Jump to content

Out of all the cut backs over the years, what is the one thing ...


sassy~one
 Share

Recommended Posts

So many many things

The several music venues that have disappeared

The special lunches and teas that were already mentioned

More staff

Cruise director helpers that had special games with actual prizes

Daily quiz with actual prizes

More staff

On deck BBQ

Special desert night

More staff

 

I was actually bored in the evening on my last cruise so I am jumping to Carnival hoping there is more to do in the evening besides gambling and drinking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Cruise Log given as a history at the end of the cruise. We cruise for the sailing experience and seeing different things. This was a wonderful keepsake of ports, weather, and unique events. We want it back!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So many many things

The several music venues that have disappeared

The special lunches and teas that were already mentioned

More staff

Cruise director helpers that had special games with actual prizes

Daily quiz with actual prizes

More staff

On deck BBQ

Special desert night

More staff

 

I was actually bored in the evening on my last cruise so I am jumping to Carnival hoping there is more to do in the evening besides gambling and drinking.

 

Great post! I’d add bring back the Crow’s Nest to what it was in the early to mid 90’s.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great post! I’d specifically add bring back the Crow’s Nest to what it was in the early to mid 90’s.

 

My first HAL cruise was only 5 years ago, but the Crows Nest was still the first thing that came to my mind. On my last HAL cruise, I missed the solo guitarist in the evenings. The CN was a ghost town at night. It was depressing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So many many things

The several music venues that have disappeared

The special lunches and teas that were already mentioned

More staff

Cruise director helpers that had special games with actual prizes

Daily quiz with actual prizes

More staff

On deck BBQ

Special desert night

More staff

 

I was actually bored in the evening on my last cruise so I am jumping to Carnival hoping there is more to do in the evening besides gambling and drinking.

 

Music and entertainment on every Carnival cruise on which I have sailed has been excellent and most enjoyable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Cruise Log given as a history at the end of the cruise. We cruise for the sailing experience and seeing different things. This was a wonderful keepsake of ports, weather, and unique events. We want it back!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

So agree. It's a little thing but the one thing we always bring home and save.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most missed are the many musicians that we no longer see

Librarians, internet techs, staff at soooo many positions...

Enrichment lecturers on many itineraries, especially the shorter itineraries

So now that I look at this list, I see it's mostly staff.

 

But I also miss the better food we used to have in the MDR. It's still good, but not great.

 

Overall, not much is excellent anymore, but we still cruise so I guess if people continue to buy the product, why improve it? We're not likely to pay the prices of the luxury lines so we enjoy HAL for the itineraries as well as a relaxing vacation. HAL, IMHO is still a good vacation value. m--

Link to comment
Share on other sites

#1: The warm/hot hors d'oeuvres served in all of the Lounges during scheduled Happy Hour times as well as during the hours prior to all seating times for Dinner without having to expect the guest requesting such.

 

#2: A Welcome On-Board Program during the first Gala Night where the Captain introduces his Senior Officers.

 

#3: The Disembarkation Speech by the Cruise Director can surely be dispensed with. But, the Farewell "show" from the Cruise Staff and the available (maybe assigned) crew has always made an indelible impression on my travelling companions and me. I've seen tears from fellow guests leaving these presentations and I will admit that my eyes have been more than moist as well.

 

#4: Holland is noted for its flowers. The reduced public displays of floral creations, as well as the rather unusual (probably very modern, I suppose) flower arrangements is something that I have noticed.

 

#5: A Pinnacle Grill issue: Grass fed beef, currently served in the PG, is no where near the quality of taste, in my opinion, as the Sterling Silver Beef that previously had been served. The entire PG experience currently does not meet what those specialty restaurants provided (and the name for those restaurants escapes me right now) when they were introduced on the ships.

 

#6: Upon embarking, there would be a Supervisor from some Department welcoming one aboard. There would be a line of Stewards near. He would then direct one to take my carry-on and escort me to my stateroom.

 

#7: An unrestricted and no extra cost (other than for alcoholic drinks) for Breakfast items Room Service Menu.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1. More staff - there are simply too few on all ships these days

2. "tipping not required" policy - this was a nice touch that set HAL apart as it was never required or expected and truly at guests discretion

3. More staff

4. More and varied live music acts throughout the ship

5. More staff

6. Daily hot/cold hors d'oeuvres served in all the lounges before dinner

7. More staff .....

need I beat a dead horse and say that staffing cutbacks on ALL cruise lines (not just HAL) is noticeable and degraded the overall experience?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The cruise log, lots of crew in MDR, delivery of newspapers to Neptune Suites )or "S" uiges, as they were called a the time , each prrt cay. We'd get a USA today or International Herald each port day. I miss suite welcome a board party . Suite dinner. Dutch Nigh t in MDR Dover Sole, no sugar added cheesecake for dessert. Who is Mr , Ms,, of whicheve ship we ar sailing. It was a fun 'get to know people game. Some tthing decent to buy intghe shops on board. Hot hors douerves out of the brass server during cocktail hour in Ocean Bar. Cruise Direcgftors tthat w really were cruise staff and not only announcers.

Trays of veggies p;assed in ,MDR by sewards for individual service when our entrees were delivered. Adagio Sgrings playingg live music in MDR during dinner as lovely bakcground music. It was so nice.Bath and hand towels with HAL log monogrammed in blue embroidery on each. speak of HAL logo,,,,,,,,,

his new one is ridiculous waste of money. Nothing a bout it is better than the former.

 

Capttains toast in show lounge where he would inroduce senior offficers.

 

sit down, mariners patrty, on formal nights, in show lounge. Captain and Hotel Manager always spoke and presented medallions.

 

I miss Northwest clam chowder and French onion soup in Pinnacle grill.

 

By comparison, IMO< gthe FUN is gone fromm HAL. Oh my,the fun, fun, fun we usedt o have.

The ship building contests. The horse races.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would like to see the return of the "Yum-Yum Man" in uniform on a consistent basis. He should chime the traditional notes announcing dinner and be stationed at the dining room exit to dispense mints, ginger, etc. This was one of the unique hallmarks of cruising on a Holland America ship for many years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Q The wonderful staff. Our first cruise with HAL was in 1979, we could always depend on them to be right there, have time to talk and offer the best service we have ever experienced. We have continued to sail with HAL over the years, but service has gone they way of chasing the almighty $$$. :loudcry:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Winter Caribbean cruises from New York, or at least Norfolk Sufficient staff to maintain the level of service for which HAL was known. A real library. The atmosphere (YES!!!!: the dreaded dress code - which set a standard which helped make evenings special. The live music in several venues .

 

I suppose these throwbacks might cost higher fares - and possibly drive away those who regularly insist that what people wear does not effect the flavor of the food.

But then, somehow - before anytime dining came in - and people cleaned themselves up and changed from their playclothesc - there usually were compatible groups at dinner table -- maybe the old crowd had something...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...