Holland America vs Princess

[mishdoyle]

Hello! I've gone thru some old posts, but I didn't see anything relating to this. My in-laws are planning a cruise leaving from San Diego and cruising down into Mexico. They see that two ships are running the exact ports of call (and very close in $)...here is the question..they have sailed with Princess in the past (and so have I...we both LOVED them!)...but never with Holland America....we were wondering which cruise line and ship is better? Princess is "Dawn" and Holland America is "Oosterdam"....any thoughts? They are older....70's, have no trouble getting around. Again, thanks for any help you have to make their decision easier!:confused:

[Atomica]

The Oosterdam is a fantastic ship - I don't think your parents would be disappointed!

The Princess vs. HAL debate has been discussed at length lately. There's a thread here that also includes a link to previous threads.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=539173

[mishdoyle]

Yes, As soon as I typed it...I found the "thread" A HAL user looks at Princess..It's really very interesting. Thanks again for re-posting the link!

[ipoder]

I have been on both. It's been a few years since I've cruised Princess (not because I don't love Princess, but just because of convenience). In fact, my first cruise was on the brand new Dawn Princess. Princess ships are prettier than HAL ships and I have always had great meals on both. Princess is less expensive than HAL. Also, you are comparing a newer, larger ship (O) to a smaller, older ship (D). While either one would surely give you a great cruise experience, consider the time in ports and the cruise fare to help make a decision.

[dakrewser]

I have been on both. It's been a few years since I've cruised Princess (not because I don't love Princess, but just because of convenience). In fact, my first cruise was on the brand new Dawn Princess. Princess ships are prettier than HAL ships and I have always had great meals on both. Princess is less expensive than HAL. Also, you are comparing a newer, larger ship (O) to a smaller, older ship (D). While either one would surely give you a great cruise experience, consider the time in ports and the cruise fare to help make a decision.

While beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, there's no way I could call Dawn Princess prettier than Oosterdam. Prettier than the Infinity, yes, but not a HAL ship....

[cruznon]

Just returned from my first Princess cruise---very nice, BUT the service on HAL is superior to Princess---you'll love HAL

[bob brown]

Is this the thread to compare HAL vs Princess cruisetours in Alaska? Which is better and why?
Both companies had large fleets of railcars and buses in Alaska. I wonder if since Carnival's acquisition of Princess, they have combined fleets or share maintenance or anything else to enjoy economy of scale, etc.?
I haven't been there since 1991 and am thinking it's time for another trip.

[CanuckCurlers]

You didn't mention when your parents were cruising. We did take this same cruise a few years ago on Princess and were accompanied by hundreds of college students. It only took them about 4 days to wear themselves out and get to bed before dawn. That was in March and I'd want to be checking other major college breaks for any schools in the west. Students do not typically make up any portion of a Hal cruise. Just my experience.

[gcrackr]

I’ve been on the Dawn Princess twice, once when nearly new, and most recently in 2003—San Francisco to Acapulco. Just got off the Oosterdam last week—RT San Diego. “Dakrewser” covers nearly everything in his posts, but here is what I would give most consideration:

Ship Age: The Dawn was in excellent condition when I last sailed her in 2003. However, on other cruise lines I have experienced, older ships show their age, both in wear and tear, and in design. The Oosterdam looks almost like new, and being of newer design, is more efficient in space utilization and layout. Extra points to HAL on this one.

Port Time: If port time is important, extra points to whoever is in port longer.

Tender: You must tender in Cabo, but point reduction if you have to tender in PV or Maz. Last week in PV, HAL & Carnival got the dock, the Golden Princess was tendering. Tendering chews up a huge amount of port time.

Specialty dining: The Pinnacle on HAL beats Sterling Steak House hands down. Extra points for HAL if specialty dining is important to you.

Fellow Passengers: HAL has a reputation for an older crowd, and it still is. Seniors are a higher percentage on HAL, along with more wheelchairs and walkers. No offence to seniors (I’ll be there someday), that’s just the way it is.

Price: HAL is usually more expensive. If only just a bit (for the equivalent stateroom class) —say $100 per person or so), extra points to HAL. It’s worth the extra price.

Note re timing: If your cruise is planned during a school holiday/vacation time period, expect lots of youngsters and younger parents, either Princess or HAL. Last week, the Hotel Manager on the Oosterdam reported to us that there were 700 + youngsters on board for Easter week.

I have been pleased with Princess in the past, and will continue to sail with them. However, after a very good experience with HAL last week, future decisions will be much more difficult with HAL in the competition. Since your in-laws have been happy with Princess, I am sure they will find HAL just as enjoyable, if not more so.

Hope this helps

[dakrewser]

Fellow Passengers: HAL has a reputation for an older crowd, and it still is. Seniors are a higher percentage on HAL, along with more wheelchairs and walkers. No offence to seniors (I’ll be there someday), that’s just the way it is.

I'll agree that there's a higher percentage of seniors on HAL, but the actual number of walkers, wheelchairs and canes seems about even, perhaps actually a tad higher on Princess. The difference is that Princess had a much higher percentage of under-21s.

[fcorey]

Hello! I've gone thru some old posts, but I didn't see anything relating to this. My in-laws are planning a cruise leaving from San Diego and cruising down into Mexico. They see that two ships are running the exact ports of call (and very close in $)...here is the question..they have sailed with Princess in the past (and so have I...we both LOVED them!)...but never with Holland America....we were wondering which cruise line and ship is better? Princess is "Dawn" and Holland America is "Oosterdam"....any thoughts? They are older....70's, have no trouble getting around. Again, thanks for any help you have to make their decision easier!:confused:

We took Oosterdam to Mexico last October, liked the ship and crew so much we are taking her to Alaska in September. And I'd do the Mexico trip from San Diego again in a heartbeat, even next year if we werent going on Noordam and Eurodam!