Carnival/ HAL comparison

[EAB123]

Im sailing on the Breeze next Sunday so have been reading Carnival posts. I have detected an ongoing theme in some posts about Holland America line that aren't very complimentary. One poster said the cure for cruise addiction is Holland america. The reason Im curious is that I have sailed on HAL several times and had great experiences. Are Caarnival and HAL really that different? Thanks for your imput.

[B Russo]

Yes but still have fun on CCL Bill

[xitappers2bx]

I just did my first HAL cruise last year in Alaska, and FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LINE.

 

I couldn't possible rave more about HAL---Carnival is about exactly the opposite of HAL. The clientele is different, the ships are very different (HAL more elegant, Carnival more kitschy)

 

I'm thinking you might have mis-typed and meant that the cure for cruise addiction is Carnival... I'm not going to say that's necessarily true.

 

If you're someone who generally cruises in the Penthouse Suite on HAL, you're probably not going to like Carnival, but if you're a regular person then Carnival will probably be fine for you. While there is no service equal to the Pinnacle Grill (we were in a suite, and ate breakfast there every single day--it was stellar) the steakhouse service is pretty close. The dining service, while the employees in HAL dress more elegant, was the same (both fantastic). The room stewards are about equally great, although the ones on HAL went above and beyond without hesitation whereas on Carnival I've had both great and mediocre stewards (but, I've cruised on Carnival much more than HAL--only one HAL cruise so far). The spa on Carnival has been a much more positive experience than my experience with HAL, but I"m pretty sure they're the same company running them so I wouldn't put too much stock in my one bad experience.

 

Now... kids clubs... my daughter LOVED HAL's but it was an Alaska cruise and they had naturalists and natives onboard and there were so few kids (it was a mid-May trip) onboard that it was basically a one-on-one experience for her. So I'm sure that's why she loved HAL's more.

 

Food... the food in the Pinnacle was a bit better than Carnivals steakhouse, but really I'd say HAL's dessert was by far and away the best one I've ever had in a speciality restaurant. the Main Dining Room food I would say is about equal. Room service on Carnival is better, although it was great being able to get dinner off the main dining room menu for room service on HAL because we were in a suite, that was a perk that i LOVED, and seriously wish Carnival had.

 

Activities... there was more bingo on HAL... otherwise, Carnival has the more goofy poolside stuff than HAL had, but our cruise was definitely an older demographic so there was no desire for hairy man contests and stuff like that.

 

If you want any specific comparisons more than what I've written here I'd be happy to help you.

 

Overall I liked HAL more because the experience was the "whole package" and the passengers were great... but with that said, I am leaving for a Carnival cruise in two weeks, so obviously HAL didn't ruin me for good.

[B Russo]

I just did my first HAL cruise last year in Alaska, and FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LINE.

 

I couldn't possible rave more about HAL---Carnival is about exactly the opposite of HAL. The clientele is different, the ships are very different (HAL more elegant, Carnival more kitschy)

 

I'm thinking you might have mis-typed and meant that the cure for cruise addiction is Carnival... I'm not going to say that's necessarily true.

 

If you're someone who generally cruises in the Penthouse Suite on HAL, you're probably not going to like Carnival, but if you're a regular person then Carnival will probably be fine for you. While there is no service equal to the Pinnacle Grill (we were in a suite, and ate breakfast there every single day--it was stellar) the steakhouse service is pretty close. The dining service, while the employees in HAL dress more elegant, was the same (both fantastic). The room stewards are about equally great, although the ones on HAL went above and beyond without hesitation whereas on Carnival I've had both great and mediocre stewards (but, I've cruised on Carnival much more than HAL--only one HAL cruise so far). The spa on Carnival has been a much more positive experience than my experience with HAL, but I"m pretty sure they're the same company running them so I wouldn't put too much stock in my one bad experience.

 

Now... kids clubs... my daughter LOVED HAL's but it was an Alaska cruise and they had naturalists and natives onboard and there were so few kids (it was a mid-May trip) onboard that it was basically a one-on-one experience for her. So I'm sure that's why she loved HAL's more.

 

Food... the food in the Pinnacle was a bit better than Carnivals steakhouse, but really I'd say HAL's dessert was by far and away the best one I've ever had in a speciality restaurant. the Main Dining Room food I would say is about equal. Room service on Carnival is better, although it was great being able to get dinner off the main dining room menu for room service on HAL because we were in a suite, that was a perk that i LOVED, and seriously wish Carnival had.

 

Activities... there was more bingo on HAL... otherwise, Carnival has the more goofy poolside stuff than HAL had, but our cruise was definitely an older demographic so there was no desire for hairy man contests and stuff like that.

 

If you want any specific comparisons more than what I've written here I'd be happy to help you.

 

Overall I liked HAL more because the experience was the "whole package" and the passengers were great... but with that said, I am leaving for a Carnival cruise in two weeks, so obviously HAL didn't ruin me for good.

AS a long time HAL cruiser I agree with you, But I still take a CCL some time and have fun. One big reason is I'm in Texas and don't have to fly to the port LOL. Bill

'

;

[EAB123]

I just did my first HAL cruise last year in Alaska, and FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LINE.

 

I couldn't possible rave more about HAL---Carnival is about exactly the opposite of HAL. The clientele is different, the ships are very different (HAL more elegant, Carnival more kitschy)

 

I'm thinking you might have mis-typed and meant that the cure for cruise addiction is Carnival... I'm not going to say that's necessarily true.

 

If you're someone who generally cruises in the Penthouse Suite on HAL, you're probably not going to like Carnival, but if you're a regular person then Carnival will probably be fine for you. While there is no service equal to the Pinnacle Grill (we were in a suite, and ate breakfast there every single day--it was stellar) the steakhouse service is pretty close. The dining service, while the employees in HAL dress more elegant, was the same (both fantastic). The room stewards are about equally great, although the ones on HAL went above and beyond without hesitation whereas on Carnival I've had both great and mediocre stewards (but, I've cruised on Carnival much more than HAL--only one HAL cruise so far). The spa on Carnival has been a much more positive experience than my experience with HAL, but I"m pretty sure they're the same company running them so I wouldn't put too much stock in my one bad experience.

 

Now... kids clubs... my daughter LOVED HAL's but it was an Alaska cruise and they had naturalists and natives onboard and there were so few kids (it was a mid-May trip) onboard that it was basically a one-on-one experience for her. So I'm sure that's why she loved HAL's more.

 

Food... the food in the Pinnacle was a bit better than Carnivals steakhouse, but really I'd say HAL's dessert was by far and away the best one I've ever had in a speciality restaurant. the Main Dining Room food I would say is about equal. Room service on Carnival is better, although it was great being able to get dinner off the main dining room menu for room service on HAL because we were in a suite, that was a perk that i LOVED, and seriously wish Carnival had.

 

Activities... there was more bingo on HAL... otherwise, Carnival has the more goofy poolside stuff than HAL had, but our cruise was definitely an older demographic so there was no desire for hairy man contests and stuff like that.

 

If you want any specific comparisons more than what I've written here I'd be happy to help you.

 

Overall I liked HAL more because the experience was the "whole package" and the passengers were great... but with that said, I am leaving for a Carnival cruise in two weeks, so obviously HAL didn't ruin me for good.

Thanks for the response. When i sailed HAL I was in a Deluxe Veranda suite or Superior Suite. On the Breeze I have booked an Ocean Suite which appearsa to be about the same size as a HAL Superior. I realize theres no suite lounge on Carnival but that's OK . I never enjoued sitting in the Neptune Lounge anyway. (Why sit in an interior room when there is a beautiful ocean view from my balcony!) I guess Im just curious about what Carnival fans perceive as the differences between the 2 lines. Im excited about my upcoming cruise on the Breeze!

[NOSaints1]

When we got to FLL we almost got on the HAL bus, than the Carnival rep stopped us and said you don't want to go on there you will be asleep by 8 o'clock and coming off the ship in a walker which we found funny.

 

 

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[xitappers2bx]

Thanks for the response. When i sailed HAL I was in a Deluxe Veranda suite or Superior Suite. On the Breeze I have booked an Ocean Suite which appearsa to be about the same size as a HAL Superior. I realize theres no suite lounge on Carnival but that's OK . I never enjoued sitting in the Neptune Lounge anyway. (Why sit in an interior room when there is a beautiful ocean view from my balcony!) I guess Im just curious about what Carnival fans perceive as the differences between the 2 lines. Im excited about my upcoming cruise on the Breeze!

 

We were in a SB on HAL (neptune suite?); typically on carnival we travel in an ocean suite, it's a good size, and the layout was basically exactly the same as the SB on HAL, (which is the same layout as the grand suite, which is also the same layout as the ocean suite). in my links i have photos from the ocean suites, and they're pretty standard ship to ship if you're curious what the room looks like.

 

my ONE serious piece of beef with holland america is this--I'm spending a ton of money for a suite, the pull out bed shouldn't be the worst bed my body has ever laid on--ever. carnival by far and away has a MUCH MUCH MUCH better sofa bed than HAL does.

[Cruising Rules]

Im sailing on the Breeze next Sunday so have been reading Carnival posts. I have detected an ongoing theme in some posts about Holland America line that aren't very complimentary. One poster said the cure for cruise addiction is Holland america. The reason Im curious is that I have sailed on HAL several times and had great experiences. Are Caarnival and HAL really that different? Thanks for your imput.

 

Holland America is a far more refined and relaxing experience. I have 26 cruises just on Carnival and three on Holland America and I assure you that if your looking for a cruise that does not include constant sales pitches, choices of live entertainment, good food, no hairy chest contests, a still special MDR experience, then it's a no brainer. Holland America is the clear choice.

I am so disappointed in the direction that Carnival has gone in recent years that they have become a far less certain choice for my wife and I.

[Laurie S.]

I love HAL, love their ships, love their crew, love their suites, and love their food, but I get so freaking bored!

[misssea]

We sailed on Holland Zaandam last year to Alaska. Was not impressed at all. No music on lido, in fact hardly any people on lido. No activities. Average age was about 65 and there was no music past the 50's and 60's. The crew and food were not as good as they are on Carnival in my opinion. Only good thing was we weren't there to cruise, we were there to see Alaska and also, I knew going in what this particular ship entailed.

[Velvetwater]

I think it depends on the person.

 

A few people refer to HAL and Fred Olson as floating retirement homes and as I am only a baby thats enough to put me off tbh.

 

It seems Princess and Celebrity are better choices for refinement for my age group...at least thats what they tell me.

Edited March 2, 2014 by Velvetwater

[KenMo]

I really would like to try HAL.

 

Maybe I'm outgrowing Carnival? I don't need all the pool side shenanigans.

 

When we first started cruising, we went to the shows, contests, etc. Nowadays, we just like to relax on our balcony, maybe take in a show if there's something that interests us.

 

This is the one thing that holds me back...I don't mind dressing up for dinner. But from what I've read, HAL wants the pax to stay in formal attire for the evening while in public spaces. I prefer to change after dinner. Can any HAL cruisers confirm if this is the case?

[cvpends]

IMHO, the food on the HAL lido and MDR is better, especially at breakfast and lunch. Carnival is much more fun. I am enjoying Princess more than either lately.

[YubaSutter]

Im sailing on the Breeze next Sunday so have been reading Carnival posts. I have detected an ongoing theme in some posts about Holland America line that aren't very complimentary. One poster said the cure for cruise addiction is Holland america. The reason Im curious is that I have sailed on HAL several times and had great experiences. Are Caarnival and HAL really that different? Thanks for your imput.

 

Carnival= suntan lotion

HAL= Ben Gay rub

[cvpends]

I do enjoy dinner on all the cruiselines, both in the specialty restaurants and in the MDR. I just wish there was a way to get a really decent breakfast on Carnival. My husband is a bacon and eggs kind of guy, however, and he enjoys the breakfast on Carnival. I would prefer salmon or crab benedict, which is why I prefer HAL breakfast.

Edited March 2, 2014 by cvpends

[EAB123]

I really would like to try HAL.

 

Maybe I'm outgrowing Carnival? I don't need all the pool side shenanigans.

 

When we first started cruising, we went to the shows, contests, etc. Nowadays, we just like to relax on our balcony, maybe take in a show if there's something that interests us.

 

This is the one thing that holds me back...I don't mind dressing up for dinner. But from what I've read, HAL wants the pax to stay in formal attire for the evening while in public spaces. I prefer to change after dinner. Can any HAL cruisers confirm if this is the case?

Yes you are correct. Passengers are asked to stay in formal attire on formal nights. I saw few passengers in casual clothes on those nights. Mostly in the casino. Nobody was asked to leave. On the Hawaii Holiday Circle cruise we had late dining. After dinner we would go to a show and then change into casual clothes before going to the top deck to the Crow's Nest lounge to party until closing. Most everyone there had done the same thing. If you want try HAL I wouldn't let that point steer you off. (P.S. The only time I saw anyone really "underdressed" was on New Years Eve. One of the young ship's officers was pushed through the Crows Nest in a baby buggy wearing only a diaper and a baby bonnet!)

[KenMo]

Yes you are correct. Passengers are asked to stay in formal attire on formal nights. I saw few passengers in casual clothes on those nights. Mostly in the casino. Nobody was asked to leave. On the Hawaii Holiday Circle cruise we had late dining. After dinner we would go to a show and then change into casual clothes before going to the top deck to the Crow's Nest lounge to party until closing. Most everyone there had done the same thing. If you want try HAL I wouldn't let that point steer you off. (P.S. The only time I saw anyone really "underdressed" was on New Years Eve. One of the young ship's officers was pushed through the Crows Nest in a baby buggy wearing only a diaper and a baby bonnet!)

 

Thank you for the response!

 

Off to look for a HAL cruise now!

[snownyet]

We're in our 40's and have sailed on HAL 3 times, one of our best cruises was on the Zuiderdam. If you're the type of cruiser that doesn't depend on other passengers to have a good time I think you'd really enjoy the cruiseline. Their staff is top notch, the food is very good and they have an elegant environment where passengers actually adhere to the suggested attire and it creates a classy experience. My parents in their 70's called referred to the HAL passengers as "The elderly and their parents"..LOL. The entertainment isn't real exciting and you wont find rock bands or crowded late night bars. On the other hand we REALLY like the people we've met on carnival cruises, and like the comedy shows plus the price is right. If I had to be 100% honest, if money were no object at all, we wouldn't sail on either one of them, but money does matter and we're laid back enough to have fun no matter what cruise line we're on.

Edited March 3, 2014 by snownyet

[B Russo]

I really would like to try HAL.

 

Maybe I'm outgrowing Carnival? I don't need all the pool side shenanigans.

 

When we first started cruising, we went to the shows, contests, etc. Nowadays, we just like to relax on our balcony, maybe take in a show if there's something that interests us.

 

This is the one thing that holds me back...I don't mind dressing up for dinner. But from what I've read, HAL wants the pax to stay in formal attire for the evening while in public spaces. I prefer to change after dinner. Can any HAL cruisers confirm if this is the case?

A lot of people change, especially on the Alaska cruise. maybe because of the cold weather. LOL :) I woukd not let that bother me. Bill

[jakeT]

To me being on HAL is like being in the movies. Like this is the way a cruise ship is suppose to be. Tuxs and long dresses on formal night. Ect. Saying that most of the people are older on HAL. You should try it once even just to say you did that

[goduckies05]

I did the Ft Lauderdale to Acapulco run back in 97 on Holland Americas Maasdam with my family. I was the youngest person on the ship at 19... But I still had fun... Even cleaned house at poker! A cruise is what you make it. But I have to say I had much more fun on the Carnival Miracle this past feb even as a Solo!

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[xitappers2bx]

We sailed on Holland Zaandam last year to Alaska. Was not impressed at all. No music on lido, in fact hardly any people on lido. No activities. Average age was about 65 and there was no music past the 50's and 60's. The crew and food were not as good as they are on Carnival in my opinion. Only good thing was we weren't there to cruise, we were there to see Alaska and also, I knew going in what this particular ship entailed.

 

See... and now I was a few weeks past my 29th birthday and my daughter 8 when we cruised alaska last year, and i think one of the best parts of the cruise was the fact there was none of that stupid on deck stuff, the clientele would have hated it, and honestly, i learned much more from my elders while watching whales than i would have from some second rate mambo band.

 

i really think it's personal preference.

[xitappers2bx]

To me being on HAL is like being in the movies. Like this is the way a cruise ship is suppose to be. Tuxs and long dresses on formal night. Ect. Saying that most of the people are older on HAL. You should try it once even just to say you did that

 

EXACTLY!!

 

and you should do it more than just once.

[Tapi]

HAL= Ben Gay rub

 

We sailed on our 1st Holland America cruise last summer. We are in our 30's and I can tell you that it was one of the best cruises of our lives. HAL is not for old people, but it is for cruisers that are just a bit more discerning. You don't need to be old to appreciate the finer things in life.

[sjn911]

We sailed on our 1st Holland America cruise last summer. We are in our 30's and I can tell you that it was one of the best cruises of our lives. HAL is not for old people, but it is for cruisers that are just a bit more discerning. You don't need to be old to appreciate the finer things in life.

I am so glad to hear that .... I have a taste of Hal and Princess..loved them both but want the full cruise on both...people speak like everyone is geriatric..not that i do not enjoy that group..but I love 60's, 50's , 40's, 30,'s and their kids too. I have been drooling on their ship photos on the Hal area and was enjoying looking at the old Westerdam..which was moved to Thomson

cruises...the cruise I took was a 24hr cruise back in the day that was short and all ages but not too party and just elegant, what an evening of dance and dining in nice clothes...I feel the same way about Princess in a different way. Westerdam was like an Old Westin...now a newer Hotel with sophisticated flair and all era's of Art. And Princess...ohhh maybe like a Hyatt..a new Hyatt..more marble and brass and similar and all the tile work at the pools..both dining rooms were what was wonderful service..very charming feeling and glad 30 somethings liked it too. Guess i was around the early 30 age then on my Hal cruise too and ready for the Ocean Bar Ambiance....sarah

 

PS the old Westerdam regular rooms had tons of closet space, good seating areas and tubs on regular ocean views...the drawers and storage I heard has lessened and old fans were upset i heard through my travel friends..but I can deal from the pictures...and their beds were and i hear still are like a 5 star hotel..really comfortable, Carnival's are pretty good which is wonderful but that level... no...sarah

Edited March 3, 2014 by sjn911