which ship?

[purplepeanut6]

Hi!

 

we are debating between 3 boats for Alaska. 2 are HAL (other is NCL pearl)

 

Which HAL boat do you prefer? The statendam or oosterdam?

 

All 3 possibilites have stops we like and we dont mind which port to leave or arrive to. So to narrow it down we need to choose the boat we like better.

What are your opinions of each? pros and cons?

 

Extra points if you can compare the NCL pearl too

 

thanks!

[Kamloops50]

Hi!

 

we are debating between 3 boats for Alaska. 2 are HAL (other is NCL pearl)

 

Which HAL boat do you prefer? The statendam or oosterdam?

 

All 3 possibilites have stops we like and we dont mind which port to leave or arrive to. So to narrow it down we need to choose the boat we like better.

What are your opinions of each? pros and cons?

 

Extra points if you can compare the NCL pearl too

 

thanks!

 

Are you looking at doing a land portion as well ? If you the Statendam or Oosterdam there isn't much difference. Can't answer to the NCL Pearl.

My preference would be the HAL ships especially if the are doing a NB & SB cruises. Really need more information.

Edited November 12, 2013 by Kamloops50

[LAFFNVEGAS]

The two HAL ships have Vancouver as your Your Embarkation Ports and both are doing North and South Bound cruises. This is really hard to compare to a round trip Seattle sailing. That being said the Statendam and Oosterdam are two very different ships, before I could even suggest which would be a good fit can you tell us what type of accommodations you are wanting to book. Do you want a ship with lots of entertainment or a bit more low key? Are there children involved? I have cruised on all three ships and liked them each for totally different reasons. All three have pros and cons so it really depends on what type of an Alaskan Cruise vacation you are looking for.

[purplepeanut6]

Are you looking at doing a land portion as well ? If you the Statendam or Oosterdam there isn't much difference. Can't answer to the NCL Pearl.

My preference would be the HAL ships especially if the are doing a NB & SB cruises. Really need more information.

 

 

Hi,

 

so one is northbound and one is southbound. we are not doing land portion. the only major difference between the routes is:

OOsterdam starts in Anchorage ends in Vancouver stops at Haines

Statendam- starts in Vancouver ends in Anchorage stops at Stagway

 

looking for a ship with activities and things to do. personally, i loved all the games and shows on our previous cruise want something that has a lot going on.

 

THANKS!

[purplepeanut6]

The two HAL ships have Vancouver as your Your Embarkation Ports and both are doing North and South Bound cruises. This is really hard to compare to a round trip Seattle sailing. That being said the Statendam and Oosterdam are two very different ships, before I could even suggest which would be a good fit can you tell us what type of accommodations you are wanting to book. Do you want a ship with lots of entertainment or a bit more low key? Are there children involved? I have cruised on all three ships and liked them each for totally different reasons. All three have pros and cons so it really depends on what type of an Alaskan Cruise vacation you are looking for.

 

Hi!

 

so one is NB one is SB. (just wondering why you said they can't be compared to a Seattle r/t cruise?)

 

we will both be 25 and no kids. We are looking or something fun and enjoyable definitely entertainment.

[serendipity1499]

Hi!

 

so one is NB one is SB. (just wondering why you said they can't be compared to a Seattle r/t cruise?)

 

we will both be 25 and no kids. We are looking or something fun and enjoyable definitely entertainment.

 

It's been a long time since we've been on NCL but IMO there would be more entertainment & fun on the Pearl for two 25 yr olds...

HAL ships seemed more low key & geared to the more mature Psgr., while NCL ships seem to be geared to the younger Psgrs..On the Pearl they have Murder Mystery Dinners, Bowling alleys etc. & it is larger than the two HAL ships..

However, I'm sure LAFFNVEGAS would be able to steer you to the right ship better than I could...Also check out Cruise Critics review of the Pearl..

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=378&gclid=CLjB2OGz4LoCFWrNOgodpEoAgA&utm_expid=68063032-28.L_5y9X6-R_WtE_N_8JYZEA.0&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fuds%2Fafs%3Fq%3DNCL%2520PEAR%26client%3Dsynacor-centurylink%26channel%3Dhomepage%26hl%3Den%26adsafe%3Dmedium%26r%3Dm%26lo%3Dtrue%26adpage%3D1%26adrep%3D3%26koda%3Dtrue%26po%3Dtrue%26co%3Dtrue%26oe%3DUTF-8%26ie%3DUTF-8%26fexp%3D21404%26format%3Dp5%257Cn3%257Cn5%26ad%3Dn8p5%26nocache%3D5941384299035804%26num%3D0%26output%3Duds_ads_only%26v%3D3%26adlh%3Don%26adext%3Das1%252Cl1%252Csr1%26u_his%3D2%26u_tz%3D-300%26dt%3D1384299035804%26u_w%3D1280%26u_h%3D720%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D598%26psw%3D1280%26psh%3D263%26frm%3D0%26ui%3Duv3iPsRsLpOvAlOsc12at-lHst17-lhst17-lhwi245st17%26rurl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.centurylink.net%252Fsearch%252Findex.php%253Fcontext%253Dhomepage%2526tab%253DWeb%2526q%253DNCL%252BPEAR%26referer%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.centurylink.net%252F

