Help with holiday cruise 2005 - POLL :)

[melissa76]

HI everyone,

I'd love to get your input on a holiday cruise 2005. I'm considering 4 cruises (3 carnival, 1 HAL). They're all around the same price.

Four of us will be going (2 are about 30, and 2 are in their 50s).

Please vote in the poll :) , but I'd also appreciate any comments you have about the ships, itineraries, etc.!!!

Thanks so much!!!
Melissa :)

[spcl4cs_gal]

You forgot one on your poll...the Zaandam leaves Dec 21 and does Dominican Republic, St Croix, Nassau, and of course HMC. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Voted for HAL.

We are not the Carnival type - JMHO.

[peaches from georgia]

Very few people here have ever sailed Carnival and would not be able to give a valid answer to your poll. You are asking HAL cruisers to compare a HAL ship with 3 other ships they know little about and probably have never been on.

As you can see HAL's ship is going to overwhelmingly win your poll, but that is not necessarily giving you the information you want. Post your poll on Carnival and you will get entirely different results, but you will get more information about the 3 Carnival ships and then can make up your mind.

[CaptData]

I voted for the newest ship and four ports of call. I like the itiniary. Yes, it is Carnival but I have not gone on Hal or Carnival yet.

[jhannah]

I chose HAL because all but one port would be new for me. The other sailings are either fully or predominantly places we've already been ... and there are still many places I want to go before I repeat itineraries.

[dakrewser]

None of the above. I wouldn't go near the Caribbean during the holidays.

[RuthC]

Are you trying to find out what the posters on the HAL boards would want to do themselves? Or are you looing for advice on what would be best for you? There's a big difference?

If you want advice on what would be better for you four then tell us a bit about what your interests are and I'm sure we'll be happy to help.

[melissa76]

Hi again,

Sorry I wasn't too clear!!

There are probably 20 holiday cruises (I know about the Veendam and the Zaandam :)). These are the 4 I've narrowed it down to.

I posted this poll here and on the Carnival board. I knew most votes here would be for HAL and most votes there would be for Carnival. These polls always work that way. I guess I didn't realize almost no one who had sailed HAL had ever sailed Carnival. Most people who have been on Carnival have been on several lines even if Carnival winds up being their favorite.

Well, anyway, I guess if no one knows the other 3 ships, the poll doesn't matter too much.

What I'd LOVE to hear, though, is your thoughts on whether or not the Volendam would be a nice cruise for Christmas?? I've never been on HAL. I would like something a little more calm and subdued for the holidays, but I'd also like it to feel/look like Christmas (if that makes sense).

1) how is HAL in general for holiday cruises (decorations/music/etc)?
2) what are your opinions of the Volendam (decor/space/food/etc)?

Thanks a million!!!
Melissa :)

[melissa76]

CaptData,

Belive it or not, the Liberty is the newest (starting in July 2005). It will only be 6 months old, which is a plus.

The Miracle is 2004 (still pretty new) and the Legend is 2002.

Does that make the Volendam ancient (1999) ?? LOL

Melissa :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

You'll never get a concensus between the Carnival and HAL boards. I will never travel Carnival so this was easy for me.

This was my advice for you. Personally I wouldn't travel over the Christmas holidays.:)

[SHayesShip]

I have been on several CCL and HAL ships. I prefer HAL over CCL. I think the size, pax amount, service and overall quality is a better mix on HAL ships vs CCL ships.

Steve Hayes

HI everyone,

I'd love to get your input on a holiday cruise 2005. I'm considering 4 cruises (3 carnival, 1 HAL). They're all around the same price.

Four of us will be going (2 are about 30, and 2 are in their 50s).

Please vote in the poll :) , but I'd also appreciate any comments you have about the ships, itineraries, etc.!!!

Thanks so much!!!
Melissa :)

[ColoradoJuli]

If your only choice is the holidays, I would choose HAL. Carnival is going to be over run with children. There will be children on the HAL ship, but there will be fewer than on the Carnival ship. I have sailed both Carnival and HAL. I did enjoy Carnival except for the fact that there were 12 million children on board that were under no adult supervision. HAL is more subdued and the children on board seem to be a bit more respective, at least HAL is more responsive to my complaints about the unruly children.

I am with Heather. If you can sail any other time than the holidays I highly suggest other times. We made the mistake one year of sailing during President's week. We will never do that again and avoid anytime during the year where children will be on holiday. We frequently sail the 1st or 2nd week of January. There are hardly any children, the prices are great, and it is a wonderful way to top off the holiday season.

