Holland America Line - Who Is It For?

Holland America Line. Who it it for? Is Holland America Line just for old people? That seem's to be the most common question I have gotten after I cruised on the line. Old people do love Holland America Line and here are the reasons why.
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[@infectdiseaseepidemiology2599]

I enjoy being on a *ship* (not a floating amusement park) with people who are genuinely interested in the destinations as well as the sea days.

[@dangerzone24]

Quit telling everyone this, I don't want the secret to get out lol! We are among the youngest on HAL cruises but we love it. A calm, relaxed vibe and no issues and minimal kids. We don't need waterslides, go kart tracks, or rock walls. We just want to cruise and relax.

[@bac9346]

No worries. Kids these days would be bored 👍🏻

[@brt5273]

I like "old people" cruises because I'm more interested in relaxing rather than sailing on an amusement park or with a "gone wild at Spring break" crowd. Haven't cruised with Holland America but I will be looking into booking with them.

[@dalelobell3086]

As a Catholic, I appreciate Holland America because there is a priest on board and Mass is available every day. It's nice not to have to worry about finding a Church at an unfamiliar port. I also like the relaxed atmosphere, and no long waits for elevators. I've been on other cruise lines and I would put Holland in my top 2.

[@jlawrence0181]

Very true. I always assumed that every cruise did this. However, only Holland America offers a priest on most cruises/

[@joanne_luvsdisney534]

What is the other cruise line that you like?

[@jlawrence0181]

@@joanne_luvsdisney534 I like Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. I think that HAL has the best entertainment. Celebrity has the best food and service. And Royal Caribbean has some of thej best ship layout.

[@MommyandAuna]

Do you know when they normally have mass on Sundays? or when they have daily mass? I am afriad of making any reservations on my cruise because I dont want to miss mass.

[@c7adventures376]

We like the adventures of finding the old historical Churches in the town we visit. Never knew until now that you could cruise with a option for Mass. 👍🙏

[@tobyhansen3617]

I’m that Grandma with a toy box. I love the fact that there aren’t a bunch of party animals, respectful people. I love how at night by the lido pool I’m the only one there with a drink watching the sun set. It’s so peaceful.

[@jdjeep98]

As an "old person" myself, I really like Holland America. when we do see kids, they tend to be very well behaved. Mostly, anyway. Holland America is a more traditional cruise experience. I like the size of the ships better than the floating resorts that some other cruise lines have. They are typically 1800-2800 ish passenger ships. They have great music, the itineraries are great, and they have presentations that very educational.

[@kryskay989]

I can say ALL of this is totally on point! I'm in my mid 30's (hubs is in his early 40's) and can say HAL is our favorite cruise line thus far for all of these reasons, and more! I've cruised on Carnival, HAL, and just this month tried out MSC. I can say that HAL has given the BEST cruise experience and I would rather cruise HAL once a year than twice or more on MSC or Carnival. For context, our first HAL cruise was on the Eurodam in 2017 and it was just my husband and myself on a 7 day to Alaska and it was amazing. We loved it so much so we saved up and took my husbands parents to Alaska on the Oosterdam in 2019, along with our 11 month old son. Here are the reasons we LOVE HAL, even in our 30's and 40's: The food was amazing and the kitchen staff was very accommodating for requests. Even in the buffet there were wait staff walking around offering to refill drinks like tea, water, juice. On our second cruise we had our 11 month old and the staff noticed we liked to sit in a certain area of the buffet so they brought over a child seat to keep in 'our section' so it would be there for us when we needed it. Their welcome aboard lido lunch had prime rib and amazing food choices. Their complimentary make-to-order pizzas were amazing, and the make to order (or grab and go) salads were always fresh and perfect! The ice-cream and cookies were free flowing (major drawback on MSC was no complimentary ice cream or soft serve!!!). We could order main dining room food and have it delivered to our room, free of charge (at the time, could have changed?) My in-laws were able to eat their lobster and filet-mingon in their rooms, no questions asked. I wasn't a huge fan of the main dining set up, but one night I REALLY wanted that crème Brulé so we went to the dining room and just asked if we could have 2 and they brought them out to us on plates and let us take them to eat at the buffet lol As for entertainment, I think this one is VERY much about personal preference. We are definitely more laid back, listen to music, and watch the beauty sail by kind of people. So for us HAL is the perfect fit! They have everything from rock, blues, dueling pianos, and my personal favorite was the Lincoln Center Stage String Quartet... The Quartet was doing modern covers, so it was like having Vitamin String Quartet concerts every day (IYKYK)! Their musicians are top tier, no doubt! We also enjoyed the cruise director talks about the ports we'd be seeing. If you love culture and history, you will LOVE this sort of thing! Plus the TV had great shows about the ports, along with NatGEO and stuff like that. As for the kid-friendly vs kid-centric, you are 100% correct! We just did MSC with our 4 year old and while they had all the kid focused stuff, his favorite part of the cruise ship was dancing to the live music in the atrium LOL The performers love it because he love their set and gave a huge round of applause every song lol So I think if you're cruising as a family you have to know what your family likes. We did take our son one HAL when he was 11 months old, so he just hung out in the baby carrier the whole time BUT I will say the staff were amazing with him! They made sure we had everything we needed for him and were ALWAYS attentive to if we needed drink refills or anything so we wouldn't have to get him out of his chair and walk to the drink station at the buffet. The HAL crew are probably the best crew I've ever had, and one of the kitchen staff on our 2019 cruise remembered us from our 2017 cruise! I can say, they made such an impression that I remember several of the staff names because they were that amazing! Sorry for the long response, but I will shout from the rooftops about how amazing HAL is, all day every day!

