DCL and HAL Comparisons

[PatLuv]

It was suggested on the HAL for dummies thread that I bring this here.We're heading on our 4th DCL cruise in a coupe weeks.We've booked our first ever HAL cruise via Explore 4 on the Eurodam in March 2015 on Deck 8 in a Veranda. I've heard some good things about HAL.Actually got a close look at The Westerdam in Grand Turk in Jan.when we took our first and probably last Carnival cruise.We're in our 60's,just your avarage working couple that enjoy good food,good service,and a great time.So for those of you who have sailed both,what do we have to look foward to? Also on Disney,you get called by group numbers to board.How is boarding done i Ft.Lauderdale?

 

I also want to say how much I enjoy this forum,lots of very nice,and very helpful peoople!;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

As you enter the terminal in Ft Lauderdale you will be given a card with a number on it.

Then you go through security and proceed to the check-in lines. Here you will fill out a short form concerning illness prior to coming to the ship - Noro Virus. Then you will go upstairs and wait until your number is called.

Some people get to the pier by 11. Boarding usually begins around 11:30. HAL usually has the cabins ready by 11:30 so that you can drop off your carry-ons before going to lunch or exploring the ship.

I noticed that you mention that you have sailed on Carnival. This automatically makes you a 1 Star Mariner. And now you are entitled to eat in the main dining room for lunch on Embarkation Day. You should also get an invitation to the Mariner's Brunch which is held near the end of your cruise.

HAL keep's the Lido buffet -- everything -- water, coffee, etc. and all food -- in Code Orange mode for the first 48 hours. This means you can not help yourself to anything. This is done to help keep germs down -- Noro Virus.

One restaurant we like on this ship is the Tamarind -- Pan Asian food -- $20 per person.

[1of4]

We have sailed both Disney (Magic) and Hal and prefer HAL even with children. We found the lack of quiet spaces on Disney to be the tipping point. Is is all noise all the time, even in the adult areas. The other point that started to bother me on Disney was there is very few spaces where you can sit and look out (without plexiglass). Disney is designed to look in at Disney not out at the view or where you are going.

 

Club Hal is excellent and preferred by DD. DS loved the computer on Disney but I did not like that he was free to park himself infront of a screen for 10 hours a day or longer.

 

We loved the decoration and design of the Magic but still prefer the quiet of the HAL ships that we have been on. We like that we can be a family at meals but the children can go to Club HAL. We like not being pushed and shoved in the halls on HAL, and we love the walk around promenade deck.

 

We liked our cabin on Disney better with the split bath, we found their the attention to detail of the cabin stewards superior than the ones we have had on HAL. The photographers and their ability to get amazing photographes that you want to buy (and can afford) are better than HAL. The movie and theatre venues were better on the Magic. But the "if you see it" philosophy on Disney turned us off. The rushing and screaming turns us off as did the pushing to get ahead...the "me first". I was hip checked by a grandmother that I estimate was in her 70s and went crashing to the floor...and for what....to line up to get Goofy's signiture. Not a relaxing vacation for us.

 

Overall, looking at what my family wants in a cruise vacation, HAL ticks the boxes. We like the free techspert classes, the cooking demonstrations, walking around the deck, love the library and the main dining room. Love sitting in a deck chair and looking at the ocean without music or movies blaring. For us it works.

[PatLuv]

Krazy Kruizers,thank you for those important tidbits!

 

10f 4 I agree that there are some pretty hectic times.This trip we're on Deck 5 of The Magic,down from the theater.This is actually the only DCL ship we haven't been on. It sounds like HAL will fit just right for us.We enjoy being around others,but like to pretty much go our own way onboard.We both love sitting on the balcony enjoying the serenity,and nice walks.Thank you for all of your help.

[3rdGenCunarder]

One clarification on KK's post. The Embarkation lunch is sort of a hidden treat. You probably won't get an invitation (I never have) and if you ask someone about it, you're likely to be told it doesn't exist (happened to me twice). So just head for the MDR and see what's going on. Sometimes it's limited to higher number stars or closed because of a special event, but you won't know until you ask at the door. Don't be put off if check-in staff don't know about it. Sometimes I think only those of us on CC know!

[troysers]

We have been on DCL nine times and HAL three, and based on our experience, the thing you would most have to look forward to transitioning to the Eurodam will be tranquility.

 

The much older average of HAL passengers versus the number of children on DCL (we went from DCL magic with 900 kids