My delayed return to HAL and a strange question

[rafinmd]

I hinted at this in wrapping up my writeup of my Zaandam Asia Explorer. The prediction is on the verge of being a reality:

 

I want to touch on my summary of the itinerary and the Zaandam and my future plans.

 

I’ll add a bit about my future prospects with HAL. It looks like my next return to HAL will be postponed. My highest priority on HAL has been the Amazon on the Prinsendam, which she typically does twice a year in November and February and my preference is the November round trip from Ft. Lauderdale. Since I’ll be on my way through the Panama Canal on the Symphony this November I would like to do it in November 2013. When I was on the Prinsendam the schedule had not been released that far out (actually still hasn’t) so I booked the February 2013 segment from Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale. When I spoke with Deborah Buchanan and she looked on her computer she seemed convinced that the Elegant Explorer will go on to that itinerary when she completes her Transatlantic on November 26. If so, I expect to divert to that voyage.

 

 

I am actually planning one of the strange ideas that plans that have become something of a habit with me and drive my TA crazy:

 

November 2-16 (2013) I am booked on a Crystal Symphony New York-Miami voyage with a bunch of ports: Baltimore (a hometown visit) Charleston, Savannah, Grand Turk, Curacao, and Aruba (thanks PVSA).

 

November 26-December 22 RT on the Elegant Explorer visiting BVI, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Devils Island, the Amazon, Barbados, St. Vincent, and reprises of Curacau and Aruba.

 

Now the question:

 

I have 10 days between the 2 cruises. I am thinking of using that time to try out one of the mega ships. I know, I could go home. HAL will probaly have a Vista, Signature, or S-class doing a cruise in that perion, but I want my first cruise on one of those to be something truly memorable, not a filler between 2 fantastic journeys.

 

There are 2 possible itineraries. Epic does Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Marteen, all reasonably nice ports I've done before. One of the RCI ships does that while the other does Jamaica (new to me), Labadee and Cozumel (both pretty much dogs.

 

While I know Oasis and Allure are the biggest I'm leaning towards Epic as the studio cabin seems interesting and the ship (as well as the new Breakaway) do some other things besides repeating the same old itineraries.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Roy

[Boytjie]

Epic is such an ugly ship that I would not set foot on her. Allure and Oasis are actually nice looking ships and seem much more interesting to me. (Not like I am rushing to get on one of the two!)

[cruzingtchr]

We were on the Allure in January of last year. Although she had over 5000 passengers on her when we sailed, we truly never felt the crowds. The entertainment was amazing... Chicago, Blue Planet, and of course the water diving show at the back of the ship. However, one of my favorite things to do was to listen to a fantastic musical duo... classical guitarist and violinist... outside in Central Park... very intimate setting. The ship is quite amazing and an "engineering marvel" in many ways. I would recommend that you put the Allure/Oasis on your list of to-dos, even if it's only ever once. :)

My biggest complaint about the ship is that the itinerary is incredibly limited due to the sheer size of the ship. We'd "been there, done that" a few times, so we basically just went for the ship, not the itinerary. Got off at every port just to get a picture of the ship next to others in port... got back on and enjoyed a very empty ship... great time to zipline and use the flowrider! :D

[ariawoman]

I think I'd do one of the RCI ships. Norwegian has just never gotten a good rep with people I've talked to, and they have Pepsi LOL :-) :-) Priorities, man.

 

:-)

 

Your other 2 cruises look awesome. I'd like to stow away please :-)

[Hugh0906]

I might worry about the tons of kids that could be aboard.

 

Thanks for the blog of your recent crossing. I appreciated it.

 

Hugh in Dalls

[Krazy Kruizers]

That is an ambious schedule.

The Epic was docked next to us in St Maarten. UGH -- JMO - we didn't like the looks of her.

[kazu]

As much as I hate the looks of the Epic, it's itinerary seems nicer to me.

 

So, I guess if that is what I was going to do, I would go for the itinerary, not the ship:D

 

I think I would be checking out other ships and other itineraries - to look at other options. ;) But you've probably done that:)

[rafinmd]

Thanks, all. I'm still leaning towards the Epic but sounds like a lot of support for Oasis/Allure.

