Should You Consider Holland America For A Caribbean Cruise?

Is Holland America a good choice for your Caribbean cruise vacation? I explore the pros and cons of cruising on a Holland America Line ship in the Caribbean. Holland America has been sailing for well over 140 years, but are they a good cruise line for the Caribbean? I look at the good and less good aspects to help you decide if a Holland America Caribbean cruise is right for you.
Note: I travelled as a guest of the Holland America before making this video. I cruised on a 10-night Caribbean Panama Canal cruise on the Zuiderdam.
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Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 77 cruises at time of making this video.
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#HollandAmerica #HollandAmericaTips #CaribbeanCruiseTips
00:00 Start
00:26 Cruise Experience
01:40 Choices
02:31 Private Island
03:02 Excursion Options
04:15 Entertainment Options
06:27 Fare Inclusions Exclusions
08:27 Dress Codes
09:44 Facilities
10:31 Traveller Types

Пікірлер: 177

  • @enjoyinglifeoneportatatime251
    @enjoyinglifeoneportatatime2512 жыл бұрын

    By "Bells & Whistles" you mean water parks, go carts & being 30 deep at the bar? I like Holland BECAUSE it's more quiet & relaxed than those "Resort" ships. My opinion, my money. 🙂

  • @j.m.7056

    @j.m.7056

    2 жыл бұрын

    YES!

  • @kens805

    @kens805

    2 жыл бұрын

    Totally agree, I refer to the big RC ships as a barge with disney land inside a floating Trump tower!

  • @barbaracronin4164

    @barbaracronin4164

    2 жыл бұрын

    Damn skippy right!

  • @lanedaw811

    @lanedaw811

    2 жыл бұрын

    And those snotty nose kids

  • @johnnolan5579
    @johnnolan55792 жыл бұрын

    I love Holland America and have done quite a few Caribbean excursions with them, but what surprises me is that, because their clientele tends to be older, they don't focus too much on single travelers. This is the perfect cruise line to do so. There are many older and retired people who have lost their partners and who travel alone. Why isn't someone at the cruise line thinking about this for future ships?

  • @chriswilliams6568

    @chriswilliams6568

    2 жыл бұрын

    Try Saga cruises from the UK, 20% of cabins are for solo travellers and for the over 50s. Gary has a vlog on it.

  • @kathybradley8521
    @kathybradley85212 жыл бұрын

    My husband and I love sailing with Holland America! It's the only cruise line we use.

  • @larrymowat2832
    @larrymowat28322 жыл бұрын

    Holland America is the only cruise line my wife and I Use. Even your suggested negative reasons are pretty much positive reasons for us. Thank you so much for your videos, enjoyable and very informational. Thank you

  • @enjoyinglifeoneportatatime251

    @enjoyinglifeoneportatatime251

    2 жыл бұрын

    Exactly! Wife & I are the same way: If it's not Holland America, we're not going! 👍

  • @careym3901

    @careym3901

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@enjoyinglifeoneportatatime251 I'm a solo traveler and while I do sail some of the other lines, by far Holland America is my fav!

  • @Redneckboy991

    @Redneckboy991

    2 жыл бұрын

    Our very first cruise was with Holland America back in 1994. We've tried all other cruse lines and so far (IMO) nobody seems to match Holland America's service.

  • @ThePD2013
    @ThePD20132 жыл бұрын

    My husband and I only cruise on HAL. It’s classy, so relaxing, delicious food and specialty dining and the staff is wonderful.

  • @georgeshepherd6431

    @georgeshepherd6431

    2 жыл бұрын

    There was only one specialty dining restaurant on the Oosterdam. The portions in the main dining room were too small.

  • @deekang6244

    @deekang6244

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@georgeshepherd6431 order more than one entree

  • @timsanders9111
    @timsanders91112 жыл бұрын

    Spot on. I choose Holland America for the exact reasons you pointed out. Plus I like all the things that you pointed out that others may not; I don’t care about resort facilities, I like to get dressed up, etc. Excited to be sailing on HAL next year in the Mediterranean.

  • @monakinnel9271

    @monakinnel9271

    2 жыл бұрын

    I completely agree!!!

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    I don't

  • @maxchodos7256
    @maxchodos72562 жыл бұрын

    I love HAL. Great itineraries and the people are a little older and more relaxed. People seem more willing to talk and exchange stories. Half Moon Key is the best. Crew has always been friendly and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Great music too.

  • @alisonsmith4060

    @alisonsmith4060

    2 жыл бұрын

    Half Moon Cay is amazing! Best beach I've ever seen only a few steps from the tender dock.

