Holland America vs Carnival

[Luv2cruise14]

Hello.....I have cruised Carvinal 4 times and RC once. How does HA compare with Carnival? What is the average age on HA? Is HA a step up from Carnival? I recieved a brochure in the mail from HA and liked one of the itenaries HA has. Any helpful advice is appreciated :)

[cruzinnluvinit]

I don't know about Carnival but we were on HAL in Dec 2006. There weren't a lot of kids. The decks were quiet in comparrison to what I hear about Carnival but there was plenty to do. The food was great. The rooms have refrigerators, lots of closet space, room under the beds for your luggage, a hair dryer, the TV has a DVD player. The beds are oh so comfortable. Hope that helps.

[SanDiego Single]

In my opinion HAL and Carinval are 2 very different cruise lines. The passengers on HAL tend to be older 40 and above is the avg age. If you are planning on have lots of activity on the ship much after 10 you are not going to find much. With that being said I do think that HAL is not only a step above Carinval but its the only cruise line I will sail with. You are pampered to the point of never wanting to go home. I think if you like nightlife on board a ship you might not like HAL but if you want an experience unlike you have ever had before then HAL is your choice. Again this is just my opinion. If you choose HAL I would love to hear from you about your experience after.

[hammybee]

I sail Carnival and HAL as well as most of the mass marketed cruise lines. I have been on Carnival cruises where the average age is 75 and on HAL cruises where the average age is probably closer to 45. It all depends on the time of year, intinerary and length of the cruise.

There is no comparison between cabins, in terms of size, appearance and ammenities. HAL wins. The common areas of the ships also favor HAL, with an elegance,fresh flowers and art.

Evening entertainment on Carnival is substantially better and more varied than on HAL.

Food is subjective so I am not even going to go there.

Although I sail many cruise lines, I always come home to HAL. It's all about the gracious, genuine and sincere crew that makes the difference, to me.

[PDAZ]

I read the title of this thread while taking a drink and the cola came out of my nose! D'oh!

These aren't two cruise lines that I'd compare -- worlds apart! I think they appeal to two very different groups of cruisers. Carnival is a party ship; HAL is much more subdued. The average age on HAL is older but it's not a retirement ship -- my 23 daughter loves HAL and refuses to go on another Carnival ship. Me, I think Carnival has its strong points -- for one, they have the best pizza I've tasted at sea. But I really enjoy the ambience of HAL and not the neon of Carnival.

[dww]

Well, I sure you can see so far that Carnival and HAL are two totally different cruise lines. As several have stated, what are you looking for when you cruise? I also have a daughter who will cruise ONLY HAL and Celebrity (she is a teen). Again, there is no comparison with two. Basically, HAL is very elegant and laid-back. The ships are very traditional, classy, lots of fresh flowers, LOTS of beautiful artwork. Yes the nights are not your "all-nighters" on HAL. Again, ask yourself what you are looking for in a cruise. Other things that come to mind are: service, bedding, room space, food that HAL wins on. Hope that helps some.

[twinkletoes4445]

These aren't two cruise lines that I'd compare -- worlds apart! I think they appeal to two very different groups of cruisers. Carnival is a party ship; HAL is much more subdued. The average age on HAL is older but it's not a retirement ship -- my 23 daughter loves HAL and refuses to go on another Carnival ship. Me, I think Carnival has its strong points -- for one, they have the best pizza I've tasted at sea. But I really enjoy the ambience of HAL and not the neon of Carnival.

That's exactly how we feel.

We've done both, and felt HAL was far superior in every aspect. We enjoyed our Carnival cruise (we had our kids with us), but it's just not a cruise line for us.

[Luv2cruise14]

Well, I sure you can see so far that Carnival and HAL are two totally different cruise lines. As several have stated, what are you looking for when you cruise? I also have a daughter who will cruise ONLY HAL and Celebrity (she is a teen). Again, there is no comparison with two. Basically, HAL is very elegant and laid-back. The ships are very traditional, classy, lots of fresh flowers, LOTS of beautiful artwork. Yes the nights are not your "all-nighters" on HAL. Again, ask yourself what you are looking for in a cruise. Other things that come to mind are: service, bedding, room space, food that HAL wins on. Hope that helps some.


