Crystal Cruise Line vs Holland America

[Wildcats]

I have convinced my Mother and Sister to join my wife, son and I on the Westerdam on Dec 17th. We have SB cabins. My Mother and Sister have gone on several cruises with Crystal and rave about it. I have never been on the Crystal Cruise line, but hear that the food and service are very good and better than Holland America. Knowing this, how would you all try to make this cruise such a nice one that I won't hear about how much better the food, etc is on Crystal? Have any of you travelled on Crystal and what is your impression?

 

Tom

[AAAAmerican]

The Price is right and you do not really loose much by paying a lot less. Other added events are a cost on HAL . So do a final tally ho and go....

 

:eek:

 

I have convinced my Mother and Sister to join my wife, son and I on the Westerdam on Dec 17th. We have SB cabins. My Mother and Sister have gone on several cruises with Crystal and rave about it. I have never been on the Crystal Cruise line, but hear that the food and service are very good and better than Holland America. Knowing this, how would you all try to make this cruise such a nice one that I won't hear about how much better the food, etc is on Crystal? Have any of you travelled on Crystal and what is your impression?

 

Tom

[kryos]

Knowing this, how would you all try to make this cruise such a nice one that I won't hear about how much better the food, etc is on Crystal? Have any of you travelled on Crystal and what is your impression?

The main difference you're gonna see is the size of the ship. Crystal ships are smaller. HAL's Westerdam, however, is a Vista class ship ... one of the line's larger vessels ... and it can carry close to 2,000 passengers.

 

You already are making your cruise an extra nice one, though, by booking an "S" suite. You'll get special service in those accommodations and extra pampering. You'll have a nice lounge to use (Neptune) where you can get little snacks and that sort of thing ... and that lounge is only available to folks in those suites. You'll also enjoy the services of the Neptune concierge to handle any special requests you may have such as booking specialty restaurant reservations or spa appointments. This will save you from having to wait in lines with the "common folk" to do these sorts of things. :) In addition, you'll also have enhanced ammenities in your suite; i.e., fluffer towels, nicer robes, better bedding, and more frequent cabin service by your steward. You'll also enjoy some special stuff like a luncheon or cocktail party exclusively for suite guests. None of the "standard" shipboard accommodations receive these special perks.

 

Food is subjective and personally I find nothing whatsoever wrong with HAL's food. You can always try the Pinnacle Grill one night, however, and if you enjoy it ... book it for additional nights.

 

A major difference, from what I understand ... because I've never sailed Crystal nor any other luxury line ... is that HAL is not "all inclusive" as Crystal is. I believe liquor on Crystal is included ... or at least wine ... whereas on HAL you will sign a chit each time you order a drink or a bottle of wine. I believe the specialty restaurants on Crystal ships are no extra charge, whereas the Pinnacle Grill will run you $30 per person if you choose to dine there.

 

I think as with all mass market cruise lines (of which HAL is one), the level of service you get to some extent depends on your accommodations. Since Crystal is a "luxury line," all accommodations receive a high level of service. With HAL, that is not the case. The people in the "S" suites and the penthouse suites clearly receive a better level of service than those in standard accommodations, so in your case the service you receive should be pretty much the same on HAL as what you would experience on Crystal. The only major difference you're gonna see on HAL is that more things will be "extra cost" than on Crystal; i.e., drinks, bottled water, soda, etc. As for the food, I can't imagine the food being much better on Crystal than it is on HAL. But that's just my opinion.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[cands]

HAL is my favourite line to date. I found nothing to dislike and an awful lot to like during my first HAL cruise last year (Westerdam transatlantic).

We are on HAL again this November (Statendam NZ/Australia).

We have also booked our first Crystal cruises for next March - Back to back 7 day Mexican Riviera followed by 17 day transpacific LA - Hong Kong.

We are greatly looking forward to both cruises. I think it's silly to directly compare the two lines unless you take price into account. Crystal is costing us at least double the amount per day for similar accommodation.

A trap some people fall into is comparing suite accommodation on HAL to regular cabin accommodation on Crystal. What's more important? - Service throughout the ship, or accommodation space/luxury?

If you take a look on the Crystal board, there is a lot of HAL bashing going on. Maybe the experience of cruising Crystal 'spoils' you for 'normal' cruising.

We'll see.....

[kryos]

Maybe the experience of cruising Crystal 'spoils' you for 'normal' cruising.

We'll see.....

For the prices charged on Crystal ... as well as several of the other "luxury lines," I'll take good old HAL anyday. I'm sorry ... but I just don't think it's worth it. I can take two cruises on HAL ... even with the single supplement ... than one on Crystal.

