Hi! I’m Dara and I’m addicted to all things travel, nature, wildlife, scuba diving and - of course - adventure! I’ll be featuring videos from my hikes, dives, wanderings and explorations from around the globe, both on the land and under the sea. Looking forward to having you join along with me for my future adventures. Follow me on Instagram (@daradventures) and TikTok (@daradventures) for more fun content as well. Welcome to the channel, and hope you enjoy!
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The best thing is they don't have six to 7,000 people on the ship biggest ship has only around 2800 to 3,000
Seemed a very fair and even-handed review. Very informative. First HAL cruise in two weeks. Very young 67yo's. Hope they listened to your music concerns.
I hope you have a great time! The music really is very enjoyable, just wished for the variety, but I also understand they are going to cater to their primary demographic. Happy cruising and thanks for watching the video!
Best Informative video. Exactly what i was looking for. Planning trip to Southampton soon . This is very helpful video . Thanks a lot
Glad it was helpful! I hope you have a great visit to Southampton.
Great work, very nicely presented and everything is well described. Thumb No.7 from me.
Thank you! Cheers! Appreciate your kind words as always 😊
Oh wow that's amazing, maybe a little scary for my tastes
It’s definitely not for the claustrophobic, but it’s a beautiful dive. Short too, you can get in and out of the cavern quite quickly.
I just got back from a three day trip to red eagle lake
Amazing! How was it?
@@daradventuresit was awesome the views were just beautiful
Enjoyed this! I cruised with HAL recently (as a 32 year old) and was really impressed. I was also onboard Rotterdam, and found her to be absolutely beautiful! The average age was MUCH higher than the cruises I'm used to, but I also genuinely believe that age is just a number - it really didn't bother me in the slightest!
Glad you enjoyed the video and had a great experience with the Rotterdam too! She is a beautiful ship, and I really do appreciate all the history that HAL has behind it. And agreed, age is indeed just a number 😊. HAL is for specific type of cruiser, but I do believe that if you like what the line offers than go for it regardless of your age!
LIKED IT
We're loyal Holland America cruisers. My husband and I are GenXers. This seems to be the demographic they are trying to entice right now because the boomers are getting older. I've noticed more people in our generation love HAL. We're not partiers and want a quiet vacation. We also came of age in the 80s so music is important to us. We're taking our millennial daughter on soon, so we'll see if she likes it. Also, you can update the beverage package to the elite package and it covers more if you want the more expensive beverages. Beverages that are fully covered don't show up on your bill.
Yes, it makes sense that they would start trying to appeal to the Gen X demographic. We did consider upgrading the beverage package, just to eliminate the annoyance of all the tiny charges, but in the end it wasn’t anywhere near worth it for us, as we don’t order enough drinks per day to make up the cost difference. It is good to note that this is an option though! Curious how your millennial aged daughter will enjoy the experience - I hope your family has a lovely vacation!
We have sailed on a couple of HAL cruises and do like the line as a matter fact we’re going to be on the Rotterdam in September. I was born in the 1960s and even I think that the typical passenger skews much older than me. I do wish they would play some music genres not from so far in the past, that being said we really do like, HAL
The Rotterdam is lovely, you’ll have a nice experience. Yeah I’m curious to experience the line outside of school holiday time. I didn’t feel out of place on our sailing, but I’m curious of my opinion would change we had sailed at a different time of year.
Thanks for the information! Cruising 1st time on HA in 2025. We are in our 50s, but I know I would like some generational music variety as you mentioned.
exciting! I hope you have a great first sailing - what ship are you on? I think you’ll enjoy the music regardless, it may not skew much into the more recent decades but the musicians truly are top notch.
You nailed the today HAL experience. Back in the 90's they called it comfortable elegance, and for me the current HAL experience is a calm, comfortable and pleasant experience.
Calm, comfortable and pleasant. That’s exactly it. That’s why I liked it. I want to have fun on vacation of course, but I do like my fun a bit more calmer these days. 😊
Excellent vlog, fair imo. We cruised on HAL once, in our 50's and we found it "old" Yet, I do like everything u also pointed out. Thanks
This was a great video! Very enjoyable. I enjoyed all of the different camera views too. Looks like an amazing place to visit.
Glad you enjoyed it! I love the Cloisters, it’s such an unexpected place to find in Manhattan.
Lived a street from Ft. Tryon until I was 11. Damn, so long ago! For some reason, the Cloisters always scared me as a kid.
I can see how it might be a little scary when you’re a kid… it’s kind of an intimidating building!
The staff served you in the buffet even before Covid, most other lines are fully self serve for the food in the buffet.
Yes, I learned that recently - good to know! I made an incorrect assumption on their strategy.
#1 TIP: AVOID EGYPT !!!
Why is that then?!
i first cruised hal with 37, now going again with 38
When you not looking at camera while speaking, it maybe better to show pictures/videos of ship. Thanks!
