Carnival comparison to take a HAL cruise instead questions?

[DGNewton]

So for many years we sailed mostly on Carnival.  We are in out mid 60's and enjoy doing whatever we want and a fun crowd that is mixed.

Carnival has piano bar - showtime - and the punchliner, plus casino's.

 

We sailed the HAL line in the 80's on the old Veedam Volendam and once Rotterdam.

At that time is was no tipping and a bit stuffing meaning you had to dress better than the carnival line.

 

We end on a disney cruise a year ago, and were a bit bored after the main play with not much to do.

 

My concern is that HAL may be dull and not entertaining like Carnival.

 

We are considering trying HAL, but wanted to hear from others - just not all out HAL followers, but those that have varied on other lines too.

 

Please let us know your thoughts.

 

Thank you!

 

[friendswithdave]

I've been on multiple cruises on both Carnival and HAL. No question, Carnival is more fun. Lots of activities, slides, etc. HAL is more laid back, fewer activities, and yes, a more mature guest list. Some see that as a positive, others as a negative. That is up to you to decide. 

 

Food is better on HAL, especially lunch. Entertainment is more fun on Carnival, more artistic on HAL. HAL is more music oriented, Carnival more fun, games, and shows. Pool deck on Carnival is much more lively. Again, for some that's a positive, others a negative.

 

I recommend you give HAL a try, then you'll know. Worst case, you'll enjoy your experience on HAL but say, "fine, I'm going back to Carnival". Best case, you'll find your new favorite line.

[iceman93]

36 minutes ago, DGNewton said:

We end on a disney cruise a year ago, and were a bit bored after the main play with not much to do.

Honestly, this statement leaves me unable to make any other recommendations as I am flabbergasted anyone could be bored on a Disney ship or find that there was "not much to do".  Say what you will about Disney Cruise Line (and people do) but the parent company is in the entertainment business so their ships are jam-packed with activities.  Movies, shows, sports, trivia, classes, lectures, spa, bingo, parties, fireworks, live music, lounges.  I have found the challenge on a Disney cruise is that there are often two or three things going on simultaneously that I want to do.

 

It sounds like maybe a casino is where you prefer to spend your time?  Because that's the one thing Disney ships don't have, and if so, HAL has them.

[PACD_JG]

11 minutes ago, iceman93 said:

Say what you will about Disney Cruise Line (and people do) but the parent company is in the entertainment business so their ships are jam-packed with activities.

 

If dude is bored from Disney, HAL might make him comatose.

[SeaSickCecil]

As a long time HAL cruiser with one Carnival cruise to compare, I would say DO NOT try HAL.  You will be bored silly and will complain.  There is no nightlife to speak of, no shows, on deck activities run to sitting in the sun around the pool and enjoying the quiet.  I liked my one Carnival cruise and my DH had a blast playing mini golf and doing the waterslides and sky bike...there's nothing at all like that on HAL.

But we have been sailing HAL since I was in my 50's and love the 'old world' ambiance and the fact that a cruise ship is not a floating amusement park.  I cruise HAL to enjoy the ocean and some quiet time away from work and being treated so well by the amazing crew.  And i don't understand your statement of 'no tipping'...all the cruise lines these days have some type of tipping for the staff whether you pay for it upfront in the cruise fare or on a daily basis.  Perhaps this was during the days of cash tips in envelopes and you stiffed the staff?

I would say stick with Carnival or perhaps try NCL....HAL is, based on your post, not going to be the cruise line for you.

[disneyochem]

If you do decide to try HAL, I would suggest you sail on the Koningsdam (or similar ship).  We've sailed on NCL, Disney, and Princess before trying HAL.  It is quieter but the Koningsdam had great music venues until late at night (Rock and Roll Band!), excellent bars and dining (love the Tamarind) and a pretty up-to-date casino.  We cruised on the Zuiderdam and Westerdam afterwards--not really our cup of tea.  Disappointed in the activities and ships.  

 

We have three more Koningsdam trips booked as well as one on the Niew Statendam because we enjoyed the ship so much.

[DGNewton]

Thanks all.....Kind of what I expected to hear....on the Disney note, we went to the plays (Aladdin) and afterwards waited for the fireworks, but not much after that.  Disney was very nice and did well during the day.

