iancal Posted February 7, 2019 #51 Share Posted February 7, 2019 We have had wonderful cruises on Princess, Celebrity, Crystal, RCI, and Carnival that all compare very well to HAL. Yes, there are differences however we enjoy those differences. There are still a number of cruise lines that we want to try. We do not cruise fore more than 21 days. Neither of us can imagine being loyal to any one cruise line. There are simply too many great ships and cruise lines to try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrSea Posted February 8, 2019 #52 Share Posted February 8, 2019 On 2/6/2019 at 6:08 PM, danb35 said: My wife and I (40 and 45) just sailed with them, and we weren't the youngest people on board--though I'd say we were in the bottom 10%. On 2/6/2019 at 6:18 PM, knittinggirl said: We went on a 14+11 day B2B on the Serenade of the Seas. On the 14-day leg, most were 55 or over, but on the 11 day, the general age dropped to mid-40s. The older passengers could do the 14-day cruise plus the pre-and post cruise travel easier than the with the younger. 11-days is about good enough for working passengers that get only two weeks off a year. We use facial tissues for opening doors and also touching the lotion pump. They usually have a trash can right by the door for disposing of the tissues. I'm pretty sure I can recover from Noro faster than a broken bone.. On our first Voyage of the Vikings, after a couple rough days at sea, we saw a woman with a bruise over most of her face. By the time we got to Boston, she was almost back to normal. On 2/6/2019 at 7:07 PM, DC1979 said: Me. I was in my early 30s on my first cruise with HAL and I absolutely loved it. Yes I was amongst the youngest ones on it. But I enjoyed my experience very much. And seeing some on the people coming off the other ships at various ports, I was so glad I chose HAL. I could not imagine being stuck on a ship with some of them. (Note, this is not to say there is anything wrong with them, or that I am better. It’s just not the style of vacation that I want. I prefer more relaxing, quiet, understated, elegant, etc. Of course those people looked like they were having a blast, and I was happy for them, and they probably would have hated HAL. All different kinds of people in the world, and nothing wrong with that. Just know what you want, and choose wisely!!). Thank you everyone for your awesome responses. I go on my first HAL cruise on the 2/16. I am just excited for my vacation. Good to know what to kind of expect. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace2U Posted February 8, 2019 Author #53 Share Posted February 8, 2019 On 2/6/2019 at 4:51 PM, kochleffel said: I have to confess that I have a slightly negative impression of HAL passengers, based solely on posts on this board. It's possible that I would have the same impression of passengers on other cruise lines if I read those board more attentively. Actually it was really great and the people were wonderful! I was pleasantly surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace2U Posted February 8, 2019 Author #54 Share Posted February 8, 2019 On 2/6/2019 at 3:21 PM, OlsSalt said: Viking - $2999 Crystal -$ 2583 Regent - $3199 Oceania - $2879 Oof. What makes the prices so high on these? Is it worth it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace2U Posted February 8, 2019 Author #55 Share Posted February 8, 2019 On 2/6/2019 at 5:22 PM, BJzink said: Speaking as a single woman traveling alone, I love HAL because I feel safe at all times, even on tours. The ports are so interesting, and the lectures informative. Where else could I learn about the origins of Tango or Mata. As mentioned, the staff is attentive, knows my name by the second day, and go out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I am not impaired at all, go on tours that require lots of walking, and love to learn anything. The other thing that differentiates HAL from other cruise lines is their use of fresh flower arrangements all over the ships. I can totally understand that. Very few crazy folks on board. I did see lots of, I think they were, orchids. Very lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace2U Posted February 8, 2019 Author #56 Share Posted February 8, 2019 On 2/7/2019 at 6:27 AM, iancal said: We have had wonderful cruises on Princess, Celebrity, Crystal, RCI, and Carnival that all compare very well to HAL. Yes, there are differences however we enjoy those differences. There are still a number of cruise lines that we want to try. We do not cruise fore more than 21 days. Neither of us can imagine being loyal to any one cruise line. There are simply too many great ships and cruise lines to try. Yes, there are. It's fun to get a variety of experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walfam Posted February 8, 2019 #57 Share Posted February 8, 2019 On 2/6/2019 at 5:49 PM, DrSea said: How do I get the lotion without touching something that could give me the norovirus or touching something even worst 😷 I bring my own from home. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dundeene Posted February 9, 2019 #58 Share Posted February 9, 2019 3 hours ago, Peace2U said: Oof. What makes the prices so high on these? Is it worth it? If you are curious please take some time to check out each companies website. What does the price include? airfare, port fees and taxes, excursion in every port, all beverages, alcohol, a butler for your cabin, specialty restaurants, prepaid gratuities, $600 OBC? Some of these include 5 or 6 of these 9! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace2U Posted February 9, 2019 Author #59 Share Posted February 9, 2019 1 hour ago, dundeene said: If you are curious please take some time to check out each companies website. What does the price include? airfare, port fees and taxes, excursion in every port, all beverages, alcohol, a butler for your cabin, specialty restaurants, prepaid gratuities, $600 OBC? Some of these include 5 or 6 of these 9! The alcohol being covered is probably nice, although we don't drink much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freshwater_princess Posted February 9, 2019 #60 Share Posted February 9, 2019 4 hours ago, Peace2U said: Yes, there are. It's fun to get a variety of experiences. I have cruised on HAL and Princess. While both are premium lines, I prefer Princess overall. Princess has more activities, the onboard atmosphere is friendlier and the ship’s interior and exterior are beautiful. Holland has slightly better food and excellent service. I would go on both lines again, but my ❤️ belongs to Princess. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dundeene Posted February 9, 2019 #61 Share Posted February 9, 2019 If you are going to Europe, Asia or the South Pacific, including airfare can be a huge perk. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peace2U Posted February 9, 2019 Author #62 Share Posted February 9, 2019 4 minutes ago, freshwater_princess said: I have cruised on HAL and Princess. While both are premium lines, I prefer Princess overall. Princess has more activities, the onboard atmosphere is friendlier and the ship’s interior and exterior are beautiful. Holland has slightly better food and excellent service. I would go on both lines again, but my ❤️ belongs to Princess. I prefer Princess as well. We should cruise together. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freshwater_princess Posted February 9, 2019 #63 Share Posted February 9, 2019 2 minutes ago, Peace2U said: I prefer Princess as well. We should cruise together. Definitely 🙂 We’ll have to set something up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 9, 2019 #64 Share Posted February 9, 2019 (edited) On 2/8/2019 at 3:33 PM, Peace2U said: Oof. What makes the prices so high on these? Is it worth it? Well the prices are pretty much all inclusive...the published fare included RT air, Port and Taxes, All coffees, soft drinks, fruit juices, All specialties are included and you can eat lobster everyday in every restaurant... even the pool grill. Outstanding food and cuisine, and again no charge in any of the many restaurants,,, French, Asian, Steak house, Italian , restaurants,, Casual dress, no formals, restaurants that exceed many of the best on land... No more fighting to get a chaise by the pool... they are always pretty much open No lines, crowds or blaring music the opportunity to meet and converse with other well mannered, well traveled passengers a low key yet a classy ambiance like a country club Free art classes by accomplished artists, Culinary classes... Wine dinners.... . No nickel-dime things..., ship photographers ... art auctions..... none. No sill class systems...every passenger is equal when out of the cabin... no private clubs and lots of space ...uncrowded ... serene where you experience real ocean travel not a floating mall and carnival.... An adult ship experience for adults of all ages.. Ships that only take 650-1250 passengers, Few if any kids, large well decorated cabins almost all are verandas. Choice of free shore ex or OBC, Twice the staff to passenger Unlimited liquor packages of high end liquors and a European staff for most of the ships... who are well trained in service that is low key and not haughty. Is it worth it......YES. In fact when one considers all the included things that one would end up spending on lines that offered more economical fares yet hustled you at every turn you discover , at the end of the day, that you were spending as much .or more than you would on the cheaper cruise... You pretty much write one check at the beginning and thats pretty much it......... I started Sailing Hal tried Celeb, NCL, Then I discovered Regent, Oceania, Azamar, Crystal... Viking is not even in the game really..... I warn you have no idea how good it can get...it may ruin you. I still sail Hal every now and then.... But I will come back to the premium experience for pure value and enjoyment that cant be matched elsewhere......Thats my experience....I might be yours too !!! Worth it are you kidding !!!! Edited February 9, 2019 by Hawaiidan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo59 Posted February 9, 2019 #65 Share Posted February 9, 2019 We sailed on Royal Princess this past summer. Food quality and service were so far below our experiences on previous Princess cruises (14 cruises) that we cancelled our Winter 2019 Princess cruise on Royal Princess. We booked Holland America (2 cruises this winter), primarily because of the excellent service, food quality, and the Lincoln Center Stage music program. Holland America and