New to Holland cruiseline, I need your help.

[cruiseelady]

I am just trying to decide if this cruise line is right for me. I have a few questions which will help me make a decision.

 

Is casual clothing frowned upon in the evening? I tend to dress very casually, like sweat shirt and yoga pants or shorts in the evening. Now I know I cant swear that to MDR, but what about a buffet or just around the ship? I think I read somewhere that you can't wear shorts anywhere around the ship in the evening. I don't remember where I read that info or if its accurate.

 

Do they still have dance classes, if so how often during the 7 day cruise? I am interested in a Caribbean cruise for December of 2015 on Westerdam.

 

I am in my late 30s, and I though it might be a good option because I heard this cruise line has a quieter atmosphere, then Carnival. I have been cruising with Carnival because they didn't have single supplement on many of their sailings. However I really could not handle the party like atmosphere and the noise every way you turned.

 

Another question is, is this cruise line solo friendly?

 

Thanks

[sloth]

I can give my opinion on your first question: it's perfectly acceptable to dress casually in the evenings if eating at the Lido buffet or just relaxing around the ship. You'll see many passengers doing the same.

If we go to the MDR, we dress appropriately, but often change into more casual clothes after dinner, especially if we plan to just wander the ship or relax on our balcony.

 

I think you'll enjoy HAL! We have cruised twice on Carnival, and love the HAL atmosphere for the quieter, more relaxed onboard experience.

 

Happy sailing!

Cindy

[mcrcruiser]

HAL or Celebrity are our choices for cruise lines . Being in your late thirties you more likely fit better in on a Celebrity cruise vs HAL;)

 

Pricing for a single is always high regardless of cruise line .Better to share the cabin with a friend

Edited July 26, 2015 by mcrcruiser

[OlsSalt]

From what I have read too, I think Celebrity is a livelier environment for those in their 30's -40's. The Free-Style cruising on Norwegian Cruise Lines is another one to explore for dedicated casual, or Royal Caribbean since this is also where you want to go.

 

Interesting cruise demographics as you point out. Carnival seems to have captured the very young - Disney the young families or solo parents with their kids and HAL is certainly comfortable for the retired and near retired.

 

But nothing really stands out for the 30-40 something crowd of solos that comes to mind but we have never sailed on NCL or RCCL, so I just don't know about their demographics.

 

Looking forward to hearing what others have to say.

Edited July 26, 2015 by OlsSalt

[cruiseelady]

Celebrity and RCI is out since they charge double or triple for solos.

 

Frankly I don't mind older and more mature passengers, I am well aware that Holland is mostly 50's and over crowd and that is just fine with me. That's is why I am considering Holland.

[cruiseelady]

I can give my opinion on your first question: it's perfectly acceptable to dress casually in the evenings if eating at the Lido buffet or just relaxing around the ship. You'll see many passengers doing the same.

If we go to the MDR, we dress appropriately, but often change into more casual clothes after dinner, especially if we plan to just wander the ship or relax on our balcony.

 

I think you'll enjoy HAL! We have cruised twice on Carnival, and love the HAL atmosphere for the quieter, more relaxed onboard experience.

 

Happy sailing!

Cindy

 

Thanks, glad to hear it!

[OlsSalt]

Cruise Critic actually ran a (old) poll looking for the best cruise line for the 30-40 age group: hands down was Royal Caribbean - Voyager Class. Then Celebrity and the smaller RCCL ships. Strange RCCL have a punitive solo charge - 3X the going rate(!?!) That doesn't even make sense since you could pay for a double. They are missing a good niche in this case.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=856

Edited July 26, 2015 by OlsSalt

[cruiseelady]

Cruise Critic actually ran a (old) poll looking for the best cruise line for the 30-40 age group: hands down was Royal Caribbean - Voyager Class. Then Celebrity and the smaller RCCL ships. Strange RCCL have a punitive solo charge - 3X the going rate(!?!) That doesn't even make sense since you could pay for a double. They are missing a good niche in this case.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=856

 

 

It does not make sense that they often charge triple, but its true. I checked numerous times, different RCI ships, and that was the case.

[OlsSalt]

RCCL did not include the prices in their claims about their no supplement solo cabins, but it sounds like they probably charge more from the get-go for their super-duper "special studios" for solos:

 

 

 

"Royal Caribbean International

 

Why: Royal Caribbean International's Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas both feature two categories of staterooms for solo travelers, with 28 dedicated "studio" cabins on each ship. The line currently offers three single-occupancy interior staterooms aboard the Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas; each room has a twin bed, private bathroom and minifridge.

 

Special Extras: Sixteen interior studios aboard Quantum and Anthem feature full-size beds and industry-first "virtual balconies": 80-inch floor-to-ceiling LED display screens that project live images of the ocean and ports. Prefer the real thing? There are also a dozen "super studios," equipped with real-deal 55-square-foot open-air balconies.

