Have you sailed on Holland America Line? What do you love about this cruise line?

@peterjaro6804

Жыл бұрын

I love HAL and have sailed on Rotterdam twice and Statendam once. I LOVE the music walk and the quality of the artists. I always eat in the Buffet or speciality rest. TAMARIND, but I have never (yes really) eaten in the main dining room on any HAL ship. I have been told that makes me rather unique as a passenger on HAL. Anyway, I have cruised on Royal C, Princess, P&O, Fred Ohlsen, Celebrity and Cunard but NOTHING beats HAL for me... mostly because if the music, but also because the ship's are magnificent and the decore. I have never been on Virgin so I might try it, but I am worried I will feel disappointed... because whatever Virgin is; its not HAL.

@nigelcartwright5986

Жыл бұрын

We sailed on the Zuiderdam in September 2022 from Vancouver to Alaska as part of a larger Canada/USA vacation. In short, we loved it. Very traditional, great service, plenty of enrichment lectures, great food and drinks, always somewhere to go if you just wanted a quiet space and a wonderful itinerary. We loved it so much we're booked again for the Panama canal with Holland America. The cruise line is traditional, no zip wires, no flumes, no bumper cars, just the elegance of old style cruising.

HAL is a great cruise line, among the likes of Princess and others. What sets HAL apart from others is they offer a more relaxed, traditional cruise experience. No rock walls or go kart tracks. They offer a variety of music venues and shows, along with destination talks. Regarding the drinks package on all the lines: You have to be a heavy drinker to get your money’s worth. If you are on a budget, forgo the drink package and drink the juices, tea and lemonade offered at no charge or just limit yourself to a soft drink or 2. Wi-fi is still spotty across most cruise lines. And PLEASE don’t forgo the gratuities as someone suggested. The crew and ship cabin stewards work long hours for not a big wage. Use Uber between your hotel and the cruise port, often cheaper than ship transfer busses. Also instead of speciality restaurants, HAL offers premium steak and lobster in the MDR at an up charge about half of the speciality restaurant cost. Just my experience.

Excellent video and information. This is exactly what I want to know for each line. Well done. Thank you.

Great explanation on things. Just booked my first HAL cruise for this spring. Got the Have it all and a balcony room. Also reserved a Cabana. Super stoked for this trip!!!

We love the attention to cleanliness, delicious food and multiple choices, intimate small dance floors, smooth jazz groups, great staff!

I met my husband on a 2016 HAL Alaskan cruise; we married a year later and have cruised to Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, California Coast, and Alaska twice, all on a HAL ship. We're looking forward to our 4th Alaskan cruise in September and a Trans-Pacific cruise next spring, originating in Auckland. We save our drink package for specialty coffees and alcoholic beverages; we drink tea, water or juice (all complimentary) at breakfast and lunch. We don't drink many soft drinks. We rarely go over the 15-drink limit.

@Eatsleepcruise1

2 жыл бұрын

Have a great cruise.

@irenedavo3768

Жыл бұрын

Congratulations

@Driveright698

Жыл бұрын

You live an amazing life.

@PamalaClift

11 ай бұрын

We will be on Hal on the way to Alaska also in Sept… maybe we’ll meet.

@ericb2017

8 ай бұрын

how in the hell do people meet each other? Jesus it’s so hard to just initiate a conversation with the opposite sex. when you saw him did you immediately think he was cute??

We have never cruised on HAL before & welcomed your video. We normally cruise with Princess. We have booked a cruise with HAL for Xmas & New Year doing Antarctica & the Chillian Fyords, so excited about it.

Thank you for this, very informative and entertaining! ❤️ God bless

Very informative. I'm going on my first HAL cruise at the end of Sept for fall foliage. I like to try new ships.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Have a great cruise. We will be doing that cruise this September. Perhaps we will see you onboard.

