X or HAL-I'm so undecided....any suggestions?

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

I've done all the research and I just can't make a choice. Has anyone else ever done this?

-My deposit is already down for a CS on the Infinity; if I end up on HAL it will be a deluxe suite probably on the Amsterdam.
-It will be an Alaska cruise for Sept. 08 out of Seattle.
-I've cruised twice on HAL. None on X.
-I'm looking forward to trying X because I'm in the mood for something different butttt.....I get homesick (shipsick?) thinking of HAL, there's something about a HAL ship that is like homecoming. And those beds!!! I bought a similar bed for home but it's not the same when your not being rocked to sleep.

Any advice?

[hammybee]

If it were any other intinerary than Alaska, I would encourage you to give X a try. If it were any other ship than the Amsterdam, I might also be inclined to suggest you give X a shot. Welcome home. :)

[dam1050]

I've sailed both HAL & X to Alaska (from Vancouver though, rather than Seattle) and have enjoyed both. You might be looking at different itineraries ... i.e. from here HAL usually does Glacier Bay, while Infinity has been doing Hubbard Glacier .... (both are spectacular IMO)

If I were you -- I'd give Celebrity a try to see how you like it. I believe the more lines you try the merrier, you can't really compare one against the other until you've tried them. Besides that, you've already put down your deposit.

Enjoy your cruise whichever you decide.

Dave

[InTheWASide]

I've sailed both HAL & X to Alaska (from Vancouver though, rather than Seattle) and have enjoyed both. You might be looking at different itineraries ... i.e. from here HAL usually does Glacier Bay, while Infinity has been doing Hubbard Glacier .... (both are spectacular IMO)

Amsterdam will do either Tracy Arm or Glacier Bay all throughoput the season

Oosterdam is EXCLUSIVELY Hubbard Glacier

Westerdam is EXCLUSIVELY Glacier Bay

All of them do Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Victoria which a little LESS in the Inside Passage but whale watching through the San Juan Islands.

The O and Westerdam are VIRTUALLY the same, Amsterdam smaller and a bit of a departure from the others. A little classic/little less modern.

Little bit of trivia if you're a safety or environmental buff...

X was banned from Seattle for Alaska sailings because last year there was back to back (to back?) NLV outbreaks, a drunk captain and sewage being dumped in Washington waters...

HAL has most likely THE BEST environmental records in cruise history (The Zaandam's scrubber is a perfect example of this)

:cool:

[thomasale]

Give X a try and let us know what you think. Either way I am sure you will have a great cruise!

[osiebosie]

My first cruise on HAL is upcoming, but I've sailed X many times, and thoroughly enjoyed each and every cruise. Apparently, from what I've read, the lines are very similar.

And the beds were Great!

If it were me, I would go by itinerary.

Shay

[Jade13]

Can you post the two itinerary's including time in each port? Also, difference in number of passengers on each ship. Thanks.

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

I could just put down a deposit for the Amsterdam as well and then decide. Suites go fast, this way I'd be covered.

I think Amsterdam has a lot fewer pax than Infinity which is bout 2000.

Not sure exactly what the Amsterdam itinerary is but Infinity will be:

Day 1 leave seattle at 4
Day 2 At sea
Day 3 Sitka 10 to 6
Day 4 Hubbard Glacier 12 to 4
Day 5 Juneau 7 to 3
Day 6 Ketchikan 7 to 1
Day 7 Victoria 7 to midnight
Day 8 Arrive Seattle 6 am

I think Amsteram covers all the same ports except Hubbard but I could be wrong. I'm not a port person and I've done Alaska before, I'm more interested in which ship will provide the best overall experience.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Appreciate it!

[HeatherInFlorida]

We have a deposit on Eurodam and a hold on a Constellation cabin for a Canada/NE cruise in 2008 so I know what you're talking about.:confused: ... decisions, decisions.

I've sailed equal time on both lines ... personally prefer Celebrity.