 

I might worry about the tons of kids that could be aboard.

 

Thanks for the blog of your recent crossing. I appreciated it.

 

Hugh in Dalls

 

Thanksgiving 2013 is November 28. I'm not worried about tons of kids on the Prinsendam.

 

Roy

[catl331]

In a recent thread about passenger space ratios (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1627529) Epic ranked near the bottom with a 36, while most HAL ships are 42 to 46. Oasis/Allure fare just a little better than the Epic, with a 40.

[TheCalicoCat]

I know a guy who loves the suite life on Epic... (I know non-suite cruisers who rather dislike NCL in general...)

[JayS]

As a 3 star HAL and a one time Epic cruise in MHO if you want a cruise between cruises the Epic may be a change.

 

The studio would be good for a SINGLE cruiser If they would get rid of the second bed. Epic had the best single program I have seen. The single lounge is the only spot where you can get espresso and cappuccino without extra fee.:confused:

 

The MDR menu is not as extensive as HAL. The food quality is about the same. One of the best lobster dinners I had was on one leg of a B2B. I got the impression they were trying to steer you to the extra cost restaurants. The bar food was a PLUS.

 

The entertainment was different from the standard "Las Vegas" revues and Stand Up shows. Blue Man Group, Second City and Legends were a change.

 

As for the ship being ugly that was from the outside but I travel inside the ship.

[Minoushka]

I have been TWICE on Epic with a Med Transat 21 day cruise to boot LOVED IT Best service Amazing entertainment Great crew

I would go back in a heartbeat

I found cabins OK and Cimfy

Loved POSH Loved Cirque Dreams all entertainers and CAsino was VERY nice

Do not hesitate go on EPIC

[kazu]

Thanks, all.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving 2013 is November 28. I'm not worried about tons of kids on the Prinsendam.

 

Roy

 

I think that's a pretty safe bet Roy:)

[buckirj1]

For what it's worth, I've always had great experiences on my NCL cruises. I've found they do well the things I find important on a cruise (service, cabin layout and ameneties, uncrowded nooks and crannies, musical entertainment). As you might remember, I'm the most casual of cruisers, and the freestyle vibe fits me very well. On the other hand, my sole RCI cruise (on the Enchantment, a number of years ago) was my least favorite by a pretty large margin. It was busy and nerve-jangling, if that makes any sense. The overwhelming feeling was the expectation that passengers were pressured to ...do something...do something...do something. I found it very hard to relax.

 

Knowing something of your tastes from your "live from" threads, you might want to find out which ship has a better outdoor walking venue. The NCL Jewel class ships have very nice complete wraparound promenades, but I don't think the Epic goes all the way around. I've no idea about the Oasis/Allure ships. I wouldn't want you to re-live your X walking experiences:(

 

Have a great time, whatever you choose.

 

Rita, your "neighbor" in Dorsey's Search

[Ray in NH]

I hinted at this in wrapping up my writeup of my Zaandam Asia Explorer. The prediction is on the verge of being a reality:

 

 

 

I am actually planning one of the strange ideas that plans that have become something of a habit with me and drive my TA crazy:

 

November 2-16 (2013) I am booked on a Crystal Symphony New York-Miami voyage with a bunch of ports: Baltimore (a hometown visit) Charleston, Savannah, Grand Turk, Curacao, and Aruba (thanks PVSA).

 

November 26-December 22 RT on the Elegant Explorer visiting BVI, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Devils Island, the Amazon, Barbados, St. Vincent, and reprises of Curacau and Aruba.

 

Now the question:

 

I have 10 days between the 2 cruises. I am thinking of using that time to try out one of the mega ships. I know, I could go home. HAL will probaly have a Vista, Signature, or S-class doing a cruise in that perion, but I want my first cruise on one of those to be something truly memorable, not a filler between 2 fantastic journeys.

 

There are 2 possible itineraries. Epic does Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Marteen, all reasonably nice ports I've done before. One of the RCI ships does that while the other does Jamaica (new to me), Labadee and Cozumel (both pretty much dogs.