We went on a HA Westerdam 7-day Alaska cruise July 2022. Before we went, everyone said "take lots of pictures"! We did take our camera, and we did take some pics, but pics don't at all tell the story; you have to experience it for yourself it to understand. You can't put in pics or words the shore black as night, then looking ahead you see the bright white Hubbard Glacier. We have scheduled another cruise for Feb 2023. This time will be a 10-day Panama Canal cruise. After the great experience we had aboard HA, this will be our cruise line of choice.

Great review, watch 2 others give information that was triful. Your always consis and straight to the point GREAT Job

Thank you and good info for upcoming cruise in 23

@Eatsleepcruise1

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful. Have a great cruise.

Excellent coverage, I am starting to get excited for our Christmas Cruise.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Have a great cruise. What ship?

@carolynadams1249

Жыл бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 we are on the Rotterdam.

@sodamom7568

Жыл бұрын

Christmas and New Years? Should be a great cruise.

Very helpful. Thank you.

@Eatsleepcruise1

10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

The gratuities are not service charges or like resort fees at hotels. Service fees and resort fees are for the hotel, but gratuities are tips for the crew.

Thanks for your cruise news! We were on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam last month for a 14 day cruise. We are 4-star Mariners, love this cruise line but are noticing changes we do not like. For the first time, in 25 years of cruising, the dining room menu did not include lobster tail on any of the four gala dinner menus. The new $7 surcharge for a salad and/or appetizer in the Pinnacle Grill is excessive on top of the $49 pp surcharge for the dinner. Many menu items in the Grill used to be standard in the dining room. I do not believe this is Covid or supply chain related as things were somewhat better when we cruised earlier this year. Very disappointing to see new directors taking short cuts and marking up standard items. We are cruising on the Nieuw Rotterdam in three weeks and hoping for a good experience. #lovecruising

@pf4773

6 ай бұрын

Ridiculously inflated prices for specialty restaurants. Thanks for the tip. My brother and his wife who cruise quite a bit just ask for a window seat in the main nightly dining restaurant, then have the same table each night and enjoy personalized service from the same servers.etc. No extra costs

@JBM425

4 ай бұрын

I realize I’m asking you this about a year later, but may I ask what your experience was on your 2023 cruise on Nieuw Rotterdam (and what was the destination or general itinerary)?

The drink packages are RARELY a “good deal”.

@genestone5432

Жыл бұрын

I guess if you're an alcoholic? Might be! I'm a teetotaller though, so not tempted!

I like the video & the Rolling Stone Rock is no longer just for pinnacle class. The Vista class ships just got it. I know because I'm taking a cruise onboard the Ms Oosterdam this November and it's in the deck plans.

@Eatsleepcruise1

9 ай бұрын

That’s great news. It is one of our favorite venues on a HAL ship. Have a fantastic cruise.

@barbaraweiss3119

21 күн бұрын

Good to know! We are considering a Mediterranean cruise on Oosterdam in September.

Very grateful thanks

@Eatsleepcruise1

Ай бұрын

You're most welcome! Are you sailing with Holland America Line?

@chicagomike

Ай бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 yes very spontaneous. Leaving on the 8 of June for Alaska from Seattle. It’s a nicer cruise. Not as many ports more viewing. I hope the weather will be ok. I have been before like 14 years ago. I am not a true cruise enthusiast but the Alaska cruises are excellent.

I booked an Alaska cruise with the have It All and it also included $100.00 PP excursion perk.

@Eatsleepcruise1

9 ай бұрын

Have a great cruise.

You said that the meny in the main diningroom change every day, but are there any food offeings (in that restaurant) that you can have every night (like on P&O, Cunard or Fred Ohlsen)?

I am taking a trip to Alaska next year which includes a 4 day cruise in Holland America. Have yoy been on a cruise in Alaska.

I’m going to Alaska in July on Holland America. Someone else made the arrangements. I have a drink package and I don’t drink alcohol. Who would I call to have that changed so it will include non-alcoholic speciality drinks, water, and specialty coffee drinks? Loved this video!!

