We were first time cruisers and excited to try HAL. We are early 50s and loved the relaxing atmosphere during the day and the festive, party atmosphere of the music venues nightly. Each day new adventures were found. We loved the people we met too! Glacier Bay was exciting and we especially loved the Tracy Arm Fjord excursion. We are so glad we took this trip; we needed it and we weren't disappointed.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation was simple. Slightly frustrating as we had done all of the required documentation and submittals prior to boarding but we were pulled out of line three times to go to different lines where they needed to add information (we had previously submitted) to our accounts. There also wasn't a separate "Club Orange" process as advertised. Even with these minor irritations we were on board within an hour of arrival to the cruise terminal.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Every meal/snack we had was a positive experience! From using the Buffet to pick up a salad made to order for my exact taste preferences, to grabbing breakfast quickly with grilled tomato's, British bangers, fresh fruit or my husband's meaty made to order omelet and French toast -- the Buffet was filled with fresh, tasty items and easy to access.
We enjoyed both Tamarind & Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurants -- ambience, service and menus were amazing. With Club Orange we enjoyed the Club Orange dining room and we liked how intimate it was while having all the items in the Main Dining Room plus an extra Club Orange option too. We did CO for breakfast and dinner several times-- the team of professionals working CO were wonderful. Additionally, we found the Dutch Cafe a great spot for relaxing and enjoying iced lattes & hot chocolate and tasty treats along with sandwiches & soup. Burgers and Brats from Dive In made great lunch options and New York pizza provided salad & pizza options that were well made and flavorful.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Wow! If you're bored on a HAL cruise, you must have hung out in your room and never left. We paid for the full week Spa Pass and would do it again in an instant. Soothing, relaxing and so enjoyable. We participated in bingo, deal or no deal and listened in to some of the trivia. Somehow we missed some of the talks but everyone we spoke to raved about them -- we will make them a priority next year because we had hoped to join in... the library was gorgeous with lots of options for reading. There was daily dance classes and options for socializing at a variety of venues throughout the ship.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Wow! If you're bored on a HAL cruise, you didn't look around and it is your own fault. There was so much going on we couldn't do it all. The Music Walk was awesome with Rachel and Tailor in the Billboard Onboard lounge providing stellar sets nightly on dueling pianos. The Step One Dance show we saw was filled with talented performers who gave 110% to putting on a riveting performance in one of best stage facilities of it kind - the surrounding digital screens created such an interesting interaction which we loved. BBKings and Rollingstone Rockroom jammed nightly with high energy performances keeping people moving. The comic was Vince Acevedo and he kept folks laughing throughout his sets. Additionally, we enjoyed Glacier Bay day with all the extras occurring! We found Bingo, Deal or No Deal and the Casino to provide additional opportunities for fun as well.
Children's Programs
We don't have children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The culture of service on HAL was fantastic. Friendly, hard working, professional, and focused on making every guest's experience amazing.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
We loved this ship and all the special design elements across the ship to make it enjoyable and relaxing.
Common areas were clean and well maintained but we wish more focus was on people washing their hands, sanitizing and wearing masks if they were coughing or sneezing. Too many sick people seemed to join the cruise and they brought they crud with them.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We enjoyed having an Aft Vista cabin and the views were unsurpassed. We loved sitting on our balcony and enjoying the views of nature. Our cabin Stewards were attentive and helped us keep everything tidy. The bathroom was a surprise-- the glassed in shower was spacious and didn't feel at all constricting. Elemis products were nice. Lots of storage for all of us winter items. Comfortable bed.
Ship tip
We read a zillion posts about traveling to Alaska and not dressing up even on HAL. So many said "it's a casual cruise, it's not necessary." We ignored that advice because we like to dress up on vacations -- like a long date night. We were really glad we did too. Lots of people were dressed up! It felt good to be dressing up for each other -- it definitely made us feel like it was Date Night and we had a great time with it. Certainly not required but it was fun & we enjoyed having the clothes with us to make the choice to dress up. It did mean we brought full suitcases and that was fine too. No one is winning awards for bringing everything only in a carry on; if you want to have outfit choices and the extra warm clothes for the weather - pack them and wear them. :)
If you get the option to take this excursion, sign up and go. Dress warmly and wear rain gear. Felt like a standing meditation -- breath takingly beautiful.
We are looking forward to sailing on the Koningsdam next year. Sounds you you had a fantastic first time cruise. Appreciate all your comments. Enjoyed your review. Glad you had a wonderful Alaskan cruise.
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