Eurodam v's Volendam

[Ando]

I would be interested in comments of how Eurodam and Volendam compare from those who have cruised on both please. I am very aware of the significant physical diffences in the two, so interested in aspects of the onboard delivery - service, food, entertainment etc.

Thanks - I look forward to your thoughts :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed on both ships.

Tough question.

Food is subjective -- what I like -- you may not like.

Service -- for the most part we have had very good service on all HAL ships.

Entertainment - this can be hit or miss. I could be on the ship a couple of weeks before you -- entertainment might be really great then when you get on -- the acts have changed and it may not be as good. You can never tell about that.

[RuthC]

Obviously, the size of the ships differs greatly, as does the size of the cabins in comparable categories. But once you get away from the physical differences in the ships, and start thinking about the atmosphere created by service, food, entertainment, artwork, the total ambiance, HAL tries to keep to a fairly uniform standard.

Now, some chefs are better than others, as are the various musicians, and I might prefer the artwork on one ship over another. But the tone is similar.
I had been very used to the S- and R-class ships when I boarded a Vista for the first time. I knew immedately I was on a HAL ship. It "felt" like HAL.

[catl331]

For me, I would pick according to itinerary and cost. We did enjoy the Eurodam but I love the small shilps also. They all feel like HAL and I am happy!:p

[Krazy Kruizers]

We pick a cruise for its itinerary as well.

[DFD1]

Both of these ships are fine. Volendam is older, smaller, carries far fewer passengers, distances about the ship are shorter resulting in less walking, passenger/space ratio is better. The interior of the ship is quite lovely and welcoming.

Eurodam is new, larger, carries almost twice the number of passengers, walking distances are greater, passenger/space ratio is tighter. The interior is more modern and less cozy, IMO.

Food and service are likely to be similar although the dining room on Volendam is much prettier in my opinion. Ebtertainment is ever-changing on all of the ships and very subjective and an area, in my opinion, where HAL is weak.

If itinerary had nothing to do with it, I would prefer Volendam. However, itinerary trumphs almost everything, especially if you have cruised before.

[Ando]

Thanks everyone for your replies - appreciate your time :)

[yohomatey]

I second your comments. Julie Barr (comic) and the rest of her show os outstanding!