[@madchatteress]

I enjoyed your review. I'm in my late 40's and have only sailed RCL and NCL and did a themed cruise on Carnival. I'm doing my first HAL cruise this summer and had some apprehension about it being too sedate for me. The more I researched, the more I think I'll enjoy my time on the ship (only 4 sea days out of 19 days). The Mediterranean itinerary is amazing and I'm really looking forward to giving HAL a try. I love dancing and good music but usually only dance, pop and R&B from 80's onward but doesn't sound like I'll have that on this cruise. Knowing me, I'll likely want to crash after the long days in port so the music would not be a deal breaker. I'm just going to go in with an open mind and enjoy my experience. Question: do they offer regional food options based upon area they are sailing?

[@russdevilbiss2030]

Yes, on Regional Cuisine. HAL has 'port to table' with a local flair.

[@kryskay989]

@@madchatteress I have only cruised HAL to Alaska but both times we had crab legs and lots of Salmon so I'm assuming that would be a yes. 19 days on a Mediterranean cruise with HAL sounds like a DREAM!!! I hope you have an amazing time!

[@madchatteress]

@@kryskay989 Thank you. I'm looking forward to it. Darn ... Wish I did HAL for Alaska as I love crab legs Haha

[@jholly5747]

Hello Your view of HAL was amazing. I’m thinking of falling on a cruise this year, perhaps AL and all your comments makes the cruise line sound amazing. I used to think home America was for old people, as I got married on Royal Caribbean explorer of the seas when I was 35 and my hubby is 29 back then. Well that was over 20 years ago now, so now I guess we are old people and hall. America sounds more more like the cruise line that I want to go on next.

[@gd4u422]

When you yelled "Because they are about to die!" I spit out my coffee. Thank you Tony, I now have to clean my monitor....

[@LaLidoLoca]

😂😂😂

[@teams3345]

I think it all depends on the length of cruise. We are 71 and 62 and when we went on a 21 day cruise through the Panama Canal. We felt so much younger.

[@jayhandson]

Your sense of humor definitely hits the sweet spot for me. I often genuinely lol during your videos. If laughter really is the best medicine than you are one of the best physicians on you tube!

[@Rohnski]

I'm 18. Family has taken us on many HAL cruises. Absolutely love them, always have. With HAL, it depends person to person, what do you want from your holiday? Everyone will answer different, which is completely ok. Lots of old people take HAL cruises but the kids facilities that I used when I still could were just as fun as the kids facilities I went to on Royal Caribbean ships or the like, just there were no waterslides to go to afterwards.