  • @lisathaviu1154
    @lisathaviu11542 жыл бұрын

    Although I enjoyed the traditional nature of the HA cruise we went on, I felt that the cruise appealed more to older people. That being said, because the other passengers were a lot more sedate than other cruises I have been on, I felt perfectly safe letting my daughter (8 at the time), go back to the room and get stuff. Also, the music went beyond the truly awful music usually offered. I always enjoy a bit of classical music in the afternoons or evenings.

  • @franw1956

    @franw1956

    Жыл бұрын

    Don't let your guard down

  • @mikeenkelis8522
    @mikeenkelis85222 жыл бұрын

    We switched from Princess to Holland America about 3 years ago. Now done two, one coming up in two days to Alaska, and in six months a Panama Canal cruise. For us the age group is just right, and prefer a little more reserved experience.

  • @bryantsteury8910
    @bryantsteury89102 жыл бұрын

    Maybe I'm weird in this regard, but I LIKE the more stringent dress codes, even at 34 y.o. I remember doing a princess alaska cruise with my parents when I was 13 and needing to wear a suit for formal night. I don't know, it just adds an extra air to it that might keep some people away who might not feel the draw for a more formal cruise/the formal budget.

  • @careym3901

    @careym3901

    2 жыл бұрын

    Although I don't usually bring a tux, I think the tradition is a great idea. Lots of people do like to get dressed up

  • @cqix

    @cqix

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think the same. I mean, if I am lazy, I can still get some food in the cabin or buffet. But once/twice a year, it is nice to dress up a little. And I say that, although for the rest of the year, my dresscode is more like beach casual and flip flops (Weather permitting).

  • @davidfence6939

    @davidfence6939

    2 жыл бұрын

    To each their own. I'm 39 and formal nights are annoying to me. I'm on vacation. I already dress formally at work. I'm not paying to dress up to eat some average cruise ship food.

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    I hate to wear a suit

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@davidfence6939 I'm 72 agree with you ...I'm not wearing no suit on a cruise ship...NCL...is better

  • @bridgetleary1183
    @bridgetleary11832 жыл бұрын

    Holland has been my favorite cruise line since my first cruise in 1985. Whenever, I’m doing the planning for & booking of a cruise, it’s on HAL.

  • @garyroycraft5171
    @garyroycraft51712 жыл бұрын

    Good review.We have over 700 days on HAL so,we’re obviously very happy with them.Yes,we have had “issues” but they have always tried their best to please.We have done several extended cruises including 3 world cruises and 2 other Grand voyages.We have been on Celebrity and found them to be very good too but slightly more expensive. We have been on all of their Caribbean itineraries and enjoyed them very much too.We are seniors and like the more traditional experience….it’s nice to dress up occasionally.😎

  • @lelandfranklin3487
    @lelandfranklin3487 Жыл бұрын

    Totally agree. Have sailed many times on Carnival...but one trip on HAL changed us forever. Difference between high school and graduate school....instead of "Diamonds International" sales pitches...there were classes of various types.

  • @cGousha
    @cGousha2 жыл бұрын

    I find Holland to be one of the best balances between the traditional cruising elements, enrichment activities, and formal air. Higher class than Princess, fewer onboard activities than (say) Celebrity, and a more relaxing time all-around… especially on sea days! the library is a particularly good place to hang out, if you’re not one for the Pool Deck. Along with this, Holland does have an older passenger crowd than most lines, except possibly Cunard. Besides the Caribbean lines, I also recommend their Hawaii and New England runs. Fall Colours are fantastic! …and most especially, their Alaska Cruisetours, taking the Alaska Rail from Anchorage to Denali and Fairbanks. Inland Alaska is NOT what you expect it to be!

  • @christineshields1714
    @christineshields17142 жыл бұрын

    I think it’s important to know what type of cruiser you are. A good cruise travel planner will ask you questions to determine your cruise style and budget then match you to the cruise line and ship that best suits that style.

  • @Gaetano.94
    @Gaetano.942 жыл бұрын

    My dad works on Holland as Public Health, I loved it when I got to go with him for a cruise while he was working.

  • @guayames
    @guayames2 жыл бұрын

    Have gone all over the world with HAL, do you think their around Africa cruise Oct 2022 has a good shot of happening? Started cruising with them when we were one of the youngest couples, not so now, ha,ha! Their staff treatment of older travelers is second to none!

  • @cpardun
    @cpardun2 жыл бұрын

    I think I have probably been on every single itinerary that HAL offers in the Caribbean. Sometimes, I go on excursions, some times, I just get off and walk around--and sometimes I simply stay on the ship. I have never had a bad HAL Caribbean cruise! Can't wait for my next one.

