Overall feel of Holland America
 

My husband and I are trying to pick a cruise . . . we want to go to the virgin islands which means we have basically all of the cruise lines to choose from. I have no interest in Carnival. Let me give you some background on us. My husband is thirty, I am twenty-five. We are NOT partiers. My husband is a Marine and a police officer, I am a public safety dispatcher. We want to relax and have a good time, without worrying about a ton of children. On the other hand, we don't want to end up constantly worrying about manners/etiquette or how we look because we're surrounded by elitest class type folks. I certainly do not mean that we have poor manners/etiquette (please don't think that) but I'm not sure I can pronounce ALL of the entrees in the dining room correctly either.

I have found a cruise on Holland America that looks amazing, but again, I'm worried about sticking out really badly.

Any idea if we'll fit in on Holland America? Other cruise line suggestions welcome!!

My husband and I started cruising on HAL when we were in our early 30s because we wanted a cruise without all the silliness. We are now 3-star Mariners on HAL and would cruise them again in a heartbeat. We think HAL is elegant without being stuffy.

We also cruise to relax and spend time with each other, so we always request a table for two in the dining room, which avoids the need to worry about others' comments about our food choices.

You don't mention the date of the cruise, but children should be few and far between if you're cruising during normal school times and/or on a longer itinerary.

I think HAL is a good choice given your parameters...they appeal to an older clientele & normally there are few children
(assuming this is not a school holiday). There is plenty to do both day and night if you so wish...go for it & PLEASE post a trip report here.

I've never cruised on HAL so I can't speak to their demographic other than what I've heard/read & that makes it sound like it's definitely skewing older than other cruiselines.

I have cruised on Celebrity a few times and they have an older average passenger also compared to others but maybe not as old as HAL. I like them because we're not partiers either (we're mid-40s now but even in our 30s we weren't) and it's more of a low-key relaxed atmosphere, but not stuffy or elitist, as you said. No hairiest chest contests by the pool or pool pillow fight - -for that kind of entertainment you'd want to choose another line like Carnival.

We also have cruised on Royal Carib. and liked them but there was definitely more of a party atmosphere and more children. That might be a line that would fit your needs depending on the time of year you're going (when kids are in school = less kids obviously). Not all retirees but not the Carnival party ship clientele. Their huge ships wouldn't appeal to me but on a smaller one with a longer itinerary (also usually meaning fewer kids) RCCL would be fun.

I would concur that HAL or Celebrity would be good choices. They seem to attract a wide range of ages and are not in general party ships. The smoking policy on Celebrity is more restricted than HAL, if that interests you at all. You can spend your time together or meet other people as much as you want. We love the Equinox of Celebrity and even though it is a large ship, it is very well designed so that the flow works well and it doesn't feel crowded. We don't mind sharing breakfast or lunch with others, but prefer to dine alone in the evening, never had a problem with that. Have a wonderful time whatever you choose.

We have traveled HAL three times and have enjoyed all three cruises. There are few children, and there are not many drunks. Few travel HAL for the purpose of being drunk throughout. You are pretty much on your own to choose from lots of opportunities available. Entertainment tends to be so-so. Food is good, but not foodie perfect. Lido deck food is good. The idea that HAL is codger central is exagerated. We have been on Celebrity and it is very similar to HAL, perhaps somewhat upscale, ut more expensive. Our two cruises on Celebrity were good, but the steff and atmosphere were less friendly overall. One cruise on RCI was different. Party oriented, but not overwhemingly. Smaller cabins.

Thank you all for your replies!! You have all certainly helped to put my mind at ease.

When I began the search for a cruise I felt confident that RCCL would be the best fit for us because we are very active adults. However, the ships are so large and crowded that I'm not sure it would be enjoyable. Also, we wanted to pick a cruise with more ports to visit, so then what would the use of having activities if we'll be sleeping, eating, and seeing the sights.

What I have come to appreciate about my research into HAL thus far is that their staterooms are reported to be considerably larger than any other cruise line. Also, we could book the exact itinerary that we're interested in for $500 less total than the most similar RCCL cruise.

For those of you who have sailed HAL, did you notice people dressing up for relaxing days at sea? Granted, I am excited for the formal night, however I don't want to constantly feel like I need to be wearing pressed and perfectly paired outfits.

I will certainly post my trip report when we choose, sail, and return!

Okay, I found a more specific question for you past HAL Cruises. I read this on a review of Holland America as a whole: "It's requested that no T-shirts, jeans, swimsuits, tank tops, or shorts be worn in public areas after 6 pm".


How serious about this are they? And do they not have a hot tub open after 6pm? My husband and I are always presentable, but sometimes that means in nice dark washed jeans!

I neglected to mention I my earlier post that I have sailed on a number of HAL ships. Re evening dress code: Most people do try to change from their day attire to something more presentable.
Gowns are long gone. On the formal nites one will see cocktail dresses & dressy pantsuits for the ladies, jackets for the men which is nice to see.
Do spend time on www.cruisecritic & sign up for a meet & greet.

Yes, that was the best advice yet - go to the cruisecritic boards- tons of good information on cruises. The question about dress code is always good for stirring up a big debate. Especially about jeans!

It is true that the dress code applies to the public areas, not just the dining rooms. However, outside of the dining room, you won't be asked to return to your cabin if you're in shorts. You can wear shorts if you eat in the Lido, which is open for dinner and is casual on all nights.

