canadarocks

I've been reluctant to share the following because I've been a staunch Holland America supporter since 2009. And I know how fierce HAL supporters here can be, as I have been one of them. DH & I are 4* Mariners with HAL and Platinum with Princess (a ways away from Elite). We cruised a B2B2B on the Rotterdam in the Caribbean this past winter, followed immediately by a B2B on the Sky Princess. So, at least in my opinion, the very best chance to compare the two brands. The first 10 day cruise on HAL, I was totally content. Happy to finally be back cruising, ecstatic to have a beautiful Deck 4 balcony cabin with easy access to the Aft Pool. Early dining at a not so great location, but with the nicest combo of servers. Nice enough that we never asked to be moved over our 31 days onboard. Met our favorite HAL entertainment staff member ever, Leanne, who oversaw our trivia and other games. Loved the Step One dance troupe and the retro Rock & Roll show. On the second leg, an 11 day, I was surprised that the evening Main Stage entertainment schedule was virtually identical to the first 10 days. Three Step One shows (which we absolutely LOVED and watched a second time), two Planet Earth shows (one of which we rewatched on the 1st leg and had seen back in 2020), and an "Origin Story" night. A very lackluster "magician/mentalist" and a wonderful comedienne, Kelly MacFarland. But on the second leg, we also realized that the "bloom had left the rose" and it became obvious how little there was to do (especially with the repetitive shows) in the evenings and during the day. Music Walks shows were all repeats. And to both of our surprise, we realized that the MDR dinners were truly nothing special. The 3rd leg of 10 days was more of the same. We ate in the MDR twice, the last time only to say goodbye to our two great servers. After two cycles, there wasn't anything we wanted to order. I think that was truly the biggest surprise, as we have ALWAYS been completely satisfied with HAL MDR food. Evening entertainment was again the same, 6 nights repeats and, this time, mentalist combo and comedian who were truly not good. Again a retro Rock & Roll show that was enjoyable..... Princess was very very different..... and as happy as I was in the moment onboard the Sky Princess, it kind of broke my HAL loving heart.

Thanks for the advice about the Sanctuary and the Panama Canal day. I've booked us the Balcony Breakfast for that day. I figure we'll be criss-crossing the ship a lot for the rest of the day.

We had a delightful HAL cast member on our 31 days on the Rotterdam who oversaw virtually all of the trivia and games. Her name was Leanne and she was heading to the Koningsdam right after we disembarked. Instead of prizes, winners won a picture of themselves with a Willy Magee Bobblehead. Silly but fun. I just wish there were three or four Leannes on every ship! 😀

We spent 31 days on the Rotterdam this winter, immediately followed by 14 days on the Sky Princess. When it comes to "activities" (ie trivia, game shows, etc. - NOT listening to music) there is no comparison. Princess beats Holland America hands down. Whether that is a deciding factor varies greatly between each of us obviously.

Wonderful! Thanks @jaycruising and @eclue

Thank you so much for this amazing review! We're doing the same itinerary in reverse next February. 😊 Can I ask how long it took you to walk to the beach area in Huatulco? It looks lovely!

Actually I wouldn't recommend it. We did a B2B2B and it became far too repetitive, especially where the entertainment was concerned. JMHO but we likely won't do a B2B again on HAL.

It's on our itinerary for February 2024. Hope things get better by then, but I know now not to count on it. Thanks all.

Just spent a month on the Rotterdam... Deck 4 aft has lovely big balconies! 😊

Trish, thank you again for your wonderful Emerald Princess review. A great memento for you and an awesome reference for those of us boarding her in the future! 👍

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! Your photos are fabulous!!

I think you're probably right. But that darned "Gala Night Instant Makeover" is still there for January 29!

Thanks, narrowed it down the same way. Almost positive Feb 1 will be the 2nd. What is hilarious is that there are "Gala Night Instant Makeovers" on both Jan. 26 & Jan. 29th!

Thanks, yes I know that's always an option. I was just venting a bit of frustration. 🙂

Well according to my Navigator the showtimes for our January 25th cruise are now changed to 7:30pm and 9:30pm. This change of course happened after the deadline for booking and/or changing restaurant reservations. I have never seen so many changes right before a cruise, and there is still no confirmation as to when the Gala Nights are!

Great to know, thanks.

Has anyone had any luck recently reserving MDR dining times once you were onboard?

Did you enjoy it?

All of the Trivia and other events are on the Navigator now.

Boarding the Rotterdam soon for, hopefully, a lovely B2B2B. Frankly I am stunned by the early departures for shore excursions at ports where we are docked until late. For example, a Curacao Beach Express at 7:30am when we are docked from 7am-11pm. It's the only option. That is just one of many 7:30am departures for tours. Will HAL add later options?

Trying to, but keep getting the "Something is Wrong" ..... uggh

Thanks so much. Hope you're enjoying your cruise.

@iflyrc5 Thank you SO much for the Daily Programs, please keep them coming. 👍

Thank you!

Thank you so much for your review!