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video. The drink package included all of those specialty non alcoholic drinks so you are all set. Have a great cruise.

@katkatkatina

9 ай бұрын

How did your trip go? Which boat were you on?

@arleenwallace3550

9 ай бұрын

@@katkatkatina it was fabulous. I was in the Westerdam and enjoyed the entire trip including the excursions. The weather was gorgeous. I have booked a round trip cruise to Hawaii from San Francisco on the Crown Princess for 2024 plus a Mediterranean cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway in a studio cabin for 2025 round trip from Barcelona.

Do you need to purchase Visas to the different destinations in Europe on a Holland America Mediterranean cruise? I saw the itinerary on a deposit I just put for a 2024 cruise. It is my first time on Holland America. We have US passports.

Beverage package is not a good idea if only one person drinks more than 4 or 5 alcoholic drinks per day...specialty coffees are included. Wifi is a waste unless you MUST have 24/7 access (even then it can be sketchy)...log in when ashore. HAL is not a party ship...period! Expect a more sedate, seasoned clientele that cruise for the ambience rather than the experience (a promenade deck is a must on HAL). Venues are usually well attended so like most ships...plan ahead. Personally...I found the BB King to be overly loud...and crowded. Be early to the Lincoln Center as it is a small venue. Main dining room has suffered since Covid. Specialty is worth it for at least one night. Most cocktails are $12 or less as of this date. Staff are always magnificent!

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Good point.

@caolkyle

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the insightful comment. I seen a quote today for £3,659/pp for a 19night Asia cruise in a balcony room (was thinking either upper promenade but see these were directly over main stage or behind the bridge), package includes Wi-Fi and some drinks package (can’t remember which). It’d be our first cruise but was thinking the Wi-Fi is nearly a must to keep connected while on board to book tables/excursions etc on the ship wifi? (Unless there’s a open network for these internal queries?)

Thanks for sharing!! Do all Holland ships, have a spa pool or a pool with stair entrance. Mobility issues, prohibit using ladders. TIA

I was wondering if you could forgo the gratuities as Australia and New Zealand dont tip. However, I tip my room attendant at the end of the cruise by placing cash in an envelope.

Are frozen drinks included in the signature drink package?

HAL are amazing, we have been with them on 3 cruises so far and have just booked a 21 night Hawaii cruise with them, has anyone done this cruise before if so how was it?

@Eatsleepcruise1

4 ай бұрын

That sounds amazing. We can't wait to hear about the Hawaii cruise. When is it?

If one in your party is not a big drinker but does drink soda and does want to take advantage of wifi is it necessary for both travelers to get "have it all" add on or just pay per soda or daily wifi

How much cash/extra money would you typically recommend for a 5 day cruise to Mexico? We're working on booking our honey moon and I'm anxious about a surprise bill at the end.

@paulgerrard9227

Жыл бұрын

HAL have a have it all package which may fix costs to a better degree. Then allow for and prepay gratuities. No surprises

The prices for beverage/internet/alcohol are minimum $60 a day, $120 a day per couple. For an upcoming cruise of 16 days that cost me $2000 for an interior cabin as a single, the beverage/internet package would rack up additional $900, fully a 1/3 of the cost. For a couple you are looking at almost $2000. That is the cost per night for a decent hotel (@$120 a night). In addition, added to the daily cost is ANOTHER add-on tip charge of 18%, so it's $60 PLUS 18% tip. Seriously?! The issue in addition to the cost---more than 2 drinks a day is bad for your health, and when buying such a beverage package people typically are doing so to drink alcohol, so feel compelled/motivated to drink more than two drinks a day just to "make up" the cost of the package. Instead, consider drinking in moderation and bring your own alcohol...couples can bring one bottle of wine per person and also can buy one bottle of wine each time they are in ports. Even purchasing 1-2 drinks in addition to your own alcohol will be cheaper.

