We only cruise HAL now. Mid 40s couple. Club Orange last two cruises, and again for our upcoming cruise in June. We book 6 months ahead, and book our excursions immediately. We LOVE that all of the noisy fun places are located on the lower levels. Keeps the rest of the ship quiet which is another reason to love HAL. It’s sooooo quiet! No kids, no drunks fighting, no pool slides, go cart tracks, themed dance parties… just relaxing and enjoying the views. This isn’t a party cruise line. There are plenty of options for that. We have met and hung out with couples in their 30s up to 70s. The older age of HAL cruisers has never bothered us. Its kind of a plus in a way… many mornings and late evenings, we’ve had the entire back deck to ourselves, not kidding. The Club orange private dining room is a really nice addition, along with getting priority boarding/disembarkation. I would advise people to look at the ships layout before picking a room, and stay close to where you want to be the most.. spa/gym/inside people stay up front, people like us who want to be outside most of the day, pick an aft room.
Your comment resonated with me 😄 We are working our way up to Club Orange! We took our first HAL cruise to Alaska last May and LOVED it! Funny enough we were on a party cruise (Carnival) to Ensenada 2 weeks before and boy was it like night and day! Loved the party cruise, but adored our HAL cruise. We're heading to the Mediterranean in April and can't wait!!
Great video, I’ve sailed on the Koningsdam which is the same ship, I loved it. Yes, Holland America is changing, years ago I went on the Prisendam which is no longer part of the HA fleet. On that cruise the majority of the passengers were older and dressed up. HA is attracting a younger clientele.
I enjoyed it. I've sailed on this ship also, and on one of their older ships - Oosterdam. It's a little different, but I got used to it. Their newer ships are very classy in appearance too, but I adore Princess & their piazza's, it truly is the beating heart of the ship!
Your video was OK. Having sailed on Princess in Oct./Nov. for 29 days and a few HAL cruises prior to that, I have an opinion on the food and class of ships. Princess food was alright but lacked variety and the Lido offerings were repetitive. HAL menus were more varied and quality was better. HAL ships are traditional and classy. Princess ships lack some of that class. Regarding some terms used in videos: Rooms and floors are found in motels. Cabins and decks are on ships. And a cruise ship is NOT a boat. You can carry a boat on a ship but not a ship on a boat. Example: A lifeboat.
I love a different configuration on a new ship! That is one of the greatest things that excite us when we board a new ship! Hated - Really? I advise all cruisers to book all excursions online way Way WAY before your cruise to make sure you get what you want. That is the same on every cruise line. Shops on cruise lines are a complete waste of time and space in my opinion - I know that shopping is important for many people but just why, LOL? I'm glad that you ended with all of the positives from HAL. They do a great job with customer relations and high level of service. Thank you! That theater is really cool and this is NOT your grandmother's Holland America! Cheers! New Subscriber!
Just as the US colours are often recognised as red, white, & blue, the orange colour for "Holland" America Line originates from the colour of the Netherlands from the House of Orange!
Deck plans, dress codes are online. Shore excursions can be booked in advance- btw Holland is well known as being a Destination cruise line...hence you don't have water slides and race tracks on the ship so book it way ahead of time if there is something you want to do. Lido Market is great - Noro is much less likely to spread since everyone isn't touching everything. Tip- HAL has older smaller cruise ships like the Zaandam and Volendam. They should be considerably less busy that a Pinnacle class ship.
I love Holland America. I will be on the Statendam for the second time this summer. I don’t need an atrium so I don’t miss it. The Ditch Cafe is always crowded and I wish they served food later at night. HA definitely is not offering as many excursions since covid. Even now for my August cruise some very popular excursions are almost sold out! Before Covid I would see women in formal dress and the many of the staff would also be in long gowns. You would see it more for the later seating. On my Alaska cruise this summer no one really got dressed up. On my Europe cruise people were a bit more dressed up but still on the casual side.
You dressed fine for formal. Our first cruise with HAL (2007) with a 17 and 16 yr year old, dress they wore was full length and a tea length/tux 2 diff ties and vests and husband and I wore similar. Having been on several HAL cruises since they have relaxed formal (more cocktail dress) but still, isn’t it nice you were complimented? Would rather be over dressed than over dressed lol. Formal night is so fun. How many times can you “prom” again lol.
