Princess Vs Holland

[Pam in CA]

FYI, there is NO comparison between Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. HMC is fabulous; much, much better. The sand is like walking in baby powder it's so fine, there are tons of loungers in the sun or shade; there are a lot of things to do that are more convenient to get to than on Princess Cays. I'd go back in a heartbeat; my last few times at Princess Cays, I've stayed on the ship.

 

Also, in my estimation, HAL has some of the best itineraries. Their Norwegian Fjords itinerary is much better and after having done Rio/Buenos Aires > Santiago on both the Golden and Amsterdam, I would never consider doing this cruise on the larger Princess ship. FYI, HAL will continue to cruise to Antarctica whereas Princess can't.

[Coral]

No worries there! In fact, we could have left one day later and taken the Noordam for 20 nights, which would have been a new cruise line for us, but a similar type of ship to what we've done in the past (age and size-wise) with only Half Moon Cay as a different stop. We truly wanted a completely different experience (and to see St. Barts). We know the Maasdam is due for refurbishing next spring, we know that we might be the youngest on the ship (which is fine with me, we're "early to bed" types), we know we might be hot. Or cold. Or have questionable toilets. We just want to try something different (and, as much as we enjoy them, NOT see Sarge. And Cary Long. And Piano Man. ;)).

 

And then we'll board the Emerald, which is like coming home after a long shore excursion.:D

 

You have some impressive cruise days coming up!

 

Sometimes I think Sarge is on every sailing I am on.

 

I look forward to your comments. I personally think I would like the Maasdam.

[Coral]

FYI, there is NO comparison between Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. HMC is fabulous; much, much better. The sand is like walking in baby powder it's so fine, there are tons of loungers in the sun or shade; there are a lot of things to do that are more convenient to get to than on Princess Cays. I'd go back in a heartbeat; my last few times at Princess Cays, I've stayed on the ship.

 

 

My next Caribbean cruise will probably be on HAL as 1) I want to try HMC and 2) I don't like the ships that Princess now has in the Caribbean. I am looking at them next year for Christmas.

[PescadoAmarillo]

FYI, there is NO comparison between Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays.

I know that you have mentioned this several times (see, I'm always learning, and tucking away info for the future!), and others have too; it seems to be the consensus. And since I'm one who actually loves PC, I'm expecting greatness with HMC. ;) We'll get there twice...can't wait.

[Pam in CA]

I know that you have mentioned this several times (see, I'm always learning, and tucking away info for the future!), and others have too; it seems to be the consensus. And since I'm one who actually loves PC, I'm expecting greatness with HMC. ;) We'll get there twice...can't wait.

I'll set up some photos to post on this thread tomorrow. When I first stepped onto the sand, I was astonished at how soft and powderish it was. I have never, ever been on a beach like that. I went whole hog and did the cabana/butler package, very expensive but for my first time there, it was downright awesome. I was also amazed at the number of very comfortable loungers near my cabana that were available for anyone to use, both in the sun and shade.

[nho9504]

FYI, there is NO comparison between Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays. HMC is fabulous; much, much better. The sand is like walking in baby powder it's so fine, there are tons of loungers in the sun or shade; there are a lot of things to do that are more convenient to get to than on Princess Cays. I'd go back in a heartbeat; my last few times at Princess Cays, I've stayed on the ship.

 

Also, in my estimation, HAL has some of the best itineraries. Their Norwegian Fjords itinerary is much better and after having done Rio/Buenos Aires > Santiago on both the Golden and Amsterdam, I would never consider doing this cruise on the larger Princess ship. FYI, HAL will continue to cruise to Antarctica whereas Princess can't.

 

Oh Pam, you pick my interest on both HMC and the South America itinerary.

 

We were booked on Star Feb 2008 sailing that would go to Antarctica (the itinerary said so, only for 2 sailings that season), but I messed up the air part because I was too complacent. Long story short, we canceled the Star and switched to Emerald for the TATL in April that year. Now you mention about HAL being superior doing this itinerary, I need to take a harder look on it. The annoying part is to get the Brazilian visa though, and may be the Yellow Fever vaccination.

[cherrypop]

We have sailed on both the Oosterdam and Amsterdam and that will be our last HAL cruise. We found out of all our cruises Holland by far had the worst food and definately the rudest dining room staff, from the waiters down to the wine steward. Just this past May we did a one night cruise basically because we had a credit with HAL on the Amsterdam and we couldn't figure our how anyone could do a world cruise on her. Princess, RCL and Carnival by far had Holland beat in everthing but that is just our opinion, everone has different likes and dislikes.

