2008 World Cruise HAL or QE 2 ?

[maxor6]

:rolleyes: I want to take a world cruise in 2008. I have already made a deposit on the QE2 but thus far have only heard negative comments about the ship's crew and service. Is HAL having a 2008 world cruise?

 

In that I have not cruised with either HAL or Cunard, and the fact that I will be traveling solo, I would appreciate advice and/or recommendations

[hammybee]

I am potentially the least qualified on this board to respond, but is this going to stop me?

 

First off, let me say, that HAL will most certainly have at least one World Cruise in 2008. They sell out early and they do not need to be heavily discounted to do so which is why HAL will have two in 2007.

 

My dream is to one day do a world cruise. As such, I love to research and these boards are one of the best ways to do so. I do not get good vibes about the passenger experience with Cunard. Conversely, I find the opposite to be true with HAL. Those with substantial longer voyage experience on the HAL board tend to be the most knowledgable and genuinely good natured people. Given you are with these people for as much as 100+ days, I think it necessary to choose a voyage for the kinds of people you want to spend three months with as much as the intinerary itself. I also think that the majority of HAL Voyage passengers are from the U.S., and this may create a better sense of home away from home than traveling with Europeans. It all depends on your needs.

 

Having said all this, the Saga World Voyages have a storng following and this may be another alternative. Saga has many single cabins so a suppliment or cabin mate is not necessary. Again, it all depends upon what you want and can reasonably spend on the experience.

 

I think we have a few here on this board that have done them all and they are certainly more qualified than I to wax on the strengths and weaknesses of each line.

 

Regardless of what you do, I wish you well on an experience of a lifetime.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

:rolleyes: I want to take a world cruise in 2008. I have already made a deposit on the QE2 but thus far have only heard negative comments about the ship's crew and service. Is HAL having a 2008 world cruise?

 

In that I have not cruised with either HAL or Cunard, and the fact that I will be traveling solo, I would appreciate advice and/or recommendations

 

Not only is HAL offering a Grand World Voyage in 2008, it is also offering three "regional" Grand Voyages: one to Africa, one to Asia and Australia, and one to South America and Antartica. Here is the link with all the itinerary details. Sounds pretty good, don't you think?:)

[dougnewmanatsea]

Well, last January I had a terrible dining room steward aboard QE2 but that was just one person and, frankly, can happen on any ship or line. Service elsewhere was perfectly fine.

 

Most likely, the 2008 HAL world cruise will be aboard AMSTERDAM. I have sailed in her sister ROTTERDAM and can say that both ships are really excellent, some of the best modern cruise ships.

 

For the same price, you will get a bigger and nicer cabin on HAL, and HAL ships have up-to-date features like alternative restaurants, atriums etc. that you will not find on QE2.

 

QE2 can offer a very rewarding experience but it is important to remember that she is an older lady now and does not offer all the bells and whistles that the new ships do. I think she more than makes up for it in charm and "character" but she does have more quirks than a new ship will. You need to choose your cabin very carefully, since virtually no two are alike, and you will be spending upwards of three months in it!

 

One thing that I think is important is that QE2 attracts (and Cunard will pay for) the best lecturers. I don't know much about HAL's world cruise lecture program, but on QE2 the lecturers are always at the top of their game and there will be three or four lecturers on board all the time, each coming on for a few weeks while the ship sails through the area of the world that is their area of expertise.

 

Also, QE2 was built for ocean crossings so she is very good if you have heavy seas, which you are bound to experience at some point. AMSTERDAM is not such a comfortable ship in bad weather, a real "stiff roller" unlike QE2 which has a slower, less abrupt motion.

 

Then there is the celebrity factor - the world loves QE2 and you will be a celebrity in every single port. Imagine the excitement in, say, Tonga when the QUEEN makes her once-a-year visit! Even in places like Japan where they see lots of cruise ships, a big fuss is made over QE2, whereas other ships are barely noticed. You will make the newspaper in just about every port you visit!

 

And finally, there is that indefinable "something" QE2 has that other ships just don't! I can't describe it - there's just something special about being part of a living legend.

 

All that said, QE2 is not for everyone, and I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable someone who's never tried her on a world cruise. Actually, if I were lucky enough to be contemplating a world cruise, I'd want to do a short voyage on the ship I was thinking of taking before final payment came around, just to make sure I like her! A short cruise in QE2 would probably cost less than you will spend on laundry on your world cruise and is the sure way to tell if you like her or not. And if you don't, you'd still have plenty of time to cancel and rebook on something else.

