New to HAL: A few Questions

[annlee]

Greetings,

 

My husband and I have cruised quite a bit but never on HAL. I did a search but didn't find answers specific to Eurodam.

 

Is there an ironing room anywhere? I know we'll have shirts/dresses that need a touch-up before wearing. I understand about the laundry package and we'll do that but I don't want to wait 24-36hrs when all an outfit needs is a quick iron.

 

I cancelled all our specialty reservations after reading that HAL sometimes has issues when it comes to having the reservation and proof of purchase in their computer systems onboard. We'll play it by ear and if it's all booked, well, we'll survive. We're booked for the late seating and wonder if that might work in our favor when it comes to specialty dining.

 

Does HAL have a reserve wine list?

 

I've read that HAL has lecturers but where would I find that info prior to the cruise?

 

Internet is unpredictable and expensive on any cruise but does anyone know if there's a spot on the Eurodam that might be best for pulling a strong signal?

 

Thanks in advance.

[sail7seas]

There are no self-serve laundry rooms on Eurodam. Guests are not permitted to bring their own irons and any pressing must be done by ship's laundry.

 

I have always been able to get WiFi Signal in our cabin though I sometimes leave the door open.

 

Eurodam is a beautiful ship that we actually found we like far more than we expected. We've sailed her five cruises and would sail her again happily.

 

[sail7seas]

Here is a listing of Internet packages available on HAL ships:

 

You will be charged a one-time activation fee of $3.95

Satellite Internet Time Plans

Pay as you go $0.75 Per Minute

Time Plan 1 - 1000 Minutes / $250.00

Time Plan 2 - 500 Minutes / $175.00

Time Plan 3 - 250 Minutes / $100.00

Time Plan 4 - 100 Minutes / $55.00

Edited March 15, 2014 by sail7seas

[doublebzz]

Greetings,

 

 

 

I cancelled all our specialty reservations after reading that HAL sometimes has issues when it comes to having the reservation and proof of purchase in their computer systems onboard. We'll play it by ear and if it's all booked, well, we'll survive. We're booked for the late seating and wonder if that might work in our favor when it comes to specialty dining.

 

 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

I've not had issues the few times I pre-reserved the specialty restaurants. If you wait till you board, the most popular times (6-8) will probably be booked. However, as you appear to prefer late dining, it is probable you will be able to find some available bookings after 8pm. I would try to book as soon as I board as these specialty restaurant are quite popular. Concur with other posters that Eurodam is one of the best in HAL's fleet.

[jtl513]

Anywhere you see one of these antenna cones is agood spot for wifi. If there isn't one near your cabin door, you will always find them in the Explorations Cafe.

 

[RetiredMustang]

Hi, welcome to Cruise Critic! I've sailed on Eurodam a few times, and will pass on what info I have.

 

1. Ironing room? I've never seen one and don't believe there is one. If all the clothes need is ironing, there is also a pressing service. I've never used it, but I think it would work like the laundry -- send it out one day and get it back a day or two later.

 

2. Specialty reservations? I've made them for restaurants on board, and also online beforehand. I've never had a problem, but I did once with a rum package I ordered for the room on Ryndam. I had my receipt with me, though, and a trip to the front office sorted it out -- my reservation was in the system but had not been transferred to the active list for that sailing. So, maybe you should print out all the receipts, including cancellation notices, and see the front office early on in your cruise. Once on board, you can make reservations, but you may not have as much choice for popular nights, like Le Cirque in the Pinnacle, as many people will have made online reservations. Also, I don't think it really matters whether you have early, late or open dining arrangements in the main dining room -- the specialty reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis (although suite passengers do get priority). I've not made reservations for the spa or other specialty activities, so can't help you there.

 

3. Reserve wine list? Yes. Attached are the wine list from Ryndam last month (the lists are very similar on all the ships). There is a reserve list at the end.

 

 

 

 

The Pinnacle has a separate wine list:

 

 

 

 

4. Lecturers. There usually are some presentations, but I've not learned about them before I get on board. Perhaps the HAL web site might have the info?

 

5. Internet? I see that sail7seas has given you the prices. HAL is shifting from MTN to Harris as their Internet provider, so I am not sure how that will affect the signal. However, the signal is available in the cabins with varying strength depending on how close to a repeater you are. There are also repeaters in public rooms -- a good place to check if you don't have adequate signal in your cabin is the Explorers Lounge -- look for a repeater in the overhead, and set up as close to it as you can.

 

Another good source of info about HAL is www.halfacts.com.