My DH and I are not party animals! We do enjoy going to the shows at night. We are usually in the bed by midnight. Like I said in my first post we have only cruised Carnival and 1 time on RC. I just didn't know what HAL had to offer. I was just mainly wondering what the ages were. I've heard that the Princess cruise line is more of a "older" crowd and that after 10pm it's pretty dead. Don't get me wrong.....I don't mind cruising with "older people" I just want there to be some folks in their 40's on the ship.

[CanuckCurlers]

It all depends on the time of year, intinerary and length of the cruise.

I agree with the above. We have done a March cruise on Princess with 400 university students and March, 7 day cruises, with Hal that had passengers of all ages but found an older majority on a Hal 10 day cruise.
If you would choose a Las Vegas or Disney World holiday over a tour of New England or Williamsburg I would stick to Carnival or RC. I'd pick the later two and love HAL so just giving you a benchmark.

[CruiseBumm]

WE too have cruised both HAL and Carnavel. They are very differnt. HAL provides more class and less noise. Carnavel is more of a "FUN" ship for the younger crowds. Now we prefer the slower pace, but don't want a morge, so we choose HAl.

[MSammy]

There is no comparison here. If you can tolerate being nickeled and dime-ed the entire trip...loud non-stop public announcements...fighting for pool chairs...small, small cabins...all for a cheaper cruise, then Carnival is for you! You'll also prefer Carnival if winning, "the biggest beer belly," or "best belly flop" contest is important to you. Carnival probably does have better late night activities, but personally, if I wanted a good show...I'd go to Vegas.

[bychance]

I agree that you should look for the cruise line that fits your personality. However, I dont think you should generalize the people that cruise certain lines.

For example, me... I have NO night life at all. I work my hubby works and we have two kids. So pretty much we run from work to school to practice to games and so on and so on.........


So when we do get to cruise we want a party! We want glitzy we want action.

I will always choose the "Fun" ships!

Don't get tied up in stereo types just pick the cruise that works for you.

After all it's your vacation and your memories.

[CPPADILLA]

Have sailed both cruise lines and without a doubt it's HAL. IMHO the cabin and food were much better on HAL, as well as the service.

Whatever you decide I hope you have a great cruise.

[Bramcruiser]

Hello.....I have cruised Carvinal 4 times and RC once. How does HA compare with Carnival? What is the average age on HA? Is HA a step up from Carnival? I recieved a brochure in the mail from HA and liked one of the itenaries HA has. Any helpful advice is appreciated :)


Hi, a question I can actually answer since I did both Carnival and HAL.:)

My very first cruise was on Carnival. It was an enjoyable enough vacation at the time but you will notice that on HAL its a world apart. Whether that world is for you is really dependent on what you enjoy out of vacationing. For me HAL offered the cruise experience I was seeking.

Age? Well traditionally the average age on HAL is much higher than Carnival but I see Carnival is now actively advertising to the senior set. So its hard to say. I agree with those who say that the iteniary and the time of year as well as the length of the cruise tends to dictate the clientele on board. The correct question would be: What type of person is most attracted to either line? To me Carnival is "the fun ships" and that is fine. It offers a flashier and on-the-go experience and does it well. HAL is more traditional in that it offers a classier, more upscale cruise experience closer to the days of the old ocean liners. The decor is less Las Vegas and more intimate with artwork and flowers throughout the ship. Yes there are things to do on board but you won't usually find hairy chest and best leg contests or drinks being pushed left, right and center as your cruise is not considered a floating party. This doesn't mean you can't party on HAL but don't think of the cruise as one either.

Food on Carnival was good as far as I can recall. Food is good on HAL too with HAL having a fresher and nicer Lido deck experience. I just recall horrible scrambled eggs on the Carnival Lido deck.

Entertainment. Carnival is much better in this department. I've sailed three lines to date and Carnival is outstanding in this department and HAL the least inspiring. Still, I wouldn't say it was terrible.

Some people are turned off by HAL and consider it close to a floating retirement home. Others enjoy the upscale cruise experience. I think you have to know what you enjoy doing and what appeals to you. I'd say at least give HAL a try.

David

[coldsolderjoint]

Hello Everyone,

I hate to bring a thread back from the dead, but I figure it's better than making a new post on the same subject.

I don't post on CC much, but I read a lot of stuff. We are planning a cruise for Jul or August, and this time, we are taking some family.