Betty

Edited November 12, 2013 by serendipity1499

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks Betty for providing the link to when I did a Live from the Pearl :)

I loved the Pearl and would definitely consider sailing her again, I am actually sailing on her sister the Jewel this coming March. But a Seattle round trip Alaska cruise is definitely different than a North or South Bound leaving from Vancouver. Scenery for one will be drastically different, sailings from Seattle you will see more ocean than land. While Vancouver is scenic sailing from or coming into you will have to also consider the one way air of either arriving and departing from Anchorage and Vancouver. You will definitely need a passport book. The round trip Seattle flight cost is often far less. If you are in your mid 20's I have to admit that the Norwegian Pearl is going to have far more entertainment and activities. It does go to Skagway and Glacier Bay. Cabins sizes will be larger on the Statendam and even on the Oosterdam compared to the Norwegian Pearl. Also HAL ships open up the bow of the ship when doing scenic cruising of the Glacier, Norwegian does not and there really is limited areas for scenic viewing. If you want entertainment that keeps going into the night Norwegian is the way to go. Holland America especially the Statendam will not have much activity past 10pm.

[solocanadian]

I am a HAL fan and would choose the Oosterdam if you want a balcony. The Balconies are very pricey on the Statendam. I am doing the Oosterdam next May.

Edited November 13, 2013 by solocanadian

[OlsSalt]

When all else is equal, we pick the smallest ship we can find. So our choice would be the Statendam. Checking out who you share ports with can matter too, or departure day in the middle of the week or the more crowded weekend.

 

If you like crowds of tourists to share your port days and docking locations, then those larger ships often make the same itinerary circuit from weekend to weekend and can really add the numbers when they all show in in port at the same time. Makes it lively. Or, you might like the more off-beat timing of a smaller ship and a quieter port experience, or duller according to one's tastes.

[purplepeanut6]

Thanks Betty for providing the link to when I did a Live from the Pearl :)

I loved the Pearl and would definitely consider sailing her again, I am actually sailing on her sister the Jewel this coming March. But a Seattle round trip Alaska cruise is definitely different than a North or South Bound leaving from Vancouver. Scenery for one will be drastically different, sailings from Seattle you will see more ocean than land. While Vancouver is scenic sailing from or coming into you will have to also consider the one way air of either arriving and departing from Anchorage and Vancouver. You will definitely need a passport book. The round trip Seattle flight cost is often far less. If you are in your mid 20's I have to admit that the Norwegian Pearl is going to have far more entertainment and activities. It does go to Skagway and Glacier Bay. Cabins sizes will be larger on the Statendam and even on the Oosterdam compared to the Norwegian Pearl. Also HAL ships open up the bow of the ship when doing scenic cruising of the Glacier, Norwegian does not and there really is limited areas for scenic viewing. If you want entertainment that keeps going into the night Norwegian is the way to go. Holland America especially the Statendam will not have much activity past 10pm.

 

 

Thanks! Going to read the reviews! We aren't typical 25 year olds. We aren't big drinkers or loud and obnoxious 😉. We enjoy schedules of activities. I loved RCL we played name that tune, played finish the lyric, the newlywed game, bingo, gambling etc. also love the comedy shows. Those are more of the things we are looking for.

 

Not sure if that helps with the suggestions?

[fishywood]

Hi!

 

so one is NB one is SB. (just wondering why you said they can't be compared to a Seattle r/t cruise?)

 

 

 

There is a profound difference between an open-jaw cruise (starting at one port, ending at another) and a round-trip cruise.

 

I would certainly never spend eight hours on a plane flying from Florida to Alaska (or Europe, or South America) without taking the opportunity to see two different cities on embarkation and disembarkation days.

 

If you look at each itinerary map closely you will note that the NCL round-trip Seattle cruise does not even sail through the Inside Passage as the Pearl is too large to navigate between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Two sea days on the open north Pacific (all but guaranteed to be overcast and windy) versus one through the Inside Passage and another on the Gulf of Alaska is a no-brainer.

