Heavyweight title fight: HAL vs. X

[K&RCurt]

The Aurora display sounds awesome Dave!

 

 

 

I heard on our local NPR station from Derrik Pitts, Chief Astronomer of Philadelphia's Franklin Institute that the increased sunspot activitie continues and the Aurora Borealis has been visible as far south as Pheonix, AZ!

 

 

 

Keep your eyes peeled Alaska Cruisers!

[Navy_Chief]

dakrewser,

 

First, thank you so much for this string. My wife and I sailed on the Rotterdam for a 16 day Med as our first HAL cruise and now will sail on the Noordam for our second. We have never sailed on X but it sounds like it may be one we would be willing to try out. I do have a question about the menus. While we were on the Rotterdam, I noticed that they always had a vegitatian entree, soup, apitizer ect. Does the menu on the X ships have the same type of thing? I ask this because my wife is a Vegitarian. I can't recall if we had to tell Carnival that on the very first cruise we took, but I realy have no interest in sailing on Carnival again. HAL certainly spoiled me :)

[dakrewser]

While we were on the Rotterdam, I noticed that they always had a vegitatian entree, soup, apitizer ect. Does the menu on the X ships have the same type of thing?

 

Someone else has posted the Infinity menus here. There is not a vegetarian entree each night, but there is (I believe) a separate vegetarian menu. You should also contact Guest Relations before you cruise to indicate that your wife is vegetarian and I believe they'll make provision for her. But you might ask over on the Celebrity boards where I'm sure some vegetarian who has cruised with X can give you better information.

[sailorbill]

I think I will jump into the conversation since I sailed a westbound transatlantic on Celebrity's Constellation in 2003 and a westbound transatlantic on HAL's Westerdam in 2004. The magical upgrade fairy visited me for the Constellation and moved me into a stern veranda stateroom. It is now in the concierge class (change was after my cruise). I enjoyed the experience so much that I upgraded at my expense for the Westerdam cruise to a stern veranda stateroom when I got a chance after initially booking an inside. The Constellation wins in this stateroom category by a huge margin, but it is now much more expensive than HAL. Only the mattress on the Westerdam was better. Bathroom, desk, drawer space, sofa, shelf space and layout were better on the Constellation. And the veranda was about twice the size and was 2/3 covered so it could be used in the rain.

 

The Constellation has four categories of suites, grand, royal, celebrity, sky, compared to Westerdam's three, penthouse, S, SS. I have visited all of them except the grand either as a guest or just for inspection. In terms of size and amenities I would rank them as follows:

Celebrity - grand

HAL - penthouse

Celebrity - royal

Celebrity - celebrity

HAL - S

Celebrity - sky

HAL - SS

 

For decor and furnishings the Celebrity suites are more upscale and elegant. HAL suites look like they belong at a 1950s lakeside summer cottage. Currently the Celebrity suites are priced substantially higher than the HAL suites.

 

A big difference between the ships is the much larger amount of space devoted to public use on the Constellation compared to the Westerdam. Westerdam has two decks devoted to inside public rooms and some of that space is taken up by kitchens. The constellation has an extra half deck used for the same functions. The result is a more spacious feel to the public rooms and the accurate impression of a larger ship. The lido and sports decks are also much larger on the Constellation. Both ships have the same hull width, a panamax 106 feet. Both ships have indented center sections where the lifeboats are located. The Westerdam continues the indented line up through the lido and sports deck so they are only about 94 feet wide in the center of the ship. The Constellation bumps out the lido and sports decks beyond the hull line and has bump outs in the seating area of the buffet. The Constellation lido deck is about 118 feet wide in places, a big difference. As a result, my overall impression was that the Westerdam is a big ship and the Constellation is a huge ship.

 

As far as overall decor, I prefer the Westerdam to the Constellation. The artwork and the fresh flower arrangements on the Westerdam are greatly superior to the plastic flowers and the many laughable and ugly displays that pass for art on the Constellation (yes, there are a few nice and interesting pieces but not many). The Constellation atrium is much larger, open and pleasing than the tiny, cramped atrium on the Westerdam. My only criticism of the Constellation lobby is that the three story high draperies in cream and gold fabric looked dirty rather than elegant.

 

As for food, I gained weight on both cruises!!!

I liked the food station arrangement and choices in the lido buffet on the Westerdam better than the Constellation. There was lots more seating for the buffet on the Constellation. Service can be so variable that unless it becomes so bad it is intolerable it really isn't a valuable basis for judgement between lines. My Westerdam waiter was the best I've ever had on a ship. At the same time others I talked to were disappointed with their waitstaff.

 

I could go on and on, but I think that is enough for now. I would be happy to answer any questions. If I can't get the facts, I can always give my opinion. I have lots of those.

 

Bill

[stanford's girl]

Great comparison review Dave!! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing.:D

[dakrewser]

A big difference between the ships is the much larger amount of space devoted to public use on the Constellation compared to the Westerdam. Westerdam has two decks devoted to inside public rooms and some of that space is taken up by kitchens. The constellation has an extra half deck used for the same functions. The result is a more spacious feel to the public rooms and the accurate impression of a larger ship.