We just did the New England and Canada cruise with Royal. Yes, it was hard to get an excursion. I didn't get to do some of the excursions I would of liked to have done.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Ours was 9 day cruise. It did go to St John and Sydney in Canada. It was supposed to be Halifax and St John but they made an itinerary change couple months before.
As you well know HA is a premium line and is stylized for older people. The lower deck recreation is to promote movement in a part of a ship with less movement. Every HA ship is designed to go through the roughest sea areas of the world. It is way different than the cattle cars. That was a great long dress. I think you were fair, just not used to the HA line.
Thanks for the feedback! I always try and be fair, and like I said I had a great cruise overall! Some of my dislikes were not overly problematic! Which is a good thing!
Just sailed on Zaandam through the Panama Canal from Fl to San Diego. We’ve sailed numerous times on HAL and loved it. Not this time. Ship is super old and shows it. Entertainment on this 14 day cruise sucked. In my opinion we only had 3 nights of shows that were awesome. All the others were talks or BBC videos. For 14 days one would think they would have awesome entertainment to keep us happy. Nope. Food was not the best as on past HAL ships. The center piece of the ship was a grand organ that did not work! HAL took away a port of call and did nothing to make up for it to include reduced fare or cruise credit. What saved this trip was the crew. Outstanding and very outgoing as on every HAL cruise we have been on.
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Yes for me the Nieuw Amsterdam, love it's size, the food was super. I've been cruising for 52 years, many lines long gone, seen many changes, not all to the better. Tradition holds up.
We were on a 14ni sailing on Volendam in the Med. It was a promo offering which is only reason why I was on Holland. It was awful. I got food poisoning (as did several others) from bad lobster that was thawed twice, the entertainment was awful, and the cruising age and social demographic was def not our vibe. Was on this ship for a short 3ni from Lauderdale when it was new, it was dirt cheap and I shared all your same opinions and a few more hard NOs! To each their own girl. Ill stick with X, NCL, MSC.
Well this is comical I guessed you missed where I said, "I enjoy being wrong, different doesn't mean bad, just different, and that these scenarios leaving me learning new things.."
I'm still waiting for a cruise line that will offer Chicago-style pizza, as that's where I was born & raised. The demographic is too old for me, and I'm in my 50s.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
We only cruise HAL now. Mid 40s couple. Club Orange last two cruises, and again for our upcoming cruise in June. We book 6 months ahead, and book our excursions immediately. We LOVE that all of the noisy fun places are located on the lower levels. Keeps the rest of the ship quiet which is another reason to love HAL. It’s sooooo quiet! No kids, no drunks fighting, no pool slides, go cart tracks, themed dance parties… just relaxing and enjoying the views. This isn’t a party cruise line. There are plenty of options for that. We have met and hung out with couples in their 30s up to 70s. The older age of HAL cruisers has never bothered us. Its kind of a plus in a way… many mornings and late evenings, we’ve had the entire back deck to ourselves, not kidding. The Club orange private dining room is a really nice addition, along with getting priority boarding/disembarkation. I would advise people to look at the ships layout before picking a room, and stay close to where you want to be the most.. spa/gym/inside people stay up front, people like us who want to be outside most of the day, pick an aft room.
Your comment resonated with me 😄 We are working our way up to Club Orange! We took our first HAL cruise to Alaska last May and LOVED it! Funny enough we were on a party cruise (Carnival) to Ensenada 2 weeks before and boy was it like night and day! Loved the party cruise, but adored our HAL cruise. We're heading to the Mediterranean in April and can't wait!!
@@jenniferperez946 Big Time Jealous here! Someday!
you do you! i never get to dress up, so my upcoming fall cruise is my opportunity.
One can never be overdressed on a Holland America cruise.
We find ships with huge atriums are too internally focused. The heart of the ship is the outdoors.
And while I like the NY Pizza pizza you are 100% correct: it isn’t New York style
I like the review of the gala night, orange night and lidl market. It helped as a 1st time cruiser who will be on the exact same ship.
There is an Atrium on Pinnacle class ships. Right off the Dutch Cafe.
Great video, I’ve sailed on the Koningsdam which is the same ship, I loved it. Yes, Holland America is changing, years ago I went on the Prisendam which is no longer part of the HA fleet. On that cruise the majority of the passengers were older and dressed up. HA is attracting a younger clientele.