[melissa76]

WOW! I have to say I really don't get it. I've never seen people on other boards dislike holiday cruises. In fact, most people WANT to go on a holiday cruise.

My schedule is flexible enough that I could choose to cruise during plenty of other months. My family and I are paying twice as much specifically to go on a holiday cruise. That's the whole point!!!

And I definitely don't mind kids. If the people on the cruise feel like holiday cruises suck and they only took it out of desperation, then I'm afraid a HAL Christmas cruise would probably be the pits.

I do appreciate the honest input, though!
Melissa :)

[dakrewser]

WOW! I have to say I really don't get it. I've never seen people on other boards dislike holiday cruises. In fact, most people WANT to go on a holiday cruise.

My schedule is flexible enough that I could choose to cruise during plenty of other months. My family and I are paying twice as much specifically to go on a holiday cruise. That's the whole point!!!

And I definitely don't mind kids. If the people on the cruise feel like holiday cruises suck and they only took it out of desperation, then I'm afraid a HAL Christmas cruise would probably be the pits.

I do appreciate the honest input, though!
Melissa :)

You misunderstand. The people on the ships will enjoy the cruise, but the people responding in this thread are folks who cruise frerquently and prefer to avoid those times when ships are overrun with first-time cruisers and non-supervised children. I like to cruise during the holidays, myself - but never in the Caribbean (because of the first timers, etc.)

[melissa76]

That's good to hear!!

Melissa :)

[Bookish Angel]

Not much into Carnival, though. Took one cruise with them to Bermuda and it seemed to draw the party hearty crowd. Not into that myself, but a lot of folks on that cruise seemed to be having a great time.

I like having a lot of options (educational and cultural, etc.) on a cruise, so for me, the bigger the ship (and commensurate choices), the more satisfied I am with the cruise overall.

[bobpatj]

Cruising on the Volendam is wonderful. There are probably many threads on this board that will tell you all you need to know about the ship. Check it out.

[iluvcruzin]

I selected the Carnival Liberty. First because it's a new ship. However, the final decision is based on ports of call. The Miracle was elminated because of Costa Maya. I didn't care for that stop last spring. Belize is a sewer IMHO. I haven't been to Puerto Limon and Colon and I do like Cozumel so basically that's why I voted like I did.

[Philip217]

Take it from a longtime cruise line employee. Holiday Cruises - especially Christmas - are generally (but NOT always) the worst cruises of the year.
They are also the most expensive and the most stressful.

Who knows, you might get lucky and have a great cruise - despite the higher cost. But do you really want to gamble on the success of your vacation??

My vacations are far too valuable to me to take the risk. I will wait until the Simpsons and the Griswolds have had their time in the sun and are back to work and school. Then its my turn.

[melissa76]

HI,

The consensus on the HAL board was also that they suck, but mostly because of all the kids!!

LOL!! That doesn't bother me.

Could you explain specifically what about them is so bad?? I really would like to know before my family dishes out $7,000!!

Thanks,
Melissa :)

[Philip217]

Whats so bad about Christmas Cruises?

1. Highest prices of the year for airfare.
2. Airplanes overbooked.
3. Airline staff stressed out and overtaxed.
4. Many flights cancelled.
5. Many bags lost.
6. Most airline offices closed or barely manned for the holidays. No problem-solving ability.
7. Highest prices of the year for a cruise.
8. Ships fully booked. No emergency cabins in case yours is flooded or your aircon is not working.
9. Cruise ship staff wants to be home for the holidays. Not very jolly.
10. Cruise line staff overtaxed and stressed out.
11. Long lines for anything and everything on the ship.
12. Unsupervised children running everywhere.
13. Cruise line offices closed for the holidays. No problem-solving ability.
14. Christians complaining about not enough xmas decorations; non-christians complaining about too many xmas decorations.
15. Christmas cruise seemed like a good idea last august. Now you miss the sights. smells, sounds, family, friends at home at Christmas.
16. The German chefs version of Christmas dinner doesnt taste the same - or as good - as the one your mother/wife/girlfriend makes at home.
17. Many shore tours, shops, museums, banks, and tourist sites are closed for the holidays and you cannot visit them.
18. All rental cars are already booked.
19. The worst weather of the year is usually this week - even on a ship in the tropics.
20. The highest number of complaints is always received on the Christmas cruise. Do you want to listen to this for 7 days?
21. Customs and Immigration officials are not too happy about working on the holidays. They are surly and slow.
22. If the ship runs out of something (guaranteed), they cannot get any more this week.
23. Want to change your air tickets? Forget it. Not a chance.
24. If your bags were lost enroute to the ship (very good chance), they will stay lost until the end of the cruise - and beyond.
25. Ususally a high number of "domestic disputes" on Christmas cruises. But no spare cabins available to separate the warring spouses.
26. Influenza and noro-viruses are usually running rampant on the ship this time of year.
27. Bored teenagers form gangs by the end of the cruise and start looking for trouble. Their newest game involves going through your unlocked suitcases after you put them in the corridor on the last night of your cruise. You do not find out what was stolen or destroyed until you get home, and then blame the cruise line, airline, TSA, Bagage Handlers, Bus Drivers, etc.

