Holland vs Celebrity

[syr101]

What is the difference between the two. Which one do you prefer and why

[tjncanada]

I prefer Celebrity. HAL was very good in food and service but I found the facilities and activities very limited. Evening entertainment and night life were also very limited. Best in entertainment was the piano bar. Just found a little more variety in everything on Celebrity. Celebrity main dining room menu is still my favourite.

[bphman]

I like both equally although I give the edge to Celebrity for entertainment. It is also not as "dead" and HAL. Food is more alike than different although I like Pinnacle more than the Celebrity specialty restaurants. I like having HAL's Neptune Lounge as an added feature suite guests. If the price and itinerary are the same, it's a coin toss. They both are the better of the mass market lines.

[sawyer_boy]

What is the difference between the two. Which one do you prefer and why

 

Our first cruise was on the Nordaam when we were in our late twenties. We choose this as our first as we are not fans of kids over crowding the pools, running around and making excessive noise. We really enjoyed the cruise , the ship and the service.. The food was really good and their high end restaurant is MUCH better then Murano. I'm not sure why Murano ISO highly rated.. The crowd on holland America is an older crowd but that being said we enjoyed and had lots of great conversations.

 

Our next four cruises have all been with celebrity and our now hooked on celebrity cruises. We enjoy the bars (molecular) best bar at sea, two of the three speciality restaurants, ports, loyalty program, service has always been great. The on board entertainment is always good excluding the "cirque style show".

[UFMOM]

We did a South Pacific cruise on HAL last year and loved it. We have also done a TA on the Eclipse and loved it too. Great food & service on both. Although I would not hesitate to book Hal again, it was definitely more sedate. We love the bars and entertainment on Celebrity and chose the Eclipse Southern Caribbean over the HAL Amazon cruise for this year, mainly for those reasons. One thing about HAL is the number of exotic cruises which are round trip to US ports. I am not a fan of long distance flying. Been there, done that for too many years.

[jocelysue]

We love the covered pool on HAL,open when the wether is nice and warm, closed when it is raing or cold. the full bath in mostly all staterooms including interior ones, the heated cloth facecloths in the publlic restrooms, afternoong tea every afternoon and a specail Indonesian High Tea on each itinerary (all at no extra cahrge), the free cappucino and expresso in the MDR at dinner, the yumyum man who servers ginger as we leave the MDR, the popcorn they serve with the movies ,the resident clergyman, the wonderful smiling service from the crew, the string quartet every evening after late dinner in one of the lounges with chocolates being served, the piano bar with singing and dancing, the Eagle's nest, where one can sit and look at the great views, the very top deck where one can watch the skies at night on a lounger, the complete walk-around deck or promenade, the interesting conferences, the comfortable beds

 

We enjoy the food, in every venue. Plus the hot is served hot.

You will notice that I am merely making a statement about things that cost no extra charge. I am not belittling HAL. But since you're on A Celebrity thread, though you might like to find out more about HAL.

Usual activities: bridge, bingo, casino. Art auctions totally different from those on Celebrity. The entertainment is fair to middling .Usually they have one or two really good singers, but the shows are not, IMO, showstoppers.

 

The clientele is often made up of well-travelled and polite people. On cruises of 15 etc days, the passengers are mostly middle aged but there are many young professional couples. Not many children although HAL has space and activities for them .There are self-service launderettes on mostly all the ships which can be a real help. On some of the ships there are no fridges in inside and outside cabins but you can rent one for about

$2.00 a day. Freash bowl of fruit to your cabin every day without charge. Fresh flowers all over. No onnouncement;there are in tthe daily new handout placed on your bed every night along with yuor chocolate and towel animal.

 

Hope this helps.

[welshfamily]

My Parents are HAL and Cunard cheerleaders. We have only cruised Celebrity.

Why?

The smoking policy.

We have an adult son with serious chest issues.

Sometimes it's not about what the cruise line offers but what they don't.