  • @jimblatchford2706

    @jimblatchford2706

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad to hear that as we are booked on the March 27th, 2022 - 21 day caribbean cruise. We love the Caribbean and we love HAL so I think the combination works perfectly to celebrate our 50th Anniversary.

  • @cpardun

    @cpardun

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@jimblatchford2706 Congratulations! My husband and I are doing a 21-day in January. We're not quite to 50 years yet, but getting there quickly!

  • @meezermeowmy
    @meezermeowmy2 жыл бұрын

    We prefer Holland America over Royal Caribbean because they are less "buy, buy, buy" in your face. Royal C. focuses all its "seminars" about ports on which shops they want you to patronize. We also are quite fond of the size of the Holland America ships, which seem to have hit that sweet spot for big enough but not overly crowded.

  • @devorahanatolia8999
    @devorahanatolia89992 жыл бұрын

    Slight correction to the information presented - according to the HAL website, the daily Crew Incentive Charge is $15.50 per guest per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $17.00 per guest per day for suite guests. I've done several solo cruises to the Caribbean on HAL and have been able to pay less than a 100% single supplement on inside and outside cabins. I find HAL's itineraries more interesting than Princess or Celebrity, and the I Could Stay Here Forever Bar on HMC is not to be missed.

  • @johnvillalovos

    @johnvillalovos

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you mentioned it. Was researching it the other day as discovered their "Have It All" option does NOT include gratuities 🤔

  • @flyboy7771
    @flyboy77712 жыл бұрын

    Slower paced crowd? Yes. Shooting the breeze over drinks before dinner with retired city cops and other interesting folk? Yes. Listened to crazy train by Ozzy in the rock club? Yes! The one thing I learned on HAL is that the retired crowd can tie one on and still be friendly and respectful of their fellow passengers.

  • @floridamezzo8734
    @floridamezzo87342 жыл бұрын

    My husband and I have cruised many times on Holland America. We have gone to the Carribbean many times as well as the South Pacific. We like everything about Holland except the food. We like the food on Celebrity much better!

  • @selecttravelvacations7472

    @selecttravelvacations7472

    2 жыл бұрын

    That’s all I needed to hear. I love Celebrities food already, and my favorite cruises have been with them. I don’t want to have to carry extra clothes for a formal night, I like casual cruising best. Celebrity has a dress up night for those that want to travel with suits, high heels, and formal dresses in their luggage.

  • @melindalrahe
    @melindalrahe2 жыл бұрын

    Holland America is my favorite cruise line because of the live music and the classic cruise experience. For my first trip on Holland America I was 36 yrs old. There were lots of people in their 80s but that is no problem for me.

  • @DylanSlaa
    @DylanSlaa2 жыл бұрын

    One of the reasons I like HA is because of the ‘more’ formal dress code on Gala night. I find dressing up for an evening or two can be quite fun, especially if lots of people are doing it. Creates a very unique atmosphere for the evening.

  • @genestone5432
    @genestone5432 Жыл бұрын

    Gary, you have fantastic videos! Thank you!

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!! Great to hear you enjoy them 👍🏻

  • @danhle9454
    @danhle94542 жыл бұрын

    We like HA and the older segment that they serve. We're not in that segment yet, but we like the classy, quiet elegance for a relaxing cruise vacation. No thank you to loud, blasting music around the pools, non-stop talking drunks at bars, and wild, roaming teen activities in other cruise lines. I hope Carnival doesn't change HA and goes after the rowdy, younger hipsters as other cruise lines.

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    Need a little music like latin dance music...good shows ....relax i could spend a week in my backyard and relax...need some fun !!!

  • @PhilFeedback
    @PhilFeedback2 жыл бұрын

    Great video footage, thanks for posting this video. My wife and I have been on Holland America Line for 3 different Caribbean cruise’s. We have had great experiences with no complaints, so we would definitely recommend HAL

  • @jenniferashley6040
    @jenniferashley60402 жыл бұрын

    You are an enabler, Gary! My husband and I just booked a Holland America Caribbean cruise for early next year. Thanks for the great info on your channel.

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    Жыл бұрын

    fab!!!

  • @dick8193
    @dick81932 жыл бұрын

    My wife and I have done multiple cruises on HA. These include the Caribbean, Alaska and the Panama Canal from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego. They are the best and we would not consider another line.

  • @hsherman6470
    @hsherman64702 жыл бұрын

    I love Holland America. I love the tranquility and peace. My next cruise is an elusive single with Oceanview.