 

Hammybee mentioned Saga - if you are over 50, I would recommend them very highly. Both their ships are older like QE2 but they do not have as many "quirks", and their product is absolutely superb. I am way too young to sail in these ships and am always envious of older friends who do! Actually, if I were over 50 and doing a world cruise, SAGA ROSE would be my number one choice, even ahead of QE2. The perfect size (only 550 passengers!), huge cabins, outstanding food and service... Of course, if you are fortunate to have the time and money to do a world cruise and you don't meet Saga's minimum age, it's all a moot point, but I would definitely look at SAGA ROSE and SAGA RUBY, two great ships which both offer a world cruise each year.

 

You also could look at PACIFIC PRINCESS, another smaller ship (only around 700 passengers) and unlike the Saga ships she is a modern ship so she has alternative restaurants, balconies and all the other new gizmos. That said, if I wanted a newer ship, I'd probably choose AMSTERDAM first, depending on itinerary and price.

 

Of course, itinerary is also important - there are some World Cruises that I really like, and other times I look at a World Cruise itinerary and it just doesn't appeal to me.

 

Anyhow, whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be the experience of a lifetime - good luck!

[Aussie Gal]

If it were between the QE2 and HAL, I would definitely take HAL. With the QE2, it really is a two class ship and if you haven't the money to have a suite, and you would need a huge amount if you are doing the World Cruise, I would hate to be relegated to one of the lesser dining rooms because I could not afford to sail in a suite. Also there are not a huge amount of cabins that the beds can be made into queens or kings and for us that would be a big minus.

 

Whereas, on HAL everyone dines in the same dining room, whether you are in the top S suites or you are down in a inside cabin. I am not in favour of the separation. The beds are wonderful and I just think the atmosphere is so much friendlier.

 

When the QE2 was in Melbourne a few years ago on its World Cruise, we went over the ship and I was so disappointed. I had imagined this wonderful ship that had been plying the seas for years. It is now quite old fashioned, it smelt of stale smoke and didn't have the freshness of a HAL ship with the beautiful flowers and paintings. There were paintings, but they were quite dull and dark.

 

I know there are lots of cruisers who love the QE2 but to me I prefer ships that are airy, light and not as big.

 

Jennie

[hammybee]

I think Aussie Gal got to the heart of the matter better than I did. There is social stratification on the QE2 that does not exist on HAL. Again, it all depends on what you want out of your world voyage.

 

Conversely, Host Doug makes excelent points about the stability of the ship and that certain something that goes with the whole QE2 experience.

 

While I am mature enough ( barely) to sail with Saga I have yet to do so. This too is on my Must Do list. Their intineraries are fabulous and they allow more time in many ports than most cruise lines and seem particularily suited for a solo traveler.

 

I thought Host Doug's idea of a trial cruise to determine how comfortable you might be on a particular ship for 100+ days is a good idea. I will add however, that generally speaking, the passenger demographics will not be the same, 7-10 days versus longer cruises. So you if do decide upon a trial do so with the intent of evaluating the ship, size, comfort, food and service.

[dougnewmanatsea]

With the QE2, it really is a two class ship and if you haven't the money to have a suite, and you would need a huge amount if you are doing the World Cruise, I would hate to be relegated to one of the lesser dining rooms because I could not afford to sail in a suite.

Well, if one insists on calling the different dining rooms "classes", then she is a four-class ship, not two ;) .

 

Nothing else is segregated, except the Queens Grill Lounge (a nicely decorated corridor).

 

I have never felt like a second-class citizen despite not going Grill Class - aside from eating dinner, it does not make much difference.

 

From your post I gather you have never sailed with Cunard. I find that people who have not actually experienced Cunard tend to make a big deal about the "class system" but once on board it is really a non-event. Everyone mixes together and unless you happen to mention it, nobody will ever know what dining room you are in.

 

I just think the atmosphere is so much friendlier.

I can honestly say that QE2 is the friendliest ship I've ever sailed in.

 

Indeed, if you ask most QE2 passengers why we love her, I think "atmosphere" would be the most common answer! The atmosphere aboard is absolutely wonderful.

