Holland America - too "geriatric?"

[AlohaPride]

From http://www.thefreedictionary.com :

"geriatric

"n"3. (Medicine) an elderly person"

 

"eld·er·ly (ldr-l)

"adj.

"1. Being past middle age and approaching old age; rather old."

 

Like it or not, you are geriatric no matter how young you feel or act.

Actually, with more and more people living to 100 and beyond, the mental health community says that "middle age" is older now. And really has nothing to do with numerical age. Which is whu you normally see words like "considered to be" or "thought to be" or "the average person thinks." There is no numerical set in stone. When I was in graduate school our professors taught us that middle age is now between 35-85 depending on the person. You move into old age when you stop thinking of the possibilities of life and start focusing on getting ready for the end of life. That comes at a different point for each person.

[Djptcp]

DH just retired and I'm retiring next year, so I guess we are geriatrics. We would much rather cruise with our peers than with a bunch of screaming, rude, out of control kids that we have found on Carnival ships (which cater to the non-geriatrics.) Yes, we are Dinks (double income/no kids) and do not tolerate parents who let their children run wild on cruises.

[tangerinebunny]

I usually go to bed by 11:30 and get up early to exercise. Sure hope that doesn't make me geriatric. Though as has been pointed out, we're all getting there.

[summersigh]

One of the things we enjoy most in the MDR is being seated with other retirees (like ourselves) and talking travel experiences. Most we've spent time with are well traveled whether it's on land or sea and all of those have some very cool stories to tell.

 

I second the poster talking about unruly kids - and that's one reason we're done with CCL and more recently RCCL. On Royal last time there were a couple of groups of young teenagers who I don't believe we ever saw when they weren't running in a herd (unless they were eating while making sure they weren't missed ). Avoiding being bowled over was often a close call.

 

Don't get me wrong .... I'm glad there are cruise lines that cater to families with kids just as I'm glad there is a HAL that accommodates them but that's not the sole focus. Choice is good :D:D

[RuthC]

We have never noticed a geriatric crowd, have always met interesting people, and have made some lifelong friends (Hi, friends!).

Hi, Mary (she waves happily)! :D

[Typhoon1]

No you won't. HAL is cruise line for all demographics.

 

You might find an older crowd on the longer cruises as most are retired and have the time.

[Mekka]

I'm not so sure I would be quick to recommend HAL to the OP. I agree with the earlier comments that the majority of HAL passengers are very nice people. My wife and I are younger than the OP and we are one cruise short of 5 stars. Like the OP, we are very active people (we both run marathons) and we are not looking for a quiet and relaxing time on a cruise. We prefer longer cruises on the smaller ships and this generally puts us on cruises with an older demographic. I have come to accept this as part of the deal in cruising HAL, but there are some consequences that I'm not sure are being communicated in the replies to the original question.

 

The OP said he/she likes rock and roll. So do I, but on HAL you can forget about it, unless you're looking for something out of the 1950's. We also enjoy ballroom dancing and HAL is usually decent for that. But for the most part, the music is along the lines of New York, New York and Mack the Knife.

 

The demographic composition shows up in other ways as well. Things happen slowly on HAL. It's not unusual to be walking down a corridor behind a rather slow moving couple. You may find yourself in line for coffee behind people who take quite a bit of time to prepare their favorite beverage or chat up the staff. You may find that the simplest task on an excursion, like stopping for a bathroom break, takes quite a bit of time. If you're the type of person who can go with the flow and stay mellow, then HAL may work well for you. Otherwise, it can be frustrating.

 

On balance, HAL works for us, but we are very independent and take responsibility for our own entertainment on board. We've given up on HAL excursions, as the pace is excruciatingly slow. I wouldn't necessarily recommend HAL to the OP.

[eandj]

I'm not so sure I would be quick to recommend HAL to the OP. I agree with the earlier comments that the majority of HAL passengers are very nice people. My wife and I are younger than the OP and we are one cruise short of 5 stars. Like the OP, we are very active people (we both run marathons) and we are not looking for a quiet and relaxing time on a cruise. We prefer longer cruises on the smaller ships and this generally puts us on cruises with an older demographic. I have come to accept this as part of the deal in cruising HAL, but there are some consequences that I'm not sure are being communicated in the replies to the original question.

