HAL is known for its classic cruising experience and this fit the bill. Dining and entertainment coupled with a relaxing atmosphere made this an enjoyable cruise experience. For our week, it was a mid-age to older crowd but there were some families.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was well organized and easy.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I really would rate a 3.5 if possible. The main dining room and menu variety was very good. Many options as well for GF and vegan diners. The main buffet (Lido market) had a decent variety as well. Quality not as good. Most things over cooked or overbaked. They tout their GF offerings (which my partner was really happy about). However, from day 1 they had no GF pizza crust, couldn't find cookies till later, and a muffin given to us was rotten (hard to believe that can happen). It was given to the head chef and reported. Their attempt at Mexican food is laughable and their quesadilla is actually a burrito. "Mexican street tacos" are correctly named IF you happen to live on Taco Bell street. Other culture food varieties were good but lacked seasoning at most times. Omelette and egg stations were fresh and done well. Scrambled eggs they put out though are bit "carpet padding" like. Specialty dining was very good though it should be for the upcharge they hit you with (what? do they think they're Ruth's Chris now?) Corkage fees also are higher than other companies, but provided juices, lemonade, tea, and coffee were very good. Fantastic food with the Dive-In burgers and dogs and the NY pizza/Deli!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Activities weren't too in your face and had just enough for what we wanted.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The entertainment was fantastic. We enjoyed all venues..The Lincoln Center Stage featured a talented quartet, while at night the Rolling Stone rock room jammed. But mostly we enjoyed the BB King Blues club. They brought the performance every time! In the main theater, the BBC Earth presentation was wonderful too. In the Billboard room you can catch 2 pianists playing and singing together.
Children's Programs
no kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
HAL is known for their service, and rightly so. Every staff member was pleasant, gracious, and attentive. Rooms were always attended too and any request or concern was addressed immediately.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This pinnacle class ship is fairly new and has a nice layout, size, and design. The cruise was stable the entire time and very little motion felt.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The size and design was very nice. We enjoyed our choice for a verandah. The deck chairs with ottoman were very comfortable. That along with classy and comfy robes made lounging outside relaxing. Points off for a couple things, a bit stained couch, a flat screen that doesn't let you plug in or screencast too, no included clock, etc.
Ship tip
If you order from a specialty restaurant as room service, the cost is half that of going and sitting in the restaurant.Also, for the Dive in burger or NY pizza, don't be afraid to customize. Add double meat for your reuben or double meat on pizza at no charge.
Really enjoyable, great snorkeling and soft sand. We were the only ship there that day so it was very nice. If more than one ship though is there it can be packed real fast.
Clearest and most vibrant colored water we've ever seen. Really enjoyable to swim and lounge at the beach. Also, a wonderful giant pool and facility to use free of charge.
A last minute itinerary change canceled Key West and changed to Freeport, Bahamas, which is just a dumpy shipping port that never recovered from the hurricane a few years ago. I guess Key West doesn't want cruise ships anymore so double check your upcoming itineraries.
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