[@Traveltheme706]

We are looking at doing a Holland America cruise next year, this is a good video

[@neuronbob]

I started cruising HAL in my mid-40's. It's for people who like relaxation and education rather than constant partying.. Now I'im in my mid-50's and still cruising with them. HAL does longer itineraries and older people have time for those. I do their "shorter" (7 days) cruises, and have a 12-day Panama Canal cruise planned for next year.

[@jimtoth3922]

"Seasoned in life" I'm using that one!

[@barblynn6303]

My first cruise when I was 46 years old was on the Noordam in 1996. I took my teenage kids, age 12 and 15 on the Westerdam two years later for their first cruise. It was a wonderful experience and we all love cruising with Holland America.

[@tiffanyi5645]

As a teenager I thought people in their 50’s and up were “old people”, but now that I’m 39 and my very youthful and handsome husband is 51, I can definitely say 50’s is not old Lol

[@chrisscarfo1149]

Tony, this was a great video/ topic! I just turned 55 a couple days ago and I feel where you are coming from. I am not waiting around until I retire to see the world. I am starting now…actually June 9th to Alaska. My mom died when she was 54. She told me not to wait to do things..”Do things now” she said because I wasn’t able too. Also I think you are hysterical 😂

[@angelabrown3994]

Great review! The great thing is that a cruise is what you make it. Each person can choose the level of involvement that is comfortable for them. I'm an older adult but when I go on a cruise, I am all in. (My adult kids can't keep up.)🤣

[@bv15ktwins]

Another reason is that you can count on the same wonderful service and familiar surroundings on any HAL ship, so you feel at home on any ship and we have sailed on many of their ships

[@janicerae6104]

At 79 (49 with 30 yrs. experience), I've enjoyed many cruises on HAL ships, and excited for the next one next spring. All 5 of the reasons you discussed why "old people love HAL" could apply to why I've sailed exclusively with them. Thanks for another fun, but informative video, Tony! Happy cruising to you & Jenny!

[@litzie50]

You are limiting yourself to one cruise line. Variety is the spice of life!!!

[@madchatteress]

@@litzie50 Maybe this works for Janice but I understand where you are coming from. I was favoring RCL for a while but after a disappointing onboard experience with the foods and shows on my last RCL cruise, I decided to try other lines. I had an amazing onboard experience on NCL Bliss and looking forward to trying my first HAL cruise this summer for the reasons Tony presented (I don't need the Go Karts, water slides and other cruise bling). I am an itinerary cruiser and the HAL cruise itinerary was the best I've ever booked so I'm excited. Love the idea of enrichment programs, exotic ports and quality food). After this, I want to experience Celebrity and Princess when I can find an itinerary that excites me.

[@litzie50]

@@madchatteress Celebrity is very good. Better than Princess. I Especially like Celebrities Edge class ships (Apex, Beyond and Edge)

[@madchatteress]

@@litzie50 Thank you. I've seen some video tours of the Beyond and would love to be on that ship. Of course, I tend to book based on itinerary which is why I always find myself on smaller and mid-sized ships haha

[@Phillygirl-yf8rj]

I love sailing on Holland America. Great music options, including Lincoln Center Live for classical music, the Rolling Stones Lounge, the fabulous pianists at Billboard, and terrific shows. Our last cruise, 22 days, was a fabulous trip that traveled from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, Chile! That included 4 days sailing in Antarctica. It was wonderful to see singing whales, thousands of penguins, and orcas. Just terrific!!

[@sallymorin543]

The food is excellent. Lido is great as they serve you! Specialty dining was superb!!

[@bella_aussie_of_sk]

We were on the Volendam and there isn't a music walk but there was still lots of live music and my 11yr old absolutely loved the dance shows on the main stage.

[@lynncurrier3873]

We just enjoyed a Holland America cruise, and there were many cruisers younger than those of us in our 70's!

[@nicolen4980]

We are in our mid 50's and just went on the Niuew Statendam in March. We just loved it. There were all ages on this ship. The music and food were fantastic. Also really enjoyed the informative talks they did. A little more luxury than some lines we've tried.

[@sunsetwatcher5368]

Spot on with your analysis of HAL and the clientele it will appeal to, Tony! We LOVE HAL!!! A great match for our tastes and personalities.... Love HAL's itineraries, superb service, excellent excursions and enrichment programs, its elegance and refinement, its music and fabulous food, and a hundred other reasons. Going on our next HAL cruise in 2 weeks.