My fiancee and I are 25 and have cruised 4 times on various carnival ships from all over (NYC, Orlando, Miami, LA).. and have liked them all enough to keep going back.

This time around, we will be bringing my mother, my sister (23), and her father/mother. This will be their first cruise, and my father passed in March, so this will be sort of a special vacation for my mother and sister.

Normally, I would have just recommended that we go back on Carnival because they provide a good consistent product in my opinion and I know what they offer. But we would like to have no flying involved, and that would leave NYC, Cape Liberty, or maybe Baltimore as departing locations, and it would also have to be in July or August since my fiancee is a School Teacher.

Being that we've been to most of the destinations that are offered from these ports, we are sort of set on Bermuda. Carnival doesn't offer a Bermuda Trip during these months.

We where bouncing back and forth between RCI, NCL, and Celebrity. And I'm getting my mind in a twist reading all these reviews back and forth, and in my heart, I think any of those ships would be fine because a lot of the cruise is what you make of it.

But, I did another search and found an interesting cruise on the Veendam out of NYC to Bermuda, and you get two Bermuda Ports and more time in port for around the same money.

Sounds like a great deal, but then I question the overall atmosphere of the HAL product.

I wouldn't say my GF and I are BIG Time partiers, but I usually like to have a drink in my hand while walking around the ship, like to be a little loud at the roulette table, and we like going to the night clubs to dance on Carnival some times. And we like the late night buffet, and the pizza being open whenever you want it.

On Carnival, I like to be the guy with the roll of $1 bills as extra tips for the waiters and bar tenders. and like the "extra" service that brings.

I don't have a problem with class, but I also don't want to be stuck in a floating retirement home if you know what I am saying.

I wouldn't say my mom is a young 25 year old chicken any more, but she is starting to do things like start eating out at restaurants regularly, getting her hair and nails done, and small things like that, she was never really able to do during the time she was raising us, or during the time she was taking care of my father. So I'm sure she wont have a problem having a couple drinks and going dancing.. but shes probably not going to be doing belly flops into the pool and doing keg stands on the lido either if you know what i mean.

I checked out the pictures on their website and HAL seems like its a really nice ship, but that's also without other people, and you really can't feel the atmosphere on the ship.

So fellow Cruisers, please recommend to me what we should do?

Thanks

[trophy_23]

We are in our mid 20's and have cruised numerous times with HAL, never have we felt like we were in a retirement home. We have always had amazing service and really enjoy the relaxing nature of HAL. We are not partiers, but do enjoy an occasional drink. I would give HAL a try if it fits your criteria and budget, I'm sure you will all enjoy. I have not tried Carnival so can't offer a comparison.

[Floridiana]

Any one week cruise will have a younger crowd than longer cruises. I found my recent 4 week Statendam cruise to have a more sedate crowd than previous 2 week Caribbean cruises on Azamara and Princess and those were more sedate than the one week cruise with NCL from NYC to Bermuda. That one qualified as a bona fide party ship.

[Math Guy]

It's been a while, but the only experience that we had with Carnival was aboard the Spirit, April 2003, Honolulu to Vancouver. We had a lovely time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our HAL cruises have been with the Oosterdam, Volendam, and Maasdam. Other cruises have been with Princess, Costa, Epirotiki, Commodore, NCL, and Celebrity. HAL tends to pamper you to the point that you do not want to leave the ship. The Maasdam is a particular favourite, and we will be getting re-acquainted with it on May 7. We avoid holiday times as well as the months of July and August, and generally book at the 'last minute'. We would not hesitate to cruise Carnival again , but we have definitely been spoiled by the HAL experience.

[sandvinsd]

I sail Carnival and HAL as well as most of the mass marketed cruise lines. I have been on Carnival cruises where the average age is 75 and on HAL cruises where the average age is probably closer to 45. It all depends on the time of year, intinerary and length of the cruise.

Yes, it does depend on the itinerary and time of year. We were on a HAL Mexico Riviera cruise in February during a "ski week" vacation for the local schools. There were over 300 kids on board and the average age was definitely in the 40-45 range.

[fann1sh]

ColdSolderJoint - it's true evenings on HAL can be dead after the late show. But if you're ever going to try HAL, this is the itinerary.