Personally, I find the rooms to be quite cold and usually don't wear shorts or tank tops because I'll be too cold to enjoy dinner or a show.

BTW, the prohibition on jeans in the dining room (except on formal nights) was removed several years ago. You can wear jeans on smart casual nights, and of course you can wear them in the Lido if you choose not to dine in the MDR.

We have been on HAL as long ago as 2000, and formal night is pretty much jacket and tie (although less so each trip -last 2010) and for women anything nice. Some men wear tuxes that are so old and old fashioned that they look out of place. At oter times, I think any attire that is not slovenly- snow board or skate board chic-will do. HAL is really not stuffy. Most people simply don't come with an awareness of the demands of style on cruise ships. I travel wearing my blazer and that is my tux and all for the cruise. After all, the airlines have made sure that overpacking is expensive.

I think that you would like HAL

I have sailed on HAL and RCCL and the biggest difference that I found was that the activities on Royal Caribbean were not interesting to me, ie.,bellyflopping contest,etc. Whereas on Holland America they were more to my liking...ie, daily cooking demonstrations,book club, etc.
On the ships I was on more people dressed formal on RCCL than on HAL...dressy tops with nice pants or skirt did it for me on both.

I cannot express my gratitude enough for all of the responses! I am a perfectionist and a planner at heart and the possibility of picking the wrong cruise line and ruining our romantic vacation had me stressed. I feel so much more confident now that HAL is for us! I will definitely be checking CruiseCritic out. Again, thank you all for your contributions!!

Lord!! Pour a glass of sherry and relax. HAL is a super cruiseline and you are really quite free to dress and do as you want. No one is watching that close...and if they are shame on them as they are losing out on the fun of their own cruise.

True that most people dress up a bit for dinner in the MDR...but if you are not in the mood...dont do it!!! Order roo service and have quiet dinner in your cabin or go to the LIDO and be casual.

I have gone up to the Lido in the eve, taken a swim and then went in and dished up some food from the buffet and returned to pool side and eaten and had a lovely time. And I wore a caftan over my swim suit. No one cared or noticed!

I actually enjoy dressing up and if I eat in the MDR then I dress up formally every single nite. Not a formal..but some glits and my grannies rhinestone jewelry.

I travel alone, and intend to enjoy myself and do what I want as I want.....if people find me offensive in any way.....foo on them!!!! But I really think most people are too busy having fun on their own to be concerned w/ me!

Take a deep breath and RELAX! You are going on a cruise so get ready to enjoy yourself.

We have done 2 HAL cruises, one to Hawaii and one to Alaska and really enjoyed HAL. We cruise all the time and have cruised Celebrity, RCCL, Princess and thought that HAL was comparable if not better than other cruise lines we have been on.

You will definitely notice an older crowd but you won't feel out of sorts at all. We are in the "older crowd" category but love to have fun on a cruise. We participate in lots of the onboard activities, the shows, etc. Both of our HAL cruises had a mixed crowd so nobody stands out. You make your own good time on a cruise. People are friendly and if they are not "foo on them" as Leanna states.

As far as dress codes, really none except the formal nights. Caribbean cruises much less formal due to the nature of the itinerary. Shorts, capris, tees, etc. are fine during the day. I usually pack a lightweight sweater, jacket, or sweatshirt just in case the weather is cool.

Formal nights are so much fun, you will love them. My DH has his own tux and can't wait til he can wear it. Sometimes he's one of a very few w/ it on and other times lots of the guys wear them. He usually brings a nice pair of dress pants, shirt, tie and sports coat as an alternative to the tux. Don't worry about this tho. Khakis, nice golf type shirt and sports coat works as well. We have seen it all. There is something special about dressing up and having your formal picture taken by the ship's photographer. They will also come into the dining room and take table pictures as well. You can purchase them or not. They will post the pics in an area on the ship and you can look at them and decide if you want to buy any.

Our Hawaii cruise was very chilly even tho we were heading to warmer climate. First 4 days at sea I was glad I had an extra jacket to wear. Some ships are much colder than others so noticeably chillier onboard and especially the dining rooms.

HAL had drink specials (as do most of the cruise lines) every afternoon from 4:30 or so for an hour. Our ship drinks were 2 for 1 so that was a nice perk if you like to have a cocktail. Other ships vary.

Do check out the Cruise Critic boards also. You will find much info there and perhaps those organizing shore excursions you can sign up for.

Good luck, relax and have a blast!
May

You will be able to relax and have a good time. HAL usually doesn;t ahve a lot of children, abd even if there are, they are usually out of sight ... in kid's club!

Don't worry about manners/etiquette or how we look because we're surrounded by elitest class type folks. They are just pretenders. And besides, when will you ever see them again? The odds of meeting them again afte rthe cruise is slim. Go ahead, do your own thing and never feel embrassed!

Just like most people, unless they speak Italtian or French, the wait staff can barely pronounce the menu items as well. Just point to the item you want.

Other than HAL, check out Celebrity or Princess. They are caters to a slightly younger corwd and maybe more relaxed, but not a party boat like Carnival (or RCCL or NCL)

Hi there,
we are now in our 40's but started cruising in our 30's.
We have been on many cruises and use either Holland America or Celebrity. Both cruise lines have been exceptional.
We decide by which itinerary is the best for us.
You will enjoy either cruise line.
Donna

My father was on HAL, and he hates to dress up :) He loved this cruise line.