Look out Celebrity--we just returned from Eurodam, and may be switching for good!

We are loyal Celebrity cruisers, have done ten cruises in 9 years, and have been mostly satisfied but exasperated with the pre-cruise experience, staff attitude, and the 'you must grade us EXCELLENT' in all your surveys'.

Let we say that Eurodam and HAL BLEW ME AWAY last week. Terrific cabin upgrade (guarantee inside changed to outside semi-obstructed view with floor to ceiling window and a bathtub), chaming and friendly front desk staff, Anytime Dining was WONDERFUL, they had a real library with librarian, an adults only pool, and lectures and presentations that aren't come-ons for buying something. Great food, and if you don't care to dress up for dinner, most of the dining room menu is available in the Lido restaurant. Gorgeous teaching kitchen with free lessons. Quality show entertainment, including an incredible magician and his aerialist wife. On debarkation day you could stay in your cabin until your color/number was called. And EVERYONE smiled and wished you a good day--it was amazing. There was no pitch AT ALL to fill out the survey. Having sailed on HAL once nine years ago, I qualified as a Mariner, and was invited to the Brunch during one of our sea days. Beef Wellington, and several other delicious choices were served, along with champagne or mimosas. At each place setting was a delft-type tile in a paper package thanking us for sailing HAL. And, Half Moon Cay is the best beach I've ever been on--bar none.

So, are you listening Celebrity? HAL may be replacing you for us four cruisers!

If anyone has questions, feel free to ask...

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. My parents love HAL (they are on one right now) and have nothing but good things to say about it. I look forward to trying HAL one day. Competition is good!

Thanks for the report. HAL is on the short list of other lines we want to try. Sounds like we'd really enjoy them.

Hmmm, all interesting points, valid I am sure in many cases. Glad you had a great experience, perhaps I will look at HAL for our summer cruise

We have just booked a Celebrity cruise because of the itenerary and long days in port but we are lovers of HAL for all the reasons you mentioned. We have almost 100 days with HAL but have cruised Princess, Norwegian, as well as Celebrity. You just can not beat Holland America!!

Glad you enjoyed your cruise, we also loved HAL. I note from your comments the first thing you mentioned was you received a fantastic upgrade on your inside guarantee. No doubt that is what excited you most from the beginning and I'm certain made you look positively at everything you experienced on your cruise. I think all cruise lines should take note of this.

We really love HAL, too, except for their smoking policy.

They allow smoking (even cigar smoking) on balconies (ick and double-ick).

Also, in public areas designated as non-smoking on HAL, there was very little enforcement.

Until HAL brings its smoking policy into this century, Celebrity is the best choice for us.

We really love HAL, too, except for their smoking policy.

They allow smoking (even cigar smoking) on balconies (ick and double-ick).

Also, in public areas designated as non-smoking on HAL, there was very little enforcement.

Until HAL brings its smoking policy into this century, Celebrity is the best choice for us.

Very interesting. That would pretty much be a deal breaker for me. I can't stand smoke and get really annoyed when smoke from others invades my space. I realize they have little control over where their smoke drifts, but I still think it's rude smoking in public areas (growing up in CA will do that to you).

We are loyal Celebrity cruisers, have done ten cruises in 9 years, and have been mostly satisfied but exasperated with the pre-cruise experience, staff attitude, and the 'you must grade us EXCELLENT' in all your surveys'.

 

Let we say that Eurodam and HAL BLEW ME AWAY last week. Terrific cabin upgrade (guarantee inside changed to outside semi-obstructed view with floor to ceiling window and a bathtub), chaming and friendly front desk staff, Anytime Dining was WONDERFUL, they had a real library with librarian, an adults only pool, and lectures and presentations that aren't come-ons for buying something. Great food, and if you don't care to dress up for dinner, most of the dining room menu is available in the Lido restaurant. Gorgeous teaching kitchen with free lessons. Quality show entertainment, including an incredible magician and his aerialist wife. On debarkation day you could stay in your cabin until your color/number was called. And EVERYONE smiled and wished you a good day--it was amazing. There was no pitch AT ALL to fill out the survey. Having sailed on HAL once nine years ago, I qualified as a Mariner, and was invited to the Brunch during one of our sea days. Beef Wellington, and several other delicious choices were served, along with champagne or mimosas. At each place setting was a delft-type tile in a paper package thanking us for sailing HAL. And, Half Moon Cay is the best beach I've ever been on--bar none.

 

So, are you listening Celebrity? HAL may be replacing you for us four cruisers!

 

If anyone has questions, feel free to ask...

Strange; we have been alternating between Holland America and Celebrity since 2003 and we have just the opposite view. HAL is sliding during these economic times and Celebrity is on a roll. Have you cruised the Solstice class ships? We were forced out of Traditional Seating twice on HAL and their anytime dining is the worst we've experienced.

There is nothing in HAL's fleet or Princesses' fleet that can compete with Celebrity's new Solstice class of ships!

I was a big HAL fan until our last two cruises with them.