  • @katherinevanleuven2192
    @katherinevanleuven21922 жыл бұрын

    I love HAL. The food is above average. The America's test kitchen is fabulous. The activities on board are fun. I'm going on a Hawaiian cruise it will take 5 days to get there, so we can take ukulele lessons, make flower lei's, and see presentations on the culture, the wildlife, and history. They also offer so many excursions that you really have a hard time, choosing. If the ship is the destination for you, and not the itinerary then you might want to consider another line.

  • @charliedavenport9609
    @charliedavenport96092 жыл бұрын

    Holland America sounds very relaxing, definitely need to check them out. Thanks

  • @kalozakos
    @kalozakos2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Gary for the video. HAL is great for its diverse itineraries, western, eastern, southern. It is a great cruise line.

  • @lorettaolson8748
    @lorettaolson87482 жыл бұрын

    Love Holland America. Did 2 regions of the Caribbean back to back. Great cruise.

  • @ramonajones9601
    @ramonajones96012 жыл бұрын

    We love Holland America! We plan to sail soon!

  • @amybradley5821
    @amybradley58212 жыл бұрын

    Only cruise with HAL now, best by far. Ships are fantastic, no cattle boats ! Hardly any children! Booked for January.

  • @dwill123
    @dwill1232 жыл бұрын

    I have not yet been on a Holland America cruise and I can't wait.

  • @SirRommy
    @SirRommy2 жыл бұрын

    I actually cruised the Panama Canal itinerary on the ship you featured in this video, the Zuiderdam, in 2018. One plus you didn't mention (my father also felt this way) was the food was generally really good and compared favorably against some other lines. A surprise standout was the Dive-in burger/hotdog stand; surprisingly good. We never felt we had to overdress for any dining venue so people, don't stress out over that. The only negative on THAT ship was they had some kind of a sewage issue on one of the main floors by a public restroom that somewhat smelled requiring fans to aerate the space. But, you offered great info in this video.

  • @amybradley5821
    @amybradley58212 жыл бұрын

    Been on HAL every year for last few years, except last year,and never had a Gala night. Dining room just wants no shorts and I still saw plenty that did and were not asked to leave. They have been serving you at the buffet for years ( yeah). Only thing they don’t have are water slides, and amusement parks on board.

  • @mikee3997
    @mikee3997 Жыл бұрын

    Last cruise was royal Caribbean and many years ago so now doing family cruise in Jan on Staatendam so it’s going to be a blast

  • @chuckmeadows1581
    @chuckmeadows15812 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff, Gary! Thanks for providing your insight. I'm booked on a HAL cruise to the Caribbean in 2022. For my interests and priorities, HAL is the best choice. Your video just confirmed that! Thanks.

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great to hear ! Thanks for watching

  • @barbaracronin4164
    @barbaracronin41642 жыл бұрын

    Glad to see you back in the “mainstream” Mr. Gary! (Actually, happy to see ME back!)

  • @peggy2429
    @peggy24292 жыл бұрын

    I’ve been on two HAL Caribbean cruises. I like them because it is totally relaxing, there are very few children. I don’t need roller coaster, race tracks, etc. on a cruise ship and I don’t need to party. Also like that their ships are smaller therefore not as many people.

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    Why go on cruise....no partying sounds boring

  • @TOhara-eb2lp

    @TOhara-eb2lp

    4 ай бұрын

    @@letsgomets002Yeah, I love the ghetto element and fistfights on Carnival. Better to have that than enrichment activities…not!

  • @tinawozniak374
    @tinawozniak3742 жыл бұрын

    I love HAL's Bermuda cruise. They stay 72 hours in the same port. No hurrying back to the ship, stay out as long as you want.

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    So does NCL....its not so unique

  • @tinawozniak374

    @tinawozniak374

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@letsgomets002 Technically NCLS was not a full 72 hours like HAL. Unfortunately though I haven't seen Bermuda on HALS site lately so may have to go NCL.

  • @1954cs
    @1954cs2 жыл бұрын

    Having done a Caribbean cruise on HAL, I would do it again.

  • @williamd9205
    @williamd92052 жыл бұрын

    We no longer cruise on HAL due to the lack of self-service laundry facilities for passengers. Princess, another Carnival Corporation line, does have them and is priced similar to HAL.

  • @solstar4778
    @solstar47782 жыл бұрын

    Good question!

  • @michellestevens2454
    @michellestevens24542 жыл бұрын

    HAL has the best itineraries. They also have wonderfully comfortable beds and all cabins have Elemis products in the bathroom . The Vista class ships have bathtubs in the balcony cabins, making them my favorite ships.

