Considering Holland - current Princess cruiser

[5Cats]

I've only been on Princess cruises but am considering Holland for our next cruise. DH and I are mid 40's. Not big partiers - he's more into food. Love Anytime dining. The one thing I love on Princess is the Movies Under the Stars, and there are very few kids on our cruises. We tend to cruise when kids are in school - not on breaks.

 

What are the best things about Holland ships, cruises, etc?

 

If you've cruised Princess and Holland, what are the differences?

 

Thank you,

Kim

[take us away]

Have sailed both lines but always come back to HAL because of the service! and itineraries.

 

Most HAL ships do not have the glitz and glamour of the newer Princess ships but more quiet elegance. Food was pretty equivalent, cabins seem a bit larger on HAL, bathrooms are better on HAL as most have a bathtub so more room to shower. Movies under the Stars is just beginning on HAL ships.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed on both cruise lines.

Do love the idea that HAL has larger cabins and regular closets for clothes.

Also have found the crew on HAL is friendlier.

[diane.in.ny]

I too have sailed on both lines.

 

I think the biggest difference you will find is the average age of the passengers. On HAL they tend to be older and you'll see a lot more walkers and scooters.

 

Other than that, I find the differences negligible and pick between them based on price and itinerary.

[avian777]

... What are the best things about Holland ships, cruises, etc? ...

Thank you,

Kim

 

There are many differences between Princess and HAL but IMHO one very significant difference between them: only HAL has a Roman Catholic priest (who celebrates daily Mass) on board every one of its cruises. So if spiritual renewal is an important component of your vacation experience, HAL is the hands-down choice. Smooth sailing!

Edited December 28, 2015 by avian777

[vicd1969]

My sister and BIL, also in their mid 40s, have done a couple of Princess cruises and one HAL. For what it's worth, they said that HAL crew are more willing to do extra to help but both lines' crew are friendly. They preferred the MDR experience in HAL but liked the Princess buffet better. Princess has better desserts but HAL has better appetizers/soups. I think Princess any-time dining is better than HAL's. In HAL, it seemed our experience with fixed-time dining was a lot better than the times we went with anytime.

 

Activities-wise, there were better entertainment options in Princess, and the trivia was easier to win. They loved Movie under the Stars, the movie-watching experience wasn't as good in our HAL ship. They really liked the educational workshops in HAL such as the cooking class, Microsoft class and destination presentation, however. There wasn't much downtime on either cruise line for them.

 

I didn't see any extra tangible benefit, but you automatically get 1-star Mariner status on HAL if you've gone on Princess cruises.

[Roz]

They are more alike than different.

 

Roz

[Hlitner]

We also have cruised both lines (several hundred days on each) and there are quite a few differences which do somewhat vary depending on the ship and length of cruise. One huge difference is in the smoking policy. On Princess smokers are limited to smoking in the Casino (except on smokeless nights) and a few designated outdoor areas. HAL also allows smoking (of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc) on all passenger balconies. They also do have designated outdoor areas where smoking is permitted and allow limited smoking in their casinos (for only those who are actually gambling).

 

Another major difference are the eating times. While Princess has very expansive opening times in their Lido and in the MDR for Select Dining, HAL really limits times. On Princess you can go to the Lido and enjoy a late breakfast at 11am. But on HAL, at that time of the day, you would be limited to room service. And if you want to eat dinner at 8:35 on HAL, forget about it as the Open Dining option usually closes by around 8 and the Lido is also closed (it does reopen for a late night snack around 10:30).

 

Another major difference is for late night folks. Most Princess ships are alive and well until at least midnight with late night comedy shows, several live music venues, hopping bar areas, etc. But on HAL (especially longer HAL cruises) they seem to roll up the sidewalks by 9:30. There are no late night adult comedy shows and the ships are usually pretty dead by 10...with the exception of the piano bars where you might find a handful of passengers until about 11:30.

 

One advantage for some is that many HAL ships have lots of bathtubs (hard to find on other cruise lines) in passenger cabins. HAL also has terrific room service menus and you can get a full hot breakfast in your cabin (Princess is pretty much limited to Continental breakfast items).

 

Hank

[Tom O.]

HAL ships, on average, are smaller than Princess ships. The balconies are a different design than Princess. Many Princess balconies are uncovered, and can be viewed from above. All, HAL balconies, are covered and are more private.

The food quality is about the same on both lines. HAL passengers are mostly older than Princess, and therefore there are fewer children.

HAL still allows smoking on balconies, they are one of the few cruise line to do so. That could change, as they reserve the right to change their smoking policy at any time.

