HAL vs. other lines...but NOT DCL!

[Melanore82]

So my husband surprised me with a cruise for our 15 year anniversary. We are going with our children, my parents, in-laws and siblings with their families, 17 of us altogether.

 

We were going to go on a Disney cruise, but after spending the day reading through the posts in the Disney forum, I changed my mind. The way they respond to people who are just seeking information or giving advice, is absolutely nauseating. If the group there is indicative of the people on the Disney ships, then I have no interest in being a part of that.

 

After speaking to my husband, and looking at the boards here, we have narrowed it down to HAL, NCL and Royal Caribbean. We will probably travel at some time in November 2014 because that is when everyone can get away. I know absolutely nothing about cruising, but have read-up enough to know that each line has it's own style and activities.

 

Can those of you who have been on HAL, or the other lines I mentioned too, tell me if there is anything unique about each cruise line? For example, I have heard HAL is more formal. Is this true? Any information you could give would be great.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

How many children will be cruising?

How long a cruise are you planning? 7 days?

If 7 days -- I would suggest either the Eurodam or the Nieuw Amsterdam - they are the newest HAL ships. These 2 ships also have the Tamarind restaurant (Pan-Asian) food that is great -- JMO.

We just spent 2 weeks on the Nieuw Amsterdam in November 2013 -- we like her better than Eurodam.

HAL is no longer as formal. My DH has put his tuxedo in the back of the closet. He now takes suits and jackets. Nice dress shirts and ties. I can no longer wear floor length dresses or skirts as I have to use a walker/rollator. Very few women wear long dresses any more -- especially on the short cruises.

What else would you like to know?

[runnergirl71]

I will just say, please don't let the people over there steer you away from DCL. The vast majority of the people who cruise them are wonderful. Far too many people hide behind the anonymity of the internet. (And it has happened on this board as well.)

[boulders]

I wouldn't say HAL is more formal, but it is more "refined" than your other two choices. Royal Caribbean is aimed at people who want to be on the go and very active while HAL is more for people who want a relaxing, peaceful vacation. There are plenty of things to do on HAL, but they tend to be more cerebral - while RCCL is more physical. The food is better on HAL. RCCL has better pools. I haven't been on NCL. I have not heard good things about the food on NCL.

 

Pay close attention to the size of the staterooms when you are comparing costs. Staterooms tend to be quite small and every square foot counts! Some cruise lines will include the square footage of a balcony in their total square footage of a cabin while some will list it separately.

 

I had to laugh at your comments about DCL "groupies". They are something, aren't they. ;)

Edited January 21, 2014 by boulders

[mollyanne]

So my husband surprised me with a cruise for our 15 year anniversary. We are going with our children, my parents, in-laws and siblings with their families, 17 of us altogether.

 

We were going to go on a Disney cruise, but after spending the day reading through the posts in the Disney forum, I changed my mind. The way they respond to people who are just seeking information or giving advice, is absolutely nauseating. If the group there is indicative of the people on the Disney ships, then I have no interest in being a part of that.

 

After speaking to my husband, and looking at the boards here, we have narrowed it down to HAL, NCL and Royal Caribbean. We will probably travel at some time in November 2014 because that is when everyone can get away. I know absolutely nothing about cruising, but have read-up enough to know that each line has it's own style and activities.

 

Can those of you who have been on HAL, or the other lines I mentioned too, tell me if there is anything unique about each cruise line? For example, I have heard HAL is more formal. Is this true? Any information you could give would be great.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

 

Hi! Welcome to the HAL Board!

 

We have not sailed RCL but have sailed both HAL and NCL.

 

HAL has elegant ships with good food and great cabins (IMO). NCL's food is lacking in the free restaurants and much better in the pay restaurants. The Pinnacle Grill on HAL is a wonderful dining experience, although they have just gone through a menu change.

 

NCL might be better for kids - they do have some special sailings with "Sponge Bob", etc., but don't know if this is appropriate for your children's ages.

 

I believe that service is fabulous on HAL - not as good on NCL.

