LindaM

Have sailed HAL' date=' =X=, Royal, Oceania and AZ. Sailed three times on Azamara, twice on Quest and once on Journey, and would do it again in a heartbeat! We find that, although the staterooms are a bit smaller, and the verandas as well, the itineraries offered by the smaller ships are usually more unique, since they are able to get into tighter spaces. Ever sailed to Bordeaux? I mean TO Bordeaux, docked right in the middle of the City?? Not an hour's bus ride to the city from LeVerdun.

 

And the food on Azamara and Oceania is far superior to the main lines. And speaking of lines, you won't find many on these smaller ships, not at embarkation, disembarkation, shore excursions..... The crews of both of these lines are excellent, friendly and caring. They will always greet passengers in passing on companionways, et cetera. We had meet and greets at which the heads of most of the passenger-oriented departments attended, and they offered a follow-up meeting half way through the cruises to see if all of our needs had been met, or if we had any problems or concerns. Of course this all comes at a price, but if you can afford it, I'd say go for it.[/quote']

 

Prinsendam docked in downtown Bordeaux. The sailing down the estuary was pretty amazing.

 

The only R ship I've been on is Princess Ocean Princess. The showlounge on those ships is not a good design. The sight lines are poor. It also seems like there aren't as many venues for after dinner drinks.

Nice article about this beautiful ship.

 

http://www.latimes.com/travel/cruises/la-tr-d-prinsendam-20150315-story.html#page=1

This should required reading for all the Prinsendam naysayers. Or, this could be a "sticky" we could refer them to! Everytime I tell the naysayers about her repeater rate, they pooh pooh it. Now they can read it in black and white! Glad to hear we could possibly get another 5 years out of her!

DW and I consider her our favorite HAL ship (we have done 4 TA crossings on the P'Dam). It is difficult to explain to others why we love this old ship with all her many faults, but there are plenty of other P'dam lovers that understand :).

 

Hank

You hit the nail on the head...it is hard to explain why we love this old ship. We had dinner last night with a couple we met on Prinsendam. They just didn't feel the same way and have no desire to sail her again. They don't say anything bad...they just don't think she is anything out of the ordinary. No one will believe this, but I don't push the subject....I just change the conversation!!

The best and most important thing I bought for Alaska was a waterproof LLBean raincoat with a hood, and a zip out lining. I should have had one my entire life, because Michigan weather is a lot like Alaska weather.

I don't wear athletic shoes, except for athletics, but I sprayed waterproofer on my leather Clarks. I also need those in Michigan. We have a lot of the same nature in Michigan. Just last week, I was about 5 ft from a beautiful hawk. My friend shot a bear last fall and we also have a lot of eagles. Who would have thought....

I don't think being old and less tech savy is the reason why there are fewer HAL reviews. Most 70+ year olds I know have computers and email and iphones and could easily write a review. I do think the age of HAL passengers may play into it in this way. If the average age of a HAL cruiser is 55 plus, they have been around long enough and have been on enough cruises to know most people really don't care about their personal opinion of their cruise or the ship they sailed. If I read a negative review, I am extremely suspicious of the writer's motives. And, if it's good review....it's usually pretty redundant because I've been on enough wonderful cruises that I don't need to read about the service, food etc . IMHO, most cruises are pretty much alike in most cases. I think reviews are fun for newbies to read. Those of us who sail on HAL are seasoned enough to know there are better things to do than write a review. It has nothing to do with not having access to a computer. And, 70 is not that old!!! For those who think it is, think again! At any rate, I think younger people are more excited about their new experience and want to share it.

That has always been the case with us however I just happened to check some dates on my invoice for our April 2, 2016 cruise and saw that while the final payment date is January 3rd, 2016, the penalty phase for cancellations begins on Dec 4, 2015. The insurance would have to be bought prior to that date.

Check your dates carefully so you don't get caught.

Thanks...I never thought of that. I will have to check!

Buyer beware? Read the fine print? As in anything one buys, you need to ask questions and make sure you know what you're buying.

 

In my own experience in researching trip insurance, I have always been able to find a better policy (more and better coverage) for less money than what the cruise lines offer. HAL's platinum policy is extremely spendy; why would I buy it when, for less money, I can get refunded 100% of the cost of the trip rather than losing 10% to HAL and get a whole lot more coverage for other things to boot. I don't understand why anyone would buy it from HAL. YMMV.

