While my husband and I are 73 & 69 respectively, we are too young for this cruise. Many of the passengers were using walker's, wheelchairs, scooters or canes. The activities available (cards, boardgames, jigsaw puzzles) were more conducive to those who have difficulty getting around or who don't have the energy to stay up late. All organized activities and dancing venues end/are closed by 10:30p and there is nothing to do after that. Felt like I was in an assisted living facility.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation was fast and easy
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Food was good and service was excellent. The Pinnacle Specialty Dining was worth every penny; the food (steaks) were great. Not so impressed with the Canaletto Specialty Dining (Italian); if you don't care for seafood (clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops) choices are very limited.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Onboard activities were limited. A music trivia nightly (that was fun). An occasional game show with guest participation, but with limited space in the venues, Not much else to do.
The main activities were not organized by crew staff....just cards, board games, and jigsaw puzzles in the crows nest. Not enough organized activities throughout the day or evening.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Main Theater performances were entertaining (cruise staff dancers had an amazing light and video backdrop to their dances); magician was funny and entertaining; the featured tenor signer was good, but with prerecorded music and no stage props or backdrops it was very Karaoke.
The dueling piano singers' in the Billboard lounge were terrible, one of off key half the time and many of the songs were repeated nightly. The jazz trio in the Oceanview lounge was awful...did not recognize half the songs played and none were conducive to dancing. This type of jazz appeals to a select few and should be in a smaller venue and NOT the main atrium area. The band in the BB King's Blues Lounge is too small too accommodate everyone wanting to attend. The band was great and played good dancing music; however, they stopped playing way to early (aprox 10-10:30p). Additionally, while the band was good, I was somewhat disappointed as, from the lounge name, I was expecting some good blues music....not the case.
Children's Programs
There are no children's programs on this Ship. It is geared towards very senior adults. My husband and I are 73 and 69 respectively, both of us in good health and active. I felt we were too young for this ship.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was excellent, though laundry did lose one item of clothing (it was a minor item and easily replaceable). The crew were friendly and entertaining. We had great service in every venue and from the entire crew.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Struggled with this rating. The ship was clean and I loved the comfy decor, but it is an old ship and there were signs of rust on the outside of the ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
When you enter the cabin, there is a short hallway with the bathroom to the left and the closet to the right...very little space for two people to maneuver through that hallway. My husband and I were constantly backing up to move out of the way if one was coming out of the bathroom while the other was trying to retrieve clothing. That was the only drawback.
Once you entered the cabin proper it wasn't so bad. It was comfortable well kept. Balcony was small (not enough room for reclining loungers, but sufficient with two chairs & foot stools that stored under the chairs when not in use. Mirror with normal & at least 8x view, a bag for your make-up and hairdryer were provided.
Ship tip
Market place buffet closes at 9:00p so if you're a late night snacker, I suggest you grab some cookies, etc, for your late night snacking.
I live in Florida and have been to Ft. Lauderdale many times. We stayed overnight since we drove. Holiday Inn Airport (on Sheridan St.) provides reasonable rates and if you're an IGH rewards member you can leave your car in their parking lot for only $5/day while cruising ($8 if not a member). With a $30 taxi ride (shared by 4 people) it's much cheaper than parking at the port.
St. Maarten's provide many shopping opportunities and not just your typical Island fare. But if you're looking for a specific cologne (particularly new ones), this is your best bet to find it and their prices are cheaper than on the cruise ship. None of the other Islands carried the new Dolce & Gabana Devotion. Ships price was $158 while it was only $109 on St. Maarten. (Should have bought it here.)
The water is beautiful around St. Maarten's and the many Yachts in the bay make for beautiful pictures.).
Cruise ports all seem to have shopping areas (vs the local island shops). St. Lucia's is pretty large. We did a taxi tour of the Island. Sadly they all look the same. Housing is mostly poorly construction and not well maintained. The poverty is sadly present on all the islands.
Same as the other islands. With few exceptions, all the Islands pretty much carry the same things with regards to T-Shirts, dresses, bags, & jewelry. Sadly, much of this stuff is manufactured in Taiwan, India or China. Same stuff, Different Island name on it.
I love St. Thomas. Because this is the U.S. Virgin Islands there is U.S. influence. Main roads are better maintained. If you're a U.S. resident, your cell phones should work here and no roaming charges. The shops and the people are extremely helpful and friendly. Have bought several pieces of fine jewelry in one particular shop we frequent on every visit to the Island. If you're looking for perfumes, make-up or lotions, visit Rough. Love that shop.
My husband and I are in our 40’s and we love HAL. We like the slow-paced and low-energy cruising style. We have 4 kids so our daily lives are go, go, go. I need a reason to shut off, and HAL offers just that! We enjoy a quiet board game after dinner, going to bed and waking up early. We also love good food, and Holland America blows away the competition. While you may enjoy a more lively vacation, there are so many reasons for people of all ages to love HAL. I hope you find your perfect cruise line 😊
Consider a cruise line that fits your perceived age/entertainment needs. HAL is popular for seniors who like laidback activities. Then there’s the Blues club, rock room, and casino. Thanks for your comments!
HAL is our preferred cruise line. They have reduced their activities on board, many of them promotions. Entertainment budget has been cut as well, this being the most disappointing change. Still, we like the laid back atmosphere and are fine getting to bed early. BTW, HAL does have a kids program on every ship. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for sharing. When the choices of disembarkation were open or closed casket, that should have been a red flag that the cruise passengers were really old.
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