What would you do?

[BeenAround]

I am planning to go with my wife on this years cruise out of New York instead of Florida. We have been on a few cruises some back to back and we are pretty aware of the way things work. Or so we think. We have generally been happy with our cruises for one reason or another. We repeat the Caribbean each year. East, West, South. The trip I would say on the low end of satisfaction was Royal Caribbean about five years back. The second lowest was Carnival Victory. However, we loved the Carnival Liberty last year after the Victory. Not to confuse but my question is that it looks like our choices out of New York will be Holland Noordam or Norwegian Dawn. Our first ship was The Norwegian Wind many years ago and we loved it as it was our first. I believe it is a sister ship of the Dawn. Does that mean the Dawn is getting too old. It seems the newer ships are much better as far as staff and food etc. However the Holland line might be too stuffy or not quite our age group. Our last cruise was Carnaval and someone at the docks upon returning to ship one day was jokingly begging to get off The Holland and hop on the Carnival. They said it was too boring. We are not fancy and yet we are not just off the cabbage truck either. We like good food, clean surroundings, casino, and we like good service when needed. So, sorry about the lenght of this, but my question is which should we lean to and maybe you can tell me why.

Thanks to all.

 

p.s. The Noordam being smaller of the two would the waters seem rougher from New York to Florida in February. Would the size and design of the ship have any bearing on which is better on that strip along the coast.

[caviargal]

The Wind is a good deal older than the Dawn and purpose built for Freestyle.

 

NCL and HAL are very different and it comes down to individual tastes.

 

HAL is more formal and traditional with dress codes which are generally enforced. The bedding on the ships is wonderful and the service very good. I also enjoy the size of the bathrooms on the Vista class ships (Noordam is one of these). Noordam is brand new, the newest ship in the fleet. There is one specialty restaurant on board, now $30 pp.

 

Dawn is boldly decorated ship with mulitple dining options, some free and some extra. It has a more energetic vibe and draws a lot of families who prefer an unstructured experience. I find the service and atmosphere on NCL to be far more casual which is not my preference. I prefer fixed dining times and not having so many extra charge options. IMO, food in the main (free) dining rooms is substandard and when on NCL, I choose alternative dining as a rule.

 

I like formality, traditional cruising and attentive service so HAL would be my choice. If those things do not appeal, NCL might be a better option.

[caychateau]

To BeenAround, have you considered the Carnival Legend for an Eastern Caribbean cruise? If not, is there a specific reason? I'm sailing on her tommorrow and would be happy to answer any specific (or general) questions you have about her when I return....any other questions, let me know and i'll answer them when we get back, I can't believe that we actually sail TOMORROW!!!:D

[caviargal]

The Wind is a good deal older than the Dawn and purpose built for Freestyle.

 

Too late to correct my error but the Dawn was built for Freestyle, not the Wind.

[Cruzman]

Without hesitation, go with the Noordam! It boils down to class vs almost no class. That doesn't mean that HAL ships are stuffy at all. Crews are extremely friendly as have been all of the passengers with which I have sailed (6 times on HAL). Compared to Carnival, HAL is definitely more laid back, but the newer Vista Class ships were designed to attract a younger, more active demographic. HAL is probably the epitome of today's traditional cruise experience. By contrast, NCL is advertised as, and has pretty much become the cruies line of do anything, anytime and to whomever. So called "freestyle cruising" typically atracts a crowd that prefers little, if any, structure to their experience. There is no traditional dining onboard. Food that is worth consuming is served in the many alternative dining establishments onboard and will cost extra. Finally, swimming pools on NCL are all sea water while HAL pools are filled with fresh water. Good luck!

[BeenAround]

Hey thanks to all for the quick response. I do not like the anxiety of pre flight and the idea of the return flight. Since I do not like to fly we have been driving to Florida the past few years and then cruising. However, it is starting to get a bit boring. I believe the costs would be less considering hotels, food, and gas, out of Montreal to just cruise out of Florida and have a few hours drive home when done. The past few years we have taken our son on spring break which is around when we go but this year I do not think he will be able to miss the school days and the schedule isn't working out so we can for sure go out of New York. We always board the ship and before going to our room we head for the M'aitre d to look after him in advance and he in turn looks after our table, usually for just a small booth. Private. We then head for our cabin and front the room steward as well. First thing at first meal likewise our waiter. We find this is absolutely a sure thing to ensure almost always complete satisfaction on any cruise. Seeing what all of you have said about the difference between NCL and HAL it seems like there is no choice. Hal hands down. I feel better about the ship being not too old a group of people. Do not get me wrong. I am heading there too but we are 54 and a young minded 54. Sounds like The Noordam will be more than just fine. Many thanks again, and to the person who is just leaving have a great trip but a safe trip and enjoy.

