First Time HA Cruisers

[Pickels]

OK, here's a loaded question for all you seasoned Holland America cruisers. Here's your chance to brag/complain; state the pros and cons of cruising on HA etc.

We are looking at cruising out of San Diego and doing the Hawaiian cruise on the Zaandam. What are the advantages/disadvantages of cruising with Holland America. How's the service? How's the food? (we're not picky eaters). What about activities. What about the excursions. Be blunt, be fair, be honest. Thanks all...

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Hi Pickels:

 

Have you seen this thread yet? It might answer a few questions for you:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1087772

[sweet pickles]

Can't answer your questions yet but just had to say love the Name...Hahaa

[Lapidarylady]

Hey Sweet Pickles, noticed your location....we (Hubby and I) live in Victorville....maybe we'll be on the same cruise someday!:D

[RMLincoln]

We did similar Hawaii cruise on Princess - they have now cut thier cruise to 14 days and only 4 ports, whereas HAL still does 5 ports in Hawaii, so that's a plus over Princess.

 

I think the food is a little better on HAL, at least the steaks are better. it's harder to get shrimp cocktails on HAL and I missed that over Princess which has it on the "every night menu".

 

I think th entertainment is good but Princess had more venues for entertainment because of the bigger ship. But the smaller HAL ships are cozier and easier to walk around in.

 

We like HAL for their slightly bigger rooms (in the insides they have sofas on the older ships, pre-Vista class).

 

I'm probably not being a lot of help here but that's because I enjoy them all.

 

Have a great cruise and Alo-HA:)

[Pickels]

Thanks for the feedback. Does anyone have a problem with the 8 days at sea, 4 out and 4 back?

[RuthC]

Does anyone have a problem with the 8 days at sea, 4 out and 4 back?

Heck, no! That's the best part! :D

[Copper10-8]

We did similar Hawaii cruise on Princess - they have now cut thier cruise to 14 days and only 4 ports, whereas HAL still does 5 ports in Hawaii, so that's a plus over Princess.

 

....................:)

 

Btw, that's going to change - HAL is going to drop their port call at Kona:( and their 15 day/5 port Hawaiian cruise will become a 14 day/4 port cruise

[Sir PMP]

OK, here's a loaded question for all you seasoned Holland America cruisers. Here's your chance to brag/complain; state the pros and cons of cruising on HA etc.

We are looking at cruising out of San Diego and doing the Hawaiian cruise on the Zaandam. What are the advantages/disadvantages of cruising with Holland America. How's the service? How's the food? (we're not picky eaters). What about activities. What about the excursions. Be blunt, be fair, be honest. Thanks all...

 

Yes, you'll love the 'pickels' on board ;)