  • @kens805
    @kens8052 жыл бұрын

    No rock climbing walls on Holland America! LOL It's been awhile since I cruised with them but I loved the "crow's nest" during the day time. Read a good book in a recliner while listening to soft music and looking out at front of the ship while sipping a Pina Colada or a fresh cup of coffee. Now it appears they've turned it into a market center for their expensive excursions.

  • @davidbutt406

    @davidbutt406

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just one corner of the Crows nest is devoted to excursion planning. The rest of the facility is as you enjoyed.

  • @kens805

    @kens805

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@davidbutt406 GREAT! THX for responding!

  • @kevinrussak1031
    @kevinrussak10312 жыл бұрын

    I am doing a transatlantic in October with them my first time on them

  • @kearstonzerzanek5431
    @kearstonzerzanek5431 Жыл бұрын

    You should update this video as one of your “negatives” no longer applies as they now offer the “have it all” package which is very reasonable!

  • @X0awsome
    @X0awsome2 жыл бұрын

    Love HA! Casino offers are the best! Food is great and very few kids. Leaving tomorrow to do an 11 carribean on the Rotterdam.

  • @TOhara-eb2lp

    @TOhara-eb2lp

    4 ай бұрын

    If you don’t mind my asking, do you do a lot of gambling or a little. I ask because I have been with them once and I used the casino, but not to much, yet somehow I’m on their casino offer list. No complaints! I was just curious.😅

  • @X0awsome

    @X0awsome

    4 ай бұрын

    @@TOhara-eb2lp it depends on the cruise and number of sea days. I've spent as little as $20 on a few trips

  • @petertrudel8240
    @petertrudel8240 Жыл бұрын

    I like the boredom! I'm 62 and very active There's plenty to do I don't want a water slide I don't want a hairy chest contest Or watching some clown juggling kittens! I have been on all lines Give me holland america. It is true clientele is older Looks more like a titanic reunion Sometimes. Daily cruise planner Has its own obituary column Lotta of Emergency calls with the oldsters Trying to slip in one more cruise So it is quite entertaining!

  • @mevlidasofic9131
    @mevlidasofic91312 жыл бұрын

    I went to cruz with so many different cruz ships. I love them all but Holand America is my favorite. Nice ships, good food, not to many people. Nothing negative about them.

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's cruise....not ...cruz...really!!!

  • @mevlidasofic9131

    @mevlidasofic9131

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@letsgomets002 sorry but you know what I mean. My English is not so good or sometimes my phone

  • @capnmark4
    @capnmark42 жыл бұрын

    We have done 3 Caribbean cruises (2 eastern plus Panama partial transit) and one Alaska on HAL. One of the things you didn't mention which we absolutely love is being able to walk around outside on Promenade. On other ships we've been on (Carnival, Princess, Celebrity), you had to detour through the ship or go to the top deck and dodge people and chairs. You can't beat HAL's Promenade for a nice stroll after dinner in the Caribbean or finding the Naturalist on the fantail looking for whales in Alaska.

  • @oceanside88
    @oceanside882 жыл бұрын

    Once booked there is a premium price bottle service that can be pre ordered. It will be waiting for you when you board. If you don't drink a ton, this is a nice option. Also bring your max allowed on soda. One bottle of wine each allowed to board right? So that's one way of doing it. Ice is included. Options.

  • @annedavis3746
    @annedavis37462 жыл бұрын

    Only HAL for us. Food and staff are fantastic, but we MUST cruise with the Music Walk. Never had any complaint. And yes, we're seniors.

  • @simongo1653
    @simongo16532 жыл бұрын

    Yes!

  • @beautifulqueen748
    @beautifulqueen7482 жыл бұрын

    My husband and I will love to go here

  • @legioner9
    @legioner92 жыл бұрын

    I like that there is a dress code.

  • @lanedaw811
    @lanedaw8112 жыл бұрын

    The reason I chose Holland America is the lack of kids, adults oriented. Mother and I are taking a cruise to the Panamal Canal In December..

  • @suerobinson2972
    @suerobinson29722 жыл бұрын

    They have some inclusive rates now but you have the choice to take it or not which I like as I am not a big drinker and I am a four star mariner which gives me 50% off specialty dining and special coffees and teas.

  • @mortgages_by_jason
    @mortgages_by_jason2 жыл бұрын

    My favorite line.

  • @trainattendant5810
    @trainattendant58102 жыл бұрын

    As a 3 Star Mariner I have been disappointed with my last few HAL cruises in terms of basic hotel operations issues, (i.e. food, service, cabin cleanliness). In the hospitality industry it's the "little things" that make an impression. As a consumer of the cruise travel product HAL no longer meets my expectations. Enter Viking Ocean!

