Do any HAL ships have pools that close for inclement weather?

[SeaWatch]

I was wondering if any HAL ships offer pools that close during inclement weather. I think this could be a bonus during an Alaskan cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have been on all HAL ships except the Prinsendam so I can't speak for that ship.

But all the other HAL ships -- Lido pool has a retractable roof.

[comcox]

I was just on the Zaandam for South America/Antarctica cruise. The aft outside pool was closed for quite a bit of our trip. And the Lido pool was drained completely for our time to, during and from Antarctica.

[SeaWatch]

Thanks!

[RuthC]

Every HAL ship except the Prinsendam has a mid-ship pool with a dome over it. That dome can be partially or fully closed as necessary.

It's a real kick to be in the pool (or the hot tub), looking out at glaciers. :)

[SeaWatch]

I just knew CC members would know!

[Hlitner]

We certainly agree that an all-weather pool is a big plus on Alaskan (or other cold weather) cruises. This is one of the few negatives we found when cruising on the Prinsendam to Norway and the arctic. Many of HALs competitors also have all weather pools (and many of these other lines provide a lot more loungers at their inside pools then on HAL) so this is something that folks might want to check before choosing their Alaskan (or Northern European) cruise.

 

Our comment about the number of loungers at HAL inside pools has to do with a cruise we took last year on the Westerdam. HAL loves to put lots of tables/chairs at their covered pool area thus limiting the number of loungers. On the Westerdam we counted fewer then 50 loungers at the covered pool, and on a long cruise last year we had to be at the pool by 7am in order to get two of those loungers. 50 loungers for a ship with over 1800 passengers is just not adequate! We overheard a conversation with a ship's officer about this situation (there were many complaints) who explained that Seattle had dictated a policy of keeping lots of open space on this part of the ship and providing many tables/chairs for those not interested in loungers.

 

I should add that most of HAL's competitors (i.e. Celebrity, RCI, Princess, etc) try to maximize the number of lounge chairs at their inside pool venues. The downside is that it can get crowded....but the benefit is that more passengers can find a lounger.

 

Hank

[sail7seas]

We certainly agree that an all-weather pool is a big plus on Alaskan (or other cold weather) cruises. This is one of the few negatives we found when cruising on the Prinsendam to Norway and the arctic. Many of HALs competitors also have all weather pools (and many of these other lines provide a lot more loungers at their inside pools then on HAL) so this is something that folks might want to check before choosing their Alaskan (or Northern European) cruise.

 

Our comment about the number of loungers at HAL inside pools has to do with a cruise we took last year on the Westerdam. HAL loves to put lots of tables/chairs at their covered pool area thus limiting the number of loungers. On the Westerdam we counted fewer then 50 loungers at the covered pool, and on a long cruise last year we had to be at the pool by 7am in order to get two of those loungers. 50 loungers for a ship with over 1800 passengers is just not adequate! We overheard a conversation with a ship's officer about this situation (there were many complaints) who explained that Seattle had dictated a policy of keeping lots of open space on this part of the ship and providing many tables/chairs for those not interested in loungers.

 

I should add that most of HAL's competitors (i.e. Celebrity, RCI, Princess, etc) try to maximize the number of lounge chairs at their inside pool venues. The downside is that it can get crowded....but the benefit is that more passengers can find a lounger.

 

Hank

 

 

Aft Pool, we like loungers.

If we are sitting at Lido pool with the roof open or not, we prefer the tables. I wish they had more tables to sit at. :cool:

 

[wander]

I totally agree with Sail7Seas on this one. I love the loungers for the aft pool and chair/table for the Lido "covered" pool area.

[obriendan]

I was just on the Zaandam for South America/Antarctica cruise. The aft outside pool was closed for quite a bit of our trip. And the Lido pool was drained completely for our time to, during and from Antarctica.

 

For safety purposes during rough weather the pools are closed and sometimes drained.

 

Dan

[OCruisers]

There are times (even with the retractable roof closed) when the ship is "rocking 'n rolling" so much there are waves in the pool which get the deck area covered with water so it gets closed because it's not safe to be there.

LuLu

~~~

[Hlitner]

Now you folks have opened up another topic. We agree with those that prefer lounging at the aft pool, but this is not a great option if it is freezing, very windy, or raining :). But on the Westerdam HAL bought all new loungers (not sure about the other ships) that are a pretty blue and look great! But these lounger have only 2 positions, flat or a 45 degree angle (there are no other options). Neither position is suitable for reading. Also, those new loungers do not have comfy cushions like the older loungers at the all weather pool.

 

When we first experienced those new loungers we were shocked at their lack of adjustable positions..and they are just not comfortable. So last year I posted a challenge to HAL which was that whoever made the decision to purchase those loungers should be made to sit in one for several days at their Seattle Office. At that point they would probably need an ambulance to get them to the closest rehab clinic (or Chiropractor) to fix their back :).

 

Hank

[Zippercat]

Now you folks have opened up another topic. We agree with those that prefer lounging at the aft pool, but this is not a great option if it is freezing, very windy, or raining :). But on the Westerdam HAL bought all new loungers (not sure about the other ships) that are a pretty blue and look great! But these lounger have only 2 positions, flat or a 45 degree angle (there are no other options). Neither position is suitable for reading. Also, those new loungers do not have comfy cushions like the older loungers at the all weather pool.

 

When we first experienced those new loungers we were shocked at their lack of adjustable positions..and they are just not comfortable. So last year I posted a challenge to HAL which was that whoever made the decision to purchase those loungers should be made to sit in one for several days at their Seattle Office. At that point they would probably need an ambulance to get them to the closest rehab clinic (or Chiropractor) to fix their back :).

 

Hank

 

Some fast food restaurants have been known to install uncomfortable chairs to speed up table turnover. Maybe that's HAL's way of reducing the number of people who hog a lounger for an entire day?