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

[RJ2002]

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.

 

Despite all the good things I read about Disney, this the reason why I don't think I'll ever be on Disney. Would rather enjoy the entire ship, and not have to retreat to a designated area for quiet and relaxation.

[tjcletsgo]

Despite all the good things I read about Disney, this the reason why I don't think I'll ever be on Disney. Would rather enjoy the entire ship, and not have to retreat to a designated area for quiet and relaxation.

 

I agree with you if I was sailing only with adults (and usually do). However, when you are cruising with kids or grandkids, nothing beats seeing the thrill of the kids when they see Micky or Minnie or any of the princesses! Or the pirate show with Mickey and Captain Hook and the fireworks!!!!!!!

 

Disney is right at the top of my list of cruise lines. Kids are big now and don't really want to sail Disney anymore but would be thrilled to see Sponge Bob Square Pants on NCL or go down the water slides:D

[Aquahound]

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 know exactly what you are talking about. There are many, but one particular member who uses the Disney logo as their avatar is particularly vile. While those idiots don't represent the cruise line, I can understand your reluctance. That said, I definitely want to try Disney some day.

 

I only have one HAL cruise under my belt, but have cruised RCI and NCL quite a bit, so here is my opinion...

 

RCI - It depends heavily on the ship. RCI's ship classes are drastically different from one another. You can experience a sorta HAL-like cruise on Vision Class and Radiance Class. With Voyager Class and larger, you're getting into the "wow" features that have become signature RCI. These ships are a lot more active. Like cruisetrail said, if you are looking for a truly unique cruising experience that will leave you in awe, Oasis Class is a must. Plus, it's worthwhile to note RCI no longer allows balcony smoking...a huge plus if you are a non-smoker.

 

NCL - Well, let's just say I have been very underwhelmed with them. They are no longer in my cruising considerations anytime in the near future. NCL will need to make some drastic procedural changes before I consider them again. Needless to say, I don't recommend them.

 

Good luck with your choice. :)

Edited January 23, 2014 by Aquahound

[EbayCruiser]

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!

 

First off, I am a HUGE HAL fan!! My DH and I are in our early sixties and we cruise for rest and relaxation. That being said, we plan on taking a cruise, in the near future with kids and grandkids and we would chose either Disney or Royal Caribbean's Oasis or Allure (leaning more towards Disney). If you will look at my signature, I went on a cruise with my daughter and two grandsons with Disney. The grandsons were 12 and 9 at the time. We absolutely loved it. We chose a cruise/land vacation and had four nights on the Wonder and three nights at Walt Disney World. I would chose the Magic or Dream and take a seven night cruise.

 

Depending on the ship, Disney has several pools and one large pool area for adults only. Kids Clubs are great on Disney. My 9 year old grandson loved the club and didn't want to leave when we would pick him up from there.

 

If you really will not do Disney, then I would go with the Mega Ships at RCI, Oasis or Allure. You will be amazed at all the things to do onboard those ships. The shows are FABULOUS and the ships are breathtaking.

 

We flew into Orlando and stayed the night at the airport inside the hotel. We booked the Disney Cruise Line Bus Transportation and they handled all the luggage from the hotel to the cruise ship and back. Really worth the $35.00/each.

 

In my opinion, I think all the children will be bored to death on HAL. There is really nothing much to do on the ship after 9:00 p.m. at night and not enough activities for adults or children who cannot amuse themselves.

 

Have fun!! Do a lot of research and pick the cruise that is right for you.

[George C]

WE have cruised several time on Hal/RCCL and NCL

NCL- used to love this line would not sail them again, hate anytime dinning and food is much better on other lines

Hal- Last 4 cruises were Hal , nice no frills ships, no live entertainment past 11 or midnight at the lastest, good MDR ( no ships over 100k gross tons- which some people like)

RCCL- Best entertainment , more things to do, favorite all around cruise line

[luv4cruises]

I have sailed on 6 different cruise lines and love the Signature class ships.

However for a multigenerational family I would choose the Oasis or Freedom class ships of RCI.

 

HAL Signature Class

 

Better quality cabin-full bathroom with tub, first rate mattress and linens,

Elemis bath products, robes, sofas

 

Elegant ship, traditional, beautiful full teak promenade deck.

Only one pool that children can use.

One of best 7 day Caribbean itineraries with 4 ports of call, one being the best private island Half Moon Cay.

Adequate entertainment - 2 production shows in 7 days, some specialty acts.

Culinary Arts Center

HAL has a full room service menu-24 hours / day- can even request a MDR entree be delivered to your room.

Great Buffet

Very Good Food.

Excellent Service

The Big Negative is their smoking policy. They still allow smoking on balconies,

In the casino, the Aft Pool, the Promenade Deck.

Less children so wider age ranges grouped together in kids' club.

 

 

RCI Oasis and Freedom Class Ships

 

Cabin is similar in layout with sofa, no bath tub, no robes, limited bath products,

Lesser quality linens and mattresses.