[kelmac]

What is the difference between the two. Which one do you prefer and why

 

My wife and I have cruised HAL 9 times and Celebrity 23 times; here is our take:

 

HAL has:

--teak wood wrap around promenade decks

--very good MDR cuisine, safe selections, but well prepared

--very good buffet (Lido), if you can get a spot in line (crowded)

--larger cabins, but dark and basic decor

--traditional feel

--an older clientele, except during the holidays/summer (I know, HAL loyalists don't like hearing this)

--an Asian feel, with quiet/warm service

--excellent itineraries

--become less expensive, as they no longer have a competitive edge

--pretty good alternative restaurants/better on newer ships

--a poor smoking policy, but improving

 

Celebrity has:

--no wrap around promenade deck (Celebrity's one big epic failure)

--excellent MDR cuisine, innovative

--very good buffet; excellent, but crazy flow in Solstice class ships

--good size cabins; no tubs ; and excellent showers in Solstice class ships

--bright, open and modern feel

--more diverse clientele

--international/european crew, with excellent service

--uninspiring itineraries, some improvement as of late

--become a bit more expensive, as they are killing the competition

--superior alternative restaurants

--one of the best smoking policies at sea

 

For the most part, Celebrity is winning this competition, especially since the introduction of the Solstice class of ships. Celebrity has better quality control in all areas of operation. HAL ships all have the same design and feel, as the older population does not like change, and CCL is too cheap to do any redesign.

 

We are one point short of three star status, which doesn't really have any perks on HAL. Celebrity Elites are spoiled, with free happy hour drinks in Michael's Club(or other venues); free laundry services; free internet time...., HAL is an excellent alternative to Celebrity, however, "X" has always made us feel special on their ships! We have pretty much stopped cruising HAL as of late.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

Edited November 8, 2013 by kelmac

[Cathy p]

My first cruise was Hal and I have never had such a wonderful one since. Now it may be because I had never cruised before and that is why it was great. This will be my first Celebrity and can't wait!:)

[Orlandocruiser]

I would first like to point out that many of the things the the poster "jocelysue" has stated as plusses for HAL are long gone. For example there is now a charge in the MDR for cappuccinos after dinner and what was once a string quartet playing every evening late into the evening with chocolates served is now at best a trio or only a piano and violin with shortened hours and not every night. ( I never understood HAL's cutback here - when the groups were playing the Explorers Lounge was always packed with people buying drinks. Now when they do play the one poor server can't manage the demand.) The dance music is practically non existant - one of my biggest gripes was that the music always went on break a half hour before late seating and again when you came out of a show. We had cruised HAL extensively but after a couple of "meh" cruises we decided that HAL was just too low key and dead for us. We always enjoyed taking a turn around the wraparound lower promenade deck but came to realize that was because there was nothing else to do. I am afraid that the extent of HAL's cutbacks and the condition of their older and some newer ships ( air con and plumbing problems) have convinced us to strike HAL from our list.

 

Yes there have been cutbacks on X but I think the overall experience is much better. X has a much livelier atmosphere, much more music available at all hours of the day and evening and also a passenger loyalty program that beats HAL's by a mile.

[Johnny Heedless]

We went once on HAL. Our neighbors on both sides sat on their balcony seemingly all day and night smoking constantly. Basically, we couldn't use our balcony the entire cruise.

 

That was the first and last time we went on HAL. We'll never book a cruise again on a line that allows smoking on your balcony.

[bakcd]

We are 3 star Mariners on HAL and have 14 cruises with Celebrity. While we enjoy HAL, we give Celebrity the leading edge. The covered pool and teak deck are missed but we find we like the more open feeling of Celebrity ships.

 

HAL has the edge on some itineraries, the 14 day Alaska sailings and the East Coast-Canada sailings in the summer. If booking a transatlantic, Celebrity has the better airfare program with Choice Air. Celebrity's repeat passenger program wins hands down, HAL's repeat passenger program is limited to a luncheon.