 

Hope this helps,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Anywhere you see one of these antenna cones is agood spot for wifi. If there isn't one near your cabin door, you will always find them in the Explorations Cafe.

 

 

The newer Harris repeaters are squarish, not cones, and a little larger but don't stick down as far -- about 6-8 inches square and 3-4 inches thick. They were installed in some places on Ryndam last month, including just outside my cabin, but they were not yet active (sorry, I forgot to get a photo).

 

Dave

[billbunger]

Internet upgrades were made when Eurodam had a face lift late last year. We sailed her in February and even had a router in our suite. They are installed along the full length of the hallways. We had no issues with speed or data loss, a great improvement over the old system.

[annlee]

Super. You guys are great. I think the internet pricing is more than fair, and I see a few sweet spots in the wine listings, even among wines by the glass.

 

Do you think it's okay to use a mini clothes steamer? My husband and I are challenging ourselves to packing v v light. I can do it but I'd love to get the wrinkles out of my bound-to-be overstuffed carryon.

 

By the way we've done TA the last two years at this time/April (Crystal) and it was shorts and pool weather often. Fingers crossed.

 

Thanks.

[RuthC]

Do you think it's okay to use a mini clothes steamer?

I haven't noticed one in a while, but I do recall several times having a letter in the cabin informing us NOT to use irons or clothes steamers.

[runnergirl71]

Super. You guys are great. I think the internet pricing is more than fair, and I see a few sweet spots in the wine listings, even among wines by the glass.

 

Do you think it's okay to use a mini clothes steamer? My husband and I are challenging ourselves to packing v v light. I can do it but I'd love to get the wrinkles out of my bound-to-be overstuffed carryon.

 

By the way we've done TA the last two years at this time/April (Crystal) and it was shorts and pool weather often. Fingers crossed.

 

Thanks.

 

Pretty sure no steamers of any size are allowed.

 

But...

 

Has no one here ever hung the item(s) that need steaming on a hook in the bathroom while you're taking a shower? Or turning on the shower and leaving the clothes hung in there? Very easy solution! :)

[jtl513]

... but I'd love to get the wrinkles out of my bound-to-be overstuffed carryon.

The usual recommendation given here is Downy Wrinkle Releaser.

[POA1]

Here is a listing of Internet packages available on HAL ships:

 

You will be charged a one-time activation fee of $3.95

Satellite Internet Time Plans

Pay as you go $0.75 Per Minute

Time Plan 1 - 1000 Minutes / $250.00

Time Plan 2 - 500 Minutes / $175.00

Time Plan 3 - 250 Minutes / $100.00

Time Plan 4 - 100 Minutes / $55.00

 

Also check your in room coupon book for bonus minute coupons and watch the daily programs for specific offers, usually extra minutes when you purchase a plan.

[POA1]

Anywhere you see one of these antenna cones is agood spot for wifi. If there isn't one near your cabin door, you will always find them in the Explorations Cafe.

 

 

They have also taken to putting little "WiFi Hotspot" signs up in areas where the access point isn't visible. Some of the new APs blend in with the decor better.

[POA1]

Pretty sure no steamers of any size are allowed.

 

But...

 

Has no one here ever hung the item(s) that need steaming on a hook in the bathroom while you're taking a shower? Or turning on the shower and leaving the clothes hung in there? Very easy solution! :)

 

Don't forget Downy Wrinkle Remover. It works well - especially if you follow the directions.

[runnergirl71]

Don't forget Downy Wrinkle Remover. It works well - especially if you follow the directions.

 

I've been doing the shower steam thing since college. LONG before Downy Wrinkle Releaser. :)

[sail7seas]

I pack clothes that might wrinkle with dry cleaner bags covering the garment and hardly have any wrinkles. The trapped air in the bag keeps the clothes from wrinkling.

 

Clothes steamers are not permitted.

[Onelung]

Hi All

 

I'm considering Noordam for later this year. Have sailed Celebrity a few times but not HAL and also have a couple of questions.

 

What is the smoking policy on HAL? We are non-smokers.

 

Celebrity has free lemonade/fruit juice at the tea points, does HAL have the same?

 

Any other info/differences we should know about?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Frankie

[POA1]

Lemonade & fruit juice are no additional cost and are available most of the time. Smoking is allowed in certain areas of the ship, most notably the casino and casino bar/sports bar. You can also smoke on your verandah if your room has one. I think that smoking is allowed on certain outside decks as well.

 

I apologize for not having better smoking info. We don't smoke but have never been bothered by smokers on any of our cruises. (Please be aware that I have may have inadvertently created a firestorm with my smoking observations.)