It was my first time attempting something like this - I’m aware it wasn’t perfect 🙃. Always room to improve 😃. Thanks for the comment!
You did great!@@daradventures
@@claudiaapplin3698 thank you! I’m happy with the video for a first attempt, but can definitely improve going forward 😃
You did a great job on your travel tips. I've visited Egypt 3 times and I'm planning on doing my 4th trip soon. Thanks for a great video.
Thank you! I hope your next trip is wonderful. Anything new for the next itinerary? I have a second trip in mind to do within the next couple of years… there were a ton of things I had to cut while I was in my original planning phase just for lack of time. I probably need another 3 weeks there to get to everything 😎
It used to be that the promenade deck was below the lifeboats (lifeboats were on a boat deck, above the promenade) and you had a view out to sea.
Ah interesting… wonder why they made the change. Must have had a reason for it. The lifeboats obviously obstruct the view, which stinks, but on the flip side I did like being able to see them up close.
Great video. Thanks. The footage of the docks at Cozumel seemed too familiar. Then I realized we were there the same day sailing on Sky Princess. While looking at the Rotterdam we both agreed what a pretty ship she is.
Small world! I too very much like the aesthetic of the Holland America ships…feels a bit like a step back in time. I haven’t tried Princess yet, they do sail out of my home port so hoping to give them a try at some point soon! Thanks for watching the video and glad you enjoyed!
Great content 👌 Keep up the good work 🎉
Thank you 🙌
The glassed of food in the buffet is not unique to Rotterdam, or a post pandemic thing on Holland America. They have has it on all of their ships from before that. It might take a little longer, but I think it is really a better way. Today is the first time I’ve came across your material. I really liked your summary of Holland. It’s pretty accurate. We’ve cruised them 14 times and really enjoy the quieter vibe. And the older music! 😂
Oh didn’t know that about the glass, thanks for the info! Since this was my first sailing I just made the assumption that the glass was pandemic related. Glad you liked the video! Yea I love the quieter vibe… sometimes the pool music on other lines is too loud for me to concentrate on my books. I love reading by the pool and Holland America actually makes that possible!
Nice review, but let's be honest -- you are far more intelligent, and sophisticated than the typical ("me, me, me") Millennial. Well done. Honest, and very perceptive.
Well thanks for the compliments! Glad to hear I came off as reasonably intelligent sounding in this one 🙂
Thanks 😊 ❤
You're welcome 😊
Truly enjoy HAL ships. Been on 5 so far and we found all great except 1. We did not care for the Zaandam. Did 14 days on her in Feb 2023. The ship is old, the mid ship organ did not work, very few,shops (singular), food was so-so, and entertainment was horrible. The only thing we did enjoy was the crew. Pinnacle Grill, Neptune Lounge and our room stewards were awesome. We did a midship Neptune Suite. Not enough USB and outlets. Tv stopped working every 4 days and had to have the system reset. Thanks for sharing and safe sailings
Oh that sounds frustrating. Unfortunately longer sailings tend to be on the older ships, which of course come with more problems. Surprised to hear the entertainment and food was subpar, would have thought that was something they’d keep consistent across the line. Glad to hear you’ve had mostly positive experiences though!
Just wanted to add that there is a good chance that you perished or were involved in some way with her in a past life. My transatlantic made some memories emerge, I wasn't. Lived in the era though.
Interesting! You never know…
Wonderful and thank you for taking the time to post this valuable video. Taking Independence over from Miami next April and this is where we dock at the end! What a dream it will be to see this in person. Just got off a transatlantic and it is the ONLY way to travel. Thanks again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video!!
Thank you dear it was really amazing
Most welcome 😊
You were weary of grown men?? Thats sexist!
Great job. Thank you ❤
Glad you enjoyed the video!
We took our first HAL cruise when we were in our 30’s/40’s with our 16/17 yr olds. Had an absolute blast and have continued to sail with them since.
That’s awesome! It’s so nice finding a cruise line that works for you. Like having an old friend always waiting on standby whenever you’re ready for some fun time at sea.
Really enjoyed your video. I'm flying to the UK from Australia to do a crossing on the Queen Mary 2 in March and planned to spend the morning exploring the Titanic sites, I'll use this video to trace your footsteps, and the ferry was a great idea!
I’m so looking forward to experiencing the Queen Mary 2 one day. I’m glad the video was useful to you! Have an amazing time on your own Titanic trail journey and I hope you have a lovely sailing across the Atlantic.