Glad to hear that the Eurodam has it's act together. HAL does offer great itineraries, but I will take a long sabbatical from their product until things improve.

Enjoy!

Kel:)

PS -- We too got a great upgrade our first cruise with them as well -- could be a strategy on their part??

Last February we tried HAL because Celebrity did not offer any Caribbean cruises where St. Thomas was a stop. We had previously sailed Celeb 16 times and had taken the Century in October 08 and for the first time we were disappointed in the ship. We too were also upgraded on HAL and thought it was one of the best cruises ever. Everything you said about the ship and the line itself is true. We are booked again on the Eurodam the first week in January. However, in all fairness to Celebrity, we did take the Solstice this past October to the Med and loved it. THe new ship was fantastic and because the Century is getting a small facelift in April, we have decided to try her again to Europe this coming September. We would have loved to have tried HAL, but all of her European trips are for lengthly periods of time.

(Off-Topic) Kelmac, I like the new avatar of you & Lauren.:)

OP...when was the last time you sailed X? I don't recall the issues you pointed to as severely as you do or as a deal breaker due to severity.

And FWIW....I ain't goin' on no dam stinkin' ship. And that's for sure.

(I also don't even like the way the look from the outside.):eek:

I booked the cruise in June 09, specifying an inside Guarantee. I did not receive our cabin assignment until three days before sailing--and would have been just as happy with the inside we paid for. I brought up the upgrade because many HAL posters mentioned they received an upgrade, while I have never been upgraded on Celebrity.

I sail Celebrity every January with my DH and at least one additional couple, plus occasionally in between. We are booked for Solstice in January (next month).

We also HATE smoke, but the only place it was evident for us was in the casino.

I just think that Eurodam/HAL has so much going for it--and the difference in attitude was amazing. Will all that change being on Solstice? I don't know--big shoes to fill :)

Also--the folks cruising Eurodam soon--don't miss the magician--he ahem, appears three different times.

I'm glad you had a wonderful cruise with HAL. But lets not judge all cruises equally.

Last Oct. on our 2nd cruise on the Westerdam--staying in a mini-suite---We experienced the worst of any of our previous cruises.

First nite--no one entered our cabin for turn down or general clean up. No information for next day(had to get it myself) no delivery of reservations etc.

first AM--COLD coffee - wrong muffin selection- concentrated OJ -pulp setteled in bottom glass (as if it was poured nite before)

Before we sailed I made reservations for Lunch(sea day) in the specility Rest. (paid in advance). When we went for this lunch we were turned away-- as the Rest. was reserved for a special affair.

Dinning room food was served last in our section--some times incorrect from what we ordered. One nite it took the MatrD --Three request to get HIS order for us correct.

We could go on and state the positives of this cruise but--- non happened --only average experiences.

With the cutbacks employed--(our cabin personel had 29 cabins to care for) (dining waiter and assistant were new and had too many tables to serve) (Customer service has their appoliges and excuses down pat) they have made our future cruise choices easier----Now how do I take that great cabin on Hal with me to Celebrity??

Thanks for posting.

(Off-Topic) Kelmac, I like the new avatar of you & Lauren.:)

Thanks usha!:) Ironically, that picture was taken on New Year's Eve on the Maasdam 2007/2008. That was our last "wonderful" HAL experience.:rolleyes::D

Enjoy!

Kel:)

I booked the cruise in June 09, specifying an inside Guarantee. I did not receive our cabin assignment until three days before sailing--and would have been just as happy with the inside we paid for. I brought up the upgrade because many HAL posters mentioned they received an upgrade, while I have never been upgraded on Celebrity.

 

I sail Celebrity every January with my DH and at least one additional couple, plus occasionally in between. We are booked for Solstice in January (next month).

 

We also HATE smoke, but the only place it was evident for us was in the casino.

 

I just think that Eurodam/HAL has so much going for it--and the difference in attitude was amazing. Will all that change being on Solstice? I don't know--big shoes to fill :)

 

Also--the folks cruising Eurodam soon--don't miss the magician--he ahem, appears three different times.

I think with Solstice you may be surprised.

Hi Moondoggie (still love your name) ~ we sailed on Eurodam two weeks ago and like you thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. For us, most of what you said was true with a couple of exceptions. We could rarely sit by the adults only aft pool (which is very nice) for the constant amount of smoking on all areas of the outdoor deck. Didn't seem to matter where we went, someone sat next to us and lit up. They really need to designate one side or the other for smoking back here. For us, it made it tough to head out here late in the afternoon to enjoy pizza. We also experienced smoke from other balconies, including someone who threw a cigarette overboard one evening missing our balcony by about a foot as we stood at the railing.

We did have on person remind us (and I apologize I can't recall who at this point) the importance of giving good evalutions to crew. It wasn't a problem, the service we had was outstanding so the reminder wasn't necessary.