[@cmccloskey56]

You were talking about enrichment- that’s a game-changer! The crow’s nest and exploration cafe are my favorite places; other ships just don’t have libraries anymore. Just love them!

[@charlesrichard8601]

I'm 61 & we love HAL Koningsdam for the reason of fewer children & also fewer over drinkers. Our turn to act grow up but still feel young. Happy Cruising ⛴️ 🙏 ❤️

[@ScottLara]

This is the best overview of Holland America Line I’ve ever heard. You did forget about free oxygen tank refills each day on the Lido deck!!!

[@constanceworden487]

Great video today! I really enjoyed the live last night.

[@elainewickstead4714]

We have cruised Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian and recently Holland America. For us HAL is definitely our favorite. Music Walk was fantastic and so was the whole cruise. Princess had far more old people on the sailing we did with them than our HAL cruise. Itinerary and length of cruise definitely affect the demographics on some cruises. Our experience on HAL was far superior to Princess and can’t wait to sail HAL again. Love your channel Tony!😊

[@DonnaBorn138]

You said everything very diplomaticly..good job!!!

[@AlexErika]

You nailed it on this video Tony. Bo reason to watch another video about cruising on Holland America. As someone who has also been on HA cruises for about 30 days every point you made was exactly on point.

[@johnobr3729]

Enjoying your shows Tony!

[@cruisingnurse5443]

I just started cruising Jan 2022 and it was with HAL. I guess you could say I am old - I am 67.5 years - but I have rapelled waterfalls and kayaked lakes and parasailed on excursions sailing HAL. I have met and stayed in touch with people older than me and younger than me. For me, HAL is a perfect fit!! 6 cruises under my belt and 6 more booked - all with HAL.

[@wfodavid]

One of your all time great vids.Had to watch this again!

[@juliewatts1937]

Laughed all the way through this - excellent video!

[@mrrichlivinglarge]

Tony this video is why I watch every episode. You have a unique and creative sense of humor! Your headings of the reasons had me literally laughing out loud! Keep making funny and informative content and be wonderful you and your channel will keep growing.

[@davidwilliams4865]

Great review of HAL. All of your points are well taken and the reason I now really only cruise with Holland America and Celebrity.

[@Lanic0]

Thanks for doing this video. My wife and I are cruising on HAL in November and this video is very timely and interesting.

[@samruda23]

Thoughtful, crisp and insightful analysis/commentary. Thank you.

[@debbiechristy9960]

You presented and explained this potentially sensitive topic very well, Tony!!

[@davidtomasetti8520]

we just took the jewel of the seas repositioning cruise to Amsterdam. there were SOOO many REALLY old people(80 plus) on that cruise, it was remarkable.

[@jholly5747]

Hey Tony, love your channel! Line, I too used to think that hole in America was for old people. Back in 2003 I got married on Royal Cribb explorer of the seas. At the time I was 35 and my husband was 29. But now that we are old people we are looking for a different cruise line. All in America looks like the cruise line that I want to go on next because of no waterslides or go karts or rock climbing walls. I have mobility issues, so any types of high intensity activities are out for me now. I just want to go on a cruise and stay on the ship, not do any short excursions And have a rock wax vacation. Now that I’m in my 50s, I think 80s or 90s is old.

[@brendapolk1723]

Tony - great video. A few years ago we had our wonderful Alaskan cruise on HAL. We were in Juneau for over 10 hours. I did a float plane glacier tour, walked around downtown, rode the Mt. Roberts Tramway, and hit the Red Dog Saloon. The 9 hours in Sitka gave plenty of time to do the 3-hour Sea Otter and Wildlife boat tour (got my whale photos) and then check out the town. Our kids were with us on the cruise and they loved it.

[@gregsamson4348]

Hi Tony, like someone else said HAL is for mature people. My wife and I have over 253 day with HAL alone and have 3 more cruises booked with HAL in the next 10 months. We have cruised on other lines but like the size of HAL ships, the quality of the food but most of all the staff on the ships. Mature people have more disposal money, and at this time in our lives we just want to enjoy our lives and see and do as much as possible.