@arlenegagliano1536

5 ай бұрын

Did not know one could purchase wine to bring onboard at ports. Never cruised HAL but jumped in big with 35 day Hawaii SP next year. Anxious for any tips like these!

Just want to confirm if you had an idea if you can apply directly to this cruise ship talking directly to the "hiring captain" as he mentioned and introduced himself. Little bit afraid of the scams nowadays, and a possible a stolen identity if I will submit my personal documents. Hope you can answer this queries. Thank you so much

Great video! I will be taking a TA next month from Rome to Florida. I was wondering, do they do riffles on the first day or do the offer discount prices throughout the week?

I’m going on Hal soon and was wondering about the water. I read you can drink the tap water but you can’t bring bottles? Any tips? Also your can order distilled water to your cabin, is that drinking water too?

Do they have a sauna to use that I don't have to pay extra for?

One important tip, save receipts and check the bill daily. This tip is from an experienced cruiser who found errors at the end of the cruise but too much time had passed to argue the matter successfully.

Hi. Do you know what's included in the land portion of the Alaska land and sea tour? For instance, is the food on the trains included and is breakfast included in the lodge stays?

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Great question, unfortunately, we have not done a land and sea tour to Alaska...yet!

Question: What is the location of the beautiful boat excursion shown at around 6:08 in the video? Thanks for the very helpful information!

@xyzzy01

Жыл бұрын

I have the same question. (Sorry if you were hoping this reply was an answer, Susan.) I'm hoping a reply might get the attention of @Eatsleepcruise1. Thank you!

@BadGuy1234ever

Жыл бұрын

It’s Half Moon Cay, Little San Salvador Island

@susanr.562

Жыл бұрын

@@BadGuy1234ever Thank you!!

@emphyrio

3 ай бұрын

The very short part between 6.08 and 6.15 is Giethoorn, the Netherlands.

@susanr.562

3 ай бұрын

@@emphyrio Why, thank you! I may have to plan a trip that includes that!

It would be helpful if you provided SOME idea of the add-on costs. I realize prices change, but whether the extra cost for a specialty restaurant was say $10 or $75 per person would be good to know. Likewise for the spa…what is the charge to access if you don’t book a specific service?

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

We have a complete guide to all of the restaurants on HAL's ships on our blog: eatsleepcruise.com/holland-america-line-rotterdam-restaurant-menus-and-guide/ Specialty dining ranges from 25 to 45, with sushi being a la carte.

How much is laundry service?

We are choosing the Veranda room; what do you recommend as far as location? Is it worth paying more to choose the location? I may get a little off balance . . . . is having a room in the middle of the boat make a big difference? Thank you

So where can we get a “ballpark “ idea on total cost? I’m trying to save money to give my husband a cruise for Christmas and all the websites are so confusing. We are flying from eastern Canada to Florida to catch the boat. Caribbean, Panama Canal and back. Roughly how much??? I’m guessing $5000 should be enough but not sure.

@marcytamayei5908

10 ай бұрын

Don't give DeSantis a penny . Going to Florida benefits DeSantis with tax$ if nothing else. Board the cruise from another port terminal. Fly to Costa Rica to board!

How “formal” are formal nights? My regular travel companion does not like dressing up.

@tanittaclark9613

3 ай бұрын

Slacks or (khaki’s) and polo shirts you’re good. Dress up or down just no shorts - no judgement

Thank you you for a great review on the HAL Rotterdam. We are looking at a cruise on this ship in Room 5117. This is close to the lifts and stairs and we were wondering if anyone knows if this cabin is likely to be noisy? Thank you.

@paulgerrard9227

Жыл бұрын

Depends...the lift chimes can be annoying. Kids can be loud too. Cabin location away from lifts may be better

@pauljames5000

9 ай бұрын

Your room near the lifts will be quiet, our last sailing we were directly opposite the central lifts on the Volendam and we never heard them.

Enjoyed this video!!! Awesome! Which ship of Holland is the best for Alaskan Cruise? Thanks!