However, my husband and I both agreed that we still prefer Celebrity and love the Solstice class of ships. I didn't care for the Lido on Eurodam at all - both the layout design and food were lacking for me. But all other food was great! We're sailing one in a couple of weeks so I'll be back to let everyone know how it compares to Eurodam. It will be hard to beat the staff in the Crows Nest!!! :)

Yes, Anne, the Crow's Nest is outstanding the way it is set up. Open concept including the library portion, games set up, coffee/tea bar, computers, the FULL BODY RECLINERS at the front of the Crow's Nest, and many large and small areas for talking or reading. I wrote my Christmas Cards up there (mailed 'em in San Juan, people received them here a few days ago), attended a chocolate trivia game, had cocktails, read magazines and browsed books and DVDs, talked with friends--it was a great space.

I'm Moondoggie because I'm old enough :) to remember the Gidget movies, but also because I have a love affair with the ocean, but live in the landlocked midwest. i do have a beach cottage in the obx, but can't visit it often enough--must wait till retirement time...

Hey! Go post on the Hal board :D Just kidding, I just don't want you taking my Celebrity friends away.

Our last 5 cruises were Volendam, Infinity, Solstice and Westerdam. Service and food were comparable. All wonderful experiences. Nitpicking aside, you cannot go wrong with either. We usually choose by itinerary. Just ove to be on the high seas.

going to be hard for anything to top Solstice Class for us--but I am curious about HAL--

How big was that ship? What were the age demographics & how were the shows & bands...any good reggae bands & out of the ordinary entertainment like on S class?

The Elite perks are excellent now on X but maybe someday we'd try it for a change of pace... we are booked on Royal C & X through 2011 for now!

We too have a couple of cruises under our belts...... 6 :p

We just cruised HAL Eurodam and were disappointed.

Here's why: 1) most expensive cruise so far of the 6. 2) Service was awful. Not bad - awful. Our cabin was not serviced properly (dirty dishes left for 1.5 days, had to beg for bottled water - 3 days later got it, never got requested shampoo etc.) 3) Anytime dining was a mess. We were always seated quickly but it went downhill from there. Would request wine steward and she would show up halfway thru the meal....then we would get wine at end of meal, dirty dishes left in front of us forever...... servers couldnt remember who ordered what or order completely wrong. 4) Aft pool waiters were relentless in their quest to sell you a drink - even if you had one right in front of you......every 3 or 4 minutes - got terribly annoying and I just started ignoring them. 5) Dead ship. Not much going on. We are early 50's so not party animals - just like more than they had. Just check out their daily newsletter 6) But most of all - no smiles. Crew seemed stressed to the limit, and we just didnt get that "Welcome Aboard - glad you are here" feeling.

To be fair: here are the pluses: Best food on a cruise yet. Awesome beds and robes. Nice balcony furniture. Gorgeous flowers everywhere. And last but not least - they have the best photographers on this ship ! We ended up with tons of pictures as they were all good ones ! (doesnt happen too often !)

So - trip not ruined. Had a great vacation. Will consider HAL again, maybe. Will consider other lines we havent sailed on too....... life is full of variety and I for one, find that part of the fun of travel.

Hi Everybody, I have cruised 47 times with 7 different cruiselines. Some have gone out of business.

I have cruised three times with HAL. As a SOLO single gal in my 50's at the time I didn't really have a great time. The ship attracts mostly couples in their golden years of 80's, 90's. I noticed most like to play cards and visit the Library. One ship the comedian talked about his heart surgery and everybody was truly enjoying his experience with his heart surgery.

HAL's don't have that many activities for a younger crowd. I remember wanting to dance but there were not any single men to dance with so all I could do was just watch.

The crew workers are Muslims from Indonisia and are very friendly as waiters. The food was great. The headwaiters can be really rude when they want to do that. I saw them in action. Long story. I reported a head waiter who was truly rude to me to the HAL main office. I had two witnesses. HAL sent me a letter that I could cruise as a VIP next time. I will cruise again with them when I get too old to run around the ships like I do now.

I think all the ships do have a Christian service everyday which is great because I am Christian. They also have Jewish services too on special ocasions sp like Hannika sp. I like to attend those services too.

Attending the Christian services and Jewish services was the highlight of my cruises. I believe in all religions.

I also like the buffet with all the different food stations.

Over all I think HAL is a great ship for couples who want peace and a quiet ship. It is also known as a great ship for older seniors.

HAL is not a great ship for solo singles who want to have lots of fun on a ship.

This has been my experience and I am only speaking for myself and there is no one who can say that I am wrong in my perception of my personal experience on the HAL ships.

I plan to learn to play cards so when I get to be in my 80's I can have fun on the HAL ships. They seem to all go to bed by 9:30p.m. The ship gets real quiet by that time.

We have sailed both Celebrity & HAL several times and like them both--for different reasons. For us, what tips the scale is the smoking policy. Not only is HAL's policy more lenient, but they don't regularly enforce the rules they do have. The straw that broke the camel's back was when we witnessed a group of HAL ship's officers, in uniform, smoking at a table in the non-smoking section of a passenger lounge. We actually heard one officer telling a cocktail waitress to bring them another ashtray from one of the many empty smoking tables across the room...