  • @mariabarker2036
    @mariabarker20362 жыл бұрын

    I'd be interested in a Viking vs Holland America comparison, should you ever be inclined. From everything I've read/watched, I'm leaning toward Viking over everyone, but haven't heard a direct comparison with Holland America.

  • @silviaeaston
    @silviaeaston2 жыл бұрын

    I travel SOLO about 80% of my time (travel at least 8 cruises per year) .... I must admit that I couldn't understand all that you mentioned about this, but nevertheless, Holland is one of the few (if any) that give a break in many of their sailings, having solos pay less than the customary 200%.

  • @travelingwithmikeandpam9074
    @travelingwithmikeandpam90742 жыл бұрын

    We're going on Holland American in April. We'll have 2 teenage nephews coming also. Hope they like it!

  • @letsgomets002

    @letsgomets002

    2 жыл бұрын

    They will be bored to many old people ...

  • @travelingwithmikeandpam9074

    @travelingwithmikeandpam9074

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@letsgomets002 They had a blast last time we went. They had a lot of kids their age.

  • @worstchoresmadesimple6259
    @worstchoresmadesimple62592 жыл бұрын

    I love HAL. I would recommend any region for HAL, and for the Caribbean, it is perfect. An easy afternoon reading a great novel (and I get through these in hours), great music, lovely staff, great restaurants, and wonderful destinations. It is popular and whilst I have not considered Celebrity or Princess, I would be hard pressed to accept considering either compared to HAL. I would do so for Alaska but that would be a Big ask. All my other friends in their 40s also love HAL, nothing but positive experiences reported by all.

  • @denniscostabile4264
    @denniscostabile42642 ай бұрын

    Disembarked 4/13/24, Rotterdam. This ship had issues keeping hot food hot and cold food cold. Call it equipment problems. The staff were very friendly but not trained very well. The food is meant for a 70+ demographic, so lots of tuna or chicken salad at the buffet with lots of bread everywhere. Best food was the Pinnacle Grill. Just unimpressed!

  • @kencarter3616
    @kencarter36162 жыл бұрын

    I keep missing your Saturday "live" but I have a question. Do the officers share is the gratuities?

  • @Daniel14550
    @Daniel145502 жыл бұрын

    I have a disability (age 33) and my mom (age 72) is retired and I live with her. It's almost like we're on vacation everyday as our Home Owners Association has an outdoor pool for us to enjoy and we don't really have any daily activities scheduled. We're the complete reverse of the business worker who needs some time to relax. Holland America has been suggested to us for being good at personal enrichment. I hope that they are more about exploring and learning than sitting around relaxing all of the time.

  • @oceanside88

    @oceanside88

    2 жыл бұрын

    Every day they have something, like talks about the region, cooking classes, ship walk events, actually too much to do. I appreciate the mature crowd. I don't like screaming kids and pushy buffet gluttons. Its a bit more refined on Hal.

  • @lvthud
    @lvthud2 жыл бұрын

    We sailed HAL pre and post Carnival, my honest feelings is, HAL is fine, but Carnival managed to turn it into Princess with darker fittings. They cut down on the staffing levels so you no longer get the full HAL experience. The suites on the older ships are the same as you will find on Carnival ships, except again with darker tones.

  • @gailcheek1590
    @gailcheek15902 жыл бұрын

    Gary, would you mind sharing what you wore on HAL gala night? My husband and I, and another couple, are cruising 14 days from Ft Lauderdale on the Staatendam at the end of November. Husbands want to know if a sport coat and smart slacks are ok, or do they pack the tuxedos?

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    I just wore a long sleeved shirt and smart trousers. A sports jacket and slacks would be very suitable and what many men wore. Very few tuxedos

  • @kylasbibi
    @kylasbibi11 ай бұрын

    I use to love HAL until our Christmas Cruise last year. Love the music walk! However last year on the Nieuw Amsterdam the food was absolutely awful. Tasteless and repetitive. The wait staff in the main dining room was subpar. We have sailed HAL in the Baltic and the Caribbean several times, but this time was just bad. The ship was beautiful. The spa was great. Mind you we went on this cruise after sailing Azamara 2 months before. That’s why we went back to Azamara for our cruise in June. Unless HAL has an itinerary that is compelling I’m not planning on sailing HAL again.

  • @dgale1023
    @dgale10232 жыл бұрын

    which cruise line is best for visiting the greek islands and santorini,etc. We are seniors if that matters

  • @davidfarmer7397
    @davidfarmer73972 жыл бұрын

    My wife and I love sailing on HAL ships. Wish they would of kept the “S” class ships.