These are my experiences on the past 24 Christmas Cruises on several mass-market cruise lines. THIS IS NOT EVERY CHRISTMAS CRUISE ON EVERY SHIP. A few get lucky and have a great time. I even had 2 very good Christmas Cruises out of the 24 I have worked.
But do you want to take a gamble like this if you dont have to?

[melissa76]

Hi again,

I really do appreciate all the info, but most of your list wouldn't apply to me anyway. We probably wont need airfare, or rental cars, etc. I don't think the price of the cruise makes it a bad cruise. We're willing to pay extra, and I just don't see how the cruise itself wouldn't be loads of fun. I guess if the staff is all in a bad mood, that could stink. But I'm not one of the people who wants to socialize with my cabin steward. As long as he's doing his job, he gets a good tip. I'll be on the cruise to spend time with MY family, not other families or staff members.

Plus, we aren't comparing it to "Christmas at home" because we haven't had that for years. In fact, we don't always get to see eachother. This is going to be a chance to do that. I think it would be much more stressful to have to worry about decorating our house, finding room for guests, cooking ourselves, etc. It seems people are always disappointed that way. Think of the Griswalds (just like you mentioned).

I also think it probably has a lot to do with personality and how high-stress a person you are. I won't be complaining about the decorations or the food or the service. Never have. Never will. But I can certainly see how for some people travelling in large groups with kids etc., it could be even more stressful!!

thanks again,
Melissa :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

First, Philip, I want to thank you for that list and taking the time to post it. It couldn't be more true and #15 and #16 ring the truest. But I guess it depends on what the Holiday season means to people. As I said earlier, I will never cruise over the Christmas holidays.

Melissa, you've made up your mind that this is something you want to do and there's nothing that's going to change your mind. I know that because for you to say that not one single thing on that list would bother you proves that. So I can't help wondering why you asked.

But no one said you shouldn't go. That's your personal decision and obviously there are tons of people who want to join you. I thought your question was, what ship? And I retract my vote now for the Volendam and suggest you go on one of the Carnival ships choosing the one that has an itinerary you like best. I honestly think, given what you've said here, that you and your family will have a better time on Carnival.

That's why there are choices out there.

[bas7]

Hi Melissa,

Just got off the December 16th - 26th HAL Westfarer Christmas Cruise. This was my first cruise. As I have nothing to compare it to, what I can say is that it was relaxed and not overly festive, but there were beautifully decorated trees onboard, Holiday Music, and I got to sit on Santa's lap. Should of had my picture taken. I am a fifty eight year young man. This cruise was wonderful. I voted for HAL's 2005 Christmas Cruise because I am not familiar with these ports, and look forward to seeing them. All of the ports on the 2004 Christmas Cruise were new to me. Loved each and every one of them. Hope all have a Health, Happy, & Safe New Year. My prayers also go out to the crew of the Volendam, as many of them are from Indonesia, and of course to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.

As always,

Best regards,

Bruce

[kryos]

I am with Heather. If you can sail any other time than the holidays I highly suggest other times. We made the mistake one year of sailing during President's week. We will never do that again and avoid anytime during the year where children will be on holiday. We frequently sail the 1st or 2nd week of January. There are hardly any children, the prices are great, and it is a wonderful way to top off the holiday season.
I am inclined to agree with ColoradoJuli ... but not entirely because of the children. When you sail during school holiday times, the ship is naturally going to be packed. They are actually going to be "overbooked" since not only will all cabins be taken, but those cabins will be filled to maximum capacity.

I took a Caribbean cruise on the Zuiderdam last August. Yes, there were a ton of children, but even more distressing was the crowds of ... just people! Getting a deck chair in a decent place was almost impossible, the show lounges filled up quickly ... dinner was slow because of all the people in the dining room. It was just a bad time to travel for someone who was not restricted to traveling during that period. Of course, in my case ... I actually made out on that cruise. It was a b2b, and the first half got extended because of the hurricanes, while the second half got shortened. What that meant for me was that for the last five days of the cruise ... what would have been the second half of the b2b, we only had about 650 passengers on a boat that holds around 2,000. What a wonderful cruise! :)

But, no ... I wouldn't do another Caribbean sailing during a school vacation period again. Just too many people for my tastes.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[dinobja]

Philip,

I could not have explained it any better myself.