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

We are partial to the pinnacle class.

Regarding beverages on Holland America. I usually only drink water and not bottled water. Are there places to fill up water bottles on board? I’m m taking an Alaskan cruise

How does one find out what the formal night themes are?

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

They all themed night is the orange party which is the second formal night.

@estrogendiaries

Жыл бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Thanks! What is the theme of the first formal night?

I'm wondering if there's cinnamon powder and honey available for tea/coffee? Or I should pack my own bottles as I need these every day. thanks! I'm planning to bring my home chilli oil sauce already, would that be ok? Going to Alaska cruise from Canada.

Can you tell me beverages ARE complimentary? Thanks.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Complimentary drinks include lemonade, iced water (not bottled), and iced tea. At breakfast, juices like orange juice and apple juice are included. There is also hot coffee and teas available, but not premium coffees or espresso based drinks. All other beverages are an upcharge. Happy sailing.

Is there inside the boat a kind of "hospital" or " Emergency room" Just in case you Need some help or a first Aid??what do you Need to get on board, green pass or covid vaccine?

I wanted to know if we can order red label whiskey bottles before the trip begins

Wheelchair access on board or required to rent?

@paulgerrard9227

Жыл бұрын

There are accessable rooms available. Contact hal for specific details.

I am horrified that they got rid of the Lincoln Center and the Nature Component.

My wife is interested in knowing if this cruise line offers activities throughout the day as well as night entertainment such as craft, photography, aqua classes, etc. ?

@JBM425

4 ай бұрын

They do offer “personal enrichment” activities like art or cooking classes, as well as guides offering lectures about upcoming destinations.

Sailed Rotterdam Nov 20 - Nov 30 2022 Southern Caribbean 10 days and for my first ever Cruise....AWFUL....missed Half Moon Cay......got a whopping $38.00 back for missing that Island.....they ran out of some food items, ran out of beer, chasing staff for orange juice every morning, had to set our table for lunch, 2 hours for dinner, we had late seating so most times we missed the shows......room service wasn't terrible but not great either, when ordered room service for breakfast....I think they got the order right....maybe twice .....awful.....$5,000.00 for this........never again and I'm not the only one that experienced this either........so many on the ship were (Bitching) unbelievable.

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Hardly anyone talks about Club Orange

Are kids allowed in the music venues?

@Eatsleepcruise1

9 ай бұрын

Yes.

Why do you say Wi-Fi is not included? It is included, but they say it often doesn’t work.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

It’s only included in the have it all package.

@pocopico7409

Жыл бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1: OIC. I forgot we opted for that, sorry. We’re doing an Alaskan cruise in July. Do you recommend the have it all package? Looked like a pretty good deal to us.

Does have it all included to and from airport or motel to ship??😊

@Eatsleepcruise1

10 ай бұрын

Unfortunately, transfers are not included.

We are going to sail on Volendam on a 7-night criuse to Alaska. Does the ship offer any binocular rentals?

@paulgerrard9227

Жыл бұрын

No. Bring some.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Correct, you can buy some onboard, but not rent. Have a great cruise.

@Hartig999

Жыл бұрын

If you are in one of the "suites," they have loaner binoculars included.

9:50 How much does it cost to add the Have It All package?

@bigsky445

Жыл бұрын

About $400 more per person for the 7 day cruise

Why doesn't anyone give the difference between an accessible/regular room?

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Have you searched KZread for a review of an accessible room?

@paulgerrard9227

Жыл бұрын

Difference? An accessable room caters to those with wheelchairs. The hal phone support can provide ship specific guidance

I was hired by Holland America Line on a six month contract-to-hire basis but three months into the contract, it ended through no fault of my own. For this reason, I would never sail with Holland America Line.

Which ship was this?

@Eatsleepcruise1

2 жыл бұрын

Mostly Rotterdam with some Nieuw Amsterdam

how are HAL for kids? I have a 12 year old boy.