In our HAL days (total 6 cruises with them) they were very nice too.....

We started on the Carnival Festivale and migrated up the HAL, followed by others too.....

[KroozNut]

We are Platinum on Carnival, but don't even sail them anymore because we enjoy the HAL experience so much more now.

[robotpony]

2 hours ago, SeaSickCecil said:

There is no nightlife to speak of, no shows

 

There is some nightlife, but it is (lets say) more refined than Carnival and others. We find HAL a good balance; we're in our mid/late 40s, are avid music/dance fans, and are on the nerdy side, etc. A day that starts with a Planet Earth concert and ends with a blues or rock band (and some late night pizza) is a happy day indeed. 

 

For us, we adored the music venues, and the later snacks and drinks in various locations. We averaged getting back to our rooms by midnight, with a few nights that went until 1 (or 2 with the time change). There were a few sea days that were busier than port days, as there is a show or event every hour or so, and we hope to have at least one of those days per trip.

 

The stage shows we've seen were more on the dance/music side compared to other lines (we haven't seen anything Broadway-like on HAL), but we enjoyed the dance/musical shows enough that we didn't miss it. We also haven't seen the higher production game-style shows from CCL and RC.

 

We've been pretty lucky with the comedy shows on HAL too, but talking to other guests suggested that they can be pretty hit or miss depending on what you find funny.

[albingirl]

Holland America isn't boring, but then, it's hard really to get bored on a cruise ship. We sailed Carnival many times but I found the unruly kids to be annoying. Running up and down the halls at all hours. Screaming and knocking on doors. You couldn't pay me to sail Carnival again.

[Banditswife]

We are platinum on Carnival, 2 star on HAL.  When we 1st sailed HAL, it was for the itinerary- one that Carnival didn't offer.  We enjoyed the itinerary, but found HAL a bit dull & passengers a bit stuffy.  But that was like 10 years ago.  Fast forward to 2021- we got a great offer from HAL & tried HAL again.  We had a great time & now have 2 more booked for later this year on HAL.  Maybe we are just older now & enjoyed the more relaxing vibe of HAL.  I felt the food was great, entertainment comparable to CCL.  The only thing HAL lacked was the mini golf & water slides.  We are 65+ couple, & while we enjoy the water park & mini golf, we do not need those to have a great time.  The casinos on HAL or CCL are comparable.  On our 2021 HAL cruise we met a bunch of similarly minded people & had an absolutely wonderful time.  Will we sail Carnival again? Sure,  we are more than 1/2 way to diamond on CCL & love the perks we get from our loyalty level. 

For those complaining about the kids on CCL, timing is a big deal on CCL.  We don't sail when school is out or during spring break, nor do anything less than a 7 day.

[AFNavigator]

6 hours ago, albingirl said:

Holland America isn't boring, but then, it's hard really to get bored on a cruise ship. We sailed Carnival many times but I found the unruly kids to be annoying. Running up and down the halls at all hours. Screaming and knocking on doors. You couldn't pay me to sail Carnival again.

Carnival certainly has admitted they have a late night teen problem...they recently imposed a 1 AM curfew for all guests 17 and under unless accompanied by an adult in their traveling party.  I saw many reports of exactly what you described about groups of teens running up and down halls screaming and knocking on doors.

It is also telling when Carnival recently had to impose disembarkation and fines for cruisers who get into fights.  It's pretty easy to avoid areas on CCL ships that might be more prone to drunks and fighting but a fare-paying passenger shouldn't have to do that. We have enjoyed cruising on Carnival in the past but it seems like their post-COVID restart ultra-low entry price push has drawn an even more rowdy crowd than Carnival used to draw.

If Carnival can get these issues under control, they might win me back but, for now, I'd rather cruise on "boring" HAL where the biggest conflict I need to face is whether to hit the Lido Buffet or the MDR.

[zgscl]

13 hours ago, DGNewton said:

So for many years we sailed mostly on Carnival.  We are in out mid 60's and enjoy doing whatever we want and a fun crowd that is mixed.

Carnival has piano bar - showtime - and the punchliner, plus casino's.

 

We sailed the HAL line in the 80's on the old Veedam Volendam and once Rotterdam.