 

Discounts Available: Royal Caribbean's studio staterooms carry no supplement."

Edited July 26, 2015 by OlsSalt

[OlsSalt]

I like using the 90-Day Ticker website to scan to see who is sailing where. They offer a special search for single supplement discounts which reveals some interesting results. (We do not use or endorse this site to buy tickets, only as a search engine for initial cruise information)

Edited July 26, 2015 by OlsSalt

[cruiseelady]

I like using the 90-Day Ticker website to see who is sailing where. They offer a special search for single supplement discounts which reveals some interesting results:

http://www.*************.com/ticker.cfm?r=0&jpw=107&sp=y

 

 

Yes I am aware of that website and check it from time to time.

[CowPrincess]

I am just trying to decide if this cruise line is right for me. I have a few questions which will help me make a decision.

 

Is casual clothing frowned upon in the evening? I tend to dress very casually, like sweat shirt and yoga pants or shorts in the evening. Now I know I cant swear that to MDR, but what about a buffet or just around the ship? I think I read somewhere that you can't wear shorts anywhere around the ship in the evening. I don't remember where I read that info or if its accurate.

 

Do they still have dance classes, if so how often during the 7 day cruise? I am interested in a Caribbean cruise for December of 2015 on Westerdam.

 

I am in my late 30s, and I though it might be a good option because I heard this cruise line has a quieter atmosphere, then Carnival. I have been cruising with Carnival because they didn't have single supplement on many of their sailings. However I really could not handle the party like atmosphere and the noise every way you turned.

 

Another question is, is this cruise line solo friendly?

 

Thanks

 

Re: solo friendly. In my experience, there is usually a "Solos and Singles" lunch arranged early in the cruise. It's listed in the day sheet (whatever it is called -- the daily activities sheet). On one cruise, we had a solo friend with us, and she and one of our dinner table mates went to it. The group had such a good time and got along so well, the Party Planner arranged for a couple of cocktail parties for them. That doesn't happen often, though, I suspect.

 

I have met lots of solos on HAL cruises, every cruise. So there seems to be a good pool of solo people if you are interested in meeting other solos. The Roll Call for your cruise would be another place to check for other solos.

[George C]

RCCL has some good fares for singles but not on newer ships, RCCL has dress codes similar to Hal for MDR

[Flip Flops Always]

Is casual clothing frowned upon in the evening? I tend to dress very casually, like sweat shirt and yoga pants or shorts in the evening. Now I know I cant swear that to MDR, but what about a buffet or just around the ship? I think I read somewhere that you can't wear shorts anywhere around the ship in the evening. I don't remember where I read that info or if its accurate. Casual is fine. I wore yoga pants.

 

Do they still have dance classes, if so how often during the 7 day cruise? I am interested in a Caribbean cruise for December of 2015 on Westerdam. They have Dancing with the Stars and have dance classes. Check the daily program for times.

 

I am in my late 30s, and I though it might be a good option because I heard this cruise line has a quieter atmosphere, then Carnival. I have been cruising with Carnival because they didn't have single supplement on many of their sailings. However I really could not handle the party like atmosphere and the noise every way you turned. HAL is perfect for you then. I was on the Westerdam in April and loved the ship.

 

Another question is, is this cruise line solo friendly? Very friendly. I was solo. The crew is friendly to everyone.

Edited July 26, 2015 by Flip Flops Always

[cruiseelady]

Is casual clothing frowned upon in the evening? I tend to dress very casually, like sweat shirt and yoga pants or shorts in the evening. Now I know I cant swear that to MDR, but what about a buffet or just around the ship? I think I read somewhere that you can't wear shorts anywhere around the ship in the evening. I don't remember where I read that info or if its accurate. Casual is fine. I wore yoga pants.

 

Do they still have dance classes, if so how often during the 7 day cruise? I am interested in a Caribbean cruise for December of 2015 on Westerdam. They have Dancing with the Stars and have dance classes. Check the daily program for times.

 

I am in my late 30s, and I though it might be a good option because I heard this cruise line has a quieter atmosphere, then Carnival. I have been cruising with Carnival because they didn't have single supplement on many of their sailings. However I really could not handle the party like atmosphere and the noise every way you turned. HAL is perfect for you then. I was on the Westerdam in April and loved the ship.

 

Another question is, is this cruise line solo friendly? Very friendly. I was solo. The crew is friendly to everyone.

 

Thank you for answering my questions!

[msmayor]

Disclaimer...I am nearing mid-50's so I am probably the demographic most think will be on a HAL ship. But I can say without question that I saw a good number of younger couples on the Westerdam when we cruised this past March. A reasonable number of children too...we crossed paths one night when they were doing a 'pirate march' throughout one of the public areas!

 

There is plenty for all ages to do on HAL. We loved the pub trivia every night in the Crow's Nest and I can say that word spread FAST about how much fun it was; by the end of the cruise, there were always closed to 100 people participating, all ages.