Truly WOW experience seeing the Royal Promenade for the first time.

So much for everyone to do and see.

On the Oasis the shows are spectacular and very high quality. The Ice Show and the diving show appeal to all ages. The children will be mesmerized.

The adult comedy show was the best I've seen on 27 cruises. You have to pre-reserve your entertainment, but many spots are available on embarkation day if you go to Studio B in a timely manner.

There are parades on the Promenade, a carousel, a boardwalk, Central Park,

A huge pool area, aqua park, wave runner, zip line, rock climbing wall, ice skating sessions.

The Kids' Club can group children in smaller age -span groups.

There is always a sense of excitement on the Oasis.

 

Food used to be a negative on RCI. They are introducing a new menu fleet wide.

The Oasis was one of two ships last September to have the new menu. It was great! I was sorry I had booked 3 specialty restaurants. They said it would take a year to implement fleet wide.

Food at the buffet not very good

Very limited room service menu, with a charge after midnight.

Crew is not as attentive as HAL'S.

 

Limited itinerary- only three ports of call for Oasis and Allure,

 

Freedom Class ships have a little less- but still great for multi-generational families.

A big plus for RCI ships NO Smoking on balconies!

 

Take the time to access Cruisetrail's presentation of the ships. Go to YouTube

type in name of ship to access ship tours. Read the reviews, message boards and roll calls on Cruise Critic.

 

Make an informed decision.

 

I love trying different cruise lines, but prefer the newer ships always.

 

Bon Voyage!

Edited January 23, 2014 by luv4cruises

[Friend100]

My family and I have done HAL, Royal Caribbean and DCL.

 

Each line has things that we like more than others.

 

If price and itinerary were the same, my favourite will be DCL, HAL then RCI. However, price and itinerary DO always differ quite a lot among them.

 

Personally, we feel HAL gives a more traditional cruising experience in a low-profile, classy atmosphere. HAL will be my choice when destination and overall value are my priority. RCI gives a fun, WOW cruising experience in a 24x7x365, non-stop atmosphere. Disney gives a magical entertaining experience in an elegant, stylish atmosphere.

[AlohaPride]

Itinerary is important to us, and all the disney cruises we looked at were sorely lacking in itinerary and length. For our family of 5 the 7 day Alaska was more expensive than the 14 days ree are going to spend on the Amsterdam. Further, the itinerary was awful. We were able to take our girls (6, 4, 3) on a tour of a HAL ship recently and they had a blast. They can't wait for our cruise in 7 months :)

 

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[Friend100]

Itinerary is important to us, and all the disney cruises we looked at were sorely lacking in itinerary and length.

 

But considering DCL's target demographics (families with limited vacation time), together with their strength (entertainment, not cruising), that makes sense. Most of DCL's premium goes to the stuff you are getting on the ship, not where the ship brings you too ... which the latter is exactly HAL's strength.

[suz1607]

I would chose NCL over HAL for this cruise because of the diverse ages and "freestyle" atmosphere of NCL. True NCL dining room food is not generally as good as HAL but NCL's specialty restaurants are much better. NCL's entertainment is much better! As a plus you do not have to carry dressy clothes for all the children or adults either, unless you want to. My children and grandchildren have sailed on RCL, NCL and HAL and all prefer NCL. I just returned from HAL and was very disappointed in the attitude and service of some of the crew - have never encountered this on NCL. Basically, I sail HAL for itinerary and NCL when I want a fun, relaxing cruise with family!

[cruisetrail]

I would chose NCL over HAL for this cruise because of the diverse ages and "freestyle" atmosphere of NCL. True NCL dining room food is not generally as good as HAL but NCL's specialty restaurants are much better. NCL's entertainment is much better! As a plus you do not have to carry dressy clothes for all the children or adults either, unless you want to. My children and grandchildren have sailed on RCL, NCL and HAL and all prefer NCL. I just returned from HAL and was very disappointed in the attitude and service of some of the crew - have never encountered this on NCL. Basically, I sail HAL for itinerary and NCL when I want a fun, relaxing cruise with family!

 

How did you like Seattle?

[iancal]

You need to research the ships.

 

Both NCL and HAL have some real duds in their respective fleets. And ships within each cruise line can be very different from one another.

 

Our preference would be to not select Sun or Star, Veendam or Zuiderdam for example based on our personal preferences.

[AlohaPride]

But considering DCL's target demographics (families with limited vacation time), together with their strength (entertainment, not cruising), that makes sense. Most of DCL's premium goes to the stuff you are getting on the ship, not where the ship brings you too ... which the latter is exactly HAL's strength.

 

That makes sense. As a young family with limited vacation time, if we are going to fly to a cruise, we really want to see something of the world. If not, we'll just go to a resort too stay put and be entertained :) Disney's Aulani is a 10 min drive from our house lol. I know we have a DCL cruise in our future with three little girls, and am sure we'll have a good time. We will probably go to Mexico or the Caribbean again to save some money lol

 

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