Has anything changed on HAL since the end of 2012?

[vicocala]

Hi,

 

I haven't been on a HAL ship since December, 2012. I still have a future cruise credit to use that I purchased on that sailing. I was wondering what changes have occurred. I've been spending the past year or so mostly on the NCL board and their changes in the past year have been massive.

 

Thanks for any replies!

[RuthC]

The dinner menus continue to deteriorate, and the quality of the beef as well.

Breakfast and lunch in the Lido remains good.

 

Entertainment isn't as good as it used to be, which wasn't the best. Ocean Bar is frequently quiet during pre-dinner cocktail time (second sitting especially), as well as after dinner.

 

Cabin, dining room, and lounge stewards are as dedicated as ever, but are noticeably overworked.

[vicocala]

Thanks Ruthie! That was what I noticed between my other two sailings as well. This is why it has been since 2012. :(

 

I hope they have kept you in chocolate! I've missed this board. I need to visit more often.

[RuthC]

Thanks Ruthie!

Ruthie? :eek:

You must have me mistaken for someone else. I'm never "Ruthie".

[vicocala]

Ruthie? :eek:

You must have me mistaken for someone else. I'm never "Ruthie".

 

Sorry for being so informal Ruth. It was done in affection. My apologies for any disrespect.

[Hlitner]

Had anything changed? Well, we cannot think of anything that has changed for the better. There appear to be continuing cutbacks in entertainment and cuisine. We think HAL staff and service is still 2nd to none...but staff reductions have taken their toll on various departments. We have trouble staying away from our beloved Prinsendam so will soon see what recent changes have done to that ship (which is for sale).

 

Hank

[OceanTraveller4ever]

If the itinerary, cabin, and pricing is good, then take a chance and go for it.

 

If you think you can get better with another cruise line, then go for that,

 

HAL is good enough for me.

 

Just saying :)

[RuthC]

Sorry for being so informal Ruth. It was done in affection. My apologies for any disrespect.

No offense taken. It was that sound like nails on a chalkboard echoing back from the long ago making my spine hurt a little. ;)

[dakrewser]

I find the entertainment (especially the B.B.King review) to be much better now than 4-5 years ago. The food - especially the range of choices - continues to go downhill. Service is off a tad because of cutbacks in staffing.

[RMLincoln]

I think that during the period since Dec 2012 they have changed the wine policy: 1 regular size bottle per person to be taken onboard at embarkation in your carry on is permitted with no corkage fee, to be consumed in your room. More than that at embarkation, or wine taken on at a port call, is charged $18 per bottle and can be consumed anywhere on the ship.

 

They now have more drinks packages, Explore 4 and wine packages... and a package for eating in extra-fee dining venues.

 

Open Dining is more common, using the lower level of the MDR.

 

The muster signals have changed into a three step notification.

 

The categorization of cabins was revamped to make slower selling cabins apparently lower categories than more popular cabins, now higher categories (if that's makes any sense....) It seems to be a marketing ploy. Maybe a good one, I never tried to market a cruise line. So be wary of upgrades that may not seem better to most folks.

 

The embarkation day Mariner's lunch is now open to all, if they have it; many embarkations do not have an MDR luncheon available.

 

Others will correct my errors and add more to the list. But many still find value, decent service, and much enjoyment. Others have bailed to different lines....

m--

[iancal]

HAL's value proposition for us has decreased. Our perception is that the decrease is greater on HAL than at least two other of our preferred cruise lines.

[HarR]

Don't forget the Formal nights now being Gala nights. Where formal attire is now only recommended/requested, but not required/enforced.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Some of the ships have already changed the Lido buffet at lunch time to be called the Market District. Some ships have only pre-made sandwiches -- no more choosing what you want for a sandwich.

There is a person a salad bar at lunch time to make your salad for you -- you just tell the person how much you want of this and that.

There is no more Code Orange for the first 48 hours.

[vicocala]

I think that during the period since Dec 2012 they have changed the wine policy: 1 regular size bottle per person to be taken onboard at embarkation in your carry on is permitted with no corkage fee, to be consumed in your room. More than that at embarkation, or wine taken on at a port call, is charged $18 per bottle and can be consumed anywhere on the ship.

 

They now have more drinks packages, Explore 4 and wine packages... and a package for eating in extra-fee dining venues.

 

Open Dining is more common, using the lower level of the MDR.

 

The muster signals have changed into a three step notification.