 

Personally, I'd rather have more days on a ship with not as much included. But that's just me.

 

I think the service on HAL ... even in the standard level accommodations ... is just fine. The food is great too.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[cands]

For the prices charged on Crystal ... as well as several of the other "luxury lines," I'll take good old HAL anyday. I'm sorry ... but I just don't think it's worth it. I can take two cruises on HAL ... even with the single supplement ... than one on Crystal.

 

Personally, I'd rather have more days on a ship with not as much included. But that's just me.

 

I think the service on HAL ... even in the standard level accommodations ... is just fine. The food is great too.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

Rita,

You got me thinking, so I did the per day calculations for our comparable balcony cabins.

HAL Westerdam transatlantic - daily rate was USD146 per person.

Crystal Symphony - Mexican Riviera + transpacific - USD288 per person per day.

 

So yes, pretty much double.

 

I thought the food and service on HAL to be excellent.

I have very high expectations for Crystal.

But twice as good? How on earth do you measure that?

 

 

BTW, have a great trip on Amsterdam. She is definitely on my list of 'must do' ships.

 

Regards,

Steve.

[Sage]

I have been on both Crystal and HAL, and the size of the suite should help make the cruise more comfortable. It is much larger than the suites on Crystal and the free dry cleaning, pressing and laundry service should help as well. We however found the food and service to be much better on Crystal. However, the service that you receive from the Neptune Lounge on HAL is the service that your receive on the entire Crystal ship regardless of category.

[Frogger22]

No matter what you do, you will hear some Crystal/HAL comparisons. I have been on Crystal 3 times (all Europe) and HAL Volendam just last month for Alaska. The MAIN difference to me was service in the dining room and lido. Our experience was extremely underwhelming on HAL. Service in the show lounge was also underwhelming. The HAL food is good, what you would expect from the lower fare. Crystal is better though and the Pinnacle will bring dining up to Cystal level. I did prefer Cyrstal's alternative dining Prego and Silk Road better than Pinnacle though.

 

That being said, the ship common areas were wonderful on HAL Voldendam. We loved the library. In our opinion mixing the computers with the books was a much nicer atmospher than Crystal's office/schoolish library. The thermal suite is amazing on HAL. The art auctions, photographers are about the same. Probably more shops on HAL.

 

We chose HAL for Alaska and were very happy with the glacier viewsings/ports. We would probably sail again somewhere else on HAL if our budget could not afford Crystal/Silver Sea/Cunard.

 

Oh and Crystal is NOT all-inclusive. You do pay for drinks as you go (except in the Casino). If your family is used to not paying for drinks, let them know that HAL does make you pay in the Casino.

 

Have a great cruise, you will like HAL, but just be prepared for the inevitable comparisons!

[grannynurse]

Wildcats,

I am reading into your question about how "YOU" can make sure they have such a good time that they will not constantly compare the 2 lines. YOU can't. How can you take responsibility for those things over which you have no control. Seeing that they agreed to go with you, just share with them what you like best about HAL. I'm sure that the size of the ship will come up in conversation. It came up for us when took our first cruise on a Vista ship just 2 weeks ago. The subject comes up on this board all the time. People have their preferences. Just remember whatever happens good or bad is not your fault so don't absorb any blame and if there are complaints don't let it ruin your cruise.

Hope this helps,

GN

[jhannah]

Great advice, GN. Great advice.

[grannynurse]

Thanks Jim,

A pat on the back is always so nice.

GN

[hammybee]

Wildcats,

I am reading into your question about how "YOU" can make sure they have such a good time that they will not constantly compare the 2 lines. YOU can't. How can you take responsibility for those things over which you have no control. Seeing that they agreed to go with you, just share with them what you like best about HAL. I'm sure that the size of the ship will come up in conversation. It came up for us when took our first cruise on a Vista ship just 2 weeks ago. The subject comes up on this board all the time. People have their preferences. Just remember whatever happens good or bad is not your fault so don't absorb any blame and if there are complaints don't let it ruin your cruise.

Hope this helps,

GN

I am thinking you nailed this one granny nurse. It would not be gracious for DM and DS to compare the two experiences. It's the holidays and all are together in great accommodations. But family dynamics being what they often are, accepting what you cannot control - other people's reactions- is the only way to play this one out.

