc and lots of it. I would love to see prime rib on a buffet. Also, does HAL have lobster on formal night? I am a bit disappointed that the MDR has the shorts rule but will pack one or two pair of khakis I suppose just to appease. Can you wear shorts on non formal nights? If you order the MDR choices for room service, can you order more than one entree?

We are going on our first HAL cruise from Dec 29 to Jan 3. Upon looking at some of the menu posted online, it appears that the buffet on HAL is a little more extensive than other cruise lines particularly for dinner. Is this generally true? Can you get the same entrees on the Lido buffet as the MDR on most nights? This is of great importance to us because our cruise is a Caribbean cruise and we like to pack light if we can. We only dress up for formal nights if the menu is really good compared to the buffet. Thus, if the buffet has the same dishes then we would rather pass on the dress up. Any information is appreciated as always

Thanks that is good to know! I think they will definitely try the pizza regardless but generally have been a bit spoiled by MSC with pizza, but RCCL pizza was ok as well. I was kinda hoping for the NY Deli kind but I am sure we will manage lol 🙂

Man that's what I was afraid of. My kiddos are pizza snobs and only like quality. Although they did like Royal Caribbean's ok. MSC was top notch.

I have seen the NY Deli and Pizza advertised on some of the other ships, but does Zuiderdam have pizza? Is it the hand-made crust, freshly baked variety?

Proud to be from Appalachia. Born and raised. I try to make the world a better place everywhere I go.

That's what I am talking about

I have the AMEX Gold Delta card and I don't see the offer. Hoping that it does work for it though

I am only referring to the main dining room. If I am reading this correctly, no additional charges for multiple entrees, apps, or desserts in MDR? Just making sure

I can relate. I almost always order two entrees - usually one beef or chicken and the other seafood. Usually a soup and salad as well. Thanks

I saw this mentioned in another thread that there is possibly a limit on the number of appetizers or entrees in the main dining room? Is that true?

I am sold lol. Waiting on the rest of the group to be all in.

You are correct. Sorry. I agree with you. Thanks to those that have offered very meaningful content, suggestions, and descriptions of the onboard experience.

As an educator, I encourage students to listen to others questions and try and formulate an answer to the question given and try and contribute to any discussion. Many on here did not read the details about our family and our preferences and ignored our questions. They gave opinions on non-relevant topics which were not applicable to any of the items I asked advice on. I have no idea why you would get on this thread and spout off about "seeking confirmation, not advice" when you don't know our family. The advice we are seeking is specific and the advice which is irrelevant is not useful. Also as an educator, I stress that if you don't have anything important to say other than attack others then you keep quiet. Try it.

We are still considering Zuiderdam. Again, my kids absolutely do NOT want to meet other kids or attend a glorified babysitting kids club. They HATE the kids clubs. That is not what they are looking for at all. I think they are going to be fine with the daily activities as we tend to do things together and enjoy the outside. I was happy to see some of the itineraries have the cooking shows available and comedians. That is a very good thing for us to attend. I think our problem is that we want to see some evening entertainment that we can do together. Again, NOT kids clubs or sitting around drinking listening to classical music. We don't drink nor listen to classical music. Just an evening show of some type in the main theater should be a minimum. We very much always communicate extensively with our kids. We are educators and very much understand child development. They are very independent and do not like going on vacation to meet other kids. We go to enjoy our time together doing something different. The "different" is what I am looking for from Holland

Just want to say thanks to everyone who provided information. I honestly have to say I have my reservations about HAL. I am ok with something different, but it seems like they don't really put much effort into basic things like entertaining their guests. We like to feel like we are getting something special for our money when we travel. We enjoy just the basics of relaxing in a lounger and enjoying the sun, but also like to know that there are some other activities to do. Seems like HAL comes across as lazy or just not caring to try in this area. Some of you mentioned that my 82 year old mother would enjoy this ship. May I ask why you feel that way?

Question about the Amber Cove port...it says Day 3 9am then Day 4 depart 2am. Does this mean Day 3 9am arrival and stay that entire day then ANOTHER whole day then leave at 2am? Or just arrive at 9am and leave at 2am basically 2 hours after midnight of Day 3? Then Day 4 is a sea day?

Sorry, but the post is specific to this ship in the given time frame.

We only have a limited time frame after Christmas and this is the ship that works for that.