 

The OP said he/she likes rock and roll. So do I, but on HAL you can forget about it, unless you're looking for something out of the 1950's. We also enjoy ballroom dancing and HAL is usually decent for that. But for the most part, the music is along the lines of New York, New York and Mack the Knife.

 

The demographic composition shows up in other ways as well. Things happen slowly on HAL. It's not unusual to be walking down a corridor behind a rather slow moving couple. You may find yourself in line for coffee behind people who take quite a bit of time to prepare their favorite beverage or chat up the staff. You may find that the simplest task on an excursion, like stopping for a bathroom break, takes quite a bit of time. If you're the type of person who can go with the flow and stay mellow, then HAL may work well for you. Otherwise, it can be frustrating.

 

On balance, HAL works for us, but we are very independent and take responsibility for our own entertainment on board. We've given up on HAL excursions, as the pace is excruciatingly slow. I wouldn't necessarily recommend HAL to the OP.

 

I think this is a good reply to the OP. When one considers HAL'S reputation of lots "geriatrics" , the possible cruiser IS concerned about things you mention.

When we cruise HAL ships, I know my patience will be tested a couple times. But that's ok. My daughter thinks I move slowly. It's life. And I'll be blessed to live long like many of those "geriatrics" on HAL.

Edited July 10, 2014 by eandj

[navybankerteacher]

 

The OP said he/she likes rock and roll. So do I, but on HAL you can forget about it, unless you're looking for something out of the 1950's. We also enjoy ballroom dancing and HAL is usually decent for that. But for the most part, the music is along the lines of New York, New York and Mack the knife.

 

 

Did you ever wander through the Northern Lights disco - next to the casino on many (if not all) HAL ships? It might not be great (I'm not a competent judge of frenetic disco beat) but it sure isn't "New York, New York" or "Mack the Knife" -- or anything out of the 1950's.

[Yodalicious]

I really don't care about the age of my fellow cruisers... With the exception of my husband. We need a relaxing vacation. :)

[iancal]

We did a TA. The demographics were just fine.

 

What got to us was the sea days. Never again will we do 5 or 6 in a row. We were ready to jump ship. We wanted to try it and found that it was not for us. We get bored on the ship and the entertainment, if you can call it that, is really not up to much.

[nana51]

DH just retired and I'm retiring next year, so I guess we are geriatrics. We would much rather cruise with our peers than with a bunch of screaming, rude, out of control kids that we have found on Carnival ships (which cater to the non-geriatrics.) Yes, we are Dinks (double income/no kids) and do not tolerate parents who let their children run wild on cruises.

 

I'm no "dink" I'm a grandmother and 64. I've never liked children who run wild. I was an elementary school librarian. I enjoy children very much, rudeness and out of control behavior not so much.

[vbmom87]

Truly depends on you and what you expect/want. All I can say is my 26 year old daughter has been to Hawaii on NCL, Bahamas on Celebrity, and HAL to Alaska. HAL is her favorite so far. She and her DH are not party people...they cruise to relax and regroup. They liked the subdued atmosphere of HAL and enjoyed the food the best on HAL. Everyone is different, so continue to do your research, and choose whatever you think will be the best fit for you.

Edited July 10, 2014 by vbmom87

[edi1140]

You cradle robber, you. [emoji12]

 

To the OP, DH and I are 32 and 31 and we are going on our third HAL cruise next month. All of our cruises have been 11 days or longer. We have never noticed a geriatric crowd, have always met interesting people, and have made some lifelong friends (Hi, friends!). We sailed during Christmas the first time and February the second time. Obviously, school will have started next month. We are traveling with our girls - 7, 5, and 3.

 

 

My wife and I are in our 40s and HAL is our preferred cruise line. It's not just for people who get a senior's discount.

 

Having said that, as posted earlier, it does tend to be "an early to bed, early to rise" experience. That works fine for us because we have a very busy home life and the last thing either of us wants is to be partying all night. Not everyone's cup of tea though.

[KirkNC]

My wife and I are in our 40s and HAL is our preferred cruise line. It's not just for people who get a senior's discount.

