holland america vs celebrity

[blueboro]

On our April Solstice cruise the room service breakfast menu was pretty good. If there was something within reason you wanted that was not listed you could simply write in and they always brought it. It was definitely much more than toast and tea.

[ASIWISH]

The food on Celebrity was horrible... absolutely horrible.

 

The crew is smiler, but the crew on HAL is constantly the best... without question.

[kida2]

:mad::mad:

We just comleted a 10 day Holland America Cruise. It was bad news from day1. The ship was dirty and showed extreme wear in many areas of use. Food was average as well as amenities as compared to Celebrity that we also cruised on for 10 days in March of this year. Many features of the Celebrity Cruise were included in the price but at additional cost on Holland. Our cabin was adequate but compared to Celebrity, it was sparse (one lounge chair for 2 people) TV was very limited, movies, stations, account details, size of screen were terrible. Lido deck food area was crowded and standing in line was part of every meal. Exercise area lacked equipment and the change area was ridiculous in design. On our last day the ship lost power in half it's generators and was 2 1/2 hours late on arrival to port. Entertainment was very amateur, much like high school productions. Excursions were very pricey and many passengers we spoke to said they had wasted their money.

[satchiesmom]

We have sailed both HAL and X, and while we prefer X, we also feel that HAL offers an excellent product. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Also, as an ex smoker with asthma, I never noticed any smell of smoke in our cabins on HAL, and I am extremely sensitive to it.

[ASIWISH]

:mad::mad:

We just comleted a 10 day Holland America Cruise. It was bad news from day1. The ship was dirty and showed extreme wear in many areas of use. Food was average as well as amenities as compared to Celebrity that we also cruised on for 10 days in March of this year. Many features of the Celebrity Cruise were included in the price but at additional cost on Holland. Our cabin was adequate but compared to Celebrity, it was sparse (one lounge chair for 2 people) TV was very limited, movies, stations, account details, size of screen were terrible. Lido deck food area was crowded and standing in line was part of every meal. Exercise area lacked equipment and the change area was ridiculous in design. On our last day the ship lost power in half it's generators and was 2 1/2 hours late on arrival to port. Entertainment was very amateur, much like high school productions. Excursions were very pricey and many passengers we spoke to said they had wasted their money.

 

It is funny how two people could have two such different experiences.... to each his/her own... trust you own opinion... life is short, try them both!

[kazu]

I've only done Celebrity once and it would take a lot to convince me to go back on. I probably had the bad luck at the time.

 

However, the 'suite' that I booked did not compare in size to Hal's suites (more like a superior verandah).

 

I did not enjoy the food at all (subjective, yes).

 

I found myself comparing Celebrity to HAL all the time and asking why I booked X.

 

I probably chose the wrong ship or the wrong date but there is no question that Hal's suites are much nicer, their bedding much nicer and the Neptune lounge great. I found the service better on HAL (JMO) even if I compare the NA to that cruise (and I was not complimentary to all aspects of the NA).

 

Things are so subjective for so many people and you could have a bad experience on one cruise and the next cruise is great. It's hard to tell.

 

Let us know what you think and enjoy your cruise :D:D

[kazu]

:mad::mad:

We just comleted a 10 day Holland America Cruise. It was bad news from day1. The ship was dirty and showed extreme wear in many areas of use. Food was average as well as amenities as compared to Celebrity that we also cruised on for 10 days in March of this year. Many features of the Celebrity Cruise were included in the price but at additional cost on Holland. Our cabin was adequate but compared to Celebrity, it was sparse (one lounge chair for 2 people) TV was very limited, movies, stations, account details, size of screen were terrible. Lido deck food area was crowded and standing in line was part of every meal. Exercise area lacked equipment and the change area was ridiculous in design. On our last day the ship lost power in half it's generators and was 2 1/2 hours late on arrival to port. Entertainment was very amateur, much like high school productions. Excursions were very pricey and many passengers we spoke to said they had wasted their money.