[Hlitner]

When it comes to Antartica we do not like HA or Princess! Our reason is simply. If we are going to Antartica we want to walk on the land which you cannot do with either of these lines. The way to get on the continent is take the much smaller ships (operated by several companies) that include excursions ashore in zodiacs. And there is now a new problem. The International Maritime Organization has adopted a new standard for cruising in Antartica which apparently will keep all the larger cruise ships out of those waters after August 2011. The only ships that will be permitted are the very small exploration-type ships that do not burn the heavy fuel oil used by large cruise ships.

 

Hank

[PescadoAmarillo]

You have some impressive cruise days coming up!

 

Sometimes I think Sarge is on every sailing I am on.

 

I look forward to your comments. I personally think I would like the Maasdam.

:D Well, I don't have it in my signature yet, but I think we may also be on B2B2B on the Emerald in January. DH just tuned up the snowblower and then said he hopes he doesn't use it all winter. I "have" to be home for the holidays or we might just stay on through.

 

Pam, I look forward to the photos. Thank you!

[nho9504]

When it comes to Antartica we do not like HA or Princess! Our reason is simply. If we are going to Antartica we want to walk on the land which you cannot do with either of these lines. The way to get on the continent is take the much smaller ships (operated by several companies) that include excursions ashore in zodiacs. And there is now a new problem. The International Maritime Organization has adopted a new standard for cruising in Antartica which apparently will keep all the larger cruise ships out of those waters after August 2011. The only ships that will be permitted are the very small exploration-type ships that do not burn the heavy fuel oil used by large cruise ships.

 

Hank

 

And one of those exploration type ship struck an iceberg in Nov 2007 - 154 passengers were rescued. So when we had to cancel our Star Feb 2008 cruise, DH wasn't too upset as the accident was still fresh in his mind after watching the media footage.

 

In Dec 2008 there were 2 small ship accidents at Antarctica - both required rescue missions to rescue the stranded passengers.

 

This past Jan another small ship struck land and damaged its prop.

[Pam in CA]

Hank, it's my understanding that the HAL ships meet the new standards and thus they will continue to cruise there.

 

We had a fabulous cruise on the Amsterdam in January '09 with a pre-cruise to Iguazu Falls. It is one of my favorite cruises out of all I've taken. While it would be far more interesting to take an expedition-type cruise to Antarctica, they are very expensive so I opted for the HAL cruise. We went everywhere the Marco Polo II went, into all the channels and sounds for four days. The only thing we didn't do was step foot on land. As for the Brazilian visa, about 300 passengers on our cruise chose to embark in Buenos Aires instead of Rio because of the visa.

 

No, the food and service wasn't as good on HAL as I've had on Princess but I didn't go hungry and for us, their Open dinner seating worked well. I've had lousy service and food on Princess as well so that's not a deal breaker for me. We made many good friends with whom we are still in touch.

[Pam in CA]

Pam, I look forward to the photos. Thank you!

Here they are. They don't do justice to this beautiful spot. As you can see, there are TONS of loungers available. These photos were taken at different times of the day. We didn't do any activities (we were too busy eating shrimp, steak and lobster in our cabana while drinking margaritas) so I don't have any photos of those.

 

 

 

 

 

[Cruisin' nurse]

Hi.

 

Just have to throw in my .02.... I'm a younger cruiser (presently in my mid 30's)

 

I did the same Caribbean itinerary (except for the cruise line islands) on both Grand Princess and Zaandam within 2 years of each other and I definitely would NOT go on HAL again - at least not until I'm over 50. Many here have said if you like one, you'll like the other. I disagree.

 

Now I'm not saying HAL was horrible. It wasn't. (I'll leave that honor to the Carnival Ecstasy) It just didn't meet my expectations. The highlight of my at sea day? Painting a wooden whale (that's right - we were in the CARRIBEAN - and they gave us whales to paint). I also watched "Finding Nemo" in our cabin because there was absolutely nothing else of interest to do. Many have commented HAL is laid back. I go on a cruise to relax so laid back doesn't bother me. BORING bothers me. I enjoy learning and would have taken any chance to learn about something I was only very vaguely interested in, but there were no such offerings.

 

I was appalled when I went up to get into a pool or hot tub at 9 pm and found ALL were closed - not just with signs, but actually netted over! At 9 PM! With no reason why!

