Long time Carnival cruiser experiences on Holland America

[groundloop]

Until last month I’ve only sailed on Carnival, not because of any hard and fast loyalty but mostly because of the convenience of being able to drive to port.  I’ve been on over a dozen Carnival cruises and have sailed on Elation, Paradise, Spirit, Pride, Valor, Dream, and Magic.

 

We recently returned from an Alaska cruise on Holland America’s Eurodam and thought it might be interesting to do a comparison of Holland America vs. Carnival...... Here goes:

 

Embarkation - HAL wins hands down.  Maybe I just got lucky this one time, but it went FAR more smoothly than any of my Carnival cruises.  Once we got to the port in Seattle it was about a 10 minute line to get to the first check-in station and from there we went to two more stations and were walking onto the ship in 5 minutes.  And here's a big difference - once on board we were able to go directly to our cabin, no waiting around with a couple of thousand other guests on Lido deck.  And to top it off our luggage was at our cabin within 30 minutes.  

 

Note - HAL assigns your check-in time, you don't get to choose.  I'm guessing this is how they manage to have cabins ready for guests when they board.

 

Ship overall condition -  Eurodam seemed to be better kept up than most of the Carnival ships I’ve been on where there always seems to be a few little blemishes here and there.  Things like burnt out light bulbs in the atrium, mis-fitting cabinet drawers in the cabin (which at least didn’t affect functionality), etc.  This isn't to imply that Carnival ships are horrible, but you do tend to notice little things. 

 

I found the general design and layout of Eurodam to be a bit ‘stale’.  I love the wide-open atrium on Carnival, Eurodam didn’t have that and it made the ship feel a bit cramped.  Also, the decor just seemed a bit stuffy and boring to me (yes, I love the Farcas ships).

 

Cabin - Carnival has an edge (in my humble opinion) as far as the cabin layout (I’m comparing balcony staterooms), Eurodam has a desk and the sofa right next to the balcony doors which was a little awkward.  Carnival also has more storage space and the closets are laid out a bit better.  HAL beds combine to make a Queen, whereas Carnival gives you a King.  Also, for me at least, Carnival’s beds and pillows are more comfortable.  Carnival also has nicer curtains which do a lot better job of blocking light (which was a big deal in Alaska where it stayed daylight for so long). 

 

HAL does have a few things in the cabin which beat out Carnival though, the TV was far nicer than any of the Carnival ships I’ve been on and had far more choices of honest to goodness real channels to watch and a decent selection of on-demand movies for free.  Also, on Eurodam the fridge actually kept things cold, on the majority of Carnival ships I’ve been on the fridge couldn’t do any better than to slightly chill anything.

 

Food - Maybe I just got lucky this time but the dining room food quality and service on Eurodam was excellent.  On Carnival recently it’s been a bit hit or miss. 

 

The buffet on Eurodam had a bit better food than what I’ve become accustomed to with Carnival, but not a huge difference.  The major contrast with the buffet on HAL is that each and every station is staffed and they dole out everything.  I imagine this cuts food waste, but I personally prefer to serve myself.  Also, HAL has BACON each and every day, which was nice.

 

Casino – It was nice that casinos on HAL are non-smoking, and that didn’t seem to be cutting into their business one bit.

 

Entertainment - I like the Carnival theatre shows better, but of course that’s very subjective.  One downside though is that Carnival largely shares many of the same shows across the fleet so lately I’ve been skipping shows on Carnival cruises because I’ve seen the same show before.  Carnival does a better job with comedians as well, on our 7 day Eurodam cruise there was just one comedian (who was ok), and some of his shows conflicted with other events.  On most 7 day cruises with Carnival they’ve had 4 different comedians with multiple shows each night.  I will say though that I loved BB Kings Blues Club on HAL, the band was great and they had two very talented singers.

 

Misc – Our Eurodam cruise director was much more laid back than any I’ve had on Carnival.  She wasn’t on the public address system constantly reminding us to buy bingo cards, pushing jewelry sales, etc. 

 

Finally, Eurodam didn’t have any self-service laundromats on board.  Lately we’ve learned to pack light and spend just a little bit of time at the laundromat, but that wasn’t an option on Eurodam.

 

Edited July 13, 2022 by groundloop

[dmcfad2]

I usually sail HAL, but I’m booked on Carnival next month. I appreciate the comparisons. It will be interesting. I have also sailed Carnival and on my previous carnival cruises, I have always felt that Carnival’s entertainment is much better, but it’s been a few years since I cruised with them. I’ve seen all the HAL shows many times. I guess that’s what happens when you cruise one line almost exclusively. 🙂

[NCTribeFan]

I have >30 Carnival cruises (and a B2B2B coming up in October, and a B2B next January).