 

Interesting comment, Bill. As I noted in my review of the Oosterdam last January, one of the things I really liked was a ship design that hid the fact it was a large ship and gave it a smaller, more intimate feeling without in any way seeming to be crowded.

 

Whatever floats your boat, I guess! :rolleyes:

[jaguarstyper]

Dave, great thread! Thanks for taking the time to share your comparative experiences. I found it interesting and quite useful. Its funny because an associate of mine is a diehard Celebrity fan and we really like HAL. We discuss the comparison frequently. This gives me some good talking points ;)

 

 

 

Thanks again,

 

Tim

[bepsf]

Dave--

 

Thanks for taking the time to compare and contrast these two lines for us - it really is most informative!

As far as comparisons of interior design and art, it's all about personal taste and opinion: One man's scribble is another man's Picasso...

[Landlubber54]

We have only cruised once, so I always enjoy even-handed reviews (neither glorifying nor damning ("dam"-ing?)). Great comparison of two lines that appear (to me) to want to appeal to the same demographic.

I am also amused at the lack of response Dave got at X, although the responses were generally positive. Clearly, Dave is a much more familiar "face" here at HAL.

[Two@Sea]

We are taking our first HAL cruise on the Westerdam this December. Our two previous cruises were with Celebrity. I appreciate the time you have given to express your opinions and comparisons between the two lines. Happily, we will soon be able to create our own! :D

[dakrewser]

We are taking our first HAL cruise on the Westerdam this December. Our two previous cruises were with Celebrity. I appreciate the time you have given to express your opinions and comparisons between the two lines. Happily, we will soon be able to create our own! :D

 

Be sure you do! The more good comparisons there are the better off we'll all be!

 

And have a great cruise :)

[babyher]

Dave

 

 

 

I have been enjoying your reviews very much. You have given a lot of attention to detail and have been very fair minded. I know you are a long time HAL , yet you can tip your hat in Celebritys favor when the circumstance calls for it.

 

That makes for a very good review :)

 

Thanks for sharing

[mare s.]

I thought I might chime in here as we just returned from Celebrity Constellation Baltics cruise and our prior cruising experience has been on HAL. Honestly, I'd cruise happily with either line. Each has its positives and negatives. We noticed a big difference in service on HAL between our first and second cruises (cut backs in the dining room made for non-existent wine stewards and a great deal of grousing by overworked and harried waiters.) Constellation's dining room staff were outstanding in every way! Don't know if this is just the one ship or all of Celebrity, but we were extremely impressed. We thought Constellation's layout was good, but found it annoying to have to walk through a smoky casino (yes, they did allow smoking inside...supposed to be on port side only, but no one seemed to care) to get forward and aft (casino was in middle of ship) We enjoyed the artwork on Constellation very much. As for flowers, we had a fresh rose in our bathroom every couple of days, and a gorgeous arrangement of orchids on the desk. Food on HAL is definitely better than we found on Constellation. Constellation's buffet was just okay for breakfast and nonexistent for dinner (altho' I really liked the sushi bar) Dining room choices were less interesting than on HAL and desserts were horrible! But our excellent waiter, once we learned to trust him, always recommended the best items on the menu and he was always right. Our cabin steward on Constellation was as good as the ones on HAL. Entertainment on HAL I think is a little better, altho we loved seeing Perry Grant on Constellation (we had enjoyed his entertainment on our first HAL cruise). I'd definitely go on another Celebrity cruise if the itinerary was good and the price right, and I have to say the same about HAL.

[Sequim88]

Can anyone else comment or compare inside cabins between the two lines? Both cabin features as well as service level. Some of us can't (or won't) pay for a suite or even an outside. Does either line stand out for inside locations?

[weluvcruisin']

Thanks for your review, we are sailing sailing back to back in January, first on the Century and then the Volendam.

 

We haven't sailed with X for about 10 years and, of course, the Volendam is our favourite ship so we were very interested in your comparisons.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

The blonde in me would just like to have a bit more clarification for future reference in case we should ever decided to Cruise Celebrity. Am I correct in my thinking that the Sky Suite is the closest in comparison to a HAL S Suite? Then I know food is very subjective but....I often look at the quality in meats and ingredients. I have been to many a fine restaurant to find they did not serve the highest quality. I certainly do not give HAL an A+ but I do give it a solid B. How would you rate actual quality? I have read the menu and it sounds fancy but that can be all for show. I actually thought the menu was a bit too over worded and thought that my DH would have a harder time finding a good meal he would like. He likes things a bit more plain. Just give him a nice filet or halibut or shrimp and he is a happy camper.

[dakrewser]

Sequim88: We did get a look at the Infinity inside cabin across from us and it seemed very similar to those on Oosterdam. Service, of course, would be the same as in the suites (it's the same steward, after all).

 

LAFFNVEGAS: Lisa, the quality of the ingredirnts on X was top-notch, even a bit better than HAL. While they don't offer the plain grilled steak or chicked each night that HAL does, the sauces can be omitted or had "on the side" so that there should be at least two - more likely three - mains each evening that he'd enjoy.