[SeaBands]

we had jam ups on the Emerald where all the elevators emptied to the small lobby just outside the dining room. The crew throughout the HAL ships are very friendly and no attitude unlike some we found on Princess ships. They had a number of Eastern Europeans who acted like they were doing you a favor by doing their job. We are sticking with HAL also due to the balcony smoking for my partner. Also the balcony cabins are bigger unless you book a mini suite.

Edited December 28, 2015 by SeaBands
spelling

[GeorgesGal]

HAL also has a sitting area in almost all of its staterooms that feature either a loveseat or full size sofa and coffee table.

[RMLincoln]

HAL's open dining is open until 9pm and it works very well in my several experiences.

 

Princess has longer hours for their buffet... on HAL the dinner buffet starts pulling dishes in around 7:30 - 7:45 and closes at 8pm. HAL has a buffet break between meals... length of the break will depend on the ship. On Nieuw Amsterdam buffet breakfast was 7-10:30 (Continental breakfast 30 minutes longer on each end); lunch was 11:30 - 2pm with Pizza made to order open until midnight and the hamburger grill (Dive In) open all afternoon until 5:30 when the dinner buffet began. I recall that sandwiches and salads were available after 2pm but maybe not until 5:30, it's not listed in my On Locations daily program.

 

But remember that HAL's room service is excellent with hot meal selections always available, even for breakfast on disembarkation day.

 

HALs rooms are ready when you board and you can stay in your room until you leave the ship.

 

HALs pools are not salt water.

 

Princess has more entertainment, partly due to having more venues on their larger ships.

 

I have found very friendly crew on both lines and some of Princess's crew have outshined some of HAL's crew in my experiences... maybe if you travel in suites and better it's different but in regular rooms (insides - balconies) I don't see any significant differences. When I have talked with eastern Europeans about their homes and families I have them to be very friendly too.

 

For me one drawback for Princess is the lack of a couch in most of their rooms. It's becoming a deal breaker for me. It's more important for me to have a couch than a window or maybe even a balcony. But's that's my yardstick, not universal.

 

Age of passengers usually tracks with length of itinerary both on HAL and Princess. There were a lot of elders and walkers on our transatlantic and our Pacific cruises. And a lot of families with children on HAL's 1-week itineraries.

 

I do appreciate HAL's complimentary Microsoft classes but if you are Apple uses that's not much benefit.

 

I also agree that the lines are more similar than different and I hope you find an itinerary you like at a price that works for you. m--

[diane.in.ny]

 

For me one drawback for Princess is the lack of a couch in most of their rooms. It's becoming a deal breaker for me. It's more important for me to have a couch than a window or maybe even a balcony. But's that's my yardstick, not universal.

 

--

 

Good point which is why we end up booking a mini-suite on Princess. That couch is important to my husband also

[cruz chic]

We also have cruised both lines (several hundred days on each) and there are quite a few differences which do somewhat vary depending on the ship and length of cruise. One huge difference is in the smoking policy. On Princess smokers are limited to smoking in the Casino (except on smokeless nights) and a few designated outdoor areas. HAL also allows smoking (of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc) on all passenger balconies. They also do have designated outdoor areas where smoking is permitted and allow limited smoking in their casinos (for only those who are actually gambling).

 

Another major difference are the eating times. While Princess has very expansive opening times in their Lido and in the MDR for Select Dining, HAL really limits times. On Princess you can go to the Lido and enjoy a late breakfast at 11am. But on HAL, at that time of the day, you would be limited to room service. And if you want to eat dinner at 8:35 on HAL, forget about it as the Open Dining option usually closes by around 8 and the Lido is also closed (it does reopen for a late night snack around 10:30).

 

Another major difference is for late night folks. Most Princess ships are alive and well until at least midnight with late night comedy shows, several live music venues, hopping bar areas, etc. But on HAL (especially longer HAL cruises) they seem to roll up the sidewalks by 9:30. There are no late night adult comedy shows and the ships are usually pretty dead by 10...with the exception of the piano bars where you might find a handful of passengers until about 11:30.

 

One advantage for some is that many HAL ships have lots of bathtubs (hard to find on other cruise lines) in passenger cabins. HAL also has terrific room service menus and you can get a full hot breakfast in your cabin (Princess is pretty much limited to Continental breakfast items).

 

Hank

 

No, those aren't the correct times for open dining. It is open until 9 pm. I've seen you mention this many times. Please try to give correct info.

[cruz chic]

Breakfast is much nicer on Hal.

 

Food is about equal on both.

 

Wine service as well as MDR service is much better on princess.