 

But I love HAL.  I sailed 3 times prior to the shutdown.  I've sailed 3 times (including a B2B Alaska on June 1) since the restart.  I'm booked on the Rotterdam TA next April.  My first back from the shutdown was on Eurodam last November.  It was the first sailing after she returned from Europe.  Loved the ship (and the fact that there were only 500 of us on board).

 

HAL ships are laid out much like the Spirit class.  Similar size, too.  Very good space ratio.  Add lower occupancy and it's very, very nice.

 

Have always had fantastic service on HAL.  Ship decor is so much more elegant than Carnival's Farcus designs (hideous, imo).  Food is very subjective, but I've been mostly quite pleased on HAL.  They make great salads at the buffet, and I love the made-to-order pizza places.

 

I'm not into the shows, but the ones I've seen since the restart were quite good.  I always said that I thought the "problem" with Carnival's production shows were the vocalists.  With HAL going to dance productions only, that takes care of that problem.

 

Love BB Kings and Rolling Stones venues.  Absolutely HATE having the awful, loud, pounding, yelping piano bar right across from the casino.  Also love the string quartet.  Very talented performers.

 

Also love that the promenade decks have padded loungers.  That's my favorite place on sea days.  Well, not so much in Alaska, but it's great on Caribbean sailings.  Pick the shady side or the sunny side depending on your mood for the day.

 

Actually think Eurodam is my favorite HAL ship so far.  Sailed her sister, Nieuw Amsterdam, 3 weeks after and while I enjoyed it very much, I just preferred Eurodam.  Again, being 1 of only 500 passengers may have added to my very positive impression of her.

 

I've gotten very nice casino offers.  Talked a cruise buddy into trying HAL for the first time on Nieuw Amsterdam.  Like me, she's not a high roller (slots only).  After that one 5-night cruise, she got free cabin offers.  They joined me for the 2nd leg of my Zuiderdam Alaska sailing.  So, for now at least, it looks like any level of gambling will get you free cabin offers.

[ThaNectar]

I took one HAL cruise .. Never again. 

The ship was boring, seemed old and outdated, casino was small and boring. Etc.......

 

This was on the Eurodam. 

Worst ship and ship experience ever.

I have been on around 25 cruises..

NCL, Carnival, Royal Caribbean... and HAL was the worst

Edited July 13, 2022 by ThaNectar

[ProgRockCruiser]

4 hours ago, groundloop said:

Casino – It was nice that casinos on HAL are non-smoking, and that didn’t seem to be cutting into their business one bit.

Wait, what?  Everyone says that's impossible!  "No-one will gamble!  May as well just shut them down!"

 

😉

 

Thank you for the comparison notes.  I think I would enjoy a Holland America cruise, but I don't think I would go out of my way to change from my preference for Carnival right now.

[DQGal]

We were on a HAL, zuiderdam, for a Panama canal cruise in 2018.  Loved the ship. Yes we were one of the youngest,  in our 50's but for a Panama canal , I think you'll have that. it was nice to be able to talk around the pool. Lol

[jetsfan58]

Sailed Royal Caribbean once and have never returned. I will continue my decades plus of Carnival enjoyment. I keep hearing about these Alaska but that one is not on the bucket list.   

[NCTribeFan]

I wasn't particularly interested in Alaska, either.  But I decided that I really needed to start going to some new places.  I mean, I love the Caribbean, but I don't need to sail there 3-4 times a year.

 

I want to see some of the rest of the world.  And Alaska was absolutely beautiful.  We had fantastic weather on the first leg (warm and sunny for most of the cruise).  The second week was cooler with a little rain.  Yes, it was pretty cold out on the decks, but the scenery was just incredible.  I'm very glad I went.  Of course, it helped that I went on "free" casino offers.

 

HAL has been sailing to Alaska for 75 years.  That's 25 years longer than Carnival has been in existence.

 

And, no, not everyone on HAL is over 80.  Yes, the demographic is different from Carnival.  I'm OK with that.  I don't need FUN FUN FUN shoved down my throat.  I've never needed that.  Some of us cruise to relax.  I always manage to find plenty to keep me entertained.  As I already posted, the live music on HAL is top-notch.  The BB Kings bands are The Best live bands.

 

Non-smoking casino is a huge YES for me.  But there were times when the casino was very quiet.  Again, that's fine by me.   I'm not in the casino to party!

[puppycanducruise]

Thanks for sharing your comments.

