We enjoy HAL even though they are currently geared for an older demographic. The onboard crew is why we come back.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
PEV is experienced at this. The HAL embarkation staff is not. Security check was quick & painless. First we were directed to the wrong line. After waiting we noticed there was a different line for suites. After getting in the correct line, out agent’s camera wouldn’t work. So after waiting while she looked in the wrong place for our key cards (on the opposite side of the hall) we had to wait for another agent to take our picture. HAL boarding passes clearly show an S for suite and our 3 Star Mariner status and yet twice we experienced delays at embarkation due to lack of employee training. Once onboard, our keys didn’t work into the suite & went to Neptune Lounge where there were about 50 other passengers already there expierencing the same thing. We popped down to guest services and were in our suite 10 mins later while others still waiting for keys.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Knowing HALs current demographic, the food is exactly what I have come to expect. We enjoy the flexibility of open seating realizing that we loose familiarity of the same staff nightly. The MDR is hit or miss. Some nights it was fantastic food with outstanding service. Other nights mediocre with less than stellar service.
The Liso Market is disappointing. We talked about why this was as we really enjoyed some of the stations. Then it hit us. It is just too crowded for the number of people it serves (walking around with plates of food trying to find a table to share, is a huge negative) and a redesign of this deck may be in order. Loved the salad bar, Asian & Sushi station and the Create a Pasta. Lido Staff is great.
In-Room Dining was fine. Always exactly what we asked for and always on time.
The Pinnacle Grill is OUTSTANDING. We ate every breakfast there and two meals. Highly, highly recommend.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
HAL’s onboard activities are definitely geared toward their current demographic. Type of activities available we weren’t too thrilled about but those we did attend were OK. We are pool deck kinda guys, so we were happy there and on our verandah on sea days and the cocktail of the day in our hands.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Enjoyed everything we attended. Really the best we have seen on any cruise line. A shout out to Lincoln Center Stage.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
HAL knows how to hire. You can train people to say hello, please, thank you and smile but you can’t train people to genuinely mean it. HAL staff exceeds at this. Not 100% of the time but enough that we come back time & time again.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Easy layout. Spotless interiors. Typical exteriors. Love love love the onboard art.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We had a Neptune Suite that we paid $599 on an upgrade offer. Worth every penny. Breakfast in Pinnacle Grill & free laundry was worth it. The extra space is nice, but considering the amount of time you spend in your cabin, for us, this alone would not have been enough. The Neptune Lounge was nice for an afternoon cappuccino and sweet treat.
We followed the instructions and utilized mobile passport. From when our color/number was called to when we were getting on the bus to FLL was 10 mins tops. What a breeze.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
