All already said. Really, I can’t submit without 50 characters? Okay, cut and paste coming.
I was expecting more. There wasn’t enough for picky eaters. The pizza left much to be desired. The wait staff in the main dining room was not up to par, but perhaps it’s because they mostly cater to an older crowd. We had our kids and grandkids and the wait was horrific and too much for young kids. We did try to get their food first, but only happened once. I told the waiter first thing that if they don’t put the kids orders in first and get them in reasonable time, all these tables around us will not have a good dining experience. That worked, but it was the last evening when we had charge of the grandkids and the parents had a specialty dinner planned. The buffet didn’t have enough variety either. They were great on Sushi and Asian, if you eat that. It was all clean though and the wait staff at the buffet was awesome, no matter when we were there and no matter how messy the kids were, which the baby spilled something every day! I must say, the Thanksgiving Turkey on the buffet was the best turkey I ever had. They did us right for this day. The dining room was a zoo, so just couldn’t put the kids through that and to my surprise, they rocked the day with their Tday buffet.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I was expecting more. There wasn’t enough for picky eaters. The pizza left much to be desired. The wait staff in the main dining room was not up to par, but perhaps it’s because they mostly cater to an older crowd. We had our kids and grandkids and the wait was horrific and too much for young kids. We did try to get their food first, but only happened once. I told the waiter first thing that if they don’t put the kids orders in first and get them in reasonable time, all these tables around us will not have a good dining experience. That worked, but it was the last evening when we had charge of the grandkids and the parents had a specialty dinner planned. The buffet didn’t have enough variety either. They were great on Sushi and Asian, if you eat that. It was all clean though and the wait staff at the buffet was awesome, no matter when we were there and no matter how messy the kids were, which the baby spilled something every day! I must say, the Thanksgiving Turkey on the buffet was the best turkey I ever had. They did us right for this day. The dining room was a zoo, so just couldn’t put the kids through that and to my surprise, they rocked the day with their Tday buffet.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Not much going on for young people. Our kids, under 2, 5 and 7, were a challenge to keep occupied. There is a kids club, but we didn’t want them there all the time. Of course it was only open at times and being the grandparents, not sure what those times were, so can’t comment further. Only thing for kids was basketball, but they were too small, so it was soccer for us, and ping pong. Besides that, it was the hot tub that helped give them activity.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The few shows were good. We didn’t do the Microsoft workshop or lectures, even with no kids, none of us would likely do that. There just wasn’t all I was expecting for an area named Music Row.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Kids were bored, but they liked the kids club, but on other cruises, they bug to go there much more.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Dining room, terribly slow. Room steward was great and all other areas, staff was great.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I must say, it was a challenge to find trash bins, but yet, it was an extremely clean ship. The men’s room, my husband couldn’t believe how clean they stayed. No trashed room service trays aligning the halls as all other ships on other cruise lines.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Very happy with the cabin size and comfort.
Ship tip
Not for the young or young at heart, sorry, but true, unless you just want to really relax and read books, etc, then fine for you. My 84 year old mother would be bored.
My daughter has cruised with HAL since she was 18 months old. We cruise once or twice a year with them and she loves the kids club and the individual attention she receives for being one of only a handful of kids. You go on Carnival and the kids have to wear name tags. On HAL, they remember your kids name, the parents name, the grandparents name. You didn’t know the hours? Try asking them. Also, my kid is the pickiest around and never once has starved on a ship. You complained about no day time activities for the kids. Ever hear of the pool? It’s right there by the hot tubs. I’m glad I won’t have to worry about running into you on my next HAL cruise.
You certainly DID NOT do any research on the cruise line. Holland America is not for kids. And I'm sure they had chicken fingers on the kid's menu, which all kids li,e, even picky eaters. We were on Nieuw Amsterdam March of 2018 and loved it but we are older. The food in MDR was absolutely delicious every night and the buffet was also good for breakfast and lunch and we love how they serve you. For your picky eaters did you try the Dive-In? The best burgers I've ever had and also they have hotdogs and French fries. And we loved the pizza. Made to order. Not a lot to do on the ship during the day but that's what the ports are for. Our cabin steward always greeted us by name when he saw us and asked how our day was at the different ports. Our cabin was always spotless. He was great. Loved the ship. Loved the cruise. Fantastic time.
You choose a cruise with HAL with young children and you are not satisfied about the dining/ entertainment for them? Choose another cruiseline...maybe better for the people that were cruising with HAL that week...
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