Extra $$$ ----- worth it??

[Travelbug 2]

Your opinions please-----is it worth paying the extra dollars to sail the Balic/Russia cruise on the Prinsendam instead of the Westerdam ? The difference is quite substantial, what are the benifits to justify this.
As always your advice is welcome and helpful.

Happy New Year all.

Bert.

[doone]

First, do you prefer the smaller more intimate ships or do you prefer bigger ships? There is a big difference in the size of the two ships you are talking about. The Westerdam is a very large ship for HAL where the Prisendam is a more intimate ship. After that, if the itineraries are the same, go by price, I think you will have a great cruise on either ship.

[Druke I]

One big plus of the smaller ship is the ability to traverse the Kiel Canal, a very pretty part of Germany.

The Prinsendam is scheduled to go via the Kiel Canal at least once in 2005, and we were going to book on her, but we found a much better price on Oceania's Regatta, going through the Kiel on her 8-31-05 Baltic cruise.

[TedC]

Travelbug2,


We've been on both ships and liked them both. The P had the best food and the W is new and beautiful.


With equal itineraries I'd choose the best value. I would hope you would have a great cruise on either of those fine ships.

Good luck.

[jhannah]

We always shop itinerary first ... then ship. As mentioned, the smaller Prinsendam can go into the canal, and a smaller ship can usually get into smaller, more interesting ports. I'd agree that if the itineraries are the same, go for the value. That way you can take another cruise!;)

[Bill S]

We (DW & I) had the same debate! What made the difference for us is that because we do not get over to Europe very often, we figured we might as well be on the ship that would provide a unique itinerary and would also visit the most ports while we are over there. I forget if the Westerdam starts and ends its Baltic cruises this coming summer in the same port, but the Prinsendam cruise does, so that probably meant a little savings in the air fare-at least in our experience that does make a difference.

[kruzkeen]

The Prinsendam, which I have yet to cruise on, certainly gets mixed reviews.
People either love its smaller size etc. or have problems with the plumbing, a/c etc. I would have my reservations about it until after reports come in when the drydock is complete.