We buy it because you can pay for it at final payment. With other insurance, you have to pay for it soon after your initial deposit. If you are not totally sure about the trip, you will be out that money. I'm talking about cancel for any reason insurance.

I am very well aware that the word credible was not used in that post. However you often question other people's credibility regarding HAL and especially the Prinsendam when you have not been on the same cruise as they.

 

If someone who has had the experience has posted here, I think it is quite demeaning and insulting for someone to turn around and tell them they are not credible just because that person has not experienced the same thing.

Terri

I am shaking my head....I OFTEN question other's credibility??? Are you kidding? Often is the key word....REALLY???? This is Cruise Critic. People are sometimes questioned and even worse for reporting a cruise that was unsatisfactory. I've been called out as being not credible as well...it goes with the territory. Now, go pick on someone else!

If you were not there and don't know, how can you in all honesty say that someone is not credible?

Terri

You might want to reread my post. I said I didn't know. The word credible wasn't used in that post. I wish I didn't have to explain my posts to those who don't take the time to comprehend.

I think it's interesting that people are so supportive of the original post about the rotting Rotterdam. Most times people would bash the OP for criticizing HAL. The posters here make HAL sound horrible. What purpose does it serve to constantly go on and on about the condition of the ships? I don't understand what is wrong with telling others to then boycott HAL....vote with your feet. Obviously, if there are as many issues as posters say there are, no one in their right mind would sail HAL. I thought this forum was for people to ask questions about HAL. HAL knows how you feel---they read the end of the cruise reviews. HAL isn't going to be the cruiseline you remember----this is how it's going to be.

Let the bashing continue...

That's a pretty big broom to push aside all of OP's legitimate complaints and customer service concerns. This treatment is acceptable?

No one is forcing you to sail HAL. There are soooo many other lines. Those of us who prefer small to midsize ships are pretty much stuck. The other midsize cruise lines probably cost more....I don't look at prices, so I really don't know. If I liked sailing on 2000 psgr ships I probably would sail another line.

You may think the complaints are legitimate....I wasn't there, so I really don't know. I do know some people may be a little fussier than others.

Again, for those of you who are unhappy, sail another line. I have a distinct feeling HAL's prices are what keeps you coming back.

I think it is ridiculous to imply that HAL does not care about it's aging fleet. HAL wants to sell cruises. Some repairs are difficult to make because of a ship's schedule. And, sometimes it's hard to find competent people to do the work. I remember a couple years back when some ships that came out of drydock were a disaster. HAL hires human beings to do the work. They can't always control the quality of the work, just like in our real lives when we hire someone who does less than quality work.

HAL is in the business of serving lots of drinks. Those servers are overzealous much of the time. When someone comes on this board and says they are not being served drinks, there is not one person reading this who will believe it. Sure, you will get some servers that may be new or don't care, but that doesn't happen often. And certainly not the entire cruise. Just because the person saying this is 3 or 4 star, doesn't mean we will believe it. It's not that we are HAL cheerleaders. I've only been on one current HAL ship. It's just that it doesn't make sense or sound realistic. Same thing with people who say a ship is a rotting mess. HAL's ships are old and maintained as best as they can be, considering they need to be in the water, to make money.

Those who sail HAL like old midsize ships. There are many, many lines for people who don't. I'm sorry for those who were disappointed, but they only have themselves to blame for not doing their homework.

Im a bit disappointed that HAL decided to build their new ship so large. I do not cruise with 2500 people.

Can anyone vouch that the Rotterdam is still in good shape? I was going to cruise on the Prinsendam, but heard so many negative things about its condition (not its service) that I went with the Rotterdam. Now this thread....

I dont need a sparkling new ship with all the glitz and neon... I like an older ship, but I don't want it to be worn out and banged up with torn carpet and rusty deck chairs...

When you read about negative conditions, you must consider the source...who is doing the complaining. There are regulars who post here who are credible. You should do a search on all posts related to the ship you are considering, then decide for yourself. Don't believe everything you read here!!!

Let's see.....

 

I have sailed over 80 cruises with HAL and know people on just about every ship. It would be hard to arrive at an HAL ship and not recognize at least a few stewards/staff/Officers.

 

So, my next cruise will be my first without my beloved DH.