 

I know prices on DCL are very high - you will likely save money traveling on any other line. November is a good time to cruise - especially around but not on the holidays - and the weather in the Caribbean is very nice.

 

Your question is very broad - but these are the things that popped into my mind. I'm sure others will join in.

 

Which ever you choose I hope you have a wonderful time. Have fun planning!

[Cindy]

So my husband surprised me with a cruise for our 15 year anniversary. We are going with our children, my parents, in-laws and siblings with their families, 17 of us altogether.

 

We were going to go on a Disney cruise, but after spending the day reading through the posts in the Disney forum, I changed my mind. The way they respond to people who are just seeking information or giving advice, is absolutely nauseating. If the group there is indicative of the people on the Disney ships, then I have no interest in being a part of that.

 

After speaking to my husband, and looking at the boards here, we have narrowed it down to HAL, NCL and Royal Caribbean. We will probably travel at some time in November 2014 because that is when everyone can get away. I know absolutely nothing about cruising, but have read-up enough to know that each line has it's own style and activities.

 

Can those of you who have been on HAL, or the other lines I mentioned too, tell me if there is anything unique about each cruise line? For example, I have heard HAL is more formal. Is this true? Any information you could give would be great.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

 

If you have your heart set on a Disney cruise, please don't let posters on the message board put you off. I've been around Cruise Critic for a long time, and if I avoided every line that has a few arrogant or obnoxious posters on their forum, then I wouldn't be able to cruise!:eek: For the most part, the people I've met on ships have been delightful!

 

Out of your list, I've cruised on HAL and Royal Caribbean. I would say HAL provides a more traditional cruise experience, with very good food, for the most part excellent and gracious service., and outstanding longer itineraries. I prefer Royal Caribbean's ships for their sheer beauty and attention to detail, and I think they provide an excellent experience for a multi-generation group. Royal Caribbean's entertainment is top-notch, and there are a variety of activities from very active to sedentary. Their dining room food is (in my opinion) not as good as HAL's and their menu has less variety, but their bigger ships have a larger variety of specialty restaurants.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Cindy

[rafinmd]

Welcome to Cruise Critic. It would help if you could give some additional information on the ages of the children involved and where you would like to go.

 

I've sailed Royal Caribbean (only their smaller ships) and HAL, but not on Norwegian. Of the 3, I would say that HAL is the most formal, but less so than some other cruise lines. On HAL expect about 2 formal nights per week. For men that's essentially a jacket and tie. Royal's formal nights skip the tie, and Norwegian doesn't have them. If you don't want to dress up, HAL's lido (buffet restaurant) serves most of the items supplied in the main dining room.

 

Both Royal and HAL offer a choice of fixed or flexible dining, NCL has only flexible. I think if you all want to dine together in the evening fixed would be better, you would likely be given 2 or 3 large tables. If you want to go your separate ways for dinner flexible would probably be better.

 

HAL caters to a somewhat older demographic than the others. I think that's a positive for your anniversary but not so much for the kids (although if Royal's kids club is a 10, HAL's would probably be a 9).

 

Every cruise is different, please come back with some cruises you think you would like and get a more specific opinion.

 

Roy

[Shmoo here]

So my husband surprised me with a cruise for our 15 year anniversary. We are going with our children, my parents, in-laws and siblings with their families, 17 of us altogether.

 

We were going to go on a Disney cruise, but after spending the day reading through the posts in the Disney forum, I changed my mind. The way they respond to people who are just seeking information or giving advice, is absolutely nauseating. If the group there is indicative of the people on the Disney ships, then I have no interest in being a part of that.

 

After speaking to my husband, and looking at the boards here, we have narrowed it down to HAL, NCL and Royal Caribbean. We will probably travel at some time in November 2014 because that is when everyone can get away. I know absolutely nothing about cruising, but have read-up enough to know that each line has it's own style and activities.