 

would you mind to share which ship you were on? Thanks

[operafan]

Has Celebrity improved thier room service breakfast? :confused:

 

 

Last time I was on board an "X" ship, the room service breakfast consisted of a piece of toast, and a pot of tea. :rolleyes: :D

 

 

But kidding aside, it was pretty lame compared to HALs hot room service breakfast. For example, the menu on X was limited to pastries, and whatever hot beverage you desired.

A "guest"* was laughed at if they wanted bacon and eggs. :p

 

 

 

 

 

 

It must have changed drastically in the last 3 years because we were always able to order room service from the dining room menu during service hours and a fairly wide variety of items outside of that.

[drcpa]

Forgive me as I've posted these sentiments before, but they come to the surface every time this type of thread comes up.

I did a Med cruise last year on the Celebrity Solstice (have another cruise scheduled next year on the Rotterdam for an Iberian itinerary) and found it to be a fantastic cruise.

Like many on this board, I did not expect grandeur (my expectations had been properly set) and don't consider myself to be

overly critical. However (again like many of this board) I'm not a pushover and do have reasonably high (albeit realistic)

expectations.

Having said all that, I though the Celebrity cruise was excellent.

First of all, the ship is indeed a modern marvel.

From the logistics of getting everyone on and off the ship, to the cabins, service, excursions, food (in the MDR, upgrade restaurants, and buffet), entertainment, friendliness of fellow passengers, customer service, casino (and casino staff), and general condition, fitting, and cleanliness of the ship I thought everything was top notch.

Also, as I've posted before, there's a little anxiety on my part wondering how HAL will compare.

[jimmy2x]

:mad::mad:

We just comleted a 10 day Holland America Cruise. It was bad news from day1. The ship was dirty and showed extreme wear in many areas of use. Food was average as well as amenities as compared to Celebrity that we also cruised on for 10 days in March of this year. Many features of the Celebrity Cruise were included in the price but at additional cost on Holland. Our cabin was adequate but compared to Celebrity, it was sparse (one lounge chair for 2 people) TV was very limited, movies, stations, account details, size of screen were terrible. Lido deck food area was crowded and standing in line was part of every meal. Exercise area lacked equipment and the change area was ridiculous in design. On our last day the ship lost power in half it's generators and was 2 1/2 hours late on arrival to port. Entertainment was very amateur, much like high school productions. Excursions were very pricey and many passengers we spoke to said they had wasted their money.

 

Ah, the 1st time disgruntled poster. You can come out from under your bridge now.

[operafan]

Ah, the 1st time disgruntled poster. You can come out from under your bridge now.

 

Maybe not a troll. They probably bought their cruise from a counterfeiter and didn't notice that they were on a Ho-Land America ship. Gotta be careful these days........

[oceanbabe]

:mad::mad:

We just comleted a 10 day Holland America Cruise. It was bad news from day1. The ship was dirty and showed extreme wear in many areas of use. Food was average as well as amenities as compared to Celebrity that we also cruised on for 10 days in March of this year. Many features of the Celebrity Cruise were included in the price but at additional cost on Holland. Our cabin was adequate but compared to Celebrity, it was sparse (one lounge chair for 2 people) TV was very limited, movies, stations, account details, size of screen were terrible. Lido deck food area was crowded and standing in line was part of every meal. Exercise area lacked equipment and the change area was ridiculous in design. On our last day the ship lost power in half it's generators and was 2 1/2 hours late on arrival to port. Entertainment was very amateur, much like high school productions. Excursions were very pricey and many passengers we spoke to said they had wasted their money.

Kida2: Were u on the Nov 23rd Zuiderdam to Panama Canal? We were on that ship. Have previously sailed on Celebrity many times. Though we really like X decided to try something "new" lol. Choose Zuidy for itinerary only and date. I agree that HAL does not compare to X. Found most of the food too spicey, even in Pinnacle grill. Found smoking to ruin our balcony as man next door smoked pipe and dumped his ashes which flew onto our balcony. People in balcony below smoked and wind blew their smoke up also. The entertainment definitely below that of X. Unable to check balance on TV. Much older crowded with lots in wheelchairs, walkers, etc. I did however love the computer classes offered on HAL and the High Tea. Never used bathtub. On way home, captain announced one engine down and had to lower speed of ship. When got back to Ft. Lauderdale, had to wait in line an hour to get off ship with people cuttting in line, very disorganized. Liked the beds on HAL better. Also, the Meet & Greet better and so were the X benefits. Going back to X unless Hal changes smoking policy and other negatives. Elaine

[blueboro]

The food on Celebrity was horrible... absolutely horrible.