 

And having been on the Norwegian Star and Maasdam this year I would lean towards the smaller HAL ship (Statendam) as well. (Yes I know I am not comparing the identical classes of ship you are trying to choose between). I will concede that NCL has more of the activities you are looking for, which is not to say HAL has none; on NCL there will be one or more audience participation/game shows each night--but some will carry a fee.

[cruz chic]

I would pick the Oosterdam in a second. Hate the Statendam and will never set foot on that ship again.

[OCruisers]

Our very good friends went on Statendam in late August and fell in love with that ship. They thought it was the perfect size and had a wonderful time.

 

Guess some ships suit some better than others. :rolleyes:

 

LuLu

~~~~

[kazu]

Thanks! Going to read the reviews! We aren't typical 25 year olds. We aren't big drinkers or loud and obnoxious . We enjoy schedules of activities. I loved RCL we played name that tune, played finish the lyric, the newlywed game, bingo, gambling etc. also love the comedy shows. Those are more of the things we are looking for.

 

Not sure if that helps with the suggestions?

.

 

 

HAL typically has 'name that tune', bingo, trivia and of course, casinos with gambling. :D so there are some activities on board. I think where NCL is superior would be the shows in the evening. I'll let Lisa address that one as we haven't been on NCL for a few years but back then it was the case.

 

HAL's beds and MDR are superior IMO to NCL.

[luv4cruises]

I would choose HAl Oosterdam or a Princess cruise. HAL and Princess have the most infrastructure in Alaska and the most permits to enter Glacier Bay. In fact, I believe Princess is # 1 when it comes to Alaska. I have cruised the Oosterdam and the Golden Princess. I give the Golden the slight edge. A balcony is important in Alaska.

 

Glacier Bay is not to be missed.

Also the scenery is so serene that I would prefer a more subdued cruise line than NCL. I believe that Princess and HAL reign in Alaska! That is my opinion.

Edited November 13, 2013 by luv4cruises

[RJ2002]

I have not sailed on the Statendam, but I've been on the Oosterdam and would not hesitate to sail on her again.

 

I have also sailed NCL, but for Alaska I think I'd stick with HAL, or Princess, as was stated by another poster.

[purplepeanut6]

what about the ship entertainment? do HAL have nightly shows/ entertainment.

 

we are leaning toward the oosterdam because we get to see the inside passage as well as Anchorage and Vancouver. However, we do enjoy good entertainment on a ship and was wondering what HAL day and night entertainment is like?

 

I am also told HAL has a cliental of 60+ I was wondering if that is accurate?

 

thanks for all your replies!

[OlsSalt]

what about the ship entertainment? do HAL have nightly shows/ entertainment.

 

we are leaning toward the oosterdam because we get to see the inside passage as well as Anchorage and Vancouver. However, we do enjoy good entertainment on a ship and was wondering what HAL day and night entertainment is like?

 

I am also told HAL has a cliental of 60+ I was wondering if that is accurate?

 

thanks for all your replies!

 

Depends upon your definition of " good entertainment". The evening shows are not a strong point on HAL ships. They put more emphasis on destinations and the experience of being on a ship for travel itself, than being a floating land-based hotel from our experience. We love the HAL libraries which are the best afloat. And the high number of quiet nooks and retreats where one can curl up read, listen to tapes and/or watch the passing scenery.

 

Because HAL offers many long-distance, longer more exotic itineraries it will appeal to older, retired passengers. However, for its shorter trips one sees a higher percentage of younger passengers and families. IMHO HAL ships are better for more self-contained passengers than ones who prefer a higher level of structured activities.

[luv4cruises]

In terms of entertainment Princess wins over both HAL and Celebrity. Last Apriil the Emerald Princess offered three showings of the production shows, with alternate shows in another venue. There as alternating entertainment always available, plus ongoing entertainment in the Piazza. There were 4 production shows in 10 days compared to 2 in 14 days on the Celebrity Ecliose.

[purplepeanut6]

In terms of entertainment Princess wins over both HAL and Celebrity. Last Apriil the Emerald Princess offered three showings of the production shows, with alternate shows in another venue. There as alternating entertainment always available, plus ongoing entertainment in the Piazza. There were 4 production shows in 10 days compared to 2 in 14 days on the Celebrity Ecliose.

 

unfortunately princess is not an option. the only two cruises we can take are OOstetdam and the NCL pearl

[LAFFNVEGAS]

unfortunately princess is not an option. the only two cruises we can take are OOstetdam and the NCL pearl

 

While I am a HUGE HAL Fan, Norwegian's entertainment blows away Holland America :o On HAL I end the day and go to our cabin usually about 9, on Norwegian it is usually more like midnight or 1am :D