 

Can those of you who have been on HAL, or the other lines I mentioned too, tell me if there is anything unique about each cruise line? For example, I have heard HAL is more formal. Is this true? Any information you could give would be great.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

 

I'm sorry you've gotten that impression over on the Disney board. I responded to at least one of your posts there, and I think many of the posters there are quite helpful. Yes, there are one or two posters who are quite opinionated in their responses and not very nice, but that certainly is not the kind of people we've met on DCL. You may find the same on other forums.

 

All that being said,

 

We've done HAL as well as DCL and we like both. Generally, the HAL ship are much more sedate in décor. The service onboard is good. There aren't generally as many children onboard HAL, so the kids' clubs can sometimes be hit or miss. Our recent Panama Canal cruise only had 5 kids under 10 and 1 baby onboard.

[Melanore82]

Shmoo, you were the first person to respond to my post on DCL and gave me great advice. You were definitely not one of the people I was talking about! I am just really laid back and have no tolerance for people giving snarky, sarcastic, obnoxious responses to others who are just trying to help, or get help. I think people must get pushed around in real life so they hide behind the anonymity of the internet to take it out on strangers. I'm not saying I would never travel on Disney, but right now I am not into it.

 

There will be 7 children with us. Their ages at the time we go will be 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 10 and 12. The adults in the group range in age from late 30's to mid-70's. There is a possibility there will be an 8th child who will be 1 1/2, but my brother thinks his in-laws will watch her when we go.

 

Some of the kids have dietary restrictions. No gluten. Others are very picky eaters, namely two of mine! Pasta, chicken nuggets and pizza, that's about it!

 

None of us are really lay out by the pool all day or go to the beach for the whole day kind of people. Not that I don't see how people enjoy doing that, but I get too bored. From what you guys are saying it sounds like HAL may be geared more towards adults. Is that correct?

 

I get that my original post was pretty general. Here are some more specific questions:

Does it have sports onboard? Grown-up entertainment? Are the pools very crowded? How late does the childrens' programs go til? Do you have a set dinner time? Can you eat in any restaurant? Are there shows onboard? Are the excursions worth paying for? Is there a casino, not that any of is will us it? Is there smoking in the cabins, and if yes, do they smell like stale smoke?

That's all I can think of right now.

 

Thanks!

[Ineke]

As an avid HAL fan, I do want to respond briefly to your concerns about DCL. Our daughter and her family, who have previously cruised on both HAL and Celebrity, did a Disney cruise in the fall, and from all reports it was incredible. They feel that while their children are young, they will stick with them for a variety of reasons: the activities (both for kids and adults), the food, the service, the amazingly fun times they had.

There are always cheerleaders and the opposite on every forum for every cruise line, and completely opposite points of view can often be found about the same cruise. For a multi-age family cruise, it appears that DCL is an extremely strong contender.

[Shmoo here]

Shmoo, you were the first person to respond to my post on DCL and gave me great advice. You were definitely not one of the people I was talking about! I am just really laid back and have no tolerance for people giving snarky, sarcastic, obnoxious responses to others who are just trying to help, or get help. I think people must get pushed around in real life so they hide behind the anonymity of the internet to take it out on strangers. I'm not saying I would never travel on Disney, but right now I am not into it.

 

There will be 7 children with us. Their ages at the time we go will be 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 10 and 12. The adults in the group range in age from late 30's to mid-70's. There is a possibility there will be an 8th child who will be 1 1/2, but my brother thinks his in-laws will watch her when we go.

 

Some of the kids have dietary restrictions. No gluten. Others are very picky eaters, namely two of mine! Pasta, chicken nuggets and pizza, that's about it!

 

None of us are really lay out by the pool all day or go to the beach for the whole day kind of people. Not that I don't see how people enjoy doing that, but I get too bored. From what you guys are saying it sounds like HAL may be geared more towards adults. Is that correct?

 

I get that my original post was pretty general. Here are some more specific questions:

Does it have sports onboard? Grown-up entertainment? Are the pools very crowded? How late does the childrens' programs go til? Do you have a set dinner time? Can you eat in any restaurant? Are there shows onboard? Are the excursions worth paying for? Is there a casino, not that any of is will us it? Is there smoking in the cabins, and if yes, do they smell like stale smoke?