 

The crew is smiler, but the crew on HAL is constantly the best... without question.

 

 

Not sure what the "crew is smiler" means but our Solstice cruise was wonderful...food excellent including the best escargot I've ever had (and it was available every night). Only been on one HAL cruise, the Zuiderdam in 2005, and it also was a great cruise with good food and excellent service. However, the Z was not as pretty or open as the Solstice. We are booked on the Nieuw Amsterdam for March and concerned about some of the things I am reading.

[iancal]

We have always been fairly neutral since the cruise lines that we favor all have their individiual strengths and weaknesses.

 

We did cruise on an S class ship in Feb.-the Equinox. I have to say that Celebrity has set a new standard in ship design and decor. IMHO opinion these new ships will set them apart from the pack-especially HAL and Princess. It will be great to see what the next generation of HAL and Princess ships will be like. I suspect that if they continue to use the current 'tired' Carnival Corp ship blueprints and only change the paint they will not be successfull in capturing their target market segment.

[kelmac]

We have always been fairly neutral since the cruise lines that we favor all have their individiual strengths and weaknesses.

 

We did cruise on an S class ship in Feb.-the Equinox. I have to say that Celebrity has set a new standard in ship design and decor. IMHO opinion these new ships will set them apart from the pack-especially HAL and Princess. It will be great to see what the next generation of HAL and Princess ships will be like. I suspect that if they continue to use the current 'tired' Carnival Corp ship blueprints and only change the paint they will not be successfull in capturing their target market segment.

 

iancal,

 

You are 100% correct on this one! Even most HAL regulars can see Celebrity has raised the bar on ship design with their new "S" Class.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[ASIWISH]

We have always been fairly neutral since the cruise lines that we favor all have their individiual strengths and weaknesses.

 

We did cruise on an S class ship in Feb.-the Equinox. I have to say that Celebrity has set a new standard in ship design and decor. IMHO opinion these new ships will set them apart from the pack-especially HAL and Princess. It will be great to see what the next generation of HAL and Princess ships will be like. I suspect that if they continue to use the current 'tired' Carnival Corp ship blueprints and only change the paint they will not be successfull in capturing their target market segment.

 

I absolutely agree!!! Just got of the Soltice... GORGEOUS!

 

But, they have a lot of work to do in food quality and dining service... a lot.

[ASIWISH]

Not sure what the "crew is smiler" means but our Solstice cruise was wonderful...food excellent including the best escargot I've ever had (and it was available every night). Only been on one HAL cruise, the Zuiderdam in 2005, and it also was a great cruise with good food and excellent service. However, the Z was not as pretty or open as the Solstice. We are booked on the Nieuw Amsterdam for March and concerned about some of the things I am reading.

 

I meant "similar"... but the did smile a lot, too!!!

[iancal]

The challenge for the HAL and the Princess' of the world is that it takes a number of years to design and build a ship that is aimed directly at a specific market segment vs just any old floating hotel. And it is a risk. X have been very successful but they took a business risk. I am not so sure that either HAL or Princess are in the process of doing this. If not, they are already several years behind the market. This will be a challenge for both, but most especially for HAL.

[sirgonealot]

I just returned from my third HAL cruise after 12 on X. My last few X cruises had been rather disappointing to me. I think they were so interested in their new ships that they stopped caring about the existing fleet. The food (subjective) was "dreary". The rooms very shabby with horrible bedding. Crew, of course, was outstanding. The switch to no smoking on balconies was what made the final decision to switch.