[@TheJohnebey]

Bingo, well said

[@dinnes3375]

LOL, Your comments about food on the HAL. Also, Best food of any cruise line that we have been on.

[@sandraslosek2537]

Love Holland America dam ships. Started at 60, now 79 . May be older and feel 40.😊

[@TravelWithCeleste]

I love your videos and I laughed out loud a couple times with this one. Keep up the good work Tony.

[@CarolinaPrincess-STP]

We have traveled twice now with HAL and, while very different experiences, we loved it! Their staff seem genuinely happy to work with HAL & they are very attentive. Great video!❤

[@gaylalaeupple5101]

I am going on an Alaska cruise with Holland America soon. Thanks for the show today

[@beckychamp8508]

I’ve thought of taking a HAL cruise… can’t wait to watch!!

[@PJsCoinCapers]

Having just spent 3 weeks onboard Rotterdam being 47 years old I felt like it was a floating retirement village. The first 2 weeks were spent in the Baltic and there were 3 children in total. The 3rd week to Norway many more families were on board but the majority of people were 75+

[@johnr7445]

Love your work Tony I am laughing out loud.

[@denisplouffe514]

I can’t agree with you more in regards to HAL. I love their venues and cruises.

[@paulstar2616]

We love your shows, Thanks, Wild and Crazy Guy..

[@davidlawton1003]

My wife and I are both Disney Cruise people. But next year after my second knee replacement surgery we are going on a Holland American, Eastern Canada 11 day cruise on the MS Volendam. This will be our first cruise on another cruise line outside of Disney, the smallest ship we have been on and the longest cruise also. We are looking forward to this cruise. I am planning on taking some pictures from our next cruise in a few weeks, which is a Disney Alaska cruise, then comparing it to this Holland America cruise. If I remember I'll send them to you with my thoughts. Oh yea I will be 63 this October. I don't move like I did when I was in my twenties but I still am alive, I am not in the grave yet. Thanks Tony enjoy your show. Always full of good info!

[@shelleyhom]

Two words regarding food on HA - salad bar - that salad bar is the best at sea - more salad for me usually equates to more gelato and pastries at the Dutch cafe later in the day

[@sportsMike87]

Holland America reminds me of Princess cruises. Geared towards older people.

[@l.wallace4252]

HAL is one of the few cruise lines that travels through Glacier Bay National Park. Agree about the dancing! I dance nightly and ever so sprightly, and I’m 63. Their playlists skew 60’s through 80’s. I requested Lizzo and Dua Lipa; no problem! Thanks, Tony!

[@michellescofield]

Thanks for this information! I hadn't considered HAL previously, but will check it out. I'm 63 and I'm older than people who aren't yet 63 but don't consider myself "old". I have a favorite shirt I wear when I'm power-llfting, "Your first mistake was thinking I'm like all the other grandmas."

[@HeatherTravels]

We just got off a Holland America cruise to Alaska last week. Our group included people who were 15, 19, 26, 50, and 81. Surprisingly, my 81 year old dad was the one who seemed to like it the least! He was also the only one who said that he didn't think it was good for kids. It was definitely very different than our usual cruise lines (Royal Caribbean and Disney), but the rest of us all found things that we really liked.

[@pamelabarber1033]

I just booked another Holland America cruise to the Amazon. This is going to be incredible cruise.

[@richardneff488]

Loved your show today. Glad to hear they have oat meal. (Had to share mine with my granddaughter this morn.) Nice !!! Think i will check them out..... Rich

[@melodykirby2210]

We are in our seventies and are considering the younguns by our cruise mates and we love it 😊

[@lindastover9541]

Great video ❤❤❤❤

[@dianephelon6981]

Hi Tony. LOVE Holland America

[@andrewcarr2431]

I agree with other comment's here, as a 40 year old couple we loved the atmosphere on Holland America on our virgin trip with that company. My only complaint was the lack of entertainment compared to say Carnival. Very little to do during the day compared to the quizzes and other participation events with other cruise lines. I don't have any issue now that we are aware and will ensure we plan accordingly. The fact they had a library on our ship means I don't have to bring my own to read for example. If you want Carnival style, I'd sail with them. Otherwise expect "Holland America" style on this company.