That's all I can think of right now.

 

Thanks!

 

OK, recalling our HAL cruises:

 

There is a net-enclosed sports area on deck that you can shoot basketballs, maybe play tennis. Onboard entertainment generally - there is a Vegas nightclub -style show in the main showroom most nights. Not a production show, but singers and dancers doing a review. There is also a piano bar onboard, as well as the HAL cats, a small rock-style group (they can be good or not good - it varies), and the Neptunes, usually in the Ocean Bar (a dance ensemble). Pools on our cruises weren't particularly crowded, but 2 of our cruises were Alaska. There are fixed (early and Main) dining times, or you can do Anytime dining. With the fixed dining and Anytime Dining, you eat in the Main Dining Room (only one onboard HAL ships). Or there is the Lido (buffet). Also Pinnacle Grill (extra pay), and (on some ships Canaletto and/or Tamarind (extra pay). HAL has casinos. Currently smoking is allowed on verandahs, and specified public areas.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Shmoo here

[1of4]

Very timely post as we were just on HAL and Disney Magic B2B.

 

My intention is to do a comparison but I just haven't been home long enough to get organized. What I can say is I understand and share my opinions....very subjective I know, but I will try to explain.

 

We prefer Hal and have a 20 night cruise booked in 2015. I would have to be convinced to take Disney again and it would be a hard sell. Don't get me wrong...it was wonderful but I crave quiet as my life is hectic. Disney is not quiet and the announcements seem almost constant at times and all start with the tones from "when you wish upon a star".

 

We found we fit better on Hal. We have also been on Princess. We prefer the smaller ships. We find our two children, 12 and 9, love Club Hal and we prefer the life style HAL offers. I put it this way. If you can entertain yourself then HAL is for you. If your family is the type that needs to be entertained then RCL is for you. It is a style and nothing is wrong with either way. There are no rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks or wave surfing machines on HAL.

 

It may be the time of year we were on Disney, but we found the vast majority of the families had been gifted the cruise and we feel this may have changed how they acted. We were pushed, felt crowded, and generally by the end of day 3 had seen and done everything we wanted to do.

 

On Hal we look forward to sitting and looking out at the view. This is not easy to do on Disney Magic. I found most of the ship was designed to look in upon the ship itself. It is hard to find a place to sit and look out.

 

Ask any question and I will try to answer. I too gave up on both DCL boards as we found them over the top.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I'm sorry you've gotten that impression over on the Disney board. I responded to at least one of your posts there, and I think many of the posters there are quite helpful. Yes, there are one or two posters who are quite opinionated in their responses and not very nice, but that certainly is not the kind of people we've met on DCL. You may find the same on other forums.

 

All that being said,

 

We've done HAL as well as DCL and we like both. Generally, the HAL ship are much more sedate in décor. The service onboard is good. There aren't generally as many children onboard HAL, so the kids' clubs can sometimes be hit or miss. Our recent Panama Canal cruise only had 5 kids under 10 and 1 baby onboard.

 

We have cruised on HAL over holidays -- have had up to 200 children on board.

Main pool was crowded with children.

Aft pool had some children -- most with parents controlling them.

We have done quite a few partial and a lot of full transit canal cruises -- always had children on them

OP never mentioned how long a cruise they are interested in. That can make a difference.

7 day cruises do attract more children.

[alwaysfrantic]

I think the DCL board here is awful. That said, for a multi generational cruise, I'd pick Disney

 

I've been on DCL, HAL and RCI among the ones you've mentioned. Beyond Disney, I'd say ROyal Caribbean. Really either of those would be fantastic for all ages. I don't know anything about NCL other than what I've read but still I would go that route over HAL. I do love HAL and am going again, but there were really no kids onboard in a non vacation time. If it's Thanksgiving likely there would be though. When I say NO KIDS, I mean like devoid of small people. There was a baby in a Neptune suite and an officer brought his family on for part of the trip. That was it. I walked by the kid's area many times and it was always locked with the lights off.

