4th of July

Does HAL do anything special on July 4th? We will be on Veendam at Half Moon Kay from 7 to 3.

The only thing we had on my cruise last July was some special selections at dinner, which included Boston baked beans, and corn on the cob. I think fried chicken was an entrée, but can't remember for certain.

There was nothing else to note the date. Perhaps that was because we were in Europe, and there were a lot of non-Americans???

The ships are not American...and Independence day is an American holiday. The rest of the world doesn't give a fig!

The ships are not American...and Independence day is an American holiday. The rest of the world doesn't give a fig!

HAL realizes who is predominantly on cruises like the OP, and may do some small things to acknowledge the holiday. Just like they do on Thanksgiving, another America only holiday.

When was the last time you sailed on an American only holiday?

HAL realizes who is predominantly on cruises like the OP, and may do some small things to acknowledge the holiday. Just like they do on Thanksgiving, another America only holiday.

 

When was the last time you sailed on an American only holiday?

Oh? You may hold it on a different date, but Thanksgiving is not a solely American Holiday.

We were on the Westerdam over the 4th on our last Alaska cruise, as I recall there was a 4th-themed bar-b-que that night as we returned from shore excursions.

Oh? You may hold it on a different date, but Thanksgiving is not a solely American Holiday.

Do you have it for the same reason Americans do?

I would expect July 4 to be celebrated a little differently on a ship in American waters in Alaska than on a ship in Europe.

Do you have it for the same reason Americans do?

While there may be difference in the history and details of the annual holidays, both celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year.

Does HAL do anything special on July 4th? We will be on Veendam at Half Moon Kay from 7 to 3.

The main dining room was decorated with red, white, and blue bunting and balloons, but I don't remember if there was anything different on the menu.

Our cruise two years ago started on July 4th. They had some nice decorations in the dining room. The menu reflected the holiday too. So, I guess someone DID "give a fig". :) :)

The ships are indeed EU territory, but the company is American owned with a large US Passenger base so some reminder is appropriate, as long as it does not alienate the other passengers.

I have been on board HAL ships when they acknowledged Canadian Thanksgiving, and also Canada Day, with an announcement by the cruise director, decorations including flags, even a cocktail reception one time (we had a lot of Canadians on board). Can't speak for American Independence day, as we're typically at home for that holiday.

One caveat: Things have changed so much on HAL in the last year, that I can't guarantee the situation going forward will be the same regarding holidays. On Memorial Day which took place during our recent last cruise, the CD made an announcement, but there was nothing done, even privately, to honor the many veterans on board (we had many nationalities on the itinerary). That's HAL's prerogative, and I can understand the issues involved.

If a holiday is meaningful to an individual passenger, I would suggest perhaps bringing along some decorations that symbolize or reflect the day for display in one's cabin.

The ships are not American...and Independence day is an American holiday. The rest of the world doesn't give a fig!

You'd be surprised.

Walking through Edinburgh Castle one July 4th, a guard wished me a "Happy Birthday"! I got a very confused look on my face, and he explained "Your country!"

I hear they are planning big things for Oprah's birthday :D:D:D

I have been on board HAL ships when they acknowledged Canadian Thanksgiving, and also Canada Day, with an announcement by the cruise director, decorations including flags, even a cocktail reception one time (we had a lot of Canadians on board).

Thanks, Mom, good to know. We've not cruised over any holiday, other than Easter, and had no idea whether or not celebrates Canadian holidays.

On Memorial Day which took place during our recent last cruise, the CD made an announcement, but there was nothing done, even privately, to honor the many veterans on board (we had many nationalities on the itinerary).

Memorial Day isn’t for living veterans (that is for Veteran’s Day in November). Memorial Day is to recognize those who served who have passed on.

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Memorial Day isn’t for living veterans (that is for Veteran’s Day in November). Memorial Day is to recognize those who served who have passed on.

 

 

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Thank you. You are correct. I apologize. What I should have said is that there were numerous veterans on board, some of whom wished to hold a memorial service in honor of their fallen comrades. The priest on board was willing to hold an interdenominational memorial service in observance of the holiday. The cruise director told them that HAL corporate hq said "no".

What do they do for Black Friday?

What do they do for Black Friday?

Great sales in the shops?

What do they do for Black Friday?

Perhaps the shops on board have a massive deck sale:D:p