 

Having said that, as posted earlier, it does tend to be "an early to bed, early to rise" experience. That works fine for us because we have a very busy home life and the last thing either of us wants is to be partying all night. Not everyone's cup of tea though.

 

the more sedate atmosphere was one of the things that originally attracted us to HAL. Of course we are aging into the "normal" demographics :D

[sun~]

My in laws are dedicated HAL cruisers. They are well into their 80's.

 

You know it is a geriatric cruise when my MIL complained about all the "old people" on board the Amsterdam a couple of years ago. My in laws go to Alaska just about every year.

 

Last year was to be their last cruise ever. Due to cancelled ports on last year's cruise on the Amsterdam, they will be at it again this year. They will be on the 14 day Alaska cruise that will stop in Kodiak that leaves I think August 24th.

 

Very typical of most elderly people, my in laws nap. A lot. Morning naps, afternoon naps, evening naps. More than likely that is why some folks feel that HAL cruises aren't that crowded - so many people are sleeping.

 

I have been on HAL six times, only twice on regular HAL cruises. The others were fully chartered. The regular cruises were like being on a floating nursing home. No night life. No vibe. Bad entertainment. Those were 7 day Caribbean cruises.

 

So folks like a super quiet atmosphere, like my elderly in laws. They don't like being around little kids for more than a few minutes. That's why they love HAL.

[solocanadian]

..........and by the way what is wrong with 'geriatric' people anyway? If we live long enough, we'll all get there.

Hear, Hear!

:):D:):p

Edited July 10, 2014 by solocanadian

[summersigh]

I have been on HAL six times, only twice on regular HAL cruises. The others were fully chartered. The regular cruises were like being on a floating nursing home. No night life. No vibe. Bad entertainment. Those were 7 day Caribbean cruises.

 

So folks like a super quiet atmosphere, like my elderly in laws. They don't like being around little kids for more than a few minutes. That's why they love HAL.

 

I'm scratching my head wondering why the vibe of your letter seems so angry that HAL, on regular cruises, isn't your particular cup of tea or doesn't specifically cater to your desires. :confused:

Each line has a somewhat unique persona and markets to somewhat different demographics. Choice is what it's all about.:)

 

So sorry everyone isn't as young and vigorous as you appear to be. Many of us spent our "young and vigorous" years raising our kids, paying for their educations, and saving what little extra there was left over so that we COULD someday retire and have some fun of our own. Cruising allows those who might have health issues a fun way to travel and sightsee.

 

Before you confine us all to the "geriatric unit" at the local nursing home ... please remember ... We once were like you ... and you'll end up being us. :eek:

[edi1140]

the more sedate atmosphere was one of the things that originally attracted us to HAL. Of course we are aging into the "normal" demographics :D

 

 

Between work and kids both my wife and I rarely get to bed before midnight or 1 am. I travel every week (1trip out, 1 trip back) and so my travel days are particularly long.

 

So, when we are on vacation we end up going to bed EARLIER than we do at home. We get up, have a nice breakfast, go exploring ashore if in port, eat, and have some cocktails (which we never have time to enjoy at home).

 

By that time it's 10:30 or 11 and both of us are ready to zonk out and enjoy a full, uninterrupted nights' sleep. Neither of us could care less about carousing until all hours of the morning. It's just so nice to be able to decompress.

 

That's why I like HAL so much: the atmosphere is very uncrowded and leisurely. We took the kids with us a few years ago on Carnival and (while we had a ton of fun) the best way I could describe it was "culture shock". [emoji1]

 

So that's what HAL is all about. For people of whatever age who book it and then grumble about the lack of nightlife all I can say is YOU'RE ON THE WRONG CRUISE LINE! Lol

[whogo]

Do you believe everything you hear("...average age was 75...")?

 

I suppose it is possible, if you have a centenarian for every one of the few under 50, and someone 110 for every 40 year old. Perhaps your passenger list was unique , but as a mid-70's person I have found myself among the older group on every HAL ship I've sailed. And, while not go-go all the time, a reasonable amount of activity until midnight.

I did not take the 75 year average as authoritative, but it seemed reasonable. You don't need a 110 year old, you need a lot of people over 75 and there were a lot of people over 75.