Four of 7 nights are spent in Hamilton. If it's just not happening on the ship, you can slip into town to drink and dance.

That's the big HAL advantage - being in town, no fast ferry or bus necessary. Norwegian Gem, Celebrity Summit, Explorer of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas all use the Dockyard (aka King's Wharf).

I don't know whether you spotted the thread on this board about Berrnuda getting tough on cruise tourists monopolizing buses. Talk of reserving some seats for islanders, and not letting the buses fill at the Dockyard.

I agree Carnival provides a good, consistent product which is extremely good value. But that Carnival vinyl covered cabin sofa can be a bit of a shock after HAL's soft furnishings. You'll find a lot of little HAL touches like that. Fresh flowers. Fabric hand towels in public bathrooms. Etc...

[coldsolderjoint]

Cool. Thanks Guys. I did not know that about the dockyard and bus thing. I guess that's similar to key west where you need to go through security and take a trolley to town?

I talked to the family tonight and they are now worried HAL might be "Too Fancy" and they don't want "to get all dressed up to eat"

I just checked on their website and it might be an issue if they enforce the dress code in the public areas of the ship at night..

I can understand in the restaurants and that's no problem. but I usually do like to go put on shorts after dinner.

I'm going to go search around for some more dress code threads.

[taram]

Please let your family know that the dress codes (which are relatively the same on all lines) are for the Main Dining Room ONLY. These dress codes aren't for the other areas of the ship. Dress is always casual, business casual, luxury casual, whatever wording you want to use - so yes, your shorts will be just fine (just NOT in the main dining room for dinner).

The lines like to keep the main dining room as a luxury experience; and having people in short shorts and cut off jeans just isn't luxurious. You don't have to be dripping in diamonds and silk - but wearing pants and a nice shirt helps the ambiance.

Remember - the cruise is what you make of it - so keep an open mind and keep asking questions like you are and you'll be just fine.

[coldsolderjoint]

Thanks Tara, here is what I was looking at that was confusing: (from HAL site)

The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler climates, we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of our ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. We ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness center, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.
Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.
In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

[taram]

Hmmmm - that's curious. OK Hal veterans - shorts or no shorts?

[kazu]

there are lots of people walking around with a drink in their hand and I have heard some commotion in the casino;)

HAL is not a retirement home. While some of the passengers may be older, a lot are very young at heart, well travelled and very interesting.

We have sailed on other lines and prefer HAL for their little touches, good service, great rooms and great service.

[swingslowVA]

This is exactly what I was looking for! I'm looking into cruises for my mother this summer (she's 68) and was wondering what the atmosphere was like on HAL.

In my mind I imagined as some of the others have explained it, being a bit more stodgy than a Carnival cruise for example. Even though my mom's gettin up there in age, I know she's still into having a good time and partying it up a little.

I'm also wondering if people have noticed a difference in ship culture and attitude on the different cruises, for example an Alaskan cruise and a Caribbean cruise. Or have most of you found that the ship demographic stays the same, regardless.

Thanks in advance for all your helpful feedback :)

[mermaid72]

Carnival: Snooky & the her Jersey Beach crowd

Holland America: Jackie Kennedy & Martha's Vineyard

[mermaid72]

Carnival: Snooky & her Jersey Beach crowd

Holland America: Jackie Kennedy & Martha's Vineyard friends

[kazu]

This is exactly what I was looking for! I'm looking into cruises for my mother this summer (she's 68) and was wondering what the atmosphere was like on HAL.

In my mind I imagined as some of the others have explained it, being a bit more stodgy than a Carnival cruise for example. Even though my mom's gettin up there in age, I know she's still into having a good time and partying it up a little.

I'm also wondering if people have noticed a difference in ship culture and attitude on the different cruises, for example an Alaskan cruise and a Caribbean cruise. Or have most of you found that the ship demographic stays the same, regardless.

Thanks in advance for all your helpful feedback :)

Alaska cruises used to be primarily older folks, but that has really changed IMO. I see a big difference between Caribbean cruises and Med/Europe cruises, but I think that is partly due to the length of the cruises and as well, in Europe, there are more Europeans cruising. Caribbean is usually more casual with a younger crowd by my experience.

The demographics can vary so much depending upon the timing of the cruise (holidays, March break, etc.) and the length of the cruise.

