HAL Oosterdam v Celebrity S Class

[swigso]

Hi

I am trying to figure out if a change to HAL would suite us.

The Oosterdam itinery really appeals but has anyone sailed in both

To give a comparison.

We have sailed over 20 times with Celebrity but never with HAL.

WE Love the Smoking Policy on Celebrity,

and have read that after its refurb the Eurodam now does

not allow smoking in the Casino.

Could anyone comment on this issue because as

a severe sufferer of Asma being around cigarette smoke

Is a deal breaker.

I really would welcome some feedback on how the smoking on balconies

affects people's enjoyment.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Not to be negative against HAL but in all honesty you better stick with Celebrity. Everyone I know that has an issue with this and has gone on HAL comes back and complains and with something like this I would not take the chance. HAL does ALLOW smoking on the balconies and casinos.(New to me about the Eurodam not allowing smoking but then I am not here reading as frequently as i use to)

To me the Solstice Class and Vista Class ships are two different animals and I find Celebrity to also be very different than HAL.

If you are willing to except change and know there will be areas that there are smokers than definitely try HAL especially if you like the itinerary but if that is a deal breaker. It is not worth the worry and stress before hand.

[Lady Arwen]

Long time Celebrity loyalist here. HAL only 4 cruises. Enjoy both lines, but Celebrity wins hands down with their smoking policy. Just came off Celebrity Solstice and loved it.....lovely ship. Booked on HAL Koningsdam for November because we wanted to experience their newest ship. However, we booked an interior cabin...no sense spending money on a balcony that could possibly be filled with second hand smoke from a neighbour. We've reserved a Retreat Cabana, so we will still have our own private spot with no smoking allowed for the entire 10 day cruise.

 

If the smell of smoke is an issue for you in the slightest, then I think you should stay with Celebrity. I'm willing to give it one more try with HAL and if smoke is an issue it will be our last.

[rkacruiser]

I am not a smoker, but do not object to those who do. Thus, no comment from me on that subject.

 

I have sailed on Celebrity Eclipse as well as 3 of the Vista Class ships (not the Oosterdam as of yet, however). The most striking thing that stands out in my memory is the difference in the decor. The Vistas' decor is lovely, but traditional. The decor on Eclipse is very modern in contrast, but also quite lovely as well.

 

I prefered the cast shows on HAL as compared to the cast shows on Eclipse. Of the 3 cast shows that I saw, in my opinion, 2 of them were just plain weird. Not to my taste whatsoever.

[swigso]

Thank you so much for you very nice replays.

I think we could perhaps take a chance that

The Balcony neighbours don't smoke but then

again if the previous occupants were smokers it would

really be a problem.

The itinery on the Oosterdam 14 night cruise was really appealing

but cannot take the chance on the smoking issue.

Celebrity's Smoking Policy is very very good.

Thanks I think you have helped make our decision

Edited March 26, 2016 by swigso

[Btimmer]

Thank you so much for you very nice replays.

I think we could perhaps take a chance that

The Balcony neighbours don't smoke but then

again if the previous occupants were smokers it would

really be a problem.

The itinery on the Oosterdam 14 night cruise was really appealing

but cannot take the chance on the smoking issue.

Celebrity's Smoking Policy is very very good.

Thanks I think you have helped make our decision

 

While I'm not a smoker and avoid being around smokers, the itinerary will always trump about any other issue. Enjoy your cruise!

[Lady Arwen]

Thank you so much for you very nice replays.

I think we could perhaps take a chance that

The Balcony neighbours don't smoke but then

again if the previous occupants were smokers it would

really be a problem.

The itinery on the Oosterdam 14 night cruise was really appealing

but cannot take the chance on the smoking issue.

Celebrity's Smoking Policy is very very good.

Thanks I think you have helped make our decision

 

I think you're making the right decision for yourself. Enjoy your Celebrity cruise!

[OlsSalt]

Actually on our last cruise it was the balcony cell phone use in each port that was more intrusive, than the occasional smoker. Seems folks like to talk really loud on their cell phones when they come into port and share the moment with their friends back home, on both sides of our cabin. ARRRGGGH.

 

But agree with everyone else, if smoking is a no-go, don't go on HAL because it still does exist in some areas - casino, aft deck bar area on one side only and balconies. We don't have a problem with it and can easily get around it. And a cigarette last only so long when someone is smoking outside, but those cell phone calls seemed to go on forever.

 

No, I really did not want to be part of your family and friends conversation, or say hello to your dog. :cool:

[cl.klink]

I've sailed both. Could smell smoke on our aft balcony from smokers several balconies away. Did not bother me much. It was only place could smell smoke. I liked the feel of Oosterdam a lot, calmer and less pressured than on Equinox, but thought the ship and food were better on X. Only slight differences though.

 

- Joel