[DWhit]

We've done two cruises on HAL and two on Celebrity. Both are great, and I would not hesitate to sail on either line, depending on price and itinerary. I would agree with those who say food and service are very close, but Celebrity has a bit better entertainment/energy on-board. I think of Celebrity as more updated and HAL as more traditional.

[Fouremco]

We went once on HAL. Our neighbors on both sides sat on their balcony seemingly all day and night smoking constantly. Basically, we couldn't use our balcony the entire cruise.

 

That was the first and last time we went on HAL. We'll never book a cruise again on a line that allows smoking on your balcony.

We love HAL, but we too won't take another cruise with them until they ban smoking on the balconies.

 

[miched]

What is the big issue with X not having a walk around Promenade deck?

 

I read this on many thread and don't understand it.

 

Of what value or purpose does it serve or matter that you can't walk around the whole ship on the Promenade Deck?

 

🎅🎄

[Fouremco]

What is the big issue with X not having a walk around Promenade deck?

 

I read this on many thread and don't understand it.

 

Of what value or purpose does it serve or matter that you can't walk around the whole ship on the Promenade Deck?

 

🎅🎄

As the name suggests, the Promenade Deck originates from the practise of having a deck on which passengers could complete a walk around the entire ship. Ladies with a parasol in hand, no doubt. In modern times, it continues to provide (on other ships) a walking or, for many, a jogging/running circuit. On those ships I've sailed that offered a proper Promenade Deck, they were in constant use.

 

[Slopfrog]

What is the big issue with X not having a walk around Promenade deck?

 

I read this on many thread and don't understand it.

 

Of what value or purpose does it serve or matter that you can't walk around the whole ship on the Promenade Deck?

 

🎅🎄

 

If I can get around the ship on a less crowded, outside deck I will always take it. I hate it when the design of the ship forces me to go past a smoke filled, loud casino, or past a 1000 other pax all getting jammed in the same thoroughfare. On some ships you can go outside and avoid just about everyone else, enjoy the blue water and sound of the waves, and feel relaxed when you get to the other side of the ship!

[CRUZBUDS]

What is the big issue with X not having a walk around Promenade deck?

 

I read this on many thread and don't understand it.

 

Of what value or purpose does it serve or matter that you can't walk around the whole ship on the Promenade Deck?

 

🎅🎄

 

If you have to ask, you're just not a promenade person. :)

 

It goes back to when ships were ships, and not floating hotels. Some of us appreciate it and some don't. HAL wins on that, big time.

 

We're also in the group that won't consider HAL again until they catch up with their smoking policy.

 

[cynbar]

To the OP, I hope you are asking this on the HAL board as well. I have actually never sailed HAL, but I do find that all the lines have their devoted followers, and the message boards are a good place to find them. Most people here will prefer Celebrity, it doesn't mean that you will. Sort everything out, or better yet sail both, and decide which is best for you. PS --- I love a promenade deck, it'a a way to stroll and really feel that you are at sea. Many ships today seem more like floating hotels where the ocean is an afterthought.

Edited November 9, 2013 by cynbar

[Pilot70D]

What is the difference between the two. Which one do you prefer and why

 

We prefer =X= to HAL primarily because of Celebrity's smoking policy. The two lines are more alike than they are different.

I do enjoy one aspect on HAL that isn't present on =X=. I was constantly addressed as young man by the other passengers on HAL. I am in my mid sixties.

:D:):D

[fleckle]

 

 

The promenade deck on Celebrity's Infinity may not be quite as attractive, but for those who like a promenade deck, it is still a very nice one.

 

Credit for photo below to Mike Helmick.

 

 

A sunset view would undoubtedly help to make this one look more appealing also.

 

Even though it doesn't wrap all the way around, you can cut through the ship's interior briefly near each end to get over to the other side and continue.

