Rockit

There is no real easy answer. The thing is, it depends on what you look for in a cruise line or vacation experience. I can compare some of the differences from my experience with Celebrity and some others vs Holland. If you are looking for big production shows or lots of activities, rock climbing, water slides, Holland America is not it. I found that Holland vs Celebrity had the edge in service, food quality and a laid-back relaxing vibe. Celebrity had the edge in shows. Holland America ticks off all of the boxes for me, a very relaxed atmosphere and value. As a creature of habit, at this point the familiarity as big factor for me. I know what to expect each time I get on a Holland America ship and although there are the occasional glitches it is not enough to keep me away. The presentations, talks etc. are consistent with other cruise lines. The entertainment is ok, not spectacular but ok. The ships atmosphere, staff, service, food quality cabins is top notch. I know that every time my wife and I are disembarking from a Holland America cruise we always wish that we had booked a longer one. Here’s hoping that your cruise with Holland America ticks off all of your boxes and meets your expectations. Enjoy the Journey! Cheers, Rockit

We did try Celebrity last year after quite a few HAL cruises. We went from the Rotterdam to the Constellation. In all fairness I will not compare the ships as one is fairly new and the other is really showing it’s age.Things we liked on celebrity were the outside TV on the top deck, comfortable area to just chill. On this particular cruise / ship the entertainment was good. The room stewards were very good as well as service on the Constellation throughout. As for the specialty restaurants, we liked The Blu for the atmosphere and service. The food was Ok but not the level of HAL. The specialty restaurant Tuscan Grill was a disappointment from the quality of food stand point (again compared to HAL) and the minuscule portion size for the price. The Cafe al bacio was very good, for us it was the highlight. The poolside grill for burgers etc. was sorely lacking in taste and overall quality, it cannot compare to the Dive in. I realize that taste is subjective, however for us, HAL ticks all the boxes that more than suits our needs for the cruise vacation experience we like. Cheers, Rockit

The cool thing about Mariner status / stars, is that it kind of creeps up on you. Getting to each level means that you spent more and more time on one of the ships in either a suite or non suite. Regardless of “Stars” the service and the quality of food etc. is the same for all. My thoughts are as follows, enjoy the cruises and the “Star” collecting as each one of them holds some memories of vacations past. Cheers, Rockit

Hello Kazu (fellow New Brunswicker), Please add us to the list. We are on the: Oosterdam 14 day passage to Spain Depart, April 5 2024 Cheers

We found that the Rotterdam for our tastes had the best venue for Club Orange. It also became our favorite ship in the HAL fleet. Cheers, Rockit

In Nov. 2022 on the Rotterdam bronze medallions were left in our room, no ceremony.

On Pinnacle class ships if not in a Neptune it is absolutely worth it for me to go with the Club Orange option. My favourite is the Rotterdam club orange dining room. I / we prefer the more quiet atmosphere. But in the end, to each his own. Cheers, Rockit

Enjoy Barcelona, one of my favourite cities. Cheers

I mostly book my own travel arrangements online but do use the HAL PCC for some things. It works well for both the PCC and myself. The PCC knows my likes and dislikes and will make recommendations. as well as help to resolve any issues that may have manifested during the booking process. I can email my PCC and will get a response within 24 hours or pick up the phone and call if it's urgent. This works well for me (somewhat of a control freak) but may not be everyone's cup of tea. Cheers

Try this link,, there may be pictures available of the cabin. https://halfacts.com/ Cheers, Rockit

For what it is worth, I would not count on luggage making it with the current issues. I suggest that you each bring 2 pieces of luggage (carry on) as you are allowed one to fit in overhead bin and one under the seat. Out last European trip had an interesting twist, just as we were landing n Belgium, the baggage handlers went on a wildcat strike, needless to say luggage caught up with us 10 days later in Athens. We now travel with 2 (carry ons each) and 1 check in if required. Cheers