Well said! After being on two different class sizes which did you prefer? I'm so glad I got to experience what HAL is really was like! Thanks Mark!
Do you enjoy this kind of cruise review? Let me know in the comments if you would like to see this type of video in the future!
I enjoyed it. I've sailed on this ship also, and on one of their older ships - Oosterdam. It's a little different, but I got used to it. Their newer ships are very classy in appearance too, but I adore Princess & their piazza's, it truly is the beating heart of the ship!
I did like this. I have never been on a Holland America cruise and this gave me insight.
So glad to hear that Kathy! Which cruise line have you tried?
Exactly! But different doesn't mean we can't have a great cruise! Glad to hear you enjoyed your experience as well!
Your video was OK. Having sailed on Princess in Oct./Nov. for 29 days and a few HAL cruises prior to that, I have an opinion on the food and class of ships. Princess food was alright but lacked variety and the Lido offerings were repetitive. HAL menus were more varied and quality was better. HAL ships are traditional and classy. Princess ships lack some of that class. Regarding some terms used in videos: Rooms and floors are found in motels. Cabins and decks are on ships. And a cruise ship is NOT a boat. You can carry a boat on a ship but not a ship on a boat. Example: A lifeboat.
I love a different configuration on a new ship! That is one of the greatest things that excite us when we board a new ship! Hated - Really? I advise all cruisers to book all excursions online way Way WAY before your cruise to make sure you get what you want. That is the same on every cruise line. Shops on cruise lines are a complete waste of time and space in my opinion - I know that shopping is important for many people but just why, LOL? I'm glad that you ended with all of the positives from HAL. They do a great job with customer relations and high level of service. Thank you! That theater is really cool and this is NOT your grandmother's Holland America! Cheers! New Subscriber!
I didn’t make it to the end. After all the negativ’s I quitted. 😉
Just as the US colours are often recognised as red, white, & blue, the orange colour for "Holland" America Line originates from the colour of the Netherlands from the House of Orange!
Did you learn this onboard?I love that you have this knowledge! 🧡 Thanks for sharing
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ It's probably general knowledge mostly across the pond. Even the Netherlands football team wears orange jerseys!
Deck plans, dress codes are online. Shore excursions can be booked in advance- btw Holland is well known as being a Destination cruise line...hence you don't have water slides and race tracks on the ship so book it way ahead of time if there is something you want to do.
Lido Market is great - Noro is much less likely to spread since everyone isn't touching everything.
Tip- HAL has older smaller cruise ships like the Zaandam and Volendam. They should be considerably less busy that a Pinnacle class ship.
this is great and accurate insight! Thanks for sharing! Did you hear how HAL is focusing on longer cruises now! Makes a lot of sense for them!
Not to be rude but it sounds like you were on the wrong cruise line.
Yes enjoy this class of HAL ship book Orange Class
Mark, have you done orange class? I'm so intrigued about this!
I love Holland America. I will be on the Statendam for the second time this summer. I don’t need an atrium so I don’t miss it. The Ditch Cafe is always crowded and I wish they served food later at night. HA definitely is not offering as many excursions since covid. Even now for my August cruise some very popular excursions are almost sold out! Before Covid I would see women in formal dress and the many of the staff would also be in long gowns. You would see it more for the later seating. On my Alaska cruise this summer no one really got dressed up. On my Europe cruise people were a bit more dressed up but still on the casual side.
Two cruises coming up with Cunard, then my first HAL cruise Jan 2024
Woot woot! What's your favorite aspect with Cunard? I haven't been on them yet
OMG that's pretty interesting. We just did our first Holland after Princess and we share the same exact sentiments with you!!
You dressed fine for formal. Our first cruise with HAL (2007) with a 17 and 16 yr year old, dress they wore was full length and a tea length/tux 2 diff ties and vests and husband and I wore similar. Having been on several HAL cruises since they have relaxed formal (more cocktail dress) but still, isn’t it nice you were complimented? Would rather be over dressed than over dressed lol. Formal night is so fun. How many times can you “prom” again lol.
WHO wants to wear a long gown on Vacation??? The whole point is RELAX !!! You’re not going to a ball ???
Know the product before you do the cruise
Sometimes you can do all the research but it isn't that same as experiencing the product
Girl, lol. Deck plans have changed from older ships because of balcony cabins.