[kazu]

Hmmmm - that's curious. OK Hal veterans - shorts or no shorts?

No shorts in the Main Dining Room in the evening. They are allowed for breakfast and lunch and in the Lido.

[ceejay3377]

Hmmmm - that's curious. OK Hal veterans - shorts or no shorts?

On our Volendam South Pacific Cruise in January (our 2nd HAL cruise) we found that there were a handful of people in jeans or shorts in the dining room. They were certainly in the minority and stood out to me as I am a stickler for following the rules. I understand that this is not in keeping with HAL's dress code, and I put it down to the high number of Aussies on board. If they are accustomed to cruising with P&O, then this would be considered appropriate attire in the MDR. (Please no flaming! Not everyone is as passionate about cruising and researching cruise lines to the extreme like us CC Addicts!).

We felt that it was appropriate to remain in our 'smart casual' or 'formal' attire if we wished to remain in any of the main bars/lounges after dinner. However, many nights we chose to get into our shorts/sneakers and walk off the 'damage' on the promenade deck and we were not the only ones. We would happily walk around the outer areas and Lido deck in this attire. So I suggest that if you are just going to be out on deck then wear what you like, but if you are looking to continue your night in one of the bars/lounges then keep the glad rags on.

By the way, I am 39 and my husband is 42 and we love HAL. Sometimes I am surprised at the SILENCE in some parts of the ship late into the night, especially after 3 P&O/Star Cruises where we couldn't find any space for ourselves outside our cabin. But if it's night life you are after, there is usually the Crows Nest for a bit of night life and disco after 11pm. We love HAL so much we are going to spend 30 nights on the Zaandam this Dec/Jan. We have found that while the average age can be higher than on some other lines, we always find kindred spirits of all ages to hang out with! Age is a number, not an attitude.

Cheers,

Carina

[fann1sh]

ColdSolderJoint: if you read a lot here, you'll know there are dress code flame wars.

I'm one of those people who thinks HAL doesn't want you to wear shorts at night when they say: "shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during evening hours."
Others insist "shorts are fine" because no large burly men will tackle you and escort you to the brig if you wear them in the evening.

Fact: No one will bar you entrance to the show lounge based on what you're wearing.

Likelihood, based on the odds: someone will wear shorts to the show lounge.

Likelihood, based on the odds: if they do, someone will give they the disdaining "hairy eyeball"

Fact: The majority of HAL cruisers find the show lounge too cold for shorts.

[AFMSGT]

"Dude" for Carnival and "Sir" if you want HAL. Thats the difference! Carnival is more of a "hey dude" atmosphere with a bit of sophistication. Its true to its name sake-- A fun-ship. The crowds tend to be out for some loud fun, but you'll get all kinds of folks on Carnival. Sailed on the Carnival Glory and had a great time. Service, food and entertainment was great. Alot of kids! HAL is more for the person looking to have more of a subdued time. Passengers tend to be in mid 40s on up and like having fun, just more on the sophisticated side of things. Less kids on HAL. Sailed on HAL's Eurodam and had a great time. Food & Service were great, but didn't experience the entertainment much. BLUF: Cruising is what you make it and its the ship and its crew that will make or break the trip. Timing also has alot to do with it. Holidays tend to be more crowded and more expensive on both. No matter what ship you go on you'll find people and situations not to your liking. Avoid the crap and focus on having a good time. Good luck. :cool:

[cruiseapril]

Apples and oranges. I just happen to like oranges better, but enjoy both. We enjoy HAL very much and have enjoyed Carnival. We prefer HAL because it is quite relaxing and the HAL ships we have been on are lovely. By comparison, we found Carnival busy with interesting ships.

[RVman]

We usually cruise Carnival but we are trying HAL next year on our second cruise to Alaska.

[Hobbsey]

Hello Everyone,

My fiancee and I are 25 and have cruised 4 times on various carnival ships from all over (NYC, Orlando, Miami, LA).. and have liked them all enough to keep going back.

Being that we've been to most of the destinations that are offered from these ports, we are sort of set on Bermuda. Carnival doesn't offer a Bermuda Trip during these months.

We where bouncing back and forth between RCI, NCL, and Celebrity. And I'm getting my mind in a twist reading all these reviews back and forth, and in my heart, I think any of those ships would be fine because a lot of the cruise is what you make of it.

