BlackBEAR77 Posted October 6, 2015 #1 Share Posted October 6, 2015 As I have mentioned on here that I have cruised on Carnival a handful of times. This will be my first HAL trip as I want to take my long time GF on a nice week long trip. We will be doing Eastern Caribbean out of FLL. What are the major differences that we will see between the 2 lines? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceguyneastbay Posted October 6, 2015 #2 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Fewer kids on board. Better food IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrooveInWhichWeMove Posted October 6, 2015 #3 Share Posted October 6, 2015 By now, you probably have noticed it cost a bit more... :) Demographically, HAL will be a little older. You'll see more seniors. When you're on the ship, you'll notice there's no water slide or IMAX films. There's a movie theatre, yes, but it'll be a small one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZNative2000 Posted October 6, 2015 #4 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I've been on both Carnival and HAL. I think you'll find HAL to be quieter and more subdued. The ambiance may be toward the romantic you may be seeking. No pool-side contests. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBEAR77 Posted October 6, 2015 Author #5 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Thanks for the information so far. I plan way too much but I also like to know what I am getting in to. What is there to do during the day/night? Shows, Comedy, Music? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
take us away Posted October 6, 2015 #6 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The bigger the ship, the more options for entertainment. IMO, the biggest difference is the service - you cannot beat the service on HAL - and also there will be no belly flop or hairy legs contests on HAL as HAL tends to be a bit more sedate than Carnival. A friend once compared Carnival to a restaurant with children's games and HAL to a nice restaurant for many things, not just food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayS Posted October 6, 2015 #7 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Thanks for the information so far. I plan way too much but I also like to know what I am getting in to. What is there to do during the day/night? Shows, Comedy, Music? One show at 8 , repeated at 10, a night. It will vary between HAL singers and dancers, a comedian or musician. No comedy club or midnight show. Bands, DJ,piano bar and classical music duo. Here is a link to a typical cruise On Location. http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/travel-2/eastern-caribbean-ms-nieuw-amsterdam-on-locations-daily-activities-2014-15/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avian777 Posted October 6, 2015 #8 Share Posted October 6, 2015 ... What are the major differences that we will see between the 2 lines? IMHO there is one significant difference between Carnival and HAL - only HAL has a Roman Catholic priest (who celebrates daily Mass) on board every one of its cruises. Since spiritual renewal is an important component of our vacation experience, HAL is the hands-down choice for us. I hope you enjoy your HAL cruise and return for more in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveOKC Posted October 6, 2015 #9 Share Posted October 6, 2015 (edited) As I have mentioned on here that I have cruised on Carnival a handful of times. This will be my first HAL trip as I want to take my long time GF on a nice week long trip. We will be doing Eastern Caribbean out of FLL. What are the major differences that we will see between the 2 lines? SLIGHTLY biased, but I have one Carnival cruise under my belt and about 20 on HAL, so that should tell you alot. Carnival does a good job, but IMO HAL is a superior product, for which you generally pay more. HAL does a much better job in food, quieter environment, crew service levels and room service. Carnival is better in entertainment and "energy level" in the evenings. Since each of us has different desires when traveling, each line will appeal to different people (my younger sister and her husband (both 15 years younger than I) love Carnival, of course they like to party more than I do and stay up later. They are more into pizza and beer, I am more into wine and cheese. Hope this helps. DaveOKC Edited October 6, 2015 by DaveOKC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lstrong Posted October 6, 2015 #10 Share Posted October 6, 2015 I actually think carnival has many more food options than HAL and is equally as good. Nightlife on HAL is nice, but entertainment far better on carnival. Both have terrific staff and excellent service. HAL has better room service options. I enjoy both lines for different reasons. Depends on your style of cruising. You will enjoy your HAL cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted October 6, 2015 #11 Share Posted October 6, 2015 OP - Which ship are you looking at? The larger ships of the Vista Class (Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, & Noordam) or the Signature Class (Eurodam & Nieuw Amsterdam) will have more entertainment options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viesczy Posted October 6, 2015 #12 Share Posted October 6, 2015 So you're on the Westy. She is a fine boat and compares in size/approx pax #s to the Carnival ships you've been on, but will be a little more subdued than how you're used to things. Don't expect a lot to do after 10.30-11 pm beyond the clean up the left over food from earlier in the night buffet. Don't sweat the 'god's waiting room' badge that HAL has, short cruises will have a mix of all demographics. You'll have a good, relaxing & tranquil time that gives a lot of "our" time. What can be wrong with that? Nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaBands Posted October 6, 2015 #13 Share Posted October 6, 2015 was the supper club at the top of the ship. The food was prepared in an open kitchen that we could see and the selection was better than the Pinnacle. Also they had a lot of space between tables and a small combo playing standards and a small dance floor. I think that there is a better class of people on HAL ships but that may make me seem snobish but you don't see people coming into the dining room in shorts, t shirts and hats on backwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprockie Posted October 6, 2015 #14 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The main difference for us was the volume around the pool and the crowding around the pool. The music and videos were played so loud on Carnival in the afternoon I couldn't hear my kids speak to me. Also, large crowds around the pool. I just didn't find the Carnival poolside experience to be positive at all. However, I really feel that in all other aspects, the two lines are very comparable - service, food, entertainment etc. Yes, you will find a more subdued, quieter crowd on HAL, but that's fine with us. We cruise to chill, not go wild. