sppunk Posted February 26, 2013 #26 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The most comfortable mattress you'll find on a cruise ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
respondeat.cruiser Posted February 26, 2013 #27 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The retractable glass ceiling over the midship lido pool! Keeps you dry in the rain, warm in the cold, cool in the heat, and less sunburn prone all around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammygoose Posted February 26, 2013 #28 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Fresh flowers! Such small things make a big difference. Lack of neon and constant paging The quiet confidence that they are doing things the right way I wish I had better words but the time and space to do it your way...no subtle pressure to be something you are not or participate in things and games you are not. No hairy legs or belly flop contests. No pressure to have that extra drink or party because it is the 'fun'ship. Just be, relax and enjoy. Great crew,great itinerary. You can find what you are looking for if you want to look for it, nothing is forced on you. Perhaps it is the understated Dutch way but it works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Reid Posted February 26, 2013 #29 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I "bounce" from line to line, also. But when I want the cruise to be more elegant, traditional, laid back, I look to HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Jedi Posted February 26, 2013 #30 Share Posted February 26, 2013 1st will be the Blue Hull that you'll notice:) Joanie I seriously thought HAL ships were black. Now I feel like a doofus. :o I've never seen one in person though...maybe this spring (fingers crossed). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kesstral Posted February 26, 2013 #31 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The most comfortable mattress you'll find on a cruise ship. I am really looking forward to this! My last cruise the bed was horrible :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English_in_Spain Posted February 26, 2013 #32 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The feeling that you are on a ship at sea rather than a floating hotel where you sometimes forget you are on the ocean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momatibm Posted February 26, 2013 #33 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Room Service on HAL beats all -- hot breakfast options, ability to write in things like eggs benedict if dining room is open. Ability to order from the MDR dinner menu when MDR open(time frame varies). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted February 26, 2013 #34 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The lack of a "crowded" feeling, less pax and smaller ship. Another poster said it, "no neon", flashing lights, loud music everywhere, or constant announcements. You can actually find areas on the HAL ship where it si peaceful and quiet so you can sit and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Great food and friendly service. It is enough for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cate54 Posted February 26, 2013 #35 Share Posted February 26, 2013 the amazing crew, and the understated elegance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseapril Posted February 26, 2013 #36 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Enjoy the artwork and displays on HAL ships and the decor which includes the fresh flowers and interesting lamps. We kept taking photos of the lamps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janmcn Posted February 26, 2013 #37 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Ditto the Promenade Deck…my favorite! Size of cabins and baths…and library!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseapril Posted February 26, 2013 #38 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Yes- the libraries- so comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seamist Posted February 26, 2013 #39 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Some of the things that I always notice: 1. The dark blue hull, reminds me of the old ocean liners of days gone by. 2. Fresh flowers. 3. Real towels (not paper) in the public rest rooms. 4. Comfy beds! 5. Larger staterooms than other lines, with more storage space. 6. No neon, much more elegant in design and decor. 7. Smaller ships with more quiet spaces. 8. Wrap around promenade. 9. Real hand dipped ice cream with no fees attached. 10. Fresh O.J. in the mornings. These are just a few - I'm sure you'll be adding your own! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yj_eugene Posted February 26, 2013 #40 Share Posted February 26, 2013 what will be the first thing I'll notice about sailing on Holland America Based on what you're used to, I'd say the first thing you'll notice will be the more relaxed atmosphere when you board the ship. It's not as instantly frenetic as the others are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assateague Island Princes Posted February 26, 2013 #41 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The most comfortable, best beds on the high seas!:) Fresh squeezed OJ, cinnamon ice cream, chocolate croissants, chocolate bread pudding, Lido buffet - gotta love the eggs benedict station, turkey club and chocolate cake from the room service menu, mango margaritas, oatmeal raisin cookies, hot chocolate w/a shot of Baileys by the aft pool while sailing thru Glacier Bay.:p Like an English Muffin;), the ship has plenty of nooks and crannies to get away from it all and