 

I also found the waiting in line for the buffets on HAL to be overly lengthy, leading to cold food. I am unsure if I should attribute that to the number of passengers that had to struggle to carry their plates while steering their walkers, or ???

 

Further, getting to the dining room required going both up and down stairs/elev. just to get in. You could not directly get to the dining room on ANY deck!

 

I have no idea if HAL has improved on any of my issues. Some postings lead me to believe they have. I know some of the issues that others have posted as to why HAL is better than Princess, Princess has addressed. (Behind the scenes tours comes to mind.)

 

I wish you luck and enjoyment on whatever you choose!

[Coral]

Hi.

 

Just have to throw in my .02.... I'm a younger cruiser (presently in my mid 30's)

 

I did the same Caribbean itinerary (except for the cruise line islands) on both Grand Princess and Zaandam within 2 years of each other and I definitely would NOT go on HAL again - at least not until I'm over 50. Many here have said if you like one' date=' you'll like the other. I disagree.

 

[/quote']

 

I was probably 37 or so when I sailed on the Oosterdam....

 

From the Zuiderdam on, HAL has tried to make their ships more family friendly and tried to appeal to the younger generations. When the Zuiderdam came out, there was quite a bit of uproar amongst HAL traditionalists because these ships were "not the traditional HAL experience".

 

Unfortunately for you, the Zaandam is one of the older ships and from what I understand, it doesn't appeal (as well) to those of us who are younger.

[Pam in CA]

Cruisin' Nurse, I would agree with you when comparing Princess to HAL on a 7-day cruise in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera. I can see where there wouldn't be as many activities during the day and activities at night. Princess has a definite edge on these itineraries for younger cruisers and families. Where HAL shines, IMHO, is their not-so-ordinary itineraries. To me, some of these are far better than on Princess. I would put three of my HAL cruises in my top 5 all-time best cruises.

 

My friend and I took a 10-day partial Panama Canal cruise last April and our cabins were so great and we had such a good time on the Zuiderdam that when these cabins were available on the Oosterdam next April, we booked them right away.

[amistad]

I can understand Cruisin Nurse, I only enjoy certain things about HAL, I love their thermal lounges, their bedding, being able to order a real breakfast in your cabin, and watching a movie in the evening. I don't think the casino has enough action, almost no activities, and it is really quiet. I haven't taken a HAL cruise lately, since I have been taking my grown kids and grandchildren the last few years. I am not a big party person and really my kids just go to relax too, but I just can't picture them on HAL. I just wish some of the other lines would do the itineraries HAL does and I do like the fact they don't over crowd their ships. HAL is good if you want to relax and so is Celebrity, but I do understand you wanting more activities, RCCL has that down. Pam you are so right about HMC, that is the best beach stop especially with a cabana, NCL and Princess need to take a lesson there.

[PescadoAmarillo]

Pam, thanks for sharing the photos. The water and sand look amazing. I first opened your post on my iPhone, and then quickly ran to a computer to view the photos on a larger screen, pulling DH with me as I did. Thanks again, can't wait!

[Pam in CA]

Pam, thanks for sharing the photos. The water and sand look amazing. I first opened your post on my iPhone, and then quickly ran to a computer to view the photos on a larger screen, pulling DH with me as I did. Thanks again, can't wait!

Glad you enjoyed them. If you are planning on getting a cabana, I got the "Eggshell" cabana. Terrific location and right near the bathrooms. The cabanas come with snorkeling equipment, floating loungers, hammocks, fan, frig and A/C. The loungers have 4" thick padding. Very comfy. I'm just sorry we chose to get off the ship an hour or so after we arrived. The day went way too fast. Somewhere, I've got a map of where everything is. I'll look for it tomorrow and scan it if I can, and post.

[Stevesan]

Hi.

 

Just have to throw in my .02.... I'm a younger cruiser (presently in my mid 30's)

 

I did the same Caribbean itinerary (except for the cruise line islands) on both Grand Princess and Zaandam within 2 years of each other and I definitely would NOT go on HAL again - at least not until I'm over 50. Many here have said if you like one' date=' you'll like the other. I disagree.

 

Now I'm not saying HAL was horrible. It wasn't. (I'll leave that honor to the Carnival Ecstasy) It just didn't meet my expectations. [b']The highlight of my at sea day? Painting a wooden whale (that's right - we were in the CARRIBEAN -[/b] and they gave us whales to paint). I also watched "Finding Nemo" in our cabin because there was absolutely nothing else of interest to do. Many have commented HAL is laid back. I go on a cruise to relax so laid back doesn't bother me. BORING bothers me. I enjoy learning and would have taken any chance to learn about something I was only very vaguely interested in, but there were no such offerings.