 

Friendly crew on both lines.

 

Hal has better gyms, bigger rooms and generally more comfy beds.

 

Entertainment is better on princess.

 

Buffet better on Hal.

[iancal]

They are very similar.

 

My advice would be to choose your HAL ship carefully. Read the reviews. It is an older fleet. Also, be careful not to book a stateroom that was added to the ship after it was first built/designed.

 

Enjoy.

[elou]

Sorry, I don't go along with many of the posters. I've cruised 40 times with other lines - Princess being one. The only reason I've gone on HAL 3 times is because of my mom. (I'm 70, she's 90). I will admit they give you white glove service, but otherwise, I am so bored on their ships. I like to do activities. They have one trivia game each day (very, very crowded). Maybe 2 arts/crafts on a 7 day cruise. I'm not into cooking since I don't cook or the casino. If you want a ship to relax only - there is a huge library and their pools - then take HAL. If you prefer more daytime activities, stay with Princess. Good luck.

[5Cats]

Thank you for all the info. My wonderful DH snores terribly, so I'm considering separate interior rooms. Seems like HAL gives better pricing for single occupancy. Seems like Princess prices have gone up and I don't necessarily find those new things of value.

 

Happy new year to all!!!

[silly44]

I've cruised both lines twice. First HAL and we loved everything about it. The second was princess for a new years cruise and it was good but we were not as impressed with the service and food, we tried again as we thought it might have just been because it was a new years cruise but again didn't compare to our first so we tried HAL again and loved it.

 

IMO:

The food is better on HAL in the MDR

The pizza and ice cream was much better on HAL

The rooms are bigger on HAL

The nightly shows put on by the ship dancers were better on princess, our last HAL had great shows that were brought on board including recycled percussion, a great comedian, and dancing with the stars at sea.

As for other entertainment our last HAL cruise had so much to do many times we had multiple things to decide between.

[Caribensun]

Holland; only 70 yr old mom really likes Holland. 24 hr room service slow and not great on either line, but Princess is faster. Smaller more fish dishes on Holland, we had hard time finding something to eat. Buffet, Intl Cafe, pizza win on Princess, but ice cream wins on HAL- but closes after lunch until 10 or 10:30 pm. Shows better on Princess. HAL in room DVDs and lounge theatre showing movies. Promenade all non-smoking and flat-HAL wins. Gym goes to Princess. Spa goes to HAL, Casino to Princess, as gives free drinks playing a lot and staff around. Bingo goes to Princess. Rooms-basic room has tub, but sink area and storage seems smaller than Princess. Highly recommend A Neptune Suite, can use on Embarkation day for juices, snacks, also on disembarkation day, pastries, fruits for breakfast and suite breakfast is served in restaurant too -HAL wins here. Coffee, great coffee in Neptune lounge, no need for coffee card. Now coffee makers in Neptune Suites. Princess Full Suite vs Neptune Suite- Like the sitting area with 2 tvs on Princess, but the bathroom, closets (not just one), makeup area, bed(s), balcony and balcony furniture go to HAL. Couldn't use balcony on either cruise as smokers (what few there are-were next to us).

Better smokiing areas away from Passengers goes to HAL. Crows Nest with puzzle area and viewing lounge chairs/library goes to HAL

Pool area never feels crowded on HAL. HAL does Alaska the best and especially if in Neptune Suite. Pools are colder on HAL, didn't think a pool could be colder than Princess. HAL wins for non-smoking sports bar and people dress nice on sea days and for dinner, Staff is subjective. Smoking on balconies is what will keep me from cruising HAL agsin-again only went with mom. It will be a different experience from Princess, Princess is so much more casual dress and just casual to us. You won't know until you try and it took me 28 cruises before trying HAL. Can't wait for HAL to end smoking on balconies then will cruise HAL more.

HAL muster is outside, be prepared for your weather.

Take a different cruise as a new experience, you don't know until you try and how bad can it really be.?

[take us away]

Thank you for all the info. My wonderful DH snores terribly, so I'm considering separate interior rooms. Seems like HAL gives better pricing for single occupancy. Seems like Princess prices have gone up and I don't necessarily find those new things of value.

 

Happy new year to all!!!

 

You may be able to get connecting rooms. Just ask your TA or check the schematics as they are marked.