On a chilly day, that is a nice way to warm up before you pop back out on the other side again.

 

 

I totally agree with Kelmac's excellent previous summary of the major differences between the two lines and would add the following:

 

Celebrity has

 

- better entertainment, especially the production shows

- much better, unobstructed sight lines in its theaters

- better ice-cream, with greater variety of flavors each day, available for longer hours

 

 

HAL has

 

- far superior and much larger, attractive libraries

- unlimited laundry service for $7/day (or at least that is what it was the last time we cruised with them)

- room service breakfast available in the cabins on the last day and they let you remain in your cabin until it is time to disembark

 

 

We are happy with the food and service on both lines.

For the most part, we find Celebrity more appealing.

But we feel like the young kids on HAL. :D

 

HAL's unique itineraries are their greatest attraction for us.

 

When both lines offer similar itineraries for comparable prices, we tend to go with Celebrity.

[Cruising89143]

If you look at the new builds entering service the promenade deck as we know it is becoming a thing of the past. I saw a photo posted here on a Cruise Critic article several months ago of HAL's new ship that will enter service in a few years and it looks as though HAL is placing the lifeboats down on the promenade deck just like the Solstice class to gain an extra deck of cabins. Look at the new Princess, NCL and RCI ships. It's all about revenue.

 

Tried HAL once. The Oosterdam. Wasn't for me. The ship felt cheap. Service was no better than that of RCI. Just wasn't the Premium experience that I had read about. Overall it wasn't a bad cruise but not a great one either. :)

Edited November 9, 2013 by cruisingator2

[Macadian]

We love HAL, but we too won't take another cruise with them until they ban smoking on the balconies.

 

 

Ditto!

Edited November 9, 2013 by Macadian

[Christine Frances]

If you look at the new builds entering service the promenade deck as we know it is becoming a thing of the past. I saw a photo posted here on a Cruise Critic article several months ago of HAL's new ship that will enter service in a few years and it looks as though HAL is placing the lifeboats down on the promenade deck just like the Solstice class to gain an extra deck of cabins. Look at the new Princess, NCL and RCI ships. It's all about revenue.

 

 

They don't really get an extra deck of cabins. There are totally obstructed cabins behind the lifeboats now. If the lifeboats are lowered to the promenade deck then those cabins will have great views. It think the cruise lines think that pax would prefer obstructed promenade than cabins.

 

You can see on the two pictures above. On the HAL photo you can see the lifeboats on the deck above the promenade. That is why Muster Drill on HAL ships always takes place outside by your "assigned" life boat. There is no public areas on the same deck as the lifeboats on HAL. You can see on the X ship that the life boats can be lowered so pax can board the lifeboats from the promenade deck which is accessible from the inside muster stations. I think this is much safer and efficient in an emergency.

 

Promenades were originally put on the ships because there weren't any balcony cabins, usually just portholes. This was a way Pax could get some air!

Edited November 9, 2013 by Christine Frances

[Cruising89143]

They don't really get an extra deck of cabins. There are totally obstructed cabins behind the lifeboats now. If the lifeboats are lowered to the promenade deck then those cabins will have great views. It think the cruise lines think that pax would prefer obstructed promenade than cabins.

 

You can see on the two pictures above. On the HAL photo you can see the lifeboats on the deck above the promenade. That is why Muster Drill on HAL ships always takes place outside by your "assigned" life boat. There is no public areas on the same deck as the lifeboats on HAL. You can see on the X ship that the life boats can be lowered so pax can board the lifeboats from the promenade deck which is accessible from the inside muster stations. I think this is much safer and efficient in an emergency.

 

Promenades were originally put on the ships because there weren't any balcony cabins, usually just portholes. This was a way Pax could get some air!

 

Have you seen the photo I'm referring to? The new Pinnacle Class will hold 560 more passengers. That is being accomplished by adding more cabins. 230 more which is an additional deck.

Edited November 9, 2013 by cruisingator2