We just did the New England and Canada cruise with Royal. Yes, it was hard to get an excursion. I didn't get to do some of the excursions I would of liked to have done.
Was your cruise 7 days? I saw some that had St. John as a port but mine didn't go there. I wish royal had a better wait list system
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Ours was 9 day cruise. It did go to St John and Sydney in Canada. It was supposed to be Halifax and St John but they made an itinerary change couple months before.
im honesty not bothered , if it says formal night im rocking a gown.
Yes I love your confidence!!! Rock it sistaaaa! ✨️✨️✨️
As you well know HA is a premium line and is stylized for older people. The lower deck recreation is to promote movement in a part of a ship with less movement. Every HA ship is designed to go through the roughest sea areas of the world. It is way different than the cattle cars. That was a great long dress. I think you were fair, just not used to the HA line.
Thanks for the feedback! I always try and be fair, and like I said I had a great cruise overall! Some of my dislikes were not overly problematic! Which is a good thing!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ I think you were very fair. The Dutch pride themselves on being unique. HA is no exception....
Hate hate hate. I cannot stand it when people use the word hate in place of dislike. So negative.
really? lay out??!😂
Just sailed on Zaandam through the Panama Canal from Fl to San Diego. We’ve sailed numerous times on HAL and loved it. Not this time. Ship is super old and shows it. Entertainment on this 14 day cruise sucked. In my opinion we only had 3 nights of shows that were awesome. All the others were talks or BBC videos. For 14 days one would think they would have awesome entertainment to keep us happy. Nope. Food was not the best as on past HAL ships. The center piece of the ship was a grand organ that did not work! HAL took away a port of call and did nothing to make up for it to include reduced fare or cruise credit. What saved this trip was the crew. Outstanding and very outgoing as on every HAL cruise we have been on.
I only cruise Holland I have tried many others and I like holland the best.
Holland America is for adults who love cruising to relax
The House of Orange is the royal family of the Netherlands. HAL is top shelf all the way. They have lessened the dress code to attract young crowd.
Sound like you've done HAL a lot, do you have a favorite ship?
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Yes for me the Nieuw Amsterdam, love it's size, the food was super. I've been cruising for 52 years, many lines long gone, seen many changes, not all to the better. Tradition holds up.
Well, if you like egg drop contests. HAL is not the cruiseline for you. Maybe you should focus on other cruiselines 😉
Haha! You'd be surprised by how many cruise lines create nearly identical games/experiences but just call it different things.
We were on a 14ni sailing on Volendam in the Med. It was a promo offering which is only reason why I was on Holland. It was awful. I got food poisoning (as did several others) from bad lobster that was thawed twice, the entertainment was awful, and the cruising age and social demographic was def not our vibe. Was on this ship for a short 3ni from Lauderdale when it was new, it was dirt cheap and I shared all your same opinions and a few more hard NOs! To each their own girl. Ill stick with X, NCL, MSC.
No one dresses up!
Men don't know how to make a tie
I brought suits thinking like you
Going in statendam in two weeks
I'll be dressing way down
You’re crazy about the pizza one of the best at sea and very much like New York pies
I think we will have to agree to disagree on this! I still stand by what I said!
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ your video mis-leads folks
No not over dressed be happy that you looked nice - in cold weather area like Alaska folks dress 👗 nice
😊 thank you, Do you normally dress up?
Your 14 batches with no happy comments - the service is great and friendly vs Princess now very sad service
I'm not sure I understand your comment. ?
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ Sad video all comments were like HAL changed - know the cruise product before you go…
Love the music areas - think HAL should better use the theater
Only problem with using the theater is it doesn't give the intimate vibes like when they have the World Center Stage concerts.
So your inability to make changes and learn new ways of doing things makes something bad?
Well this is comical I guessed you missed where I said, "I enjoy being wrong, different doesn't mean bad, just different, and that these scenarios leaving me learning new things.."
I'm still waiting for a cruise line that will offer Chicago-style pizza, as that's where I was born & raised.
The demographic is too old for me, and I'm in my 50s.
OMG that is such a good point! I would love for a cruise line to have Chicago style! Which cruise line has your favorite pizza?
@@CruisetheWorldAtoZ I have only had pizza on Princess.
Holland is a bit too classy for you
Stick with lower end lines
This girl is beautiful 😍
The ship is beautiful!