[jetsfan58]

49 minutes ago, NCTribeFan said:

I wasn't particularly interested in Alaska, either.  But I decided that I really needed to start going to some new places.  I mean, I love the Caribbean, but I don't need to sail there 3-4 times a year.

 

I want to see some of the rest of the world.  And Alaska was absolutely beautiful.  We had fantastic weather on the first leg (warm and sunny for most of the cruise).  The second week was cooler with a little rain.  Yes, it was pretty cold out on the decks, but the scenery was just incredible.  I'm very glad I went.  Of course, it helped that I went on "free" casino offers.

 

HAL has been sailing to Alaska for 75 years.  That's 25 years longer than Carnival has been in existence.

 

And, no, not everyone on HAL is over 80.  Yes, the demographic is different from Carnival.  I'm OK with that.  I don't need FUN FUN FUN shoved down my throat.  I've never needed that.  Some of us cruise to relax.  I always manage to find plenty to keep me entertained.  As I already posted, the live music on HAL is top-notch.  The BB Kings bands are The Best live bands.

 

Non-smoking casino is a huge YES for me.  But there were times when the casino was very quiet.  Again, that's fine by me.   I'm not in the casino to party!

I still have visions of cruising in warmer weather all year round. My vision of Alaska is cruising with a Coat, socks, sweaters and long pants. After being in Corporate America for decades the flipflops and shorts are just fine with me.

 

Maybe one day Alaska will call and I will answer. Just no plans for that part of Cruising any time soon.  

[LatinaInTexas]

Glad to see you didn't have a hugely different experience. I started sailing later in life so have only sailed RC which is ok and Carnival which I love.

Will be branching out and trying MSC next month. There is so much on Carnival that I will miss but hoping for the best. 

 

[Florings]

Thank you for your comments and comparisons.  We may have to take a look at HAL for our next cruise vacation.

[quickrate]

On 7/13/2022 at 4:58 PM, jetsfan58 said:

I still have visions of cruising in warmer weather all year round. My vision of Alaska is cruising with a Coat, socks, sweaters and long pants. After being in Corporate America for decades the flipflops and shorts are just fine with me.

 

Maybe one day Alaska will call and I will answer. Just no plans for that part of Cruising any time soon.  

we weren't going to cruise alaska either because of the cold but when Hal offered me a free balcony wit $500 OBC and drinks in the casino, I just couldn't say no! glad we didn't as we truly enjoyed it. we cruised with NCtribefan.

Pat

[Purvis1231]

I have sail on Hollard about ten years ago and really enjoyed it. Not all Carnival fans would like it for the reasons we did.  I know some things have changed in the last ten years but even then, it is a different environment. The buffet was crew served for the first three days. There was a lot less drinking on the ship. Our suite package came with two bottles of booze. We don't drink booze so I thought, man, I can sell these and make some quick cash but I could not give them away. There were a lot less children on the ship. We had a five-year-olds and there were only six kids in her age group in the kids camp but that had that many workers. My family had the pools and hot tubs to ourselves several days. 

[Webecruzen]

We cruise Wednesday on HAL from Vancouver. Free Casino offer.  Only one previous HAL Alaska cruise and land tour in 2013.  Can’t wait!  Have done 3 free RCI cruises this year. Loved them!  Have over 300 days on Carnival and are really enjoying other lines now. Especially with the great deals!  Will try Mardi Gras in September and Spirit in January.  

Edited July 16, 2022 by Webecruzen

[Djptcp]

DH and I are Diamonds on Carnival and 4 Star Mariners on Holland America, so we have lots of experience on both. Holland wins hands down over Carnival with its elegant ships, far superior food, cabin sizes, outstanding crews, and loyalty perks. As Diamonds on Carnival we get not much - a one time 2 free specialty dinners, a cocktail party on 5+ day cruises. As 4* Mariners on Holland we get 50% off every time we eat at a specialty restaurant. On Holland, we also get 50% off of wine packages, 50% off of cabin mini-bar purchases, a free wine tasting on every cruise, unlimited free laundry and pressing (great perk on longer cruises). By the way, not all Holland casinos are smoke-free - I get to smoke in the casinos on the Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam.

 

I don't attend shows in the theatres on either as I'm mostly in the casinos when they are open, but Holland has wonderful music venues from classical to rock and I do enjoy those.

 

The suites on Holland are exceptional and we mostly sail in them, Vista and Neptunes. Carnival has nothing to compare with them and the perks that come with them, especially the Neptune Lounge if you have a Neptune Suite.