 

Last year aboard ROTTERDAM I spoke to a gentleman who had done several world cruises both on Cunard and HAL. He said he preferred HAL's ships, but he never met so many fun and interesting people as he did on his QE2 cruises.

 

I had imagined this wonderful ship that had been plying the seas for years.

Key phrase: "has been plying the seas for years." ;)

 

There's no getting around it... She's an old ship! And her interiors are not terribly impressive - the original ones were very stylish but after 37 years of refits they mostly look dull and rather un-coordinated, and maybe a bit frayed around the edges. QE2 "fits" like a favorite pair of comfortable old shoes - a bit out of date but all the more comfortable for it.

 

I will agree with you on the flowers though! QE2 needs more flowers...

 

While I am mature enough ( barely) to sail with Saga I have yet to do so. This too is on my Must Do list.

Go for it!

 

Earlier this year I had a wonderful visit to SAGA RUBY - they practically had to drag me off ;) ! The ship is beautiful in an understated, intimate sort of way and the food and service are absolutely superb. The lunch I was served was the best meal I've ever eaten aboard ship, including extra-cost alternative restaurants.

 

The other thing that is really refreshing about Saga is that you will not be nickle-and-dimed like are on HAL, Cunard, Princess et al. Drink prices seem to be at 1950s levels (drink of the day, one pound!), there are no art auctions, the shop is the size of a large walk-in closet and there is no casino at all. The fares may not be low but the push for on-board revenue that is there on the mass-market lines just doesn't exist on Saga.

[Mustangs]

Hello,

 

We have sailed with both Cunard and HAL, and enjoy both lines.

 

Another option for your world cruise, combining the "old" and the "new", would be with Cunard's "Two ships one voyage" sailing in 2008. The first "leg" of 48 nights on the QE2, then transfer in Sydney to the new Queen Victoria (similar to a HAL Vista class ship) for the remaining 58 nights.

 

However, the Queen Victoria will not have single cabins like the QE2.

 

All the best!

 

Alan

[kryos]

Of course, itinerary is also important - there are some World Cruises that I really like, and other times I look at a World Cruise itinerary and it just doesn't appeal to me.

For a World Cruise, itinerary to me would be THE most important factor. I would check out the itineraries of HAL, Cunard and any other lines doing a World Cruise and then rank them in order of preference. Next, I'd check price ... and then jiggle my rankings accordingly. Only then would I look at the specific ship doing the voyage. Any cruise line is going to put their best ship on a World Cruise itinerary. They're gonna pull out all the stops and make sure that everything for a World Voyage is first rate. So, I wouldn't be too concerned personally with the ship doing the voyage ... at least initially.

 

Once I had a cruise line picked out, only then would I take a short cruise on the ship scheduled to do the World Cruise. I'd want to get a feel not just for the ammenities available on the ship, but also the passenger and crew "culture." Is it a place I would feel at home for 3+ months?

 

It's funny, but just for giggles last year I did this sort of evaluation for this year's World Cruise. Not that I could even consider taking a World Voyage at this point in my life and career ... just wanted to have some "fantasy" fun here. Interestingly, the QE2 came out on top of the heap ... in terms of itinerary, price and ship. Next year I will take the final step in my evaluation and actually do a crossing on her. :)

 

Now if only I could have gone ahead and booked that World Voyage sailing. :)

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[hammybee]

I like the idea of a trial run but I do think the type of passenger changes with the duration of the cruise. Rita, I think you have tendency to refer to those on 7-10 day cruises as " working stiffs" which incidently, includes you and me.

 

To balance this, I think the shorter cruises, especially on HAL, also attract seasoned cruisers who cannot or choose not to afford a longer cruise. Let's not forget that most retired people live on fixed incomes of one sort or another, else the cruise lines would indeed become floating retirement homes, my personal goal.

 

Having said all this, I think one is more apt to find others who have a lot more travel and perhaps life experience under their belts on longer hauls and a certain wisdom that comes from having been there/done that ,while remaining open to new experiences. I think it's called perspective.

