This was our first cruise on HAL. We were somewhat disappointed in it after all of the raves from our neighbor who has cruised on them for years. However, she now admits that things have slipped since HAL was bought out by Carnaval. Food--We were given the open seating, which we did not request. It was difficult to get reservations for the time we wanted to eat. Lido food was average. The Vista dining room was very noisy and food selections were somewhat strange at times. Fortunately, there are the standbys one can order. The Caneletto was our favorite place. Small and quiet and the waiters were great. We were not impressed with the Pinnacle. Just three courses (as opposed to 5 in the Vista). They are know for their steaks, but who can eat 16-22oz steaks nowadays? Embarkation and Debarkation went very smoothly. The only complaint I have is that it took until 4pm for us to get our luggage. Now I know why so many people brought their carry-ons on board with them! Lunch was chaotic on embarkation day. Cabin-We were in a veranda cabin on deck 4. Room was quite adequate and closet space was good. The bath tub rubber mat was mildewed and should have been thrown away. Also, mildew on edges of the shower curtain. Ports--Most of the Caribbean Islands tend to be very similar. Some are flat and some are mountainous. Shops are all the same only with change of the name of the island on the t-shirts. We took private tours which were all average. In retrospect, instead of trying to see the whole island, we would have been better off taking a more specific tour with the ship excursions. Staff--The crew was very upbeat and friendly. Always smiling and acknowledging you. Ship--Was generally clean. Needs some updating in areas. Cruisers--Were much older--scooters and walkers. We're in our mid-sixties, and I felt young. Just a few families. Not much to offer for families with young children and teens. Even though there were signs asking people not to reserve deck chairs, etc. We found that it was very hard to find an outside table at lunch, as they were taken very early in the day. Appears that people kept them. Room service- It was great in the early morning. Always arrived on time. I waited for lunch for over an hour(when they said 30 mins.) and it was cold. It was also hard to get them to bring ice again in the late afternoon.

We had a nice trip--good weather and it was nice to be waited on. However, I don't think HAL will be our first choice in the future