 

The Beverage Manager held a pub crawl one night and it was an absolute blast!! No one drunk or out of control, but good fun for all ages. It was a hoot watching 20-somethings cheering us 50+ folks on during the flip-cup competition!

 

The BBKing Blues shows were quite popular with all ages, and Northern Lights disco had plenty of dancing going on.

 

Is it a 'calmer' atmosphere? Yes. No belly-flop contests, no hairy chest contests, no water slides. More traditional than some other lines but definitely still lots of fun for all ages.

 

My DH and I have cruised RCCL, Carnival and HAL. HAL edges out RCCL for our first choice.

[hugger]

cruiser's by mistake a couple of cruises back. When I went in alone for lunch my DH was in the casino - they asked if I was dining SOLO and I said yes. After a few minutes at the table I figured out what had happened - I laughed and tried to excuse myself. Everyone was so friendly and asked that I stay - which I did. And, had a very ENJOYABLE lunch.

 

From what the SOLO cruiser's were saying at lunch that day it appeared to me that there had been a few SOLO gathering's. And, several were repeat cruiser's.

 

 

I doubt IF they weren't comfortable on HAL they would have continued to go again.

 

Another, thought I had was I have read that NCL is now offering SOLO cabins on their newer ships - might want to compare their offerings as well.

Edited July 26, 2015 by hugger
spelling

[Cruise_More_Often]

cruiser's by mistake a couple of cruises back. When I went in alone for lunch my DH was in the casino - they asked if I was dining SOLO and I said yes. After a few minutes at the table I figured out what had happened - I laughed and tried to excuse myself. Everyone was so friendly and asked that I stay - which I did. And, had a very ENJOYABLE lunch.

 

From what the SOLO cruiser's were saying at lunch that day it appeared to me that there had been a few SOLO gathering's. And, several were repeat cruiser's.

 

 

I doubt IF they weren't comfortable on HAL they would have continued to go again.

 

Another, thought I had was I have read that NCL is now offering SOLO cabins on their newer ships - might want to compare their offerings as well.

Yes, solo cabins and a solo lounge on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway, and probably on the new ship coming out in October, the Escape.

[cruiseelady]

Yes, solo cabins and a solo lounge on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway, and probably on the new ship coming out in October, the Escape.

 

Yes I know about those ships, I also know that they have about 4000 passengers and only one pool.

[cruiseelady]

Disclaimer...I am nearing mid-50's so I am probably the demographic most think will be on a HAL ship. But I can say without question that I saw a good number of younger couples on the Westerdam when we cruised this past March. A reasonable number of children too...we crossed paths one night when they were doing a 'pirate march' throughout one of the public areas!

 

There is plenty for all ages to do on HAL. We loved the pub trivia every night in the Crow's Nest and I can say that word spread FAST about how much fun it was; by the end of the cruise, there were always closed to 100 people participating, all ages.

 

The Beverage Manager held a pub crawl one night and it was an absolute blast!! No one drunk or out of control, but good fun for all ages. It was a hoot watching 20-somethings cheering us 50+ folks on during the flip-cup competition!

 

The BBKing Blues shows were quite popular with all ages, and Northern Lights disco had plenty of dancing going on.

 

Is it a 'calmer' atmosphere? Yes. No belly-flop contests, no hairy chest contests, no water slides. More traditional than some other lines but definitely still lots of fun for all ages.

My DH and I have cruised RCCL, Carnival and HAL. HAL edges out RCCL for our first choice.

 

 

Happy to hear there is no such things happening on Holland :)

[liv2vac2]

You can were shorts in the evening, but not in the MDR. I wore shorts almost every night after dinner on a Southern Caribbean on the Zaandam 3 years ago. I did receive a few dirty looks from a few passengers, but I also noticed after the second or third night others were also changing into shorts. It was also very warm on that particular cruise. I also wore shorts on our Alaska cruise 2 years ago.

[littlebug]

I can't speak for solo cruising. However, DH and I are in the 30 - 40 age group and we LOVE HAL. We have sailed PCL, RCCL, CCL and HAL before. Our go to is always HAL. Although we are usually on the younger end on most cruises, we still have a wonderful time and find plenty of things to do. From what it sounds like I believe you will enjoy your HAL cruise.

[kalliekae]

We started sailing HAL when we were in our 40's and our kids were in middle school. Now we're early 60's and sail both HAL and RCCL. Our kids are single and in their 30's and both sail HAL, RCCL, and Carnival. Both have said that the Carnival atmosphere has gotten too partyish for their tastes. They enjoy HAL itineraries, the larger cabins, and the outstanding staff. On RCCL, they prefer the entertainment and numerous dining options on the mega ships. However, the RCCL ships are the destination for them and not the itineraries. We agree with that assessment. From the op's posts, I think she would enjoy a HAL cruise for the quieter atmosphere and the service from the outstanding crew.