HAL Noordam vs. Crown Princess differences?

[RuthC]

Hi IKE,Hey, don't let Ruth's comment trouble you. I took it very constructively and did not offend at all.:)

I'm pleased that you understood what I was saying.

Not every cruiseline is meant for every cruiser; they all have something to offer in their own style. The trick is finding the one(s) that match your style.

I hope you find exactly what you are looking for and enjoy your cruise.

[IKE]

Hi Jonathan,

Glad You took Ruth's comments constructively. I think people on these boards sometime forget that We are here to help one another and to criticize the differrent cruise ships if need be. This board afterall is called "Cruise Critic". It seems that many people who just sail on one cruiseline get offended if there are any negative comments made. Afterall a cruise experience is different for everyone. Maybe You had great service and were happy with the food and the overall atmosphere. However, other passengers may have been disappointed as I was. I have sailed on all cruiselines. Just completed 55 cruises with the Noordam. I agree with Mike Kool that this was also in my estimation a "Dead Ship"!. I didnot feel at all like I was on a Caribbean Cruise from the start to finish. Very little music and just no atmosphere., very quiet after dinner. This Ship and Cruiseline is not for everyone. I donot stay up real late but like to enjoy a vacation atmosphere. Most nights, it was like walking thru a Library after dinner. When We passed thru the Library, if We were talking, everyone looked at us, like We were intruding.Most nights, We would stop by the Piano Bar for some music and maybe visit the Casino for fun. The beds in our stateroom were wonderful. Also loved our balcony. It was quite large.On the last morning, it was nice that We were able to return to our cabin after breakfast and wait for our color to be called.The disembarkation was well planned out.This is my opinion of my cruise. Other people loved the "Noordam". However, We loved the Caribbean Princess. It had the Caribbean Atmosphere I was looking forward too. The food was very good and the service excellent. You had a choice of Traditional dining or Anytime Dining.Then there was the Champagne Waterfall that you are invited to on the 2nd Formal Night. Return Cruisers Party was lovely and also attended a Lunch for "Elite" Member Cruisers. Itinerary was great also. No complaints at all. We had a very enjoyable time.

Like You, We are now planning to sail the new "Emerald Princess" next Feb.2008. She has 2 very nice alternate itineraries. I also enjoy Royal Caribbean as well and there new "Voyager Class Ships". I hope whatever cruise you pick that You and Your Wife have a wonderful time. IKE

[iliv2cruz]

Hi,

 

I'm so torn between the two ships and making a final decision for a 10 night Caribbean cruise in December of 2007.

 

For all of you that have experienced both ships, could you please give me a little bit of your experience and list the differences.

 

Some of the areas I'm interested in are the comparison between daily activities, dinner hours for the buffet, Caribbean band by the pool(island music), passenger demographic, evening entertainment and any other point of comparison you might feel is important.

 

I've previously cruised on the Crown Princess twice and have really enjoyed myself. I want to spread my wings and try HAL. Can you say my experience choosing either ship would be similar?

 

Thank you so much for all the help you're giving me!:)

Jonathan

 

Been on both ships, both very nice ships, but my opinion is hands down, Crown sounds like it's the best one for your trip! There was just so much more activities on the Crown verses the Noordam. I believe the Noordam is geared to older folks (I'm older and that's how I feel) My daughter and niece went on the Crown and had a blast. Not sure if they would have felt the same on the Noordam. (don't get me wrong, Noordam is a nice ship, wonderful crew, but Crown has both plus more in my opinion)

Have Fun!

[2boyzmom]

We cruised the Crown Princess Presidents week. Yes- there are plenty of activities- if you can get near them with over 3000 people on board! Showroom was crowded and hot, champagne waterfall and baked alaska parade did not begin until 11:30P or so. Just too late for us when you visit 5 ports in 7 days... Room service nickeled and dimed us charging $4.50 for 2 chocolate milks (give me a break!) . I don't know- it was just way too big for us and I will be happy with a piano bar after dinner and a decent casino. Different strokes for different folks I guess.