We have sailed HAL before and were satisfied. This was our first seven day Mexican Riviera cruise and it was at an optimal time of the year for us. Problems began before the cruise. We asked for late seating at dinner, preferably at a table for 6. Instead we were allocated open seating. Multiple complaints by phone resulted in rude retorts by HAL personnel. Eventually a written complaint was acknowledged and we were assigned late seating. However, upon arrival we found that we were still assigned open seating. This meant standing in a long line to complain aboard the ship. We were eventually assigned late seating, but only after senseless round of complaints. Late seating was not filled and our table for 6 had only four.

We were given key cards upon arrival. Following lunch, we went to our room to find that these cards were defective. Again, more waits in long lines to get into our room. Dining service during lunch was another series of problems. The main dinning was closed for lunch most days. This meant long lines and poor service in the buffet. Also, dining service in the buffet was being shut down by 2 PM, just when we were returning from shore excursions. Service staff were rude and unhelpful.

HAL is not noted for their entertainment and activities, but these were below expectation. HAL needs to understand that attention to detail is critical.