[dakrewser]

Sequim88: We did get a look at the Infinity inside cabin across from us and it seemed very similar to those on Oosterdam. Service, of course, would be the same as in the suites (it's the same steward, after all).

 

LAFFNVEGAS: Lisa, the quality of the ingredients on X was top-notch, even a bit better than HAL. While they don't offer the plain grilled steak or chicked each night that HAL does, the sauces can be omitted or had "on the side" so that there should be at least two - more likely three - mains each evening that he'd enjoy.

 

The Sky Suite is a fair bit smaller than an S on HAL, more comparable to an SS on the Vista ships. THe butler wasn't really worth the extra cost.

[cle1]

Since 1996 we have been on 21 HAL cruises, and enjoyed them all. Our last cruise was a year ago on the Rotterdam. It left a lot to be desired, in the area of service, which was lacking, and we heard a lot of complaining from everyone, from waiters, to bartenders, to cabin stewards. In Feb. we decided to try Celebrity...last cruise was 1994. We were so impressed with the service, it reminded us of HAL when we first sailed with them. We were made to feel special. Then we were on the Infinity in May. We will be sailing on HAL again in Oct., and we will be curious about the service. I agree with others that both HAL and X, are good, and who we go with depends on ports and prices, but if service is important, IMHO, X has the edge, based on our experience.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

The Sky Suite is a fair bit smaller than an S on HAL, more comparable to an SS on the Vista ships. THe butler wasn't really worth the extra cost.

 

If the Sky Suite is a bit smaller, does Celebrity have a cabin/suite size more the size of HAL's S Suites. How is the dressing area in size and the bathrooms and balconys? Thanks so much Dave, I knew you could give a reall fair comparison.:)

[bepsf]

THe butler wasn't really worth the extra cost.

 

Its interesting that you say that.

A few weeks ago, there was a show on Travel Channel where 3 folks were on a Radisson ship: One was in a standard cabin, one was in a balcony stateroom and the last was in a concierge level balcony stateroom (w/ a butler)

The overall impression of the butler was more annoying than anything - he didn't know much and had to pick up the phone to call different departments of the ship, which the guest could have done themselves just as well. He looked like more-or less a glorified cabin steward. They all agreed that he wasn't worth the additional expense...

[RuthC]

Can anyone else comment or compare inside cabins between the two lines? Both cabin features as well as service level. Some of us can't (or won't) pay for a suite or even an outside. Does either line stand out for inside locations?

I can't compare, but I can speak to HAL's inside cabins, as I'm a regular there. The insides on the S/R-category cabins are spacious. There is a large shelf over the beds on which you can store some things. Most insides on the S-class ships have six drawers under the desk. The rest, and all (as far as I know) of the R-class, have three drawers. Check under the beds for an additional drawer. There are two nightstands with two (one locking) drawers each. There will be either a sofa or love seat, small table (which can be raised or lowered), and a chair at the desk area. There's also an ottoman (which opens! more storage).

There will be a closet with shelves, one of which contains the safe. There is either two or three closets (I forget; think it varies).

 

The bathroom will have a large shower, toilet, sink. There may be a cabinet of shelves (some ships have two), or a shelf the length of the sink area. On the Amsterdam and Rotterdam there is also a shelf under the sink. Very convenient.

 

Service is the same as every other cabin. Which is very good.

[dakrewser]

If the Sky Suite is a bit smaller, does Celebrity have a cabin/suite size more the size of HAL's S Suites. How is the dressing area in size and the bathrooms and balconys? Thanks so much Dave, I knew you could give a reall fair comparison.

 

The Celebrity Royal Suite would be closer to an S (about 10 sq ft bigger) - but it's usually quite a bit more expensive, also.

 

On the Sky Suite, the balcony was approx. 50% bigger than on a HAL Verandah A category (50 % wider, same depth) furnished with two padded chairs and a small table. Bathroom is about the same size as a HAL "A" also and there's no dressing area to speak of - no curtained off area, at any rate.

 

The overall impression of the butler was more annoying than anything

While George wasn't annoying, and having someone bring you tea, goodies and hors d'oevres was nice, you actually end up planning your schedule around his visit! If we weren't in the cabin at tea time, he'd leave a few sandwiches, pastries and cookies but no tea. We could, of course, have gotten all of it in the Grandview Cafe (or in the Neptune Lounge on HAL) and done so on our own schedule.

The major benefit was the ability to get a full breakfast served in the suite (non-suite folks can only get "continental" breakfast delivered) which we took advantage of on a few occasions.

[kwekwe]

How much does laundry cost to do on Holland America? We are new to cruising? Do you get it back MS Noordam in Europe

[dakrewser]

How much does laundry cost to do on Holland America? We are new to cruising? Do you get it back MS Noordam in Europe

 

In an S or PH suite there's no charge for laundry or dry cleaning. Otherwise there's three ways to go:

 

* by the piece (e.g., pair of socks $1, jacket $3.00 - comparable to shoreside dry cleaners).

* by the bag - I believe it was $12 for all you could stuff in a laundry bag

* by the cruise - approx. $8 - 10 per day depending on length of cruise.