But, I did another search and found an interesting cruise on the Veendam out of NYC to Bermuda, and you get two Bermuda Ports and more time in port for around the same money.

Sounds like a great deal, but then I question the overall atmosphere of the HAL product.

I wouldn't say my GF and I are BIG Time partiers, but I usually like to have a drink in my hand while walking around the ship, like to be a little loud at the roulette table, and we like going to the night clubs to dance on Carnival some times. And we like the late night buffet, and the pizza being open whenever you want it.

I don't have a problem with class, but I also don't want to be stuck in a floating retirement home if you know what I am saying.

I wouldn't say my mom is a young 25 year old chicken any more, but she is starting to do things like start eating out at restaurants regularly, getting her hair and nails done, and small things like that, she was never really able to do during the time she was raising us, or during the time she was taking care of my father. So I'm sure she wont have a problem having a couple drinks and going dancing.. but shes probably not going to be doing belly flops into the pool and doing keg stands on the lido either if you know what i mean.

So fellow Cruisers, please recommend to me what we should do?



Hey, I'm going to jump in here.

My wife and I are 54 but first cruised HAL in 1999 or 2000 and fell in love. Check out my signature, we've done most of the major lines (except Princess). Here are a few notes:

- The Age demographic is older on HAL, no doubt. However, at the time of year you are cruising and the destination you have chosen there will be a good mix of ages on board.

- I have cruised from NYC 5 times and I can tell you that the passenger type is very varied. There will be rich and poor, families and honeymooners, loud and pushy and quiet as a mouse.

- Bermuda is wonderful. The fact that HAL is the last cruise line to use the proper size equipment to do it right makes them not just the best choice, but in my mind the only choice. At best you'll want to spend part of a day at the Dock Yard, not the entire stay. St Georges is fantastic and Hamilton is centrally located.

- Formal Night is not nearly as oppressive as it might sound from some of these posts. I have seen just as many dressed up on Carnival as on HAL. I too normally have a drink in hand and while I don't play in the Casino I have been known to party it up at sail away on the aft deck.

- HAL wins over most other Cruiselines (in my book) in their ambiance, their continued connection to a sailing tradition, and in the sincerely friendly service staff who, if you treat them right, will adopt you as a family member or special friend before the week is out.

I would say, don't over think this decision. You guys will fit right in and have a wonderful cruise on a beautiful ship. Less passenger on board per sq ft will mean less lines, less waiting for a deck chair and much less stress getting on and off the ship in port. And best, you'll be on something more resembling a ship than a resort hotel.

ENJOY!!

[lettienets]

I cruise Hal and Carnival alot and like the different vibes. I like Carnival only for their longer or unusual for Carnival eg Europe, Panama Canal, Hawaii trans Pacific coming up etc) cruises not the 4-7 day party Caribbean type ones. The longer ones attract an older crowd and few kids. I like how they have lots of craft classes on long cruises and lots of entertainment choices especially late night comedy, more than one comedian on the ship at a time.
Hal is great too, long cruises, very refined, great movie theatre and uptodate movies, free videos in room too (pay on Carnival for most in-room movies). I am not a real movie fan but enjoy them on Hal because there is not much going on late (except a late movie at 10 or 1030, ha ha ha) I also like the spa area on Hal and pay for the mineral pool pass and the warm ceramic beds and steam rooms on ships that have this feature.
Both offer great food.
What I can't stand on either ship is cold airconditioning in the public areas, showrooms and theatre etc and loud music in the piano bars. So bring jackets, shawls, sweaters etc.
(PS I bring duct tape on Carnival if my stateroom temp won't go down I tape the vents. It usually goes down on Hal if you turn it down.)

[coldsolderjoint]

Thanks Everyone, I think I get the picture you guys are painting.

I want to try the Volendam to Bermuda, but the family decided for the Miracle to the Caribean this time around :-P

I'm going to have a good either way.

[lettienets]

Thanks Everyone, I think I get the picture you guys are painting.
I want to try the Volendam to Bermuda, but the family decided for the Miracle to the Caribean this time around :-P
I'm going to have a good either way.
I did 2 - 8 day b2b Miracle cruises in Jan and found them to be great fun with a wide variety of entertainment and activities as mentioned above. have fun. Great dining room.