[newmexicoNita]

I would approach it this way: no, the food and service may not be as good, you are paying 1/2 what you would on Crystal: this is true: after that let them know how friendly the crew is and the passengers compared to some lines: the entertainment will be better probably. Remember you didn't force them to go with you as GN said; whatever it isn't your fault. If they start comparing and it drives you nuts, just say: you know what? I bet you are right. It will probably shut them up for awhile. Believe it or not I had a cliant that didn't like Crystal: the money wasn't this issue as they had enough to buy and sell us all, but they made it the hard way and thought the people on Crystal were to affected by their own wealth and importance and too snobby. The cliants, who cruised about 3 times a year went back to NCL, RCI and yes, HAL. NMnita

[Sage]

I agree with GN that you are not responsible for their good time. I'm sure that they will find things that they like about HAL as well. One just needs to keep an open mind and realize that the two lines will be different.

 

NewmexicoNita, I have to disagree that not everyone is full of themselves or considered snobs on Crystal. In fact, there were not as many complainers on Crystal as I have heard on HAL. Also, the entertainment and enrichment series are top notch.

[newmexicoNita]

I agree with GN that you are not responsible for their good time. I'm sure that they will find things that they like about HAL as well. One just needs to keep an open mind and realize that the two lines will be different.

 

NewmexicoNita, I have to disagree that not everyone is full of themselves or considered snobs on Crystal. In fact, there were not as many complainers on Crystal as I have heard on HAL. Also, the entertainment and enrichment series are top notch.

Ok, I stand corrected: I really didn't mean everyone, but this was the opinion of my cliants: of course you would have to know them to understand. The entertainment is very important, the enrichment probably not at all. Thanks again, for pointing that out. NMnita

[kryos]

Rita,

You got me thinking, so I did the per day calculations for our comparable balcony cabins.

HAL Westerdam transatlantic - daily rate was USD146 per person.

Crystal Symphony - Mexican Riviera + transpacific - USD288 per person per day.

 

So yes, pretty much double.

I guess, to be fair to Crystal, though ... you're gonna have to wait until you get home from both cruises and compare ACTUAL costs. Remember, your onboard bill will be more on HAL than it will be on Crystal ... cause you will pay for drinks ... including bottled water and soda. So, I would imagine if one were a drinker ... preferred a bottle of wine each night with dinner, maybe a couple of cocktails, etc. ... Crystal might work out not to be as expensive as it would at first blush appear. But, for someone like me, who rarely drinks liquor and can't stand wine ... sailing on a luxury line like Crystal would be a waste of money.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[kryos]

BTW, have a great trip on Amsterdam. She is definitely on my list of 'must do' ships.

Thanks for the good wishes, Steve ... and yes, definitely make it a point to sail on the Amsterdam one day (or her sister ship, the Rotterdam). This will be a return trip for me. I spent 30 glorious days onboard the Amsterdam this past January, and I can't wait to get back onboard. She is an absolutely wonderful ship.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[avalon1025]

We have been sailing HAL in suites for years and its a great product for the price. We sailed the Crystal Symphony last year in the Baltic and were a bit underwhelmed by the experience having only sailed Seabourn and Silversea in the luxury category. The ship was full (1000 Pax), the cabins tiny for the luxury category and for the price paid, should have sailed with Silversea. The product is not all inclusive, dinning is not open etc, etc. That being said the service is lovely (most of the time), the ship dated (very early 90's looking) and food very good. I was reserved on the Serenity, their newer ship for a caribbean cruise and ended up canceling and re-booking the same week on the Prinsendam, as for a like cabin (balcony) the rate was half of Crystal. I am willing to overlook carrying my own tray in the lido for a savings of thousands of dollars. Price shop, often the true luxury lines (Seabourn RSSC and Silversea) are in the same price range as Crystal and offer a far better overall product.

 

Most of the Crystal cheerleaders over on the Crystal board only sail the value cruises with prices that come way down vs the high season pricing, in that case Crystal is a great deal. Paying full fare or close to that, Crystal was a dissapointing cruise experience

[newmexicoNita]

Thanks for the good wishes, Steve ... and yes, definitely make it a point to sail on the Amsterdam one day (or her sister ship, the Rotterdam). This will be a return trip for me. I spent 30 glorious days onboard the Amsterdam this past January, and I can't wait to get back onboard. She is an absolutely wonderful ship.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

WE can't wait to sail the Amsterdam. Just called HAL today and learned our docs are ticketed but not yet in the mail. They should go out the early part of the week and no, we don't have a cabin assignment yet, which really is good news, not bad. So far not one catagory on the sailing is sold out: that too is good news. We are just hoping the upgrade fairy is really good to us. NMnita

[garydm]

We had done 4-5 longer cruises on HAL and then did 3 in a row on Crystal last year. Last week we returned from a HAL cruise. As stated by other posters, your family will enjoy the S suite very much. For a comparable price you will get nowhere near that much room with a great verandah on Crystal. What they might miss from Crystal is the Bistro with wonderful fresh baked items and specialty coffees all included, the multiple and generally interesting speakers, free wine tastings (HAL charges $35) with very knowledgeable people from the wine industry, a much nicer wine list at reasonable prices, and better food of late. They might also miss the complimentary soft drinks and bottled water. Contrary to another post, Crytal is not all inclusive-you pay for wine, gratuities, etc. What they won't miss from Crystal is the vibration from the ship which we found annoying. Never had that on any HAL ship.