Cunard (Queen Mary, Queen Victoria) have become our favorite cruise lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 9, 2019 #66 Share Posted February 9, 2019 19 hours ago, freshwater_princess said: I have cruised on HAL and Princess. While both are premium lines, I prefer Princess overall. Princess has more activities, the onboard atmosphere is friendlier and the ship’s interior and exterior are beautiful. Holland has slightly better food and excellent service. I would go on both lines again, but my ❤️ belongs to Princess. Not to argue...but in the scope of things rating all lines by the worlds traveler agents and customers, HAL and Princess are still solid upper mass market lines. Nice, nothing wrong but yo should try a real premium line . you will be very suprised Oceaina and Azamar and Viking are currently the only ones rated as Premium lines Regent and Crystal are rated Luxury..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 10, 2019 #67 Share Posted February 10, 2019 19 hours ago, Peace2U said: The alcohol being covered is probably nice, although we don't drink much. For not drinkers there are reductions and other offerings such as shore ex tours instead....... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquahound Posted February 10, 2019 #68 Share Posted February 10, 2019 (edited) 41 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said: Not to argue...but in the scope of things rating all lines by the worlds traveler agents and customers, HAL and Princess are still solid upper mass market lines. Nice, nothing wrong but yo should try a real premium line . you will be very suprised Oceaina and Azamar and Viking are currently the only ones rated as Premium lines Regent and Crystal are rated Luxury..... That isn't necessarily true. Travel sites never seem to agree on cruise line classifications. This site says Celebrity, Disney, HAL and Princess are Premium... https://*****/cruise-line-types-figuring-out-what-the-different-categories-mean/ Yet this one says Oceania and Azamara are Premium... http://www.travelharmony.com/more/cruises_cat_more.html Point is, "Premium" doesn't seem to have a solid definition in cruising. Edited February 10, 2019 by Aquahound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 10, 2019 #69 Share Posted February 10, 2019 (edited) 17 hours ago, Aquahound said: That isn't necessarily true. Travel sites never seem to agree on cruise line classifications. This site says Celebrity, Disney, HAL and Princess are Premium... https://*****/cruise-line-types-figuring-out-what-the-different-categories-mean/ Yet this one says Oceania and Azamara are Premium... http://www.travelharmony.com/more/cruises_cat_more.html Point is, "Premium" doesn't seem to have a solid definition in cruising. Your right...the term is skewed and thus pretty meaningless I think what one needs to do is actually go and experience the real differences between the lines. So too it is subjective to the person making that evaluation. What does that person think is average, what is premium and what is luxury based on their values. It is their reality and you can not argue with a persons reality. Heck some think Princess or Disney is Luxury. From my experience sailing many ships and lines the divisions are very clear cut to me I would rank in ascending order Carnival- RCCL- MSC-NCL-Princess-Disney-Celebrity -Cunard and HAL are mass market ships good solid experiences in that ascending order based on my experience , what they provide, the ambiance the experience you receive Viking-Azamar-Oceania in the premium Crystal-Silversea- Seabourn-Regent in the Luxury class Your ranking may vary according to your taste and experience.... some might say that Princess or Carnival is to them luxury... and it would be. However what would that persons evaluation be or change if they had just come from a Regent 21 day cruise ???? Id like to think my VW bug was as good as a porsche 911. But it was not in actuality Edited February 10, 2019 by Hawaiidan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquahound Posted February 10, 2019 #70 Share Posted February 10, 2019 1 hour ago, Hawaiidan said: Your right...the term is skewed and thus pretty meaningless It seemed like there were better definitions back in the day. I seem to remember the 3 main categories being Mass Market or Contemporary, Premium, and Luxury. Lines that fell in the Premium category were marked that way due to certain amenities like enrichment seminars and better included meals. Now, they're throwing in categories like Boutique, Expeditionary, Ultra Contemporary, etc. The lines between the categories have become very blurred thus much more open to opinion. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlsSalt Posted February 10, 2019 #71 Share Posted February 10, 2019 Add to this the new "Comfort Class" designation that somehow guarantees minimal ship vibrations - as seen in that recent Regent super star ship video - they custom made the ship's propellers to reduce cavitation that would qualify them for this new "comfort class" standard. Or, something like that. Beyond my price point, or needs. Though the Maasdam vibrations can be a challenge. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 10, 2019 #72 Share Posted February 10, 2019 1 hour ago, OlsSalt said: Add to this the new "Comfort Class" designation that somehow guarantees minimal ship vibrations - as seen in that recent Regent super star ship video - they custom made the ship's propellers to reduce cavitation that would qualify them for this new "comfort class" standard. Or, something like that. Beyond my price point, or needs. Though the Maasdam vibrations can be a challenge. This is like the princess and the pea fable....really.......... It seems that today more and more ships are being market to people who dont really want to be on a ship.. but at a floating Vegas-amusement park-shopping mall and all you can eat buffet. I want to sail on a ship that dosent feel like I am on a ship or in the ocean... thats the ship for you they told We are loosing the basic premise that a ship is a vehicle to explore the world by traveling on the ocean by floating in water. All we really need is a dry bed a bathroom of sorts, warm water and some hot food. Every step above that is gravy..nice to have not a must or need to have... oh yes floating it is important too. Fact ships are made of steel and metal and that material transmits sound heat and vibration better than anything but water...which the ship sits in !!! It is propelled through the water by propellers, it does not have wheels that roll on the bottom ( old navy joke I wont repeat) It will move. vibrate, roll , shimy, yaw and pitch ....that comes with the turf. I was on a 368 foot 2100 ton Destroyer. for years.. I have no problem with any ship, Dont like movement noise, vibration then stay off a ship...(.When all that stops... be afraid be very afraid) OR, Get a grip that you have to make compromises, not insist others compromise for you! Turn 2...shipmates 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlsSalt Posted February 10, 2019 #73 Share Posted February 10, 2019 11 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said: This is like the princess and the pea fable....really.......... It seems that today more and more ships are being market to people who dont really want to be on a ship.. but at a floating Vegas-amusement park-shopping mall and all you can eat buffet. I want to sail on a ship that dosent feel like I am on a ship or in the ocean... thats the ship for you they told We are loosing the basic premise that a ship is a vehicle to explore the world by traveling on the ocean by floating in water. All we really need is a dry bed a bathroom of sorts, warm water and some hot food. Every step above that is gravy..nice to have not a must or need to have... oh yes floating it is important too. Fact ships are made of steel and metal and that material transmits sound heat and vibration better than anything but water...which the ship sits in !!! It is propelled through the water by propellers, it does not have wheels that roll on the bottom ( old navy joke I wont repeat) It will move. vibrate, roll , shimy, yaw and pitch ....that comes with the turf. I was on a 368 foot 2100 ton Destroyer. for years.. I have no problem with any ship, Dont like movement noise, vibration then stay off a ship...(.When all that stops... be afraid be very afraid) OR, Get a grip that you have to make compromises, not insist others compromise for you! Turn 2...shipmates Need to add the smell of paint and the sound of grinding that are a 24/7 part of ship board life too. Ship happens is never meant to be a put-down of someone's experience; but rather a reminder that on ships, ship happens. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 10, 2019 #74 Share Posted February 10, 2019 10 minutes ago, OlsSalt said: Need to add the smell of paint and the sound of grinding that are a 24/7 part of ship board life too. Ship happens is never meant to be a put-down of someone's experience; but rather a reminder that on ships, ship happens. I want a ship that has GEDUNKS available.... too... and ports like Subic Bay...(.Now, there was a port, and no comment on that) . ................................................................................................... (DD530/ DE797/ DE633) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted February 11, 2019 #75 Share Posted February 11, 2019 (edited) We want a ship where the cabin HVAC is in good working order, the plumbing works with no mouldy smells from previous plumbing leaks that were not properly remediated or on a ship where the cruise line thinks that it is fine to minimize dry dock time and do repairs/upgrades whilst revenue passengers are on board. We find everything else......food, service, entertainment, crew so variable with and between the mass market cruise lines. Now, we spend more time comparing ships than we do cruise lines. They all seem to be migrating to the lowest common denominator. We can just as easily have a wonderful cruise on any of them as we can a mediocre. We do not believe that any one of the mass market lines is that much better than the others. Different perhaps, but not appreciably better. There seems to be a cadre of very loyal customers on most cruise lines. The most loyal seem to be the hear no evil speak no evil types when it comes to their favorite. Seems odd to us since it is a for profit corporate entity. No different than Campbell’s soup or GM. Edited February 11, 2019 by iancal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now