[@jeannyjakobsen5608]

We're in our early 50s and heading to Alaska with HAL in July for our 25th anniv, and we can't wait! Our shortest day in port will be 6hrs and since it's during summer break I'm anticipating lots of kids and youth to up the energy and excitement (and noise?!) levels. We'll be on the Volendam, one of their oldest/smallest vessels, and I'm thinking this will be the perfect first cruise for 2 people who don't like big crowds 🙂🚢🛳

[@jeffreywagner5234]

Great report on HAL. 🚢🚢

[@ninerjen1]

Ive just seen the beginning and I am loving this. Have been waiting for your “young” take on this cruise line after all the old joke made about it. Ha. Ok. Love this. Great analogy with the grandparents and toy box. I tend to agree with you on all counts. We loved the music especially the dueling pianos. And. Yes, we even danced. A rarity. I appreciate your reviews. Thanks. 👍

[@norayancey4282]

We have been cruising HAL for years. Took 11 year old grandson this year for his first cruise. He loved the shore excursions and saw ships in port with all the “stuff” and didn’t miss it. He loved his experience.

[@rh4267]

We started out cruising with Carnival and worked our way through the lines ending up on HAL. They have a great music program, interesting itineraries, experts on board to talk on various subjects. We have taken 6 HAL cruises already and have 3 booked ready to take. We are 67 and 63 years old.

[@karenribble3205]

Funny how so many won’t even try because of the reputation . I will at least give it a try:) thanks for what you share every day!

[@carishields7834]

Tactfully done ❤

[@hoggersouthawk]

Tony, I don’t think anyone could market a HAL product better than you. I just loved the way you presented your comments with knowledge, humour, and tact. I am in the “old” category but so what; as one You Tuber always says, “it is what it is” so get out there and enjoy it all. And, as Clint Eastwood used to say, “don’t let the old man in”. We’re all young at heart and enjoying life each and every day. Moreover, I will be on a “thinking I’m young” 35 day HAL cruise in about 7 months - woohoo!!!❤😊

[@sharonneat1395]

I went on a Hollander America cruise when I was in my late twenty’s. In fact I sailed on the old MS Rotterdam that was interesting to sail to Alaska ..

[@pameladocherty7034]

I love your colour changing ghost light 👍💖

[@j.g7506]

Hahaha ..geez thanks Tony. I don't have much time to enjoy myself while on vacation due to my age 😂😂.. we are finally gonna try Holland in October. We can't wait...

[@TravelWithCeleste]

Thanks!

[@jamesewell1164]

Got to be the food, which we consider the best in cruising! We also love the demographics of our fellow cruisers! Will continue to sail with HAL.

[@fullsailaway]

we're in our early 50s, scheduled to sail the baltic on the ms rotterdam in 8 days. cannot effin wait!

[@juliemcclure8177]

HAL is for people that love jazz hands!!!! Just like this channel!!! Glad to see the jazz hands back today! 😂 My husband and I love HAL. We are young’ish(in our 40’s) “experienced” cruisers with 30+ cruises. We don’t run from activity to activity, we just enjoy good food, live music, and relaxing.

[@andrewcarr2431]

Also funny story! On the holland america cruise, the "oldies" arrived for happy hour, after a couple of cheap drinks, a fistful of various prescribed pills they proceeded to put us to shame bouncing the dance floor with the live bands. Whatever cocktail of alcohol and Arthritis drugs they are on, please give me some!

[@robertmitchell9984]

I have watched several vlog on HAL and you are correct the music is the reason I planned on booking a cruise with them

[@wendycugliotta9584]

We loved our sailing on Nieuw Statendam last fall, we are in our early 40s, met other couples our age and older, had a great time! Half moon cay is stunning, loved it all :)

[@eminiarvii]

In my 20s i sailed HAL three times and was very happy. I am now in my 70s and would love to sail HAL again but at this time in my life i am focused on Princess and Celebrity. I really appreciate this review. It was a wonderful commentary 🚢😊

[@cindygriffiths5917]

I am 72 haven t cruised Holland America but you tempt me with the music comment. I am going to check them out because yes I am wanting to do stuff before I die. Great and helpful comments. I am a cool person .LOL. You definitely have me interested in Holland America

[@Beth11271]

I'm 52 and will be sailing on Eurodam this November for the first time to celebrate my birthday and my gran in law's 101st birthday (We share birthdays) We normally sail NCL

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

We had nephews 2 times on a Holland American cruise, they loved it. They made a lot of friends!