 

I was appalled when I went up to get into a pool or hot tub at 9 pm and found ALL were closed - not just with signs, but actually netted over! At 9 PM! With no reason why!

 

I also found the waiting in line for the buffets on HAL to be overly lengthy, leading to cold food. I am unsure if I should attribute that to the number of passengers that had to struggle to carry their plates while steering their walkers, or ???

 

Further, getting to the dining room required going both up and down stairs/elev. just to get in. You could not directly get to the dining room on ANY deck!

 

I have no idea if HAL has improved on any of my issues. Some postings lead me to believe they have. I know some of the issues that others have posted as to why HAL is better than Princess, Princess has addressed. (Behind the scenes tours comes to mind.)

 

I wish you luck and enjoyment on whatever you choose!

 

Hate to tell you this, but there are ;)tons;) of whales in the Caribbean. Watching their biannual migrations is a favorite pastime on many islands, including Puerto Rico where I was stationed 1970-1973.

 

 

The up/down dining room access is true on most cruise ships with multiple dining rooms, not just HALs. Maybe you weren't aware the dining rooms require very large kitchens?

 

As to learning opportunities, there are very few itineraries that include a guest lecturer. Only one of my Caribbean cruises featured an on board expert lecturer. That was on Maasdam, a HAL ship! :D

 

 

The cheap shots at us old f**ts is not cool. Shall we assume you intend to commit hari kiri before attaining senior status?

[Cruisin' nurse]

Hate to tell you this, but there are ;)tons;) of whales in the Caribbean. Watching their biannual migrations is a favorite pastime on many islands, including Puerto Rico where I was stationed 1970-1973.

 

 

The up/down dining room access is true on most cruise ships with multiple dining rooms, not just HALs. Maybe you weren't aware the dining rooms require very large kitchens?

 

As to learning opportunities, there are very few itineraries that include a guest lecturer. Only one of my Caribbean cruises featured an on board expert lecturer. That was on Maasdam, a HAL ship! :D

 

The cheap shots at us old f**ts is not cool. Shall we assume you intend to commit hari kiri before attaining senior status?

Hi Stevesan,

 

I am aware that whales populate nearly every ocean and sea in the world. Just as I would find it a bit odd to be offered a penguin to paint when on an Australian cruise, even though peguins have habitat there, I do believe that when asking people about what the Caribbean is known for, the largest majority would not put whales in the top five. Also, I have not yet found a whale watching excursion to be had on any cruise I've taken in the Caribbean (3 so far on 3 different lines) and not available on my upcoming cruise either. Since, in my experience on that HAL ship at that time, the impression was that we were getting "leftovers" from a prior Alaska cruise, I do believe it is not unreasonable to think one's only choice for decorating a wooden sea creature would not have better represented the ship's offerings to have been a tropical fish, dolphin, manatee, sea turtle, etc. (Please note that I am aware that these exemplar sea creatures listed are also not limited in habitat to the Caribbean.)

 

Also, I am quite aware that dining rooms require large kitchens (Who's taking cheap shots here?) . However, I have NOT experienced "up/down dining room access" on the Princess Grand, nor the Carnival Ecstasy, both with multiple dining rooms. And according to the printed maps for my upcoming cruise, I will not have to experience this on the Crown Princess either. Thus, it is apparent to me that no matter how large the required kitchen, it is in no way impossible for the cruise ship architect to design a ship such that passengers can have direct access from a deck to the dining room or rooms.

 

I did not take a "cheap shot" at anyone of any age, as you'll note I did not mention ANY age when referring to those with walkers. Only YOU have labeled YOURSELF as an "old f**t". It is apparent that it is YOUR assumption that when I mentioned walkers I was referring to seniors. As a nurse, I work with all ages of those with physical impairments requiring walkers, and was surprised at the number of disabled individuals struggling with the buffet line. Before you wish for my HARA Kiri, and eagerly volunteer to be the kaishaku, I would appreciate you not ASSUMING ANYTHING regarding me or my opinions. Especially as you know nothing about my physical abilities, those I was cruising with or much of anything else about my experiences.

 

The OP requested opinions on HAL vs. Princess. I gave my opinion as requested and gave examples of items which I used in forming my opinion. I cannot find anything in your response that would help the OP determine what differences in experiences between the lines would help in making his/her choice.