  • @bethdahl6093
    @bethdahl60932 жыл бұрын

    I know this is for Seasoned Travelers. How many people sailing are typically in their 40's and 50's?

  • @1951kvk
    @1951kvk2 жыл бұрын

    My Mom and I were on our way home from Hawaii on a HAL cruise and she won a cruise to the Bahamas. We took that cruise out of New York and found the food not as good as our other HAL cruises and the staff weren't as friendly or accommodating. I wouldn't go back to the Bahamas.

  • @ForeverYeung
    @ForeverYeung2 жыл бұрын

    Will there be a daily mass onboard with Holland America cruise line?

  • @tedsgirluk736
    @tedsgirluk7362 жыл бұрын

    Gary. Can you do a video for those in the UK who don’t want a fly cruise? Seem to be limited to P&O or Fred and it’s generally Spain, Madeira etc. Someone was suggesting ferry to Rotterdam or Amsterdam to pick up HAL, any other cruise lines set sale from there? Would love to do Greek islands and further afield without flying. Thanks. Julie

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for that suggestion! Now that the Eurostar also goes to Amsterdam that is also an option.

  • @thomaspoke8511

    @thomaspoke8511

    2 жыл бұрын

    I was going to say, can’t you train to European ports?

  • @ericlomax1793
    @ericlomax17932 жыл бұрын

    Holland America is mostly for the older people crowds as they tend to be more to catering to them. As I have seen for Alaska on Princess Cruises as most of the people coming off of a Holland America Ship where older as in 60 and over to me.

  • @ghjcmo
    @ghjcmo2 жыл бұрын

    I'm biased because my first cruise ever was on the old Westerdam, and probably the majority of my cruise days are on HAL. I've found them to be a really good line with excellent food, but perhaps a bit pricier than other lines like Carnival. (Although not always). The dress codes are not THAT strict as you pointed out, and for me kind of hit the "sweet spot" between "dressing up" and "Hey I'm on vacation." My biggest issue, not really a complaint per se, is that the crowd tends skew older. As in MUCH older. My last cruise was on the Koningsdam in Dec of 19, and I was 58 at the time and I'm quite sure I was well below the median age of the passengers. Oh and I love the BB King Blues Club, but for the love of God HAL would you turn the volume down? I have to remind myself to pack ear plugs the next time I sail. HAL is by far my favorite line, but ironically my return to cruising will aboard a Carnival ship.

  • @jessieallen8296
    @jessieallen82962 жыл бұрын

    Get a suite on celebrity edge and compare it to a suite on HAL enough said!

  • @Hawkeye2001
    @Hawkeye20012 жыл бұрын

    I've been to the Caribbean several times & on various cruise lines. Holland America is just more civilized.

  • @Goodly2b
    @Goodly2b Жыл бұрын

    I am traveling with HAL next for 7 days, could someone please advise if there are formal nights on the Eurodam ship? I’ve been only on 2 other lines in the past and they’ve had mandatory formal nights on those ships.😢

  • @markcoleman8568
    @markcoleman85682 жыл бұрын

    What about Orange dining room

  • @carolnelsongerontologist
    @carolnelsongerontologist2 жыл бұрын

    What Holland American offers is what I cruise for. Not a zip lining, surfing and go-carts. They belong at an amusement park.

  • @thomaspoke8511

    @thomaspoke8511

    2 жыл бұрын

    Carol, give Seabourn a look as well. More expensive but all-inclusive and exquisite dining. Ships range from 450-600 passengers so their largest ones are less than half the size of the Eurodam class ships. Very close to 1-1 staff passenger ratios. No tipping. No upcharges whatsoever. WIFi now included.

  • @carolnelsongerontologist

    @carolnelsongerontologist

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thomaspoke8511 thank you, I will.

  • @davidbykowski9678
    @davidbykowski96782 жыл бұрын

    We did one Holland American cruise and that was enough. We didn’t care for the layout of the ship and the passenger’s age skewed very old and the nightlife was virtually non existent. Just not what we want on a cruise.

  • @chriswilliams6568

    @chriswilliams6568

    2 жыл бұрын

    A shame, because you could have found out all that if you had researched beforehand. This is the most important factor in cruising, choose the cruise line that is right for you.

  • @Desertfox18
    @Desertfox182 жыл бұрын

    Is that hull Black or Blue?

  • @richardmikoley7234
    @richardmikoley72342 жыл бұрын

    My wife and I have been on 27 cruises.The three that stand out were on Holland America.In not a good way.The first two,the ships vibrated so bad,it was unbearable in the cabin.The last one the Nieuw Amsterdam.The cabin was so bad we couldnt stay in it anymore.The refrigerator was burning.The air conditioning never worked.Wall paper peeling off the walls.The worse thing was the bathroom drain would backup raw sewage.I have pictures.It took them four days to move us to another cabin.We are 74,and really like the older crowd on their ships,but we will never cruise with them again.