Thanks all.

[caviargal]

BeenAround, you made a great decision!

[martinimadam]

BeenAround - I echo the above sentiments. I started cruising on HAL at 52. Have been on them 7 times now. Always had a wonderful time. The crew is terrific, service is great. Other passengers usually well traveled. Been on NCL once, and that was enough! Very lackluster service, didn't like freestyle dining.

[johnql]

The Dawn is a beautiful ship. I've sailed her twice and enjoyed both cruises immensely. The Dawn is not the sister ship of the Wind. The Dawn is designed with Freestyle in mind, meaning there are numerous dining venues with a wonderful diversity of cuisines. I love being able to choose from among Italian, Continental, Tex-Mex, Asian and a steakhouse in addition to the main dining rooms.

 

I have never sailed on HAL, so I can't comment on HAL, but I happen to love Freestyle cruising. Not everybody does, but I love having the choice of where to dine, and with whom to dine. I do not like fixed seating times, assigned tables, and assigned tablemates. To each his own. I also love Freestyle's resort casual dress code. Again, some cruisers enjoy dressing up. Been there, done that, don't want to be forced into it any longer.

 

Here's a link to a more extensive discussion comparing HAL and NCL. Surprisingly (considering it's on the HAL forum), there are positive comments concerning NCL.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=417837

[newmexicoNita]

Without hesitation, go with the Noordam! It boils down to class vs almost no class. That doesn't mean that HAL ships are stuffy at all. Crews are extremely friendly as have been all of the passengers with which I have sailed (6 times on HAL). Compared to Carnival, HAL is definitely more laid back, but the newer Vista Class ships were designed to attract a younger, more active demographic. HAL is probably the epitome of today's traditional cruise experience. By contrast, NCL is advertised as, and has pretty much become the cruies line of do anything, anytime and to whomever. So called "freestyle cruising" typically atracts a crowd that prefers little, if any, structure to their experience. There is no traditional dining onboard. Food that is worth consuming is served in the many alternative dining establishments onboard and will cost extra. Finally, swimming pools on NCL are all sea water while HAL pools are filled with fresh water. Good luck!

cruzman, this is your opinion and should be stated as so. Most of us do put things in the terms of "my opinion" etc. You don't like NCL, you have made this clear all over these boards, I don't care which one it is, but to knock the crowd is an insult. You have not a clue as to what you are talking about. Not all pools on HAL on fresh water, watch out what you are claiming. The filtering system on most lines make the salt water hardly noticable. Many lines, in case you didn't know are converting to fresh water. Your preferance is HAL and I am sure you have your reasons, but why do you put everyone who happens to like NCL down? NMnita

[newmexicoNita]

Hey thanks to all for the quick response. I do not like the anxiety of pre flight and the idea of the return flight. Since I do not like to fly we have been driving to Florida the past few years and then cruising. However, it is starting to get a bit boring. I believe the costs would be less considering hotels, food, and gas, out of Montreal to just cruise out of Florida and have a few hours drive home when done. The past few years we have taken our son on spring break which is around when we go but this year I do not think he will be able to miss the school days and the schedule isn't working out so we can for sure go out of New York. We always board the ship and before going to our room we head for the M'aitre d to look after him in advance and he in turn looks after our table, usually for just a small booth. Private. We then head for our cabin and front the room steward as well. First thing at first meal likewise our waiter. We find this is absolutely a sure thing to ensure almost always complete satisfaction on any cruise. Seeing what all of you have said about the difference between NCL and HAL it seems like there is no choice. Hal hands down. I feel better about the ship being not too old a group of people. Do not get me wrong. I am heading there too but we are 54 and a young minded 54. Sounds like The Noordam will be more than just fine. Many thanks again, and to the person who is just leaving have a great trip but a safe trip and enjoy.

Thanks all.