[lizf]

Where did you get that information? I've been watching the HAL site and nothing.................Still can't pull it up there. How do I get the rates? Thanks

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Where did you get that information? I've been watching the HAL site and nothing.................Still can't pull it up there. How do I get the rates? Thanks

 

lizf:

 

I got the 2008 itineraries from this site; it's a website for travel agents. I'm not a TA; just an incredibly nosy and inquisitive person who likes to snoop around for answers to my questions;) I don't believe the prices are out yet for the 2008 Grand Voyages; usually they come out in the fall for these cruises. Stay tuned! This is another good site for promotional fares. Have fun!:)

[lizf]

I shall bookmark the first site. I am sooooooo thrilled to see the Grand Voyages and the fact that the Prinsendam will be THE ship for my most favorite voyage. Now to just wait for the rates..................

[Old As Dirt Mom]

I shall bookmark the first site. I am sooooooo thrilled to see the Grand Voyages and the fact that the Prinsendam will be THE ship for my most favorite voyage. Now to just wait for the rates..................

 

You're welcome, Lizf. Which is the Prinsendam voyage that interests you? Africa or South America? I would love to do all of these itineraries, some day, hopefully, I will!

[dougnewmanatsea]

Any cruise line is going to put their best ship on a World Cruise itinerary.

Then this begs the question, which is HAL's "best ship" - PRINSENDAM or AMSTERDAM ;) ?

 

There would be a lot of argument over whether QE2 or QM2 is Cunard's best ship. I think QE2 is the obvious answer but they are both great in their own way.

 

Interestingly, the QE2 came out on top of the heap ... in terms of itinerary, price and ship.

Her 2006 itinerary was nice but I love the 2007 world cruise itinerary! In 2006 she went through Suez; in 2007 she is going round Africa which I much prefer.

[hammybee]

lizf:

 

I'm not a TA; just an incredibly nosy and inquisitive person who likes to snoop around for answers to my questions;)

_________________________________________________________________

 

Perhaps we are twins separated at birth. You got the vocab skills.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned on this thread yet or not, but HAL's 2008 Grand World Voyage will mark the 50th year that Holland America has had round-the-world cruises. It's going to be a big celebration. And yes, Amsterdam is the chosen vessel for this milestone anniversary voyage. I wish I were going.:(

 

(btw, HammyBee, you're a hoot. You must know, though, that mostly I am just a scrimshanker.:))

[dougnewmanatsea]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned on this thread yet or not, but HAL's 2008 Grand World Voyage will mark the 50th year that Holland America has had round-the-world cruises.

50 years, yes, but not 50 cruises!

 

That said, HAL seem to measure this in years, not cruises. The last big celebration, I think, was the Silver Jubilee World Cruise aboard ROTTERDAM in 1983 - again, counting years, not cruises.

 

This coming QE2 world cruise (2007) will be her 25th World Cruise but it has been more than 25 years - however, it is being sold as the Silver Jubilee World Cruise nonetheless.

 

2007 is an especially big year for QE2 because it marks her 25th circumnavigation and also the 40th anniversary of her launch by the Queen.

 

2008 will mark her tandem crossing with the brand-new QUEEN VICTORIA and in New York at the end of said crossing, the first-ever meeting of three QUEENs together (QM2 shall be returning from a Caribbean cruise the same day). 2009 is bound to be yet another big year as that is the 40th anniversary of her entry into service.

 

So the next three years will all be action-packed for the grande dame!

[newmexicoNita]

I like the idea of a trial run but I do think the type of passenger changes with the duration of the cruise. Rita, I think you have tendency to refer to those on 7-10 day cruises as " working stiffs" which incidently, includes you and me.

 

To balance this, I think the shorter cruises, especially on HAL, also attract seasoned cruisers who cannot or choose not to afford a longer cruise. Let's not forget that most retired people live on fixed incomes of one sort or another, else the cruise lines would indeed become floating retirement homes, my personal goal.

 

Having said all this, I think one is more apt to find others who have a lot more travel and perhaps life experience under their belts on longer hauls and a certain wisdom that comes from having been there/done that ,while remaining open to new experiences. I think it's called perspective.

I know they attract all types: I have a bridge friend (not a client darn it) who has an endless supply of money are cruises a couple times a year, as well as taking vacations all over the world. She is retired and a widow. She cruises HAL almost exclusively and will take 7 day cruises, 10 day, 21 day and is getting ready for a 60 adventure. yes, the longer the cruise, the more experienced the passegers and obviously anyone who cruises these intineraries has money, but those same people enjoy the shorter intineraries as well. NMnita

[kryos]

I like the idea of a trial run but I do think the type of passenger changes with the duration of the cruise. Rita, I think you have tendency to refer to those on 7-10 day cruises as " working stiffs" which incidently, includes you and me.