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YubaSutter Posted October 6, 2015 #15 Share Posted October 6, 2015 As I have mentioned on here that I have cruised on Carnival a handful of times. This will be my first HAL trip as I want to take my long time GF on a nice week long trip. We will be doing Eastern Caribbean out of FLL. What are the major differences that we will see between the 2 lines? Carnival: sun tan lotion HAL: Ben Gay rub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveOKC Posted October 6, 2015 #16 Share Posted October 6, 2015 The main difference for us was the volume around the pool and the crowding around the pool. The music and videos were played so loud on Carnival in the afternoon I couldn't hear my kids speak to me. Also, large crowds around the pool. I just didn't find the Carnival poolside experience to be positive at all.However, I really feel that in all other aspects, the two lines are very comparable - service, food, entertainment etc. Yes, you will find a more subdued, quieter crowd on HAL, but that's fine with us. We cruise to chill, not go wild. Second the pool issues on Carnival - seldom a problem finding a place on HAL, on Carnival we had to sit a deck above the pool and around the corner! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbhcw Posted October 6, 2015 #17 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Will third on the pool issues...we don't do the pool much anymore but on our first Hal cruise..on the Maasdam I thought I had died and gone to heaven when we went to the aft pool one afternoon and there was no one there except the entertainment staff:D It's not quite that good anymore...but still wonderful compared to Carnival...we always sat on the upper deck on Carnival..just too much going on near the pool... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBEAR77 Posted October 7, 2015 Author #18 Share Posted October 7, 2015 This is great information folks. Please keep it up! I have been in the pool once in our 4 Carnival cruises. I look forward to being able to enjoy the pool. The relaxed atmosphere seems like it will be right up our alley. I am concerned with the amount of free entertainment on board HAL. Seems like you have to pay for a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boulders Posted October 7, 2015 #19 Share Posted October 7, 2015 I am concerned with the amount of free entertainment on board HAL. Seems like you have to pay for a lot. Not sure where you would get the idea that you have to pay for entertainment on HAL? :confused: All entertainment is free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Gail & Marty sailing away Posted October 7, 2015 #20 Share Posted October 7, 2015 The bigger the ship, the more options for entertainment. IMO, the biggest difference is the service - you cannot beat the service on HAL - and also there will be no belly flop or hairy legs contests on HAL as HAL tends to be a bit more sedate than Carnival. A friend once compared Carnival to a restaurant with children's games and HAL to a nice restaurant for many things, not just food. I agree 100% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBEAR77 Posted October 7, 2015 Author #21 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Sorry misuse of the word entertainemnt. Meant like Beer tastings, wine tastings, cooking classes, and such. Seems like a lot more of those on HAL than Carnival. I normally play trivia like 2-3 times a day on Carnival so I am looking for stuff like that too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted October 7, 2015 #22 Share Posted October 7, 2015 Sorry misuse of the word entertainemnt. Meant like Beer tastings, wine tastings, cooking classes, and such. Seems like a lot more of those on HAL than Carnival. I normally play trivia like 2-3 times a day on Carnival so I am looking for stuff like that too. Yes, there are beer and wine tasting, and those do have a charge. There is trivia (free), I don't know how many times a day. There are cooking demos that are free. If they offer classes where you actually cook, there's a charge for that. There also are computer workshops, based on Windows not Apple or anything "i" and those are free--and often quite full so get there early. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmccray Posted October 7, 2015 #23 Share Posted October 7, 2015 I'm looking into Eurodam for Christmas but only been on Royal 5 times. I'm somewhat nervous but my male partner doesn't want to be around obnixous cruisers (drunks, etc.) so I'm opting for this line; however, I'm 47 and he's 51. I read they have Motown and Blues entertainment so I can do without the belly flops and alot of kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprockie Posted October 7, 2015 #24 Share Posted October 7, 2015 I'm looking into Eurodam for Christmas but only been on Royal 5 times. I'm somewhat nervous but my male partner doesn't want to be around obnixous cruisers (drunks, etc.) so I'm opting for this line; however, I'm 47 and he's 51. I read they have Motown and Blues entertainment so I can do without the belly flops and alot of kids. I've met my share of obnoxious folks on every line we've cruised on. They come in all shapes and sizes and ages.....but I get where you're coming from by choosing HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveOKC Posted October 7, 2015 #25 Share Posted October 7, 2015 I'm looking into Eurodam for Christmas but only been on Royal 5 times. I'm somewhat nervous but my male partner doesn't want to be around obnixous cruisers (drunks, etc.) so I'm opting for this line; however, I'm 47 and he's 51. I read they have Motown and Blues entertainment so I can do without the belly flops and alot of kids. I find HAL cruisers to be a bit more conservative. Since we cruise in the non-vacation time periods, we experience an older crowd as well. I am sure that in the summer and Spring/Fall breaks that there are younger cruisers and more kids. As to Motown - on our last cruise on the Maasdam they had a Motown night in the Crows Nest. The band had a poor concept of Motown music (I grew up in Motown in the 60/70s) and I was quite disappointed in their selections. I made sure to tell the CD when I saw her! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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