gaze out at the sea. Personable, friendly, helpful, accomodating, and always smiling crew - if they can't get it done, no one can. Best Unlimited Laundry package ever - pack half the clothing and take advantage of this wonderful, reasonably priced service. The Crows Nest for amazing views and quiet afternoons enjoying the spectacular scenery. "Secret decks" on several ships. Shhhhhhh....don't tell anyone;). A true wrap around Promenade deck - no going up or down stairs or having to back track - a purely nautical experience. Free room service, hot food selection room service menus, ordering off the MDR menu for dinner, in-cabin robes and fresh fruit - in EVERY cabin catagory from the Penthouse to the tiniest Inside cabin. Feeling pampered and special from the time you walk across the gangway onto the ship - and having the smiling crew greet you with a huge smile and a "Welcome Home." Sigh....nothing finer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted February 26, 2013 #42 Share Posted February 26, 2013 -great beds -very dark, traditional decor with an absence of open, airy public areas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YubaSutter Posted February 26, 2013 #43 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Hi: We will be taking our first Holland America cruise in June. I have bounced between Carnival and Royal Caribbean during the last 10 years (Platinum on both), but I'm ready for a different experience. So in your opinion, what will be the first thing I'll notice about sailing on Holland America (that will be different from what I'm "used" to)? I know it's a bit subjective, but I will greatly appreciate any input. :) Thanks. First thing you will notice is all the old people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seago2 Posted February 26, 2013 #44 Share Posted February 26, 2013 First thing you will notice is all the old people. Our first HAL cruise.... I was sitting in the MDR and each successive table came in older and older... First it was a table of canes, then one with a couple of walkers, then one with a woman in a scooter, then a wheelchair. I was truly waiting for someone to be wheeled in on a gurney with an IV pole. Doesn't bother me a bit, in fact it's a plus. The only thing that concerns me is rough weather and these old folks having to look after themselves. But I think it's lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckirj1 Posted February 26, 2013 #45 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I hate to break it to you, folks, but many of the things you're describing are not exclusive to HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momatibm Posted February 26, 2013 #46 Share Posted February 26, 2013 Our first HAL cruise.... I was sitting in the MDR and each successive table came in older and older... First it was a table of canes, then one with a couple of walkers, then one with a woman in a scooter, then a wheelchair. I was truly waiting for someone to be wheeled in on a gurney with an IV pole. Doesn't bother me a bit, in fact it's a plus. The only thing that concerns me is rough weather and these old folks having to look after themselves. But I think it's lovely. We've been cruising since 1988, we've seen people in scooters and wheel chairs -- on our Noordam cruise the people in scooters were the obese cruisers not the elders, most of the elders only had canes, and some walkers. Of course the extreme elders had wheel chairs but they were in the minority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B Russo Posted February 26, 2013 #47 Share Posted February 26, 2013 First thing you will notice is all the old people. One thing is nice , not many rude people like some on here. :D Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammygoose Posted February 27, 2013 #48 Share Posted February 27, 2013 I have to say that after having done a Med cruise and a Caribbean cruise I did see the odd walker and the odd cane but nothing that would suggest a nursing home at sea. In fact I saw nothing more on HAL that I would expect to see on any cruise ship. I do take some heat at work for cruising with the old folks' but I consider the quality of pax a plus not a minus on HAL. I appreciate the pace and ambiance- if I wanted a plastic guitar filled with beer then I know where to get one and that's Vegas and I know how to get there. Sometimes I read the old people posts and wonder if I'm I'm just blind to it but having met so many wonderful engaging people I just am not seeing it. Who cares if you have white hair or look old? It's what's inside that counts. BTW on my last cruise in the Caribbean I was pleasantly surprised at how many younger to middle aged people were dressed up and enjoying the MDR's formal nights. Lots of kids in dresses and suits and ties looking and acting their best. It was a pleasure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lidojohnny Posted February 27, 2013 #49 Share Posted February 27, 2013 I know this originally was about pleasant things you notice. But somehow the elderly became in vogue. Just talk to these people, and many talk about their days on Iwo Jima, Battle of the Bulge, Heartbreak Ridge Midway, and oh yes one I talked to on the Prinsendam, He had a scooter, because he was blown off a ship at Pearl Harbor and had a hard time getting around. To me they add to a cruise not detract from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itravelalot Posted February 27, 2013 #50 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Beautiful ship, lots of wood and quiet......:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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