 

While I know Oasis and Allure are the biggest I'm leaning towards Epic as the studio cabin seems interesting and the ship (as well as the new Breakaway) do some other things besides repeating the same old itineraries.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Roy

 

Roy,

Nice line-up of cruises (whichever you choose for the "filler"). We did the November 2010 Amazon Cruise on the Prinsendam. It was wonderful -- the February version can be very rainy.

As to which cruise to choose for the "filler", I would opt for the RCI ship. Actually, NCL is not a line we have ever really enjoyed (three tries), and as mentioned, the Epic looks "ugly".

Full disclosure -- We will be cruising on the Allure next January after our Holiday Cruise on the Maasdam. We would not make a special trip to Florida to "try" the Allure, but since we will be "in the neighborhood" :rolleyes: We have a number of cruise-friends (whose opinons we value) who have cruise on the Oasis/Allure ships and suggest we should give them a "look-see".

Granted neither itinerary is much of an excitement (we may not even get off the ship), the main purpose is to explore the ship (hopefully, seven days will be enough time).

Despite having often said "Never get me on something that big" I am starting to look forward to the experience. Time will tell, but I do not see a repeat, especially with the itinerary restrictions, due to the size of the vessels.

Ray in NH

[Seago2]

Before you consider Epic you should definitely read one of my all time favorite CC threads- if you're short on time, at least skim it for pictures- :D:D

 

Behold, the Norwegian Hat:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=940146&highlight=norwegian+hat

[Friend100]

Go for the onboard experience and entertainment on the ships, and not for the exterior "look" nor the itinerary. I think if I were doing solo, I will pick the Epic too - price for those studio is good but I think I might go for a regular inside just for the extra 30 sq ft ...maybe worth it depends on the $ difference.

[rafinmd]

Thanks for all the feedback, everybody. I have actually made some tentative decisions but am not actually closer to a conclusion.

 

As for the ship being ugly that was from the outside but I travel inside the ship.

 

Go for the onboard experience and entertainment on the ships, and not for the exterior "look" nor the itinerary. I think if I were doing solo, I will pick the Epic too - price for those studio is good but I think I might go for a regular inside just for the extra 30 sq ft ...maybe worth it depends on the $ difference.

 

I agree, it's the experience of the ship not the exterior look I'm interested in. I'm also not really interested in a suite. It would be more expensive for me than the 24-hour of luxury on a Crystal ship, and still in a mass market environment whenever I'm away from my cabin or that special lounge. Aqua last month really did little to improve my experience. Still, I have pretty much eliminated Epic. The main attraction there over Oasis/Allure was the studio cabins, and they'll soon be available on the Breakaway just a short drive from my home.

 

I found this thread over on the NCL board very interesting and will probably eventually look at either Epic or Breakaway:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1551158

 

For what it's worth, I've always had great experiences on my NCL cruises. I've found they do well the things I find important on a cruise (service, cabin layout and ameneties, uncrowded nooks and crannies, musical entertainment).

 

Knowing something of your tastes from your "live from" threads, you might want to find out which ship has a better outdoor walking venue. The NCL Jewel class ships have very nice complete wraparound promenades, but I don't think the Epic goes all the way around. I've no idea about the Oasis/Allure ships. I wouldn't want you to re-live your X walking experiences:(

 

Have a great time, whatever you choose.

 

Rita, your "neighbor" in Dorsey's Search

 

Thanks, Rita, and that's a consideration, but with just 3 sea days it will be a lot less of an issue.

 

I've redefined my choices. It's now between the Allure (1 new port) or staying on the Symphony for another week (Costa Maya, Belize City, Cozumel, and Key West).

 

I've said I want to spend the interlude week exploring something new. While the megaships were the first thing that come to mind, I've always thought of the Caribbean on Crystal an overwhelming under-use of their strengths, something like driving a Ferrari 5 blocks to the local hardware store. This could be the perfect opportunity to decide if "the ship is the destination" will be something that could appeal to me. While this would be a convenient time to try Allure, I can actually do it anytime.

 

I'll have to dig into the economics to see if that is actually a reasonable option.

 

Thanks all.

 

Roy