Well said treasure every moment. Thank you for this informative video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this video, very interesting as someone who grew up, had family connections to the Titanic and is a Sotonian. My Great Grandfather was a ships stoker and him and his mate were meant to be on the titanic, but they had too much to drink in the Grapes and missed the sailing. He felt gulity that he wasn't on the ship, so I was told. I am grateful he wasn't otherwise I wouldn't be here now. He lost a lot of good friends that day.
it’s funny how something as small as having one drink too many can have such a big impact on the course of one’s life, and on those who follow. Thanks for sharing your connection! So many people have shared their own personal ties to the tragedy, it’s been so interesting to hear everyone’s stories.
going this Friday for 8 days, cant wait to be harassed on the street and getting the shits because of food poisoning. EGYPT HERE I COMEEEEE
How much are you supposed to give for tip / baksheesh
For restaurants and cafes, I’d say 10-15% of your bill is good and just whatever loose change you have is fine if you’re grabbing food from a street vendor. For drivers and tour guides, approx 50 Egyptian pounds per day for the driver and maybe 80-100 for the guide. Taxi drivers you can round up the fare - I’d give like 20% on my Uber rides (because they were so cheap to begin with) and the drivers were always super grateful. Also, If I was just grabbing a local guide at a site to show me around, I’d give maybe 20 pounds, depending on how long they stayed with me and how helpful/knowledgeable they actually were.
They are so beautiful! If you don't mind me asking, did you travel to Thailand alone or with a group?
I was alone for this trip. Thailand has a great tourist infrastructure, so it was pretty easy to navigate the country on my own. It was a lovely experience!
I am looking into saving up for this experience, thank you for posting this video and teaching us more about it💖🐘
Glad it was helpful!
great video, you are funny, young lady :)
Thank you 😁
This is the 5th time I watched your video - amazing. I’m heading off from the States to Southampton today! Excited! 🚢
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! And I hope you have an amazing trip, enjoy Southampton!!! Safe travels.
As an Egyptian, I rate this one 10/10.
Thank you!
Oh my goodness! Just disembarked on 4/13/24. This is nothing as you described!
What was different about your experience?
@@daradventures The buffet food was fresh but meant for a 70+ demographip. Lots of chicken or tuna salad sandwiches. Aside from breakfast, the food consisted of ramen noodles and bad sushi. Sliced pork, beef or lamb with cold sauce. The Lido buffet had a problem with keeping food hot or cold. The only good meal I had on this ship was the Pinnacle Grill. I also did not appreciate being served like a high school student.
@@denniscostabile4264 sorry to hear your experience with the food was disappointing! Pinnacle Grill was a very good meal indeed, I also think that was our best culinary experience onboard.
@@daradventures Loved your video. This was my 15th cruise and 1st on Holland America. I think my expectations were too high. As a solo traveler, I paid a premium price on a premium cruise line and was just unimpressed. Not angry or sending letters to the CEO, just don't see the value for the money.
@@denniscostabile4264 Thanks for the compliment on the video. And I hear you - if you spend a lot, especially as a solo traveler, and you don't have a good first experience, then you're not likely to return. Curious if you've ever tried one of the solo cabins on NCL? I enjoy traveling by myself, and have always been curious about those!
This was an amazing video showcasing your stay in Egypt. You are a natural nature/ history lover as I am and I had a few questions about my upcoming trip to Egypt. I don't have the luxury of 17 days as you and need to know THE BEST WAY to navigate Egypt in 5 days 🥴...any pointers would be appreciated and I look forward to more awesome videos ✌🏽
This is such a tough question :-) With only 5 days (and assuming that this may be your only opportunity to visit Egypt), I'd spend at least a day in Cairo, you'll obviously want to visit Giza, plus the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili market - you could do that in a day, although it would be a long one. You could fly down to Aswan and see the sites in that area - Philae is a must! It's a long day trip, and eats up the whole day, but I can't imagine visiting Egypt and not seeing Abu Simbel. You could do a Nile cruise from Aswan up to Luxor, and then use your remaining time in Luxor - the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Hatshepsut are must sees! 5 days is tight, and they'd be long days, but you can definitely get in the highlights!
Thank you for sharing your excursion around southampton. I appreciate how much respect you have for lives lost so many years past....Be Blessed
Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video.
TY for this.. I m excited going tomorrow ⚘️😊⚘️😊⚘️
I loved it, hope you will too! Enjoy!
@@daradventures TY ...will let you know🌹 gdn...✨️💫✨️💫
How much tips we supposed to give?
For restaurants and cafes, I’d say 10-15% of your bill is good and just whatever loose change you have is fine if you’re grabbing food from a street vendor. For drivers and tour guides, approx 50 Egyptian pounds per day for the driver and maybe 80-100 for the guide. Taxi drivers you can round up the fare - I’d give like 20% on my Uber rides (because they were so cheap to begin with) and the drivers were always super grateful. Also, If I was just grabbing a local guide at a site to show me around, I’d give maybe 20 pounds, depending on how long they stayed with me and how helpful/knowledgeable they actually were.
Thank you for making this video! I am heading next week to Southampton to do the Titanic trail and to sail off with the QM2 for the transatlantic crossing. Wish I was going with somebody as passionate as you are (like myself)... x
Oh that sounds amazing! What a dream trip! If you remember, leave another comment when you’re done, I’d love to hear how it all went! Have an incredible time, I hope it will be a wonderful experience.!!!
very helpful thanks