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Most of their ships have kids clubs, but we would recommend another cruise line. What region were you thinking of cruising to for your trip?

We heard Holland America is a retirement home on the sea. What was your take? Full of OAPs?

@Eatsleepcruise1

2 жыл бұрын

The clientele is a bit older than the typical cruise, but we are in our 40s and have had a blast on all 3 HAL cruises. The music program and food is amazing.

@ariday4510

Жыл бұрын

Is kind of true alot of ppl are in bed by 9pm. But the quality of the food and the best destinations. I took 2 cruises with them and I love it. I did have some fun too.

@Rachael121

10 ай бұрын

@realcdcruze3558 Sounds like you need another cruise line. Norwegian cruises 🛳 might be more up your street if you haven't tried already

Maaf izin tanya pak , apakah di kapal pesiar itu ada masjid nya untuk penumpang muslim shalat ?

Do you have personal hygiene items fir women, if necessary?

With respect to gratuities we have no problem in paying them for exceptional above and beyond service, but believe the cruise line should pay their staff adequate and not rely on passengers subsidising the fees to their staff. Therefore, on every cruise we go, we advise the pursers office that they are NOT to charge our account for gratuities, and we will decide who gets a tip. You simply sign a bit of paper at the pursers office to do this.

@sergel02

Жыл бұрын

What about the staff who get paid with tips who you don’t see?

@sherryslr

Жыл бұрын

I was a tipped employee for several years while I was putting myself through graduate school. The ONLY people who ever presented this logic were simply tightwads who would have complained at least as much if service industry employees were paid a living wage and customers' fees went up to cover the costs. Just be honest about the fact that you are cheap.

@druegillis1744

Жыл бұрын

Experienced about 25 cruises, mostly on HAL, Princess and Carnival. Unless you are an alcoholic, the drink package is rarely a bargain. Internet is spotty across all lines. Gratuities are the lifeblood of the crew members. Pay them unless you are a cheap tightwad. HAL does cater to seniors, but has great music venues, well designed medium sized ships and is a class act. You will always find people who rant about certain lines. Just consider the overall reviews. Just my opinion.

@druegillis1744

Жыл бұрын

Experienced about 25 cruises, mostly on HAL, Princess and Carnival. Unless you are an alcoholic, the drink package is rarely a bargain. Internet is spotty across all lines. Gratuities are the lifeblood of the crew members. Pay them unless you are a cheap tightwad. HAL does cater to seniors, but has great music venues, well designed medium sized ships and is a class act. You will always find people who rant about certain lines. Just consider the overall reviews. Just my opinion.

I would rather pay higher cruise prices than pay them dam tips

how to get on the ship for free🤩

​@​

You mention in passing that the beverage package can save you money. Only if you drink a lot! Your voiceover sounds like you are touting or pushing the beverage packages. Not a good idea for most passengers.

@Eatsleepcruise1

2 жыл бұрын

HAL has several different packages, so depending on your preferences they can save you money. They include other premium non-alcoholic drinks as well as alcohol.

@robertb3077

Жыл бұрын

I came to the comment section to say the same thing. It is person to person. A lot of people will SAVE money by NOT getting a drink package. I do not get the drink package and I save money that way. A person needs to drink a LOT every day of the cruise just to break even.

@mannypacu6460

Жыл бұрын

@@robertb3077 How much does it cost to add the Have It All package?

Don't do this!!!! It cost way to much! You can just get a better company and save money!

@Eatsleepcruise1

Жыл бұрын

Not true. Holland America is a great line with competitive pricing compared to other lines.

@truthseeker3909

11 ай бұрын

@@Eatsleepcruise1 I'm glad you like it. I just got back with my first cruise with them and we will never go back. It's not a bad company, it's ok, but I've spent less and like other a lot more.

1:19 worse customer service ever!! Do not get your flights through flight ease, they lie to you and will charge you double

How is this guy pronouncing “honamericaline” what’s wrong with people speaking English these days…

Right ...😂