 

I realize that the smoking topic is a hot issue. On the Zuiderdam I found that smoking was very limited but that is fine with me, especially since I can relax on my balcony and have an occasional smoke. I never smoke in the cabin and I am not a chain smoker.

 

I found the bedding wonderful on HAL. The ship was very clean and not showing the wear and tear I saw on the X ships.

 

The food was good with full size lobster tails on several nights. The speciality restaurants on X are probably a little better than the PG, but too rich for me. I prefer the PG.

 

HAL crew was also outstanding.

 

I prefer HAL's itineraries to X's.

[ASIWISH]

I just returned from my third HAL cruise after 12 on X. My last few X cruises had been rather disappointing to me. I think they were so interested in their new ships that they stopped caring about the existing fleet. The food (subjective) was "dreary". The rooms very shabby with horrible bedding. Crew, of course, was outstanding. The switch to no smoking on balconies was what made the final decision to switch.

 

I realize that the smoking topic is a hot issue. On the Zuiderdam I found that smoking was very limited but that is fine with me, especially since I can relax on my balcony and have an occasional smoke. I never smoke in the cabin and I am not a chain smoker.

 

I found the bedding wonderful on HAL. The ship was very clean and not showing the wear and tear I saw on the X ships.

 

The food was good with full size lobster tails on several nights. The speciality restaurants on X are probably a little better than the PG, but too rich for me. I prefer the PG.

 

HAL crew was also outstanding.

 

I prefer HAL's itineraries to X's.

 

I just remembered my biggest disappointment in both X and RCCL... unsure it's a criticism of them, though... what I LOVE about HAL that that the Promenade Deck goes all the way around the ship... I would have loved it... such a great feature! Unsure how common that is...

[gaelan]

Gealen, I am so interested in how your cruise goes!

 

We sailed on the Solstice last March with our kids ( 6 and 11), and are booked on the Westerdam for this March break.

 

We were wondering how the Westerdam would measure up with being on older ship? But the itinerary looks amazing (southern carribean).

 

have a great cruise!

 

Supergirl99, wanted to get back to you with our experience on our just completed trip fresh in my mind and comparison of the Celberity Soltice and the HAL Westerdam. For full disclosure DW ad I are in our mid 50's, on the Solstice we were in Concierge Class 3 deck 10 in the stern of the ship while on the Westerdam we had a VA category stateroom on deck 7 Rotterdam, and in the front of the ship.

 

Stateroom:

 

We had expected to have a larger stateroom on the Westerdam as I believe it is advertised as some 256 square feet vs the approx 196 square feet on the Solstice. The cabin did not feel any bigger even if it was. As we walked in storage was to our immediate left and bathroom to our right. We liked the storage set up better on Solstice with the closet space beside the bed and overhead. Storage by the entrance and bathroom doors makes for a "pinch" point. The room was nicely furnished and the bed was exceptionally comfortable. Balcony size was comparable but the Westerdam furniture with the plastic wicker style one large chair with foot rest and one smaller with padded seats gets by vote here. We often sat four adults on the balcony after bringing a full size chair from inside onto the balcony. Now the big differences......the bathroom on the Westerdam was a light brown color, plastic insert style with molded sink, bathtub and the dreaded shower curtain. Be careful when you sit on the toilet in bare feet as there was a gap between the floor and the bathtub....and I cut my little toe on the sharp edge. The Solstice has such an elegant bathroom with curved shower and glass door and a real ceramic sink....much nicer. However the toilet paper does stay on the holder on the Westerdam ;). The other big difference is that the walls and floor creaked all the time in the cabin particulaly if the seas were a little heavier.....I believe it has to do with the panels they use for the walls on the Westerda,.