Absolutely! No argument there. While I've taken one longer voyage, that was an exception that I had to make painstaking arrangements for. There's no guarantee I'd ever be able to do something like that again ... not while I was still working.

 

When I say a seven to ten-day cruise is comprised of primarily "working stiffs," that is not meant in any way derogatory. It's the cruise length of choice for people who only have a finite amount of vacation time each year and have to balance what they have against a lot of different demands ... days a parent will have to take off due to something going on with a child, the family "shore trip" each summer, a wedding in the family that requires travel. Clearly, there are more demands on one's time when they are still working and perhaps raising a family.

 

I've seen the difference in the demographics with my own eyes. The shorter cruises tend to have a much younger passenger age ... lots more kids onboard ... and a whole different cruising outlook. People generally travel in family groups, are not very interested in "making friends" onboard, and as a GENERAL rule are not as friendly as those you will meet on a longer cruise. And, of course, that attitude is understandable. With two-wage earner families today ... everyone running off in different directions, a cruise together represents quality family and friend time. You want to stay in your group ... catch up with each other. The last thing you want is new "friends" butting their noses in. Of course, there are exceptions to this ... but these are the general rules for shorter cruises ... at least as I see them.

 

So, yes, I'll certainly still sail the shorter itineraries ... because most times that is the best I can get. But I'll always prefer the longer "voyages," because those are what most appeals to my heart and my sense of adventure.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[hammybee]

(btw, HammyBee, you're a hoot. You must know, though, that mostly I am just a scrimshanker.:))

______________________________________________________________

 

Better than than a sycophant.

[Bramcruiser]

Isn't it nice to have choices. I'll be doing the QE2 next year - although not on a world cruise. Still, there are a few HAL ships I'd love to try - such as the Prinsendam. Bottom line for a world tour - the ship is an attraction but so is the iteniary. It would be so hard for me to choose. Thankfully, I can't afford a world cruise. HA HA HA!

[SDHALFAN]

 

When I say a seven to ten-day cruise is comprised of primarily "working stiffs," that is not meant in any way derogatory.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

Hi Rita,

 

I, for one, would never take the term "working stiffs" to be derogatory. Heck, almost all of us have been "working stiffs" at one time or another and the "working stiffs" are the backbone of the American economy.

 

At first all of my late husband's and my cruises were of 7 to 10 days duration and we loved every minute of those cruises. He eventually retired and we were able to take longer cruises and now that he is gone from this plane, and was a wonderful and generous man who left me with a house that is paid for and a nice life insurance policy, I am able to take longer cruises - I count my blessings every day. I hope sincerely that you and I will meet up on some fabulous HAL cruise someday.

 

Host Doug: You mentioned the "celebrity factor" of the QE2 and you have a point there. However, I have to say that when in a foreign port the "natives" don't necessarily recognise which ship is which. We were on the Rotterdam, during its innaugural GWV in 1998. The QE2 (on her GWV) and The Rotterdam hopscotched, or chased each other, all the way across the Pacific. The Rotterdam was supposed to visit Tuvalu while the QE2 was in Samoa, however the docking facilities in Tuvalu had been wiped out by a Cyclone two years earlier and the Tuvaluans had never got around to fixing them, so.... The Rotterdam managed to find a berth in Fiji - we spent two days there, docked. The QE2 was obliged to anchor quite a way behind us. To make a long story somewhat short: it was time for both ships to leave Fiji and those of us lucky enough to be docked were manning the rails, waving goodbye to the friendly Fijians who came to see us off when down the street comes marching the Fijian Police Band. They were truly impressive and it is one of those memories that stays with you forever. They put on quite a show for us but ended with "Rule Britannia". Obviously the show was meant for the QE2 but we "Dam" cruisers, dockside, took home with us a cherished memory - I just hope that the passengers aboard the QE2 could at least hear the Band.

 

When we got to Auckland The Rotterdam and The QE2 were berthed next to each other and a third ship, a German cruiseship, was docked nearby. All three of us got a huge write-up, with photographs, in the Auckland newspaper and I have the newspaper cutting in my scrapbook.

 

Valerie:)