At that time is was no tipping and a bit stuffing meaning you had to dress better than the carnival line.

 

We end on a disney cruise a year ago, and were a bit bored after the main play with not much to do.

 

My concern is that HAL may be dull and not entertaining like Carnival.

 

We are considering trying HAL, but wanted to hear from others - just not all out HAL followers, but those that have varied on other lines too.

 

Please let us know your thoughts.

 

Thank you!

 

I absolutely love HAL, but I don't think it sounds like your cup of tea. Below is the daily program from a one night cruise on Eurodam. Given it was a 1 night cruise they had everything going - usually there is no main stage show on embarkation day, there would usually be a single showing of a talk (150 years of Holland America History) or movie along with all the music walk venues. 

 

The Music Walk is your main entertainment. BB Kings, Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard & Rolling Stone Rock Room (Pinnacle Class ships only). If none of these are your cup of tea you will be sadly disappointed. There are 4 live shows done by the Step One Dance Company. You may see 3-4 of these on a 7 day cruise. Primarily it is canned music combined with modern dance and a very fancy background on LED walls. I believe 2 of the shows have performers from the other Music Walk venues come in and do some of the music. 

 

The last bit of entertainment was BB Kings which ended at 11:45 PM. It is followed by Dancing to the Hits which is basically a DJ-less playlist of modern music. 

 

Each Music Walk group performs 6 nights out of 7 so mid-cruise there will be one day each of them does not perform. Additionally BB Kings & Billboard will have reduced or eliminated performances on the days they perform on the main stage. 

 

On most cruises there are 1-2 comedy performances most nights in BB Kings. I will also note that on many of our recent HAL cruises the BB Kings sets which should be 2-3 45 minute sets have turned into 2-3 10 to 15 min sets including about a 5 or 6 minute instrumental in the middle. On this one night cruise they did full 45 minute sets, but I got the feeling HAL was trying to put out all the stops to make sure people felt they got their moneys worth in the 18 hours onboard. 

 

Assuming you are in international waters, the casino is usually open until 1:30 or 2 (or maybe later) depending on how many people are gambling. There is usually at least 1 bar that is open about that late also, but if people are turning in early, you may just find that the bar closes early also. 

 

Given what you said you enjoy I don't really think HAL sounds like a great fit. It is a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere onboard. A hand full of kids & younger people (a lot more in summer and school breaks and on 7 night cruises). Have always found the kids and teens to be well behaved - no big groups running around the ship or banging on doors. 

 

 

 

[mcrcruiser]

If you want a toy stick with Carnival Fun Ships   but ,if you want a all around excellent cruise sail with Holland America line  .Just don't expect    the dazzling  activities  & up all night type activities 

[Homosassa]

19 hours ago, SeaSickCecil said:

 

  And i don't understand your statement of 'no tipping'...all the cruise lines these days have some type of tipping for the staff whether you pay for it upfront in the cruise fare or on a daily basis.  Perhaps this was during the days of cash tips in envelopes and you stiffed the staff?

 

At one time, HAL did have a policy of no tipping.

 

However, it was understood by those who cruised (or traveled in general) that one did leave something in appreciation for those who provided excellent service.

 

Envelopes were available at the Purser's Desk (yes, has been a while) to use for the money.

 

However, after HAL was sold to Carnival and the Carnivalization started, passengers started to book that did not understand the customs of cruising.

 

That was when the Daily Service Charge arrived.

 

[Roz]

I get rather annoyed when people badmouth Carnival, as I've done some great cruises with them.  As some other posters have pointed out, you have to be selective.  

 

My last cruise pre-Covid was a 13-day Panama Canal full transit on the Carnival Miracle.  Very adult passenger mix but very high energy.  One of my best cruises.  

 

HAL cruisers may not want to hear this, but my best Alaskan cruise was an 8-day on the Carnival Miracle.  It was the last cruise of the season, mostly adults, and absolutely perfect.  The day we spent in Glacier Bay was stunning.  I've never been so up close to the glaciers.  

 

The 12-day Hawaiian cruise I took on the Carnival Spirit was also a great cruise.  

 

On my most recent Noordam cruise, I mentioned my Panama Canal experience on Carnival to another cruiser.  He asked me why I wanted to be on a ship with 800 kids.  Most families can't afford a 13-day day Panama Canal cruise on any line.  I'd be surprised if there were 8 kids on the cruise, let alone 800.