Is it REALLY a choice for me to sail my first cruise alone on a new cruise line where I am unfamiliar with the routine aboard, the way they do things and am sure to not know anyone? That is setting myself up to fail and never travel again.

 

That is not a viable option For ME; maybe you would think that ideal but seeing it is me that you are telling to make that choice, this is my opinion about it.

 

Let's me realistic, please? It's rather dismissive to brush a long time HAL cruiser aside and say go elsewhere. When you were a smoker, how would you have reacted had I said to you, quit smoking? Please don't tell me to quit sailing HAL. I haven't even gotten into the amenties that attach to being a Platinum, Five Star Mariner. I should just give that up?

 

I will continue, as vigorously as possible, to urge HAL to ban verandah smoking.

 

Sail,

I am so glad you have those 80 cruises with HAL and familiar faces onboard. Hopefully, that will make it slightly easier to sail without your husband. The first step is always the hardest. I've met quite a few women who sail alone and they are my heroes. I am pretty gutless and hope I will have the courage to travel alone when that day comes. I think it would be a huge mistake to change to another line at this point!

I agree they are filling a niche. I'm not interested, but I understand many are...even in the older age group. More large ships are being built and not so many small ones, like Viking Ocean's new line. The cruiselines must know they will be able to fill them up!

My husband wore a suit every day of his career so trying to get him in one now is next to impossible. Won't a sport jacket, collar shirt and slacks work? He can carry a tie in his pocket. Will a camel color jacket work or must it be dark? We don't want to be out of line and hack people off but these old customs are why we haven't cruised HAL before. Please no flaming.....it's just our feeling. It's not like we'll be showing up in shorts and flip-flops. There is so much conflicting information that I guess I need reassurance that we will be able to dine where we choose.

Karen

Yes, it will work. Any color jacket. Good idea about the tie, just in case. I am tired on formal nights, just because!!

On a formal night on Prinsendam in Iceland, we shared a table with a gentleman from Downunder who did not wear a coat, but a vest. No problems. Actually, we sat with someone who also only wore a vest on another Prinsendam cruise. They may be more lenient on overseas cruises.

I recommend the HAL's hotel The Marriott. It's very nice and in a great location. The best part is, you won't have to worry about transportation. The concierge printed our boarding passes for us as well. Delta has several direct flights to AMS from DTW. You will find that HAL has some competetive prices. You find the flights you want, then have your TA call HAL for prices. I like the protection in case summer storms in the D cancel flights. We are from the same area, it appears!

I think you made the right choice. To me, the size of a ship is very important. P is so easy to get on and off of. Don't worry about rotted wood. It is from moisture from the fridge. We've had 4 cruises on P. This was the first time we had any issues with our cabin. And, don't worry about attire. People are very casual, even at dinner,especially with this type of scenic itinerary. I think you are going on with the right expectaions about P. I will be anxious to hear your impression. I think you will be very satisfied.

I am one who was underwhelmed with the experience for the premium price paid on Prinsendam. Food and menus were standard for the fleet. Service was standard for the fleet which can be strained due to staffing cutbacks. the Lido was understaffed, no tableside service other than a guy bussing tables. I have no problem spending more money for a premium experience but this musty old ship is not premium.

Also check out the cruise critic member review section. The reviews were reorganized last year and ships within each brand are ranked statistically based on member reviews. The Prinsendam was dead last in satisfaction for a good while, now it is in the bottom two or three. The member reviews reflect a good cross section of cruisers.

As I've said before along with others here who enjoy Prinsendam, we feel those reviews are biased. They were written by people who feel they spent too much on Prinsendam. Your opinion is your opinion. I don't feel she is musty or her public rooms are old and shabby. I am entitled to my opinion as you are yours. I do believe people go on Prinsendam expecting a fancy perfect ship. We don't pretend she is. We just like her and you don't. Can't we agree to disagree? I will say your assessment of the service is totally off the mark. The service on Prinsendam is much better than our 2 cruises on Regent. We may have had not so great service a few times, but it was rare. I read reviews before our first P cruise, which could have been 9 years ago. I'm glad I didn't pay attention to them, although I was concerned. What I don't understand is how she could have the highest HAL repeater rate if she was as bad as you say she is. I know you like to discuss this as I do...would you care to explain that???

Yep, I'm leaning towards that. Why do so many people like the prinsedam?