 

Disney will serve the non parents or those that need some adult time the best. Plus many all family activities all the time. Royal has lots of activities for all ages, but don't keep adult only areas patrolled like DCL does.

Edited January 21, 2014 by alwaysfrantic

[Krazy Kruizers]

Very timely post as we were just on HAL and Disney Magic B2B.

 

My intention is to do a comparison but I just haven't been home long enough to get organized. What I can say is I understand and share my opinions....very subjective I know, but I will try to explain.

 

We prefer Hal and have a 20 night cruise booked in 2015. I would have to be convinced to take Disney again and it would be a hard sell. Don't get me wrong...it was wonderful but I crave quiet as my life is hectic. Disney is not quiet and the announcements seem almost constant at times and all start with the tones from "when you wish upon a star".

 

We found we fit better on Hal. We have also been on Princess. We prefer the smaller ships. We find our two children, 12 and 9, love Club Hal and we prefer the life style HAL offers. I put it this way. If you can entertain yourself then HAL is for you. If your family is the type that needs to be entertained then RCL is for you. It is a style and nothing is wrong with either way. There are no rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks or wave surfing machines on HAL.

 

It may be the time of year we were on Disney, but we found the vast majority of the families had been gifted the cruise and we feel this may have changed how they acted. We were pushed, felt crowded, and generally by the end of day 3 had seen and done everything we wanted to do.

 

On Hal we look forward to sitting and looking out at the view. This is not easy to do on Disney Magic. I found most of the ship was designed to look in upon the ship itself. It is hard to find a place to sit and look out.

 

Ask any question and I will try to answer. I too gave up on both DCL boards as we found them over the top.

 

 

Our family doctor took their daughter on several Disney cruises when she was younger. As a high school graduation he wanted to take her on another cruise -- thinking she wanted to go on RCI since some of the ships have an ice rink and she is an ice skater (presently in Sweden in a competition). Wrong -- she wanted to go on a Disney cruise. Doctor was disappointed in her decision but that is what they did. She was so disappointed that there was really nothing for a 17 year girl. She still has some growing up to do.

Disney gone for them next year.

Thank you for your incite on Disney as well.

[alwaysfrantic]

You might try reading disboards.com for DCL information. They are an informative group, if maybe not a little too enthusiastic ;). You can find any answer there.

[Typhoon1]

Welcome to CC. You'll find the HAL forum to be a fountain of information from many experienced cruisers.

[Shmoo here]

We have cruised on HAL over holidays -- have had up to 200 children on board.

Main pool was crowded with children.

Aft pool had some children -- most with parents controlling them.

We have done quite a few partial and a lot of full transit canal cruises -- always had children on them

OP never mentioned how long a cruise they are interested in. That can make a difference.

7 day cruises do attract more children.

 

I agree. I'm not sure of the age groupings on HAL, and don't know if it's important to OP if her kids are in the same groups or not. On DCL they would be in the same club.

[RJ2002]

We have sailed on HAL and NCL recently. Have not been on RCI or Disney.

 

Based on your followup post where you listed the ages of the children in your group, when comparing just HAL and NCL, IMO I would say the group would enjoy NCL better. I also think NCL would be a good choice since you, and perhaps others in your group, have never cruised before.

 

As others have stated, HAL offers a more traditional, refined cruise experience. HAL is definitely more formal than NCL. On a 7 day HAL cruise, there will probably be 2 formal nights. On these evenings, if you want to eat in the main dining room or the specialty restaurant, members of your group will need to dress accordingly. Men are expected to wear a coat and tie. Otherwise, your group would need to eat in the buffet (Lido), or in Canaletto, an Italian restaurant in a designated section of the buffet area. HAL also has assigned seating times for the main dining room, although you can opt for "anytime" dining and just show up when you want. On the other hand, NCL promotes its "freestyle" cruise concept. There is no assigned dining, and no formal dress requirement. I agree with another poster's comments that the MDR and Lido food on HAL is better than NCL. However, NCL does have a wide array of very good specialty restaurants, for a fee.