 

Ship:

 

The Westerdam is about 82K tons and 1,900 passengers while the Solstice is larger closer to about 120K tons and 2,800 passengers. Immediately on boarding the Westerdam I found it dark and had the feeling that the ship was dowdy and showing her age. When we went to the Lido the low ceilings further compounded this feeling. However, over the week the Westerdam grew on me and she is really a very elegant and lovely ship. While the spaces on Solstice are expansive with tall ceilings and very modern feeling, the Westerdam has narrower passages, lower ceiling with more intimate rooms. You really need to take the time to go through the Westrdam completely to appreciate her. The Westerdam MDR is inviting and lovely on the Solstice we were did not feel this with the cool green walls and chrome. On the Westerdam you must go to the Crow's Nest and enjoy this very lovely area of the ship. On the negative we found the Westerdam rocky even in moderate seas. Also one night we were awoken to loud bangs an the ship shuddering as we went through some larger waves. Overall both ships are very easy to navigate and neither felt crowded in any venue.

 

Food

 

Without getting too vocal (Already written a couple of oher posts on this) here the food on the Westerdam was a disapointment in the MDR, LIDO and Pinnacle Grill. Cold, salty, overcooked. The lack of variety of salads and fruits on the Lido was most surprising. The Solstice is much...much better in this regard and if you ate at Murano's probably one of the best meals on any ship.

 

Crew

 

Both Soltistice and Murano have very friendly and outgoing crews. I would say that MDR stewards were better on Westerdam and very funny. The Westerdam crew have been very well trained and always greet you with a smile. However the officers on Solstice appeared more open, engaging and visable on the ship

 

Passengers

 

We saw babies in strollers to very very senior citizens on the Westerdam, with the overall age skewed to the senior citizens side. On Westerdam we found more people butting into lines not wanting to line up with others...some rude behavior. On Solstice we found the same range of ages but the average age was somewhere bewteen 40-50.

 

Finally we did the Southern Carribean...Aruba, Curaco andHalf Moon Key and loved this.

 

 

All in all would say we enjoyed the Solstice more, largely due to the food which in our mind was a signifigant factor.

[George C]

We just got off the Westerdam last week and sailed on Solictice last year, the Solictice is a beautiful ship, but MDR and entertainment was much better on HAL. WE had a new waiter on Solictice but the food and service in MDR was a disappointment , they do have some nice speciality resturants and we loved the food in the Lido. Also perfer Celeberity smoking policy, but did not find smoke a problem on Hal.

[cruisehome]

wow

 

i have had lots of reading

 

i can see that everyone's opinion is different

 

 

thanks for all the help

 

carol

[MakingUpForLostTime]

Having done 18 cruises (mostly on RCL) I have learned one thing about reading peoples opinions, comments and critics: No two experiences are the same. I always believe our reviews are all based on our expectations vs our experiences. With no expectations, our first cruise was great! Compare this to our last few cruises and would have rewrote the review with scathing words.

 

HAL and Celebrity in general are the same. Great and terrible.

 

Pick your time, the your itinerary and then narrow down to the ships. Choose a couple from each cruise line and then read the reviews, disregarding those that were written by the "ripped off" or those "brand loyal" or "first time" cruisers.

 

My wife and I (late 40's) have started to settle on Celebrity as the best line for us at this time in our lives. The Solstice Class ships are well.... you cannot go wrong, they are gorgeous! We just got off the HAL Nieuw Amsterdam. A brand new ship that disappointed us mainly because we always were told HAL is so much better. For a brand new ship, we thought we should see the best of HAL. All around, service and quality was over promised and under-delivered. We expected more. That was the problem.

 

Celebrity has a premium cruise line called Azamara which was amazing. Consider checking this out. We did a South America cruise on Azamara and rank it as one of the best overall for everything!

[iancal]

We just returned from a Millennium cruise. I can assure you that the room service menu is extensive. And yes, it is on the TV screen (which we really lke for reviewing our bill) as well as the usual breakfast door hangers.

 

We had no problem ordering something that was not on the memu...we just asked and it arrived. No issue whatsoever.

 

DW now has a slight preference for Celebrity after this third X cruise. She likes the non smoking (mostly no issue of a smokey cabin since smokers on the verandah do not bother us), and prefers the decor, the entertainment, the food, and the demographics. She finds the rest of the attributes almost identical but often timing, value, the speciific ship, and the itinerary are the deciding factors for us rather than the specific cruise line.