 

Gary

[cands]

That being said the service is lovely (most of the time), the ship dated (very early 90's looking) and food very good.

 

Hi,

Just FYI, Symphony goes into dry dock before the end of this year. - Complete makeover of all cabins included. No more early 90's look!. The new look is chic boutique hotel circa 2006:) .

 

Steve

[stebul]

The S suite perks really make a difference. Free, unlimited dry cleaning and laundry. Concierge lounge with good machine coffee and currency conversion. Dinner menus on the bed when you come in to the room each afternoon. Invites to the suite dinner with the Captain and officers, and more frequent officers joining at your regular table (observed on some cruises -- your mileage may vary). S suite only breakfasts in the Pinnacle Grill. Preference for 2 person tables at dinner (not always possible).

 

S passengers eat the same food, interact with the same ship personnel (except the concierge), and share the same public spaces with everyone else, but the service experience is quite a bit different. For us, the soft perks listed above outweigh the more personalized service available on the luxury lines. We don't tend to make a lot of special requests but the laundry service really is great!.

 

Steve

[Wildcats]

Thanks all for your tips and suggestions. I did encourage my Mother and Sister to get an "S" class cabin. I thought they might go for the SS but instead they booked an SC so they will be able to access the Neptune lounge etc. My wife and I went on our first cruise last November on the Zuiderdam in the Carribbean and had a delightful time. We thought the food was great and really had no complaints. We really enjoyed ourselves. So.... when we booked this cruise we were surprised when my Mom and Sister asked if they could join us. Since I have planned many of the family reunions over the years, I guess I am sensitive about criticisms. It is always easy to criticise when you haven't done the organizing.

 

I guess what got me going was my sister's comment that she heard from someone who had just got back from a Holland America cruise and said that the food was "bland and salty". I wondered then if it was such a good idea for them to come.

 

However, I did look on the Crystal line's web site and honestly, I think the HA Vista "SC" or "SB" cabins looked roomier and better laid out. Also, I thought the bed on the Zuiderdam was great, that was before they did the upgrade last December to the "Signature of Excellence" changes so it should be even better this time since the Westerdam has already had it.

 

I told my sister recently to think of the food on HA as very good but not as good as Crystal ( I have never travelled on them), but that the price was right. After all, you don't eat every meal at a four star restaurant and can still have a good meal. I guess my approach will be to set low expectations and tell them that Crystal is ohhh so much better and then let them be pleasantly surprised at the quality. The key is for us to have a good time!!!

 

Tom

[AAAAmerican]

Ask them not to compare but to give there opinions once they finish the cruise about it all the total experience including the cost basis.

 

That way it is real and subjective not a comparison of two unequal properties...

 

Family is the best bond and so true.

 

:D

 

Then you are able to see the good the bad the ugly oops was that a movie once...:eek:

 

Thanks all for your tips and suggestions. I did encourage my Mother and Sister to get an "S" class cabin. I thought they might go for the SS but instead they booked an SC so they will be able to access the Neptune lounge etc. My wife and I went on our first cruise last November on the Zuiderdam in the Carribbean and had a delightful time. We thought the food was great and really had no complaints. We really enjoyed ourselves. So.... when we booked this cruise we were surprised when my Mom and Sister asked if they could join us. Since I have planned many of the family reunions over the years, I guess I am sensitive about criticisms. It is always easy to criticise when you haven't done the organizing.

 

I guess what got me going was my sister's comment that she heard from someone who had just got back from a Holland America cruise and said that the food was "bland and salty". I wondered then if it was such a good idea for them to come.

 

However, I did look on the Crystal line's web site and honestly, I think the HA Vista "SC" or "SB" cabins looked roomier and better laid out. Also, I thought the bed on the Zuiderdam was great, that was before they did the upgrade last December to the "Signature of Excellence" changes so it should be even better this time since the Westerdam has already had it.

 

I told my sister recently to think of the food on HA as very good but not as good as Crystal ( I have never travelled on them), but that the price was right. After all, you don't eat every meal at a four star restaurant and can still have a good meal. I guess my approach will be to set low expectations and tell them that Crystal is ohhh so much better and then let them be pleasantly surprised at the quality. The key is for us to have a good time!!!

 

Tom