We're going on our first cruise to Alaska on HAL's Volendam. We've never been on a cruise and were quite excited. However, I recently spoke with somone who went on HAL's 17 day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii and back. She said the food was awful, the ship dirty and their sheets weren't changed for 17 days. Yuck. We also just got our room assignment and we've been assigned to a noisy room on the lower promenade deck, near the elevators, in a wheelchair accessible room. (We do not required wheelchair accessable room and would prefer a bath tub rather than a shower) We've been told to bring ear plugs. Now I'm nervous. Has anyone else had a bad experience with HAL? I realize we can't change anything, but am curious about other cruisers' experiences.

HAL generally has a very good reputation. However, it seems there are some ships that don't measure up. You will get more response at CruiseCritic and you can also meet others on your cruise through the rollcall for your sailing.

Next cruise, make sure you choose a cabin you would be happy with. I am noise sensitive and need earplugs even in a quiet room. You can usually hear the people in the cabin above you slamming drawers, doors etc.

Don't worry ---you will still have a great time. We learned the hard way by having the cabin next to where people get on and off the ship. It was still one of our most favorite cruises.

HAL is generally regarded as among the best of the mass market lines and is certainly our favorite of these lines. However, some of its ships are getting old and therefore may be getting shabby. Food opinions vary with the individual. I think food quality in general has declined on cruise ships, but we have found HAL better than most. Service has always been excellent, making the comment about sheets almost unbelievable. They certainly could have asked to have their sheets changed if what they say is true. We believe you will enjoy your HAL cruise especially if you stress the positive.

Whoever told you that the sheets were not changed for 17 days is nuts! HAL is usually well regarded. Check cruisecritic for the latest passenger reviews but I think you should be fine tho I would try for a room change.

We've sailed HAL 3 times and can't say that we have had bad service. Any problems we have encountered have not been the cruise lines. In fact when we did have a problem last year they were very helpful. The other annoyance last year was incompetence in the boarding process. Our cabins have been nice and well maintained. It is always best to pick your own cabin. Some elements of cabin choosing are intuitive, but experience will help. I doubt that the elevator will be a problem. As to food, I agree that quality as slipped over the years, but is certainly acceptable. I would consider it on a par with a better family restaurant. If your looking for 5 star, you won't find it.

I think your biggset noise problem may be the idiots who need to run the deck at 6AM. Find out the permitted starting time for runners and call the purser if they start too early. Any stateroom on that deck may have a problem. Have you tried for an upgrade?

Thanks everyone. I do feel better after reading your comments. I agree about the sheet situation does seem odd. The cruise is sold out so there's no chance of an upgrade. Good to know about the runners. But, we're early risers so hopefully it probably won't be a problem. Again, thanks

cruisecritic.com for best reviews

HAL ok not great in the past

values better elsewhere particularly

on the older ships

We did an Alaska back to back on the Volendam so we were on her 14 wonderful days! Loved the ship! Service was outstanding and the food overall was quite decent. Your cabin should be fine. Others have commented being near the elevators is not a problem. I don't think you will experience a herd of runners. If you decide to cruise again pick your cabin from the start so you know exactly where you will be.

Go to cruisecritic.com and you can read a ton of information.

We cruised once on HAL and it was wonderful experience. Depending on your age, our cruise seemed to be more of an older crowd- everyone was most accomodating.
Thanks re the cruise critic tip.

I'd be hesitant to believe anything the person said after she told you the sheets weren't changed for 17 days.

Also - people generally love getting the wheelchair accessible rooms ... they are larger than others in the same category.

3 cruises with HAL, always good service, good (not great) food, clean cabins...some wear and tear on carpets, etc, but always been more than satisfied.

The advantage of the lower promenade deck is easy access to an outside deck. Another advantage is how large the handicapped cabins are. However, I would try to change cabins. The handicapped cabins by the aft elevators are actually under the galley, and that can be quite noisy, especially if you are under anything like the dishwasher, pastry mixer, etc. Runners were seldom a problem as huge notices remind people not to run on that deck.

On our May 2011 14 day cruise, the sheets and towels were certainly changed. Food is subjective; we enjoyed the first week, but did not care for the second. Admittedly, we are picky eaters.

Just returned from a week on the Westerdam in Alaska and had no problems. It was our first cruise. We loved it! Our stateroom was wonderful, along with the guy that kept it clean for us. All the staff was helpful. The food was great. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip. Enjoy!

Thanks everyone. We just got back and had a great trip. OUr first room was less than great, but a request for a room that wasn`t noisy (1st room was located underneath the main kitchen) and clean (don`t ask) was granted. We also received a ship credit. HAL handled our `situation` well and we were happy campers. NOte to future cruisers...if you would like a tub, make sure room has tub. If you are a like sleeper, make sure your room is not located under the kitchen, or bring ear plugs.