 

From an entertainment perspective, overall I think your group would enjoy NCL over HAL. We don't have children, but the programs and options for all age groups on NCL seem more robust to me than HAL. For adults, NCL's entertainment is better than HAL, and nightlife on NCL is more active. HAL's ships can get pretty quite after dinner (depending on the itinerary), but you will find more people up later enjoying themselves on NCL.

 

I would say that service on both HAL or NCL are equally good, and all of the ships I've been on for either line have been well maintained.

 

If you end up really enjoying the cruise experience, I would definitely give HAL a try at some point. However, for your first cruise, and for the group you described, I think NCL would be a great choice.

[contom]

Holland America is more of a sophisticated atmosphere, targeted to a more senior crowd. It is white glove treatment with outstanding food and service. NCL is more for the 30-60 age group and is also good for kids. The food and service are nowhere near that of HAL...but, with that said, NCL has some of the best entertainment that we have seen on cruise ships. It is more of a fun atmosphere. One caution of cruising in November...We did it once and never again, as we had the roughest seas that we had ever seen. Not sure if Church is important to you or not, but HAL has clergy aboard every cruise, (we are Catholic and enjoy having a Priest onboard).

 

Both are very good choices and you will have a great time on either one.

[brazilgirl]

I have 3 children and we have sailed on Celebrity , HAL , Carnival and RCI. My kids started sailing when the youngest was 4. He turned 10 today!

 

We have enjoyed all our cruises. But believe it or not the best Kid's Club experiences were on HAL and Celebrity. I think since there were fewer children , they got more attention. On Carnival , The staff at the Club seemed very curt. I didn't care for their attitude ( I am a teacher ).

 

 

All the ships we have been on have have had basketball courts , pools , and a dedicated area for children.

 

RCI had climbing walls , ice skating rinks and other such things plus a huge arcade. We used none of it! :)

 

The Caribbean ( which I assume is your destination) offers a lot of fun shore excursions for kids like swimming with the dolphins , ziplining etc. I planned a cruise for a group of 18 friends and family ( a daunting task! ) and we split up the group doing different things according to age and interests. This is paramount!

 

No matter which line you choose , you will enjoy. My favorites are HAL and

Celebrity due to my more sedate demeanor :)

[cruisetrail]

So my husband surprised me with a cruise for our 15 year anniversary. We are going with our children, my parents, in-laws and siblings with their families, 17 of us altogether.

 

We were going to go on a Disney cruise, but after spending the day reading through the posts in the Disney forum, I changed my mind. The way they respond to people who are just seeking information or giving advice, is absolutely nauseating. If the group there is indicative of the people on the Disney ships, then I have no interest in being a part of that.

 

After speaking to my husband, and looking at the boards here, we have narrowed it down to HAL, NCL and Royal Caribbean. We will probably travel at some time in November 2014 because that is when everyone can get away. I know absolutely nothing about cruising, but have read-up enough to know that each line has it's own style and activities.

 

Congratulations on your decision to try cruising!

 

Disney is an intersting product. But it's specific, it stands aside from the major offers and it's terribly overpriced.

It's worth trying some time later as you get more experience in cruising.

A first cruise on DSL with such a huge company will be messy and not as enjoyable as it can be later with a smaller group.

 

NCL is ruled out. This is a cheap product mainly focused on partying-gambling-drinking. They have three huge ships that are ovrecrowded.

This is not what cruising is.

 

HAL and RCI is cruising.

Each in it's own way.

A highly important note: we use cruise line names but we mean their best ships, not the whole fleet.

HAL experience is closest to the great ocean liners of the past. Of course, closest after Cunard. But Cunard is not a player in the Caribbean.

HAL product is a high culture product. Some call it "traditional". "Traditional" requires further explanation. Traditions in cruise industry originate from ocean liners that is a synonym of high culture.

So if anyone is going to know what cruising is - the way is to HAL Signature class ships (MS Eurodam and/or Nieuw Amsterdam).

BTW they will take you to the best 7-day itinerary in the Caribbean (Eastern).