 

Again, if the OP wonders if HAL is too old for him, it may well be.

[nschamp]

We have cruised four TAs. Two on Princess, two on HAL. Without a doubt there is much more activity on Princess than on HAL. The night life runs later! The scooter situation, usually an age indicator was about the same. We just found it more sedate on HAL vs more nightly entertainment on Princess.

[uilleann]

My wife and I are frequent cruisers and have typically cruised on Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, and Celebrity. We are interested in a Transatlantic sailing on HA Ryndam but are very concerned that the crowd might be too "geriatric" (meaning no disrespect!). We are mid and early 60's but not the traditional "about to retire couple." We are very fit, like adventure, and still like to rock and roll!

 

Will we feel out of place on this sailing?

 

I bet it depends on the itinerary and the time of year. We took a 14 day Alaskan cruise out of Seattle in May. We are in our early 60s and I think we were younger than the average age on the ship. I think we saw 2 young children and handful of teens, and a few 30 somethings....the rest were older. The good news is that it was nice and quiet and relaxing on the ship. Also if the weather was a tiny bit inclement it drastically reduced the lines at ports or at tenders. The older folks stayed on the boat. The bad news is that it made us feel a bit old. And we tend to like a mixed age group. I have been told that other itineraries during the summer months can lower the average age.

[KAYEF]

This is a very interesting discussion since I just got off one where people were complaining about undisciplined children taking over the pool and causing problems on the elevators and stairways on a HAL ship!

 

After many HAL cruises, we did one on Princess because it was a fifteen day repo from Barcelona back to the USA. There was one person in particular who, every time our CC group got together BROADCASTED about all the OLD people and WHEELCHAIRS on HAL and kept telling people to NEVER sail on HAL.

 

After about ten days, I asked her if she had EVER sailed on HAL.............and, you guessed it. She had NEVER been on a HAL ship! She just said she would NEVER do that "because they're like a Nursing Home."

 

I, at times, thought perhaps she was paid by Princess to use her loud mouth.

 

You just have to try things and figure them out for yourself.

 

BTW, the cabins on Princess are FAR smaller than those on HAL and the beds are like sleeping on a concrete floor ~ we've tried that line three times.

HAL is our choice ~ the staff really cares that we all have a grand time.

 

Last year we did try Disney and, as usual with Disney............they have things figured out perfectly. Even as 4,000 people boarded it was never crowded. :pOnce they greeted each family separately, they sent us down a certain corridor to get to the "Lido" for lunch. There was not one other family/group the whole way; it was like everyone had a personal hallway, elevator, etc.

And, the way they have bathrooms in the cabins? Well, THAT should happen on every cruise ship! One bathroom with a sink and toilet and a second one with a sink and round shower with a place to sit. It was deep so little ones could have a bath, too.;)

[shandryl]

We're all "Older than Dirt"..... LOL :D ;)

On the usual 7, 10, 14 day cruise you will find very similar demographic to "X" and Princess. There are seniors on all cruisers and there are young 'uns and everything in between. :)

 

I luv you Sail!!:D LOL

 

Seriously though........ I am 45 and I have met wonderful people and have made made many friends and lasting friendships while cruising on HAL I think that attitude and what you bring with you when you take a cruise is everything. :D Just saying that Fun & good times will not come to you. You have to make an effort..........that goes for any cruise line that the OP decides to take. no matter how old/active you are. :)

Edited July 11, 2014 by shandryl

[taba]

The 2 HAL cruises we have been on have mostly had an average age over 50. We have met some nice people on board from around the world, and mostly we are on the trips to get away together. We're been newly weds for the last 3 decades, so spending time together is the most important thing for us.

 

We almost passed on a last minute HAL cruise last year because of negative reviews, but the price was too good to pass up. We had our best cruise ever and look forward to each trip on Holland. We booked another trip this spring on the Maasdam and again we're extremely happy that we did.

 

If we just looked at the negative reviews, we would never cruise with HAL, but we would have missed out on some of the best vacations of our lives.

 

My advice is to try HAL and make up your own mind.

 

Sorry if if this is a little off topic.