 

Amy

[lopdx]

princess for us had better food. hal had better staterooms and beds,we like small ships so we like hal there .shows and music princess is better,one thing Hal has i really like is wash clothes in the bathroom and towels every where out side ,one thing i have found odd on Hal is not that many women on the crew,hal also has more fresh flowers every where,would sail on either myself ,i did find that my wife and i are 50 and we where on the young side on Hal .

 

I was on the Oosterdam this June, and I didn't see many fresh flowers.

Years ago HAL had beautiful fresh flowers, but I think those days are over, at least on the Oosterdam. There were tacky plastic plants by the elevators.

Had a nice cruise, but also very little night life.

[Casey12]

We had great evening entertainment on our 3 Holland American cruises. I have another cruise booked again this year with them.

[Stevesan]

Hi Stevesan' date='

 

I am aware that whales populate nearly every ocean and sea in the world. Just as I would find it a bit odd to be offered a penguin to paint when on an Australian cruise, even though peguins have habitat there, I do believe that when asking people about what the Caribbean is known for, the largest majority would not put whales in the top five. Also, I have not yet found a whale watching excursion to be had on any cruise I've taken in the Caribbean (3 so far on 3 different lines) and not available on my upcoming cruise either. Since, in my experience on that HAL ship at that time, the impression was that we were getting "leftovers" from a prior Alaska cruise, I do believe it is not unreasonable to think one's only choice for decorating a wooden sea creature would not have better represented the ship's offerings to have been a tropical fish, dolphin, manatee, sea turtle, etc. (Please note that I am aware that these exemplar sea creatures listed are also not limited in habitat to the Caribbean.)

 

Also, I am quite aware that dining rooms require large kitchens (Who's taking cheap shots here?) . However, I have NOT experienced "up/down dining room access" on the Princess Grand, nor the Carnival Ecstasy, both with multiple dining rooms. And according to the printed maps for my upcoming cruise, I will not have to experience this on the Crown Princess either. Thus, it is apparent to me that no matter how large the required kitchen, it is in no way impossible for the cruise ship architect to design a ship such that passengers can have direct access from a deck to the dining room or rooms.

 

I did not take a "cheap shot" at anyone of any age, as you'll note I did not mention ANY age when referring to those with walkers. Only YOU have labeled YOURSELF as an "old f**t". It is apparent that it is YOUR assumption that when I mentioned walkers I was referring to seniors. As a nurse, I work with all ages of those with physical impairments requiring walkers, and was surprised at the number of disabled individuals struggling with the buffet line. Before you wish for my HARA Kiri, and eagerly volunteer to be the kaishaku, I would appreciate you not ASSUMING ANYTHING regarding me or my opinions. Especially as you know nothing about my physical abilities, those I was cruising with or much of anything else about my experiences.

 

The OP requested opinions on HAL vs. Princess. I gave my opinion as requested and gave examples of items which I used in forming my opinion. I cannot find anything in your response that would help the OP determine what differences in experiences between the lines would help in making his/her choice.

 

Amy[/quote']

 

WOW! You sure told me off. :p

[mermaid72]

Hi Nurse!

Perhaps you were bored because of the area that you cruised (Caribbean) rather than the cruise line you chose.

We just got back from an Alaska cruise on Princess--- educational lectures almost every day on subjects that ranged from the Gold Rush history to dog mushing. The scenery was so amazing that you could hardly take your eyes from it, the ports were full of so many excursions that it was difficult to decide which one to take.

We have also taken a Caribbean cruise on HAL, it was very relaxing, but certainly not boring. The ports were interesting, but in an entirely different manner than the Alaskan ones. They were more geared toward beach & physical activities.

One both cruises the age demographics were mainly "older" passengers, I would say 50+. Very few walkers & scooters, most were able bodied & of sound mind! LOL

We are in our 60's, retired and of sound mind too!

Try Alaska, I bet you would love it!

[newmexicoNita]

We are trying to decide between Holland America and princess. Are you able to compare the highlights of each? Holland America has a better schedule but I hear Princess is better for kids. What are your thoughts and what are we giving up if we take Holland America over Princess?

 

Either line is great and both have positives, but with kids I would lean toward Princess. Even they do not have the best kids program.

 

HAL: great crew, very professional and very attentive

larger cabins

better food

great libraries

more port lectures (not just trying to sell something)

 

Princess; better entertainment

more relaxed

younger, more energetic crowd

open dining is a little better organized.

nicer casinos

 

 

Nita