  • @jaspervanstratum
    @jaspervanstratum2 жыл бұрын

    Were you on the Zuiderdam on her last cruise before the cruise shut down? March 2020?

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Shutdown happened while on that cruise. Were you too?

  • @jaspervanstratum

    @jaspervanstratum

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@tipsfortravellers Yes! I joined the Zuiderdam in January as a 2nd officer. That last cruise was very special. I remember going ashore in Puerto Limon to buy supplies for myself because we expected to be at anchor for maybe a month or more…… I did the departure manouver from the dock in Costa Rica (March 15), not knowing it would be the last departure with guest for the entire year. It was also the last time I stepped ashore for the rest of the contract! I was supposed to go home on first week of April, but ended up flying home from Asia in a chartered plane at July 26th. We sailed all the way to: Brazil, Cape Town, Singapore, Manila and Jakarta. I will never forget those adventures.

  • @melvinjacobs2328
    @melvinjacobs23282 жыл бұрын

    Celebrity is all inclusive, and no more expensive.

  • @cliffnorman178
    @cliffnorman1782 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so very much for this review. We were considering Holland America but after watching this video we have been convinced not to try them and will stick to Celebrity. Take care.

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    Ok! It's also good when these help people decide what not to do !

  • @RonenOsden
    @RonenOsden2 жыл бұрын

    If I go on a cruise, I want to cruise. I dont want a go-kart track, rock climbing wall or ice skating rink on board. All of that non-sense just turns a cruise into into normal resort style vacation. Thus Ive gone on HAL the majority of the time and love it. Not a huge fan of some of the changes theyve made over the years either... I feel that they have been losing the "Tradition of excellence".

  • @vinceprivitera7756
    @vinceprivitera77562 жыл бұрын

    I have never cruised on HAL yet. Reading most of the reviews, it seems that average age over 70. Is that accurate or are most of the reviews exaggerating?

  • @walterplant2957

    @walterplant2957

    2 жыл бұрын

    It’s four / five years since I did an HAL / I’ve done several ; at that time I was 55 and think I was pretty much the youngest passenger . A lot of retirees

  • @pewing99
    @pewing992 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like you have not really researched Holland America very well. The three new Pinnacle class ships all have single cabins. And they also have two different fare opens the base fare and the Have It All fare which includes drinks, internet, a specialty dinner each week, and a $100 short excursion credit each week.

  • @chriswilliams6568

    @chriswilliams6568

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is because this video was probably made before HAL introduced this new form of pricing.

  • @pewing99

    @pewing99

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@chriswilliams6568 then it should have noted that it was a rerelease of old out of date material for extra views and not really a new video. HAL has had the new pricing structure for months now and this video was released four days ago.

  • @chriswilliams6568

    @chriswilliams6568

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@pewing99 I find it annoying that no video seems to have a date on them, so that we could tell. This is a defect in the KZread format. Not the vloggers fault.

  • @pewing99

    @pewing99

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@chriswilliams6568 I'm not sure what you mean. You can see when a video was posted below the video by the view count. This one was four days ago.

  • @chriswilliams6568

    @chriswilliams6568

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@pewing99 no sorry, cannot see a date anywhere, I never do. I am viewing on an I Pad.

  • @stuartlee6622
    @stuartlee66222 жыл бұрын

    Must I drag along a tuxedo??

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    No, very few people wear them on HAL

  • @borg386
    @borg386 Жыл бұрын

    All fine and dandy, but do they have karaoke? 🎤

  • @luciam6098
    @luciam60982 жыл бұрын

    The food was good but I would never go on HA again. It's a line for old people... as in "we go to bed at 7pm" kind of old. HAL decor is reminiscent of the 80-90s too. Yuck! Also they don't have a nursery. If you have kids under 3 there are no options for them.

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is absolutely focused on an older non-family target

  • @socalgal714
    @socalgal7142 жыл бұрын

    Hubby is a tobacco smoker and won't consider a cruise due to "being stuck in a windy corner" 7 floors away from the room to smoke. Are there any (maybe international) cruise lines that have a more liberal smoking policy?

  • @tipsfortravellers

    @tipsfortravellers

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi. No, all lines are basically the same with smoking only in designated areas on deck. Princess has a room inside for smokers but still means going there

  • @lvthud

    @lvthud

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@tipsfortravellers Just to add to that, the Royal class ships has a great, easy to access room.