[Roz]

1 minute ago, Homosassa said:

However, after HAL was sold to Carnival and the Carnivalization started, passengers started to book that did not understand the customs of cruising.

 

That's a rather condescending remark.  So cruising is only for the elites?  

[rodndonna]

We've sailed both (and like both), but give Carnival the leg up on having more diversity in passengers (yes - that can also be a 'con' but I find HAL a bit homogenous). I also find the passengers on Carnival are actually more likely to be enjoying themselves and less pretentious. 

 

I don't recall anyone on a  Carnival cruise chewing my ear off on how much better "it used to be", how much better "another" cruise or cruiseline is. On our recent Alaska cruise (our first) the sunny morning of Glacier Bay we are all in awe in the Crow's nest when a guy then bends my ear for like 30 minutes on how "this" is "OK", BUT, it's nothing like my Antartica cruise .. blah blah blah. I know he was trying to be helpful (I guess), but can we focus on this place and it's wonderfulness for now...???

[FlaMariner]

32 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

Envelopes were available at the Purser's Desk (yes, has been a while) to use for the money.

 

They still have them!  I always fetch a few for giving a little extra to a few crew. 

[Homosassa]

47 minutes ago, Roz said:

 

That's a rather condescending remark.  So cruising is only for the elites?  

Of course it isn't only for the "elite."

 

However, there are always customs and traditions that occur in any experience one might have in life.

 

As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

 

The problem started to occur as passengers new to the cruising experience did not bother to learn the customs on board ship.

 

That is when the Daily Service Charge arrived.

[Homosassa]

22 minutes ago, FlaMariner said:

 

They still have them!  I always fetch a few for giving a little extra to a few crew. 

The only cruise line that I have cruised on that does not have the envelopes is MSC.

 

They charge a Daily Service Charge and will tell you no other tipping is expected.

 

Of course, if one does wish to tip, the recipient will gladly accept a discreetly delivered folded bill.

 

In line with the MSC policy, those who assume that they can delete the DSC or lower it will be surprised that it is not very easily done. Any request to do so will initiate a meeting with someone in Guest Services that will need the details of the specific experience that has led to the request.

 

A general statement that one wants the DSC removed will not be honored.

[Djptcp]

We are Carnival Diamonds and 4* Mariners on Holland America, so lots of experience on both cruise lines.  Since the cruise lines started up again in 2021, we have taken 10 cruises about half on HAL and half on Carnival. We were very unhappy with the Carnival cruises as the food was mediocre at best and passengers seemed louder and more unruly than previously. We were actually verbally abused by one drunken man one evening, We were sitting on a smoking deck reading and this guy went from one group to another trying to start a conversation and we were polite and told him we wanted to continue reading. He went ballistic, started swearing at us and threatened to throw my husband overboard. We were about to call Security when he left.

 

The HAL ships are so elegant, the food is superior, and the crew is fantastic. The music venues on HAL ships are wonderful and we spend lots of time in the casinos. We have never witnessed bad passenger behavior on HAL ships. We have 4 HAL cruises booked (3 are free), one leaves on Tuesday,  and just one Carnival cruise booked - willing to try it once more and it was free.

[VMax1700]

1 hour ago, Homosassa said:

In line with the MSC policy, those who assume that they can delete the DSC or lower it will be surprised that it is not very easily done. Any request to do so will initiate a meeting with someone in Guest Services that will need the details of the specific experience that has led to the request.

 

A general statement that one wants the DSC removed will not be honored.

MSC has just climbed stratospherically in my estimation!  

[KroozNut]

4 hours ago, Homosassa said:

At one time, HAL did have a policy of no tipping.

 

 Technically it was 'tipping optional' instead of 'no tipping'. But you're right, in later years, many folks new to cruising didn't tip at all, hence the auto-gratuity era arrived..

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, KroozNut said:

 Technically it was 'tipping optional' instead of 'no tipping'. But you're right, in later years, many folks new to cruising didn't tip at all, hence the auto-gratuity era arrived..

I found the auto gratuity a vast improvement as we no longer had to worry about having the proper bills to fill the envelopes.