But you are comparing apples to oranges because Amsterdam is a smaller ship. If the smaller size is important to you, stick with HAL.

If not, give Celebrity a try:) . There are a lot of people here on CC who cross back and forth and love both. You'll never know until you try it for yourself.

[psychboss]

I have not done Alaska yet but I have sailed on the Infinity a number of times - she is a beautiful ship and I love her. We have our first HAL cruise on the Zuiderdam in Feb. I am really looking forward to it. Why don't you give X a try. From everything I have read they are very similar. I think you will enjoy X and the Infinity!

Enjoy!!

[dww]

We have sailed both X and HAL in the past. Both are wonderful lines. My suggestion is that if you haven't sailed X, try it. IMO you can't go wrong. HAL however is home for us. There is something special/magical about HAL we experience vs. X. I realize I sound like I'm talking you out of X; I am not! You will love X. Good luck.

[Taylor]

Either ship is great BUT why would you not do the Inside Passage where you have calmer seas and more beautiful scenery. (maybe you would have to leave from Vancouver but it would be worth it)

[SANDY BEACH]

Since accommodations are very important to me, if you are talking the Deluxe Verandah Suite on Holland, I would definitely go with that room. I enjoy a balcony and the CS does not have one. Celebrity is my favorite cruiseline; however, if I find the true Suite on Holland affordable, I book it. A beautiful room, great amenities and a wonderful balcony. We have sailed it often and I agree, those beds are the greatest!!!!!

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

Since accommodations are very important to me, if you are talking the Deluxe Verandah Suite on Holland, I would definitely go with that room. I enjoy a balcony and the CS does not have one. Celebrity is my favorite cruiseline; however, if I find the true Suite on Holland affordable, I book it. A beautiful room, great amenities and a wonderful balcony. We have sailed it often and I agree, those beds are the greatest!!!!!

Thanks for all the great advice but I think I've reached my decision: I'm sticking with HAL. It's the only line I've ever cruised with and I guess I feel like it's my home if that makes any sense. I've more or less enjoyed all my cruises with the exception of the anytime dining experience I went through. Now I know better than to go on a wait list, I don't book unless I have a confirmed dining time.

In addition to the above reasons, I have booked a PS category suite on the Amsterdam. I have wanted to sail on the Amsterdam for the past 5 years, it looks like a superb ship. The price I got was not all that much higher than an RS on Celebrity. I still want to try out X, but maybe in a lower priced stateroom, if I feel it suits me, then I can try out a suite.

I'm going to leave my deposit down on Infinity for a while at least, I could change my mind again but it's not likely; with the Amsterdam home-ported in Seattle for the summer, I see her each week (I commute by ferry) and she is spectacular to watch as she docks!!

[scamper]

Thanks for all the great advice but I think I've reached my decision: I'm sticking with HAL. It's the only line I've ever cruised with and I guess I feel like it's my home if that makes any sense. I've more or less enjoyed all my cruises with the exception of the anytime dining experience I went through. Now I know better than to go on a wait list, I don't book unless I have a confirmed dining time.

In addition to the above reasons, I have booked a PS category suite on the Amsterdam. I have wanted to sail on the Amsterdam for the past 5 years, it looks like a superb ship. The price I got was not all that much higher than an RS on Celebrity. I still want to try out X, but maybe in a lower priced stateroom, if I feel it suits me, then I can try out a suite.

I'm going to leave my deposit down on Infinity for a while at least, I could change my mind again but it's not likely; with the Amsterdam home-ported in Seattle for the summer, I see her each week (I commute by ferry) and she is spectacular to watch as she docks!!

I was going to suggest flipping a coin, but if you got a Penthouse on HAL for only a bit more than a Royal Suite on X, go with the Penthouse.

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

I was going to suggest flipping a coin, but if you got a Penthouse on HAL for only a bit more than a Royal Suite on X, go with the Penthouse.

That was how I felt about it.