Prinsendam is an old, elegant ship reminicent of the older ships ie The Norway. She is nothing like the newer ships. She was built with more expensive, quality materials. And, she is small. You can get from the dining room to the show lounge in a couple of minutes, I would guess! Or from your cabin to the Lido very quickly! That is important to some people who are willing to pay a premium to sail her. Her itineraries are usually interesting because she can get into smaller ports. Her passengers are generally well traveled, many staying on for a month! To me, it's a completely different cruising experience. We will have sailed her 5 out of 27 cruises. It's just different. Some people here don't notice the difference, or it's not important to them. They don't mind sailing a large ship. Prinsendam is for people who enjoy sailing a small, old ship and don't mind paying the premium. She isn't perfect. Our last cabin had a broken mirror and worn carpeting, along with rotted wood under a cabinet. I don't think many cabins are like that, or we would hear more here.

You do get people here who were expecting something different and are resentful they spent a premium to sail her. So, if money is going to be an issue, I would suggest sailing a larger, new ship.

I was able to secure an outside single. Its smaller than a regular outside, but has a full view. They are located very forward on the main deck i believe.

So which cruise did you choose???

The cruise line gives you booking access - identifying airlines from your chosen airport. If you leave it to the cruise line to book, you may get put on connecting, rather than direct, flights -- also, you may not get a chance to select seats until you check in for the flight.

We have always been able to choose our seats immediately (Delta), even when HAL booked the flights. We choose the flights and tell HAL (through our big box TA) which flights we want. It is amazing how fast the booking gets on Delta!

Had an issue with Alitalia. They changed our seats the day of the flight due to an equipment change.

I would choose the second cruise you mentioned (out of the 3). I like the idea of the north cape AND you will be in Edinburgh in Aug., where you could take in the Royal Tattoo. I didn't see what time you leave, but I would guess the ship would leave late. It was a treat to see it. It's only done in August.

Just checked....HAL did plan for people to see the Royal Tattoo...you depart at 1 a.m. This is a great itinerary. However, one time in Iceland was enough for me!

Thank you everyone for replying my post. It seems like people like both of these ships. We are willing to try different things, and having said that, we are more accustomed to the large to mega ships, so just worry that we would find Prinsendam too small. Indeed, she has a 14 day European itinerary, and it's only around $100 less than the 19 days European itinerary Ryndam offers for the same cabin type. So I suppose that means Prinsendam is also more expensive compared to Ryndam. One of the ports Ryndam visits is Harwich, in the middle of the cruise. (it's really a back to back cruise they put together). I researched this port and have found very few interesting to do. So if we end up not getting off the ship, we might end up having 4 sea days in a row. (there are 2 sea days before Harwich, and one after that). I am concern that would be a bit boring to spend 4 days on the ship. (DH and I like to go on shore and explore, we are not much of the lounge around the pool type). Can anyone please share with us what they did in Harwich? Thanks!

You should probably ask that on the section about ports. You can put in a search. People who have sailed other cruiselines will be able to answer your question.

IMHO, I believe you made the right decision. I don't think you would have been happy on a small ship. There is a huge difference between sailing large and small ships with the types of activities offered. Those of us who prefer Prinsendam like small ships and don't mind that she doesn't offer many extras.

Hi Gam,

 

I think that you and DH have reached the age where you will appreciate the more relaxed, yet active, environment of The Prinsendam.

 

My Lady Wife and I think that she was the nicest ship we have been on.

 

However, there has been some fairly recent concern voiced over how well she is being maintained, and I suggest that you do some research.

 

Ira

In defense of how well she is maintained, she is no different than the rest of the HAL fleet. I've read complaints about almost every HAL ship. Sometimes there will be issues. Prinsendam is maintained probably even better, because she is HAL's money maker. I think she compares favorably with the luxury ship we sailed on.

There are usually people dancing in the Ocean Bar on Prinsendam. I am quite sure there is some sort of dance contest that culminates in a final competetion. The Crow's Nest is mostly for listening, but I have seen people dance up there.

I would choose your cruise based on itinerary. I've never sailed Ryndam. Isn't she the ship that will be sold?

As far as Prinsendam being overpriced, it is more expensive, because it is small. She has the highest repeater rate, which I've heard from officers onboard on each of our 4 cruises with her. Some people are unhappy sailing on an old ship, so be advised!! We sail her exclusively on HAL, as others do as well.

On a port intensive cruise, you may not be dancing late into the night....