[melissa76]

Heather,

I DIDN'T ask whether or not I should take a holiday cruise.

I asked which SHIP you guys thought would be best for a holiday cruise.


In the end, the answers I got here (mostly the off-topic ones) helped a lot with my decision.

thanks,
Melissa :)

[AmyinVail]

My goodness, do NOT go on the Carnival Miracle. My husband and I went on it in March 2004 and it was gaudy as could be. Ugh. It takes a very unique Carnival cruise to be anything other than party town. Have you considered NCL other than HAL? My husband and I have vowed to NEVER cruise Carnival again, even if it's free!!! We were 32 at the time, so we're not totally removed from the "young set", it was just a really awful cruising experience. JMHO.

[AmyinVail]

Melissa,
I just read the posts, after I had already posted, and wanted to comment again. Just because there are some child complainers on here, don't let it turn you off to the type of passenger you may find on HAL. I have found myself just appalled at the lack of fondness for little ones discovering the world, too - don't base your decision on their lack of compassion. I do, however, think that Carnival should be lower on your list (having cruised them). NCL is a median between the two "stereotypes" of each line; the wild Carnival cruise and the blue haired Holland America cruise. The Norwegian Jewel will be brand new and worth a look at! Cruise during the Holidays, you're lucky!! I wish our schedules allowed it!!!!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Amy, I agree with you and Carnival isn't what I'm looking for in a cruise either, but from what I could gather from Melissa's posts it might be for her. The fact is that Carnival is a tremendously popular cruiseline and many people love it. My favorite saying is that's why there's vanilla and chocolate.

When Melissa posted that none of Philip's list bothered her, it led me to think she and her family may be looking for more of a party atmosphere and that would be Carnival. We may find it gaudy, but others like it.

When I buy a gift for someone I try to buy them something they will like. It might not be something I want for myself, but that shouldn't stop me from buying itfor them. The same is true here: I think that a person can recommend a cruiseline to someone else based on what we know even if it isn't what we ourselves would enjoy.

So, Melissa, I did understand you correctly. But it just goes to show it doesn't really matter what you ask here, you'll still get lots of information you can probably use.;)

[melissa76]

Thanks for all the info, Amy.

I've come to the conclusion that part of it is the luck of the draw!!

Some people say they had the worst service on a ship, and someone else says it was awesome.

Another example, several people have commented that the average age on the Carnival Legend is 65+!!!!! ON Carnival??? Certainly can't be a party ship in that case - LOL!!! I think because it's an 8 day with 3 non-party/beach/shopping/touristy ports. Maybe that's a good thing!!!

I think it depends so much on the week you're sailing, and whether or not you have bad luck.

I've been on both Carnival (back in 97) and on Royal Caribbean (last summer). I had a great time on both. I didn't run into any bad kids running amok :) or any drunken party crowds on either.

take care,
Melissa :)

[melissa76]

HI Heather,

Actually, my family is not the party type. I'm a 28 year old PhD student. My husband is 34 and my mom and her husband are in their 50s. We don't drink or go to clubs or anything.

Why would the fact that Phillip's list didn't worry me make you think I'm the Carnival-type?? Half of his list wasn't about the cruise itself but about the peripherals that I won't be needing.

I really DID want info about HAL, since I've never tried it and I thought it might be nice to try something smaller and new. But instead of getting much info about HAL and why it's a good choice, I got a bunch of reasons not to go on a Holiday cruise.

I've since looked online for more pictures and stuff, and I've found a TON. Surprisingly, the pictures of the Volendam and Zaandam look less "Classy" to me than the Carnival pictures. I guess everyone has a different idea about that, too :). Hot pink and teal art deco aren't my first choice. The pool area does look nice, though!! I do like the wood deck.

Well, anyway, thanks for the input...
Melissa :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Okay, Melissa, my misunderstanding. It happens when you're just reading something. Sorry.

I really wish you good luck and you're doing the best thing you can ... lots of looking around. I'll bet you'll find the one that's right for you.

[melissa76]

The internet sure is a blessing and a curse!!

It's great that you can find so much info ahead of time, but it's definitely overwhelming. There's a point where you just need to say: "OK, I've read enough reviews, seen enough pictures, checked enough prices."

I'm almost at that point - hehe
Melissa :)