Considering Holland America - Please Advise

[rimurphy]

My wife and I have cruised with three other cruise lines and have always said we should try Holland America. We started with Carnival twenty some years ago and moved progressively into a better fit for our age and lifestyle.

 

We're late 40's, not into the late night party scene every night, but also not the kind to turn in soon after the sun goes down. We're both medical professionals that work way too hard and far too many hours. We desperately are looking for a cruise that better matches our likes and wishes. Does it seem like HAL would be a good fit?

[RuthC]

From what you've said about yourselves, it sounds like you're a good fit. HAL is more of a traditional, yet relaxed, cruiseline. It's fresh flowers, polished brass, outdoor teak decks with teak steamer loungers.

There are nighttime activities---a show, light classical musicians, a piano lounge of some sort, dance venue, and disco. There's also a movie shown. So it isn't necessary to go to bed too early, although most everything closes down by midnight.

Food is good; service is excellent. Beds are wonderful! Artwork makes for a pretty atmosphere.

[alki_feek]

My husband and I cruised with HAL the first time when we were 46 and loved it! We're going on our fifth cruise with HAL this November.

[foodgirl]

I am 42 and will be going on my 4th HAL cruise in November. I like a relaxed atmosphere with activities available if I choose. I love the wonderful library as I love to find a chair and read the day away by the pool. I always take in a movie and sometimes a show. The piano bar is always fun if you like such things. I find the beds fabulous as Ruth mentioned...my husband wants to buy one!! :D I have been on other lines before and have made the change to HAL as my need for late nights and parties has gone away. That being said I always have a wonderful time on my cruises and meet the best cruisers at sea IMO. This forum is a great way to learn about HAL.....happy cruising whatever you choose.

[Backstage Traveler]

HAL has good food, great service, no hairy chest contests, water slide or rock climbing wall. There are musicians (jazz and classical), shows (magician, Broadway-style productions and singers) and cooking and computer classes. There is a night club and casino, but neither were particularly busy on our cruise on the Zuiderdam last month.

If this sounds good to you, then go for it! We are in our early 40s and enjoyed our only HAL cruise very much. We are also busy medical professionals, and came back rested, relaxed, and ready to jump back into the fray.

[Himself]

My wife and I have cruised with three other cruise lines and have always said we should try Holland America. We started with Carnival twenty some years ago and moved progressively into a better fit for our age and lifestyle.

 

We're late 40's, not into the late night party scene every night, but also not the kind to turn in soon after the sun goes down. We're both medical professionals that work way too hard and far too many hours. We desperately are looking for a cruise that better matches our likes and wishes. Does it seem like HAL would be a good fit?

 

Frankly, I think you would be a good fit for Holland America Line.

[fridayeyes]

I've been cruising HAL since my mid-30s, and I love it. My idea of a good time is standing at the rail watching the water go by, catching a movie, lingering over after-dinner coffee while chatting with my cruise pal, having a cocktail in the Crow's Nest and reading my book, trivia, listening to jazz, live piano or the string quartet, etc.

 

I like the cooking classes and the afternoon tea. I like getting DVDs from the front desk and watching a movie while writing.

[tangerinebunny]

My husband and I are retired academics; we enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and elegant surroundings that HAL provides.

 

HAL's ships have never given us that crowded stressed feeling that can result from too many passengers per square inch, and, in general, we've enjoyed meeting the other guests.

 

Add to that spacious rooms, a well trained service staff, and those lovely beds.

 

No cruise line is perfect, but we're happiest sailing with HAL.

[richnorto]

Our Family loves HAL as well! We are 47 & 55. The food is good, the laid back atmosphere is nice and we always love the space in the rooms and the wonderful staff! Our children (teens to 20) meet nice people their age on the Holiday cruise - not many young children but always a small group of teens! The casino is friendly and the line has no problem with bringing on your own favorite wine (or Diet Mt. Dew)! As mentioned, there is not a lot of late night partying, but we enjoy ourselves!:D

[Richie2pies]

HAL doesn't have that many rowdy kids either if you stay away from a 7 day cruise during a time the kids are off from school. Not much for kids to do.

[tcook052]

Does it seem like HAL would be a good fit?

 

The default answer to that question here on the HAL board would of course be yes but that doesn't mean it isn't true as I also think you'd enjoy the experience as do I and I'm pretty much in the same age group.

 

Out of curiosity what did you like about the cruise lines you've sailed with and what didn't you like?

[fleckle]

Tcook052 is right. People could give you much better answers if you would specifically state what you are looking for and what you would like to avoid.

 

It would help to draw a wider range of responses if you would post your request for advice on the boards of all the cruise lines you would consider, since most people who regularly frequent any cruise line board are there because they favor that particular cruise line.

[rimurphy]

Thank you for the words of wisdom. We will be booking a HAL cruise in the very near future.:D

[CPAMom]

We just returned from our first HAL cruise (to Alaska) on Saturday. Our two previous cruises were Disney and Royal Caribbean. I can honestly say I enjoyed this one the most. DH and I are mid-40s and I was concerned that we wouldn't feel part of the general demographic. That wasn't the case at all. The ship felt relaxed and entertaining, not crazy and frantic. We found plenty of friendly people to talk to of all ages (including ours) and our 13 year old DD also had plenty to keep her occupied. I don't think I'd pick HAL if I had very young children - but it was fine for young teens.

 

We're planning another RC cruise next spring with some friends and the fact that we really like HAL so much has me wondering about that. But HAL doesn't have the itinerary we want, so it's not an option.

 

Happy sailing

[iancal]

I think that either HAL or Celebrity would meet your requirements. Both are excellent.

 

I also think that the ship is as, or sometimes more, important than the cruise line . Prior to booking, you may want to do some research on your shortlisted ships. We have found significant differences between ships that go beyond the size and passenger count of the ship.

[leonardofan]

We just returned from our first HAL cruise (to Alaska) on Saturday. Our two previous cruises were Disney and Royal Caribbean. I can honestly say I enjoyed this one the most. DH and I are mid-40s and I was concerned that we wouldn't feel part of the general demographic. That wasn't the case at all. The ship felt relaxed and entertaining, not crazy and frantic. We found plenty of friendly people to talk to of all ages (including ours) and our 13 year old DD also had plenty to keep her occupied. I don't think I'd pick HAL if I had very young children - but it was fine for young teens.

 

We're planning another RC cruise next spring with some friends and the fact that we really like HAL so much has me wondering about that. But HAL doesn't have the itinerary we want, so it's not an option.

 

Happy sailing

 

If you liked HAL and want to try the competition I'd look at Celebrity

before Royal Caribbean--like with Carnival's brands, there's a BIG

difference between them. (I agree with your encouragement to the

folks asking about HAL)