Carnival vs Holland America

[billsrobb]

A couple months ago I was asked to evaluate my cruise on Holland America Volendam vs Carnival. First of all I enjoyed my cruise with HAL. There were good and bad points. Overall I would say that I would rather sail Carnival. Food is better on Carnival, there are more activities on Carnival. Please realize that this is subjective opinion and should not influence you either way. I would sail HAL again but would not rush out to do it.

Robb

[NCTribeFan]

Wow! This certainly didn't generate the sorts of responses we see on here when someone dares to say they cruised another line (I won't mention the particular cruiseline!) :p

 

Could you give some specifics?

 

I'm not really into "activities" since I like to relax on sea days. I didn't go to a single show last December (but I had done the same cruise in May). I drink a little; I play the slots a little (I run out of my allotted casino money pretty quickly); last December we went to Karaoke for the first time and really enjoyed it. I dont' sit poolside and drink all day or fry myself.

 

But I love the ports and dining. I love having things to do if I choose, yet having the option to do nothing.

 

DD will be off on her own before too much longer and probably won't have much vacation time, so I'm trying to talk friends into cruising with me. My friend who introduced me to cruising would prefer to go on a different line. I was thinking HAL might be perfect. She's recovering from breast cancer and likes to do much the same as I, but also wants plenty of R&R.

 

We're in our early-mid 50s. I'm single, she's married. Do you think HAL would be a good choice for us when we don't have the kids sailing any longer?