 

I do receive lots of free cruises on both with casino money and free drinks. Why do we cruise so often on Carnival then? Solely because of being closer to Carnival FL ports - 45 minutes to 1.5 hours where we have to drive almost 4 hours to get to Port Everglades. We have 4 Holland cruises booked right now (7-11 days) and only 1 Carnival booked (5 days).

[CruizinSusan70]

On 7/13/2022 at 5:12 PM, LatinaInTexas said:

Glad to see you didn't have a hugely different experience. I started sailing later in life so have only sailed RC which is ok and Carnival which I love.

Will be branching out and trying MSC next month. There is so much on Carnival that I will miss but hoping for the best. 

 

At least you picked a new ship with the Seashore for next month.  The buffet food is not as good as Carnival, the pizza is better and the entertainment is European skewed.  But the price point with the drinks package is substantially cheaper than Carnival after you add Cheers.

[DrSea]

imo, the food on HAL is much better. You get fillet mignon nightly at the buffet (prior to the shut down). I'm glad you don't notice the difference, but I definitely do.

[BlerkOne]

8 hours ago, Djptcp said:

DH and I are Diamonds on Carnival and 4 Star Mariners on Holland America, so we have lots of experience on both. Holland wins hands down over Carnival with its elegant ships, far superior food, cabin sizes, outstanding crews, and loyalty perks.

 

I don't know that HAL has much in the way of perks until you reach that 4*, but at least you know enough to stay with the Carnival family.

[NCTribeFan]

I just turned 3 Star before Zuiderdam sailing in June.  I'm Diamond on Carnival.

 

You get some "real" perks on HAL.  I had Have It All on that sailing (drinks, dining, wi-fi, shore ex all for less per day than a Cheers pkg), but had I not, I could've purchased a wine package at a 25% discount & specialty dining 25%, too.  Have a look HAL's Mariner program and see what you get from them.  Much better than Carnival's perks.  I love that for my Diamond free specialty dinner, as a solo I can't use it twice.  If I were half of a couple, two people would get free meals.  I main, how petty is that?

 

There are so many Plat/Diamond these days that "priority" embarkation and tender is a joke.  The only time I use free laundry is on very long sailings as I typically don't wear the type of clothing that can be thrown in those huge industrial washers/dryers.

 

I hadn't sailed Alaska precisely because I love the islands and the sun (although I'm not a flip-flop, shorts wearing gal).  But Alaska really was just stunning.  That first week of June, we had some beautifully warm, sunny days.

 

FTR, I've seen plenty of drinking on HAL.  And even a few fairly rowdy folks.  Happy Hours are well attended. 😄

 

I'm still sailing Carnival because my friends are still sailing Carnival.  But it took Carnival 30+ sailings with them before they offered me a free cabin.  It took HAL 3 sailings.  So, yeah, given the free offers, I'll take HAL every day over Carnival.  My next 46 sailing nights are on Carnival, all on Spirit-class ships, which are my faves.

 

MSC is rather different, but if you want big, shiny new ships, check them out.  Great fares, but a rather different experience.  I've sailed MSC 4 times now and like them, but, again, as long as HAL keeps offering me freebies, that's where you'll find me.

[topaz123]

Thanks for the review.....we're thinking of Holland...just getting tired of the screaming and loud obnoxious  behavior on latest Carnival One group took over an area of the LIDO, and insisted on yelling and screaming the entire cruise. It pretty much cleared out anyone sitting close. We like to cruise and relax...so Holland sounds like a good alternative.

[Ilovesailaway]

I'm really digging this post. DW and I have our first 2 Holland America cruises booked, a Southern Caribbean and a Med. I am very encouraged by a lot of the comments here about food, atmosphere, and entertainment. It sounds like what we are looking for. Our Southern is a 50/50 sea days and port days. Our Med is very port intensive. We should have a pretty good feel for HA after those 2 cruises.

I'm also booked on the  Legend out of Baltimore. I was given a great offer and I really like that cruise. DW couldn't get the time off.

I'm not ready to write off Carnival completely but I do hope the nonsense ends soon. So many posts about unruly behavior, service issues, and long lines. Even in Megan's recent live review of Liberty I read about fights and domestic violence.

I know problems can occur on any ship. I'm also not naive and those problems are far less frequent when you change the demographic.

 

[silversneakers]

I used to sail Carnival and Royal Caribbean exclusively but lately have been sailing HAL. I honestly love the smaller capacity on the HAL ships, not many children and a quieter, subdued atmosphere but then again I am getting older and my late night party spirit has disappeared. When I take the grandkids, I do go on the Carnival/RCCL big ships as there is so much for the kids to do.  I have also sailed Princess, Celebrity and Costa and of the three, I would not sail on Costa again, just my opinion.