Unfortunately, these ships are not the optimum for such enormous group of different ages.

 

Royal Caribbean ships are lower in class. But by design they are very good. Real cruise ships.

With regard of the entertainment bells and whistles they have nothing to compare.

One of the largest RCI ship will be the best fit for your group. Their itinerary are not as good as HAL, but the format of life on board it much more suitable for the configuration of your company.

 

Step 1.

Without any doubt book RCI best ship Allure of the Seas and have 100% gaurantee of amazing cruise for your whole family.

The choice of the ship is done.

Just done.

Your only concern from now on is what cabins to book and how to get the best price.

 

Step 2.

After a beautiful trip on the Allure you'll say good bye to your family and take a not-too-long walk around sunny Port Everglades to board the next ship - Holland America MS Eurodam.

This is where your paradise of cruising will begin. Not only you'll found yourself on the most comfortable resort ship in the Caribbean, you'll also get rest of your company and .... the Allure!

 

Your prescriptions are ready. Get them filled!

Watch my videos (links in my signature): Allure of the Seas (2 videos) and HAL Signature class ships.

Enjoy your first sparkling B2B (back-to-back) cruise vacation on the Allure and the Eurodam!

 

Edited January 22, 2014 by cruisetrail

[GeriatricNurse]

So my husband surprised me with a cruise for our 15 year anniversary. We are going with our children, my parents, in-laws and siblings with their families, 17 of us altogether.

 

We were going to go on a Disney cruise, but after spending the day reading through the posts in the Disney forum, I changed my mind. The way they respond to people who are just seeking information or giving advice, is absolutely nauseating. If the group there is indicative of the people on the Disney ships, then I have no interest in being a part of that.

 

After speaking to my husband, and looking at the boards here, we have narrowed it down to HAL, NCL and Royal Caribbean. We will probably travel at some time in November 2014 because that is when everyone can get away. I know absolutely nothing about cruising, but have read-up enough to know that each line has it's own style and activities.

 

Can those of you who have been on HAL, or the other lines I mentioned too, tell me if there is anything unique about each cruise line? For example, I have heard HAL is more formal. Is this true? Any information you could give would be great.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

 

 

I'm sorry that you are not considering DCL too! :( DW & I, having no children, did a Disney cruise & had not one word of complaint about our DCL cruise! :) In our view, 'Castaway Cay', DCL's private island in the Bahamas is the best! Far superior to HMC! As well, it is a docked port of call, with no tendering involved! :D

[kazu]

I wouldn't let the board of Disney turn you off from Disney.

 

HAL is a great experience for us but we sail for itinerary and do not have young children any longer ;)

 

Sailed Disney a few years ago and it was fabulous.

 

Talked to some roll call members on a previous cruise who really like Disney.

 

I would be tempted to consider Disney with the children and their ages.

 

That being said - cruises are very subjective.

 

1of4 has just done a very interesting comparison between HAL (Ryndam) and Disney (Magic). It is a very interesting comparison and well worth a read.

 

I think you would find it helpful. Although NCL might have more glitz & entertainment, our experience has been that HAL now provides a better product. But that is just our experience.

[tjcletsgo]

Having sailed both HAL and DCL I think you'll be making a mistake choosing HAL over DCL. The posters on the forums are NOT DCL employees! I sailed DCL twice with my grown children and grandkids. The cruise was AWESOME, literally something for everyone. When the kids started to drive me crazy I just went to one of the many adults only areas and you would never know you were on a Disney cruise.

 

I sailed HAL for itinerary only. Too many sea days drive me nuts as well and having nothing to do at night. I don't care for ventriloquists (SP) or magic shows. I fear you will be badgered by kids who are bored to death on HAL.

 

I've never sailed the Oasis or Allure, but if I was sailing with that many kids, I'd choose these ships over HAL.

 

You are obviously new the the HAL boards. There is often an "anti-children" feeling on this forum and some feel that HAL should be for adults only. Note I said SOME. I would not bring my grandchildren on a HAL cruise.

 

 

Good luck and have a great cruise!