 

The categorization of cabins was revamped to make slower selling cabins apparently lower categories than more popular cabins, now higher categories (if that's makes any sense....) It seems to be a marketing ploy. Maybe a good one, I never tried to market a cruise line. So be wary of upgrades that may not seem better to most folks.

 

The embarkation day Mariner's lunch is now open to all, if they have it; many embarkations do not have an MDR luncheon available.

 

Others will correct my errors and add more to the list. But many still find value, decent service, and much enjoyment. Others have bailed to different lines....

m--

 

Thank you for your specifics. I appreciate it.

[vicocala]

Some of the ships have already changed the Lido buffet at lunch time to be called the Market District. Some ships have only pre-made sandwiches -- no more choosing what you want for a sandwich.

There is a person a salad bar at lunch time to make your salad for you -- you just tell the person how much you want of this and that.

There is no more Code Orange for the first 48 hours.

 

Thanks very much. Most of the lines seem to be skyrocketing in price, but losing value. I guess they are trying to make up for the recession years and the uncertainty of the political and economic future.

[swigso]

Hi

Are there any planned changes to the Smoking Policy after the refurbished to

The V Class ships.

I read somewhere that after its refit smoking was not allowed in the

Casino on the Eurodam.

[OBX-Cruisers]

No offense taken. It was that sound like nails on a chalkboard echoing back from the long ago making my spine hurt a little. ;)

 

Ruth you were on one of our cruises but I did not get the chance to meet and talk with you. However, I understand your reaction which is similar to when I visit my relatives and my cousins still call me Ronnie........................

 

Similar to your reaction: IT IS RON, thank you very much............HOW OLD do we have to get?????

[3rdGenCunarder]

Ruth you were on one of our cruises but I did not get the chance to meet and talk with you. However, I understand your reaction which is similar to when I visit my relatives and my cousins still call me Ronnie........................

 

Similar to your reaction: IT IS RON, thank you very much............HOW OLD do we have to get?????

 

I worked with a woman who did that with people's names. Joe became Joey, Jeff became Jeffy, And we had a Ruth who she called Ruthie. Susie and I were "already there," so she didn't change our names. With all the variations of my name (including spellings), I'm used to people choosing one without asking me. I've been called Kathy, Katherine, Cathy, Catherine, Kate, Katie, Katrina, Katrinka...

[avian777]

If the itinerary, cabin, and pricing is good, then take a chance and go for it.

 

If you think you can get better with another cruise line, then go for that,

 

HAL is good enough for me.

 

Just saying :)

 

AMEN!!! Well-said. Sure things have changed on HAL (and everywhere else in the world) but none of the changes has dampened our enthusiasm for our next HAL cruises. Thank you, HAL!!!

Edited March 26, 2016 by avian777

[esimon]

Well - Most if not all of the changes are for the worst -

 

I don't think so - yep things aren't what they use to be. I think the cruise industry as a whole has slacked up a little.

 

I still love cruise and HAL - and choose to look at the positive.

 

I know people are answering the question but sure seems negative and grumpy to me :rolleyes:

[RuthC]

Ruth you were on one of our cruises but I did not get the chance to meet and talk with you. However, I understand your reaction which is similar to when I visit my relatives and my cousins still call me Ronnie........................

 

Similar to your reaction: IT IS RON, thank you very much............HOW OLD do we have to get?????

Sorry we didn't meet. Hopefully, there will be another chance?

 

When I met the man I eventually married, he already had a friend named "Ruthie", so with me so set on what my name is, there was never any confusion. :D Worked out well.

[shellsrus]

What we have noticed:

 

-Lido far better: flow, layout, stations, no trays

-crew and service levels as good as ever

-dining room changes: portions smaller, no more cracked pepper service, salad dressing choices or parmesan cheese, quality still good

-entertainment and activities still mediocre

-Park West art auctions still adding crap and clutter to large areas

 

We're still fans.

[jtl513]

I'm surprised no one has yet mentioned that the HSC is now $13.50/p/d for suites and $12.50/p/d for all other cabins. :)

[Host Walt]

Hi

Are there any planned changes to the Smoking Policy after the refurbished to

The V Class ships.

I read somewhere that after its refit smoking was not allowed in the

Casino on the Eurodam.

There have been some new restrictions introduced recently. We have a thread dedicated to the subject.

 

Click here: This Thread Is To Be Used For All Discussions About HAL's On Board Smoking Policies

[wishful thinking]

There have been some new restrictions introduced recently. We have a thread dedicated to the subject.

 

Click here: This Thread Is To Be Used For All Discussions About HAL's On Board Smoking Policies

 

Has this thread been closed indefinitely, or will it re-open soon?