[colonialinnkeeper]

Holland; only 70 yr old mom really likes Holland. 24 hr room service slow and not great on either line, but Princess is faster. Smaller more fish dishes on Holland, we had hard time finding something to eat. Buffet, Intl Cafe, pizza win on Princess, but ice cream wins on HAL- but closes after lunch until 10 or 10:30 pm. Shows better on Princess. HAL in room DVDs and lounge theatre showing movies. Promenade all non-smoking and flat-HAL wins. Gym goes to Princess. Spa goes to HAL, Casino to Princess, as gives free drinks playing a lot and staff around. Bingo goes to Princess. Rooms-basic room has tub, but sink area and storage seems smaller than Princess. Highly recommend A Neptune Suite, can use on Embarkation day for juices, snacks, also on disembarkation day, pastries, fruits for breakfast and suite breakfast is served in restaurant too -HAL wins here. Coffee, great coffee in Neptune lounge, no need for coffee card. Now coffee makers in Neptune Suites. Princess Full Suite vs Neptune Suite- Like the sitting area with 2 tvs on Princess, but the bathroom, closets (not just one), makeup area, bed(s), balcony and balcony furniture go to HAL. Couldn't use balcony on either cruise as smokers (what few there are-were next to us).

Better smokiing areas away from Passengers goes to HAL. Crows Nest with puzzle area and viewing lounge chairs/library goes to HAL

Pool area never feels crowded on HAL. HAL does Alaska the best and especially if in Neptune Suite. Pools are colder on HAL, didn't think a pool could be colder than Princess. HAL wins for non-smoking sports bar and people dress nice on sea days and for dinner, Staff is subjective. Smoking on balconies is what will keep me from cruising HAL agsin-again only went with mom. It will be a different experience from Princess, Princess is so much more casual dress and just casual to us. You won't know until you try and it took me 28 cruises before trying HAL. Can't wait for HAL to end smoking on balconies then will cruise HAL more.

HAL muster is outside, be prepared for your weather.

Take a different cruise as a new experience, you don't know until you try and how bad can it really be.?

 

Haven't been on Princess in a few years so won't comment on them. Only two differences on the above on HAL. Ice cream is available all afternoon as are the cookie trays and there is no charge. We love the room service available on HAL. We have full hot breakfast brought to the cabin on each port day. It appears in the time window we ask for and is hot. You can also order full dinner room service when the MDR is open. Room service is always available any time of day or evening.

 

Our balcony cabins offer full sofa and a chair with coffee table that changes height to accommodate your needs. Our balconies have either two chairs, an ottoman and small table or a lounge, chair and small table. We have booked a Caribbean B2B on Princess this winter and look forward to seeing how Princess is now.

[Hlitner]

We would have an issue with the "pool area never feeling crowded" comment about HAL. It depends on the ship. HAL, in the interest of adding more cabins, tore out the aft pools on 2 of its ships (including the Rotterdam) creating ships with only a single pool. If it is a hot day, good luck finding a chair at this single pool (especially on the Rotterdam). And if there are just a few rambunctious kids/teens on the ship who decide to take over the pool, you will quickly hear grumbling from many older folks who simply want to swim laps or stand in the pool without being splashed by kids. Compare this to several Princess ships that have multiple pools including a nice size pool limited to "adults only."

 

Speaking of cut-backs.....whatever marine architect came up with the idea of replacing the Rotterdam's aft pool with a large human/bird bath should be tied to a yardarm! This was only done so that HAL could add additional cabins (and revenue) without any increase in public areas or services. We are not aware of any other line who has comparably sized ships/passengers with only a single pool.

 

Hank

Edited December 29, 2015 by Hlitner

[Tom O.]

My wonderful DH snores terribly, so I'm considering separate interior rooms. Seems like HAL gives better pricing for single occupancy.

Happy new year to all!!!

 

As far as I know, both Princess & HAL will charge you for two people for single occupancy. So you would have to pay for four people to get two rooms, with either cruise line.

 

Several people mentioned that Princess has better shows and daily activities than HAL. If this is important to you, it is something to consider. Personally, I never go to the shows or participate in any activities, so it is meaningless to me.

Likewise, HAL has better room service than Princess, and that would be meaningless to anybody who doesn't use room service. I use room service quite a bit and it is important to me.

So although both lines provide an overall equal quality, you will find one line that is a better fit with your tastes and interests.

[iancal]

I agree. The entertainment is equally lame on both lines. Once in a while you might get something good to your taste but not often. The so called stage shows are at the same level or lower than a reasonable high school production.

 

Cannot comment on the daily activities. Not something we take advantage of unless there is a good enrichment lecturer on a topic that interests us.

 

We think that cruising today on the mass market lines is very 'hit and miss'.

We go with lower expectations and always have a good cruise. But we refuse to pay top dollar for it since so much has been reduced in terms of food, service, entertainment , etc. on all lines.