I am sure you will have a great time. We haven't sailed HAL for almost 20 years so our sailing next month will be almost like our first. We are excited. BTW, the Dawn isn't the sister to the wind. She is almost brand new (3 years old I think) many who have sailed her have repeated 2 and 3 times. The colors are awesome, there are 10 restaurants and the crew is wonderful. You may want to give freestyle a shot next time around. Enjoy!!! NMNita

[crystal808]

We always board the ship and before going to our room we head for the M'aitre d to look after him in advance and he in turn looks after our table, usually for just a small booth. Private. We then head for our cabin and front the room steward as well. First thing at first meal likewise our waiter. We find this is absolutely a sure thing to ensure almost always complete satisfaction on any cruise.

 

Just a suggestion (and not trying to start a "tip" controversy!): Before you "pre-tip" the staff as you've suggested, just introduce yourself with a warm smile. Wait until the end of the cruise to see if you feel you've been treated in a gracious and helpful manner by the crew. The service and staff on HAL are well-known for the level of hospitality & service. "Looking after" them, in advance, really isn't necessary, required, or expected! Any additional recognition at the end of your cruise, including (but not limited to!) personalized mentions on your comment card, will go a long way toward helping them. An envelope presented with that same warm smile and handshake, along with a sincere "thank you" and "I've specifically mentioned you on my comment card" will bring a very grateful and appreciative response....

 

Just a thought for a first-time HAL cruiser, and certainly it (tipping) is a personal choice. Hope you enjoy yourselves! HAL will grow on you, and the Noordam is a beautiful ship, with an outstanding staff and crew!

 

Paul

[Jane110]

Crystal808 & Beenaround,

 

I'm sorry to add to the tipping discussion and no, I don't want this thread to get filled with emotions about it, but just some thoughts in general.

 

Like Beenaround, we too used to do some "pre-tipping", especially to our cabin steward. Honestly I don't know if it "helped" or not. Then here on these boards, I read more than once, that some cruise staff find it insulting and patronizing, as opposed to giving a "thank you" for a job well done at the end. I'm aware that some people are selfish and don't tip and wanted to find a balance to let the great staff that make our cruise so great know they are appreciated. So, here's what we do. We don't pre-tip and yet we don't wait til the end either. (yes we do tip at the end the suggested amounts) I usually have a special request on the first day - extra ice, martini glasses, whatever - then, when after we've gotten what we needed, we'll tip the room steward as a thank you for helping us get set up for the rest of the cruise.

 

Same with the Maitre'D. If we ask for a special arrangement and we get it, we'll then tip him and not wait til the end of the cruise.

 

We like our wines and appreciate a good sommelier so when he recommends a good one, we always ask the waiter for an extra glass and pour him a little of it. I know they appreciate that. Also, since we don't buy very pricey wines and appreciate his guidance on the moderate ones, we usually tip him in his hand (in addition to the auto tip on the bill) to thank him for a great choice.

 

Just some thoughts.

[bdcbbq]

Hal hands down. I feel better about the ship being not too old a group of people. Do not get me wrong. I am heading there too but we are 54 and a young minded 54. Sounds like The Noordam will be more than just fine. Many thanks again, and to the person who is just leaving have a great trip but a safe trip and enjoy.

Thanks all.

 

My wife and I were 5 years younger than you when we went on our first HAL cruise. We loved the service, relaxed atmosphere, and had a great time. There was plenty to do and not to do. We were on the 2002-2003 Veendam New Year's Holiday cruise.

 

BTW, I found Valium to be very helpful to relax when flying. Enough so, that I don't even use it anymore.

[winnyd]

I travelled on the Dawn 6mths ago from Ottawa.They charge $25.00/day US to park your car so stayed at the Sheraton on the Hudson in NJ .Opposite the Port.Parked the car for free. Short ferry ride or taxi over (the ferry is at the Hotel.) It's a great ship best holiday that We've experienced Also been on the Nordam and the Wind The Nordam was a good ship clean & Quite a Dutch flavour to the food (if you like Volga herring)The Wind is no comparison.That 100ft section they put in the middle doesn't work in my oppinion Not enough seating & elevators (always crowded).The ports of call & the price would make my choice .A Balcony is a must for us.Roy PS All this tripe about best ship Theres not much difference today Carnival owns most of them anyway.