HAL Cost-Cutting Apparent Everywhere
Rotterdam Cruise Review to Transatlantic
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 31
Review summary
Cruise was marred by two issues: 1. We had originally booked this cruise for spring of 2021, booked onboard a previous cruise. HAL refused to honor the "perks" from that booking, and raised the price to boot! We will not use HAL again because of this. 2. Management on the ship "hid" from the passengers who had legitimate complaints. The internet service said to be "streaming capable" was functionally worthless. And at $349, the cost was more that we pay for home service for A YEAR!Embarkation
We were given a "fixed time" to report. When we arrived at the Everglades terminal, a three-block-long stretched down the road. HAL had decided to Covid-19 test everyone that morning - EASTER. It was horrible.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
The paper folding (origami) got old quickly. The bingo caller was rude and abusive, thinking it was "funny".
Entertainment
Entertainment in the clubs was OK. The main stage entertainment was lame and unintersting and the sound system in the main theater is HORRIBLE.
Service and Staff
Dinner service and room attendants were first rate. Breakfast and lunch service in the dining room was much less competent.
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Room attendants first rate. Cabins quieter than before, ventilation seemed better. Our cabin was plagued with a odd smell and reporting it to room management got nothing.
Ship tip
Previous cruisers on HAL should be prepared for lots of cheap cost cutting around the ship. It was very annoying.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Disembarkation
Not chaotic but very well organized.