[@Emma-ql2lv]

This is my first video of yours and I would never assumed you were 51! You look no older than 40. You look good!

[@christophercoupland5235]

My mom and dad came to America from the Netherlands on HAL 💕💕💕

[@thevanmarwykfam6474]

My daughter has cruised on HAL since she was 3 and has always loved it. We aren’t party people so we love HAL and the service for us has always been superb.

[@007Aura]

I think I can add them to the cruise rotation 😊

[@gshoults1]

HAL is our preferred cruise line and for all the reasons you outlined Tony. We're taking our second transatlantic in October, sailing from Amsterdam to Ft Lauderdale on Rotterdam. Our first transatlantic was in 2019 from Rome to Ft Lauderdale on Koningsdam. BB King's is our favorite music venue. Because we live in Texas, we sometimes sail out of Galveston on Carnival and RCCL, recently sailed on NCL Prima which was really fun and different, but overall, we prefer HAL. Thanks for helping to dispel the old person stereotypes, and giving a fair and balanced review.

[@catherinerichard6994]

OK, you might not know it but you started this blog yelling, finished better than you started. Going on Holland next February, because of you I am looking forward to it. Great job keeping us informed.

[@richardwhite9599]

My wife and I are 70 & 72. We’ve sailed Disney (4 cruises 1 without grandkids), Holland 4 times, and Princess 6 times with two long cruises planned for later in the year. I always tell people that I feel that I’m part of the older group on Disney, average age on Princess, and younger group on Holland staying up til the dueling pianos finish their last set and going up to the DJ sessions a couple times per cruise. And you forgot to mention Lincoln Center Stage for classical and pop if you’re into a piano quartet! And I did enjoy meeting and “harassing” you and Don on the Majestic to Alaska in 9/2021😊

[@glfarwell]

We have always enjoyed Lincoln Center Stage, but alas it is no more. My wife and I are very disappointed.

[@richardwhite9599]

@@oldgoat50 I don’t mind it at all. Since the pianos aren’t amplified but only the pianist’s voices it’s not bad at all to me. Even sitting at the front it was fine. The other music venues were loud but nowhere near rock concert levels where I needed earplugs and the bass vibrated the legs of my slacks.

[@lindastephens1916]

Best line ever!!!

[@madchatteress]

Thank you for this video Tony. We are about the same age and I had some concerns that HAL might be too boring for me which is why I never seriously considered sailing with them. I ended up booking an amazing itinerary on HAL which I will be sailing on in a few short weeks in the Mediterranean. Given that I previously did a Mediterranean cruise on NCL Jade, which was the most sedate on board experience I've ever experienced and the food was not good, I think I'll be OK on HAL because I may need a quieter experience after visiting the amazing ports. I have no use for the water slides, Go Karts, etc and I often am exhausted after a day of intense port sightseeing that I may not even have energy to stay up and dance. I've always enjoyed good complimentary food on RCL but my last cruise, the food left much to be desired so I'm excited to hear that the included food on HAL would be of better quality. I don't have kids and would prefer a cruise that isn't centered around children's activities. The biggest plus for my upcoming cruise is the unique ports and lengthier times in ports (including two in Israel!). I love music but not sure if the music will be to my tastes as I prefer 80's (and later) dance & R&B music but that isn't a deal breaker for me as the itinerary alone makes it worthwhile. I'm excited about my upcoming HAL cruise :)

[@jaglenn22]

Our first cruise was on Holland to Alaska and we had a great time! We were in our early 40s. Bars closed early, but otherwise it was a fun time!

[@rdrew1114]

Taking our 1st HAL cruise in 2 weeks. Excited to see if we like it as much as other lines. I am excited to have good food.

[@williamd9205]

I really like HAL but we usually sail on Princess because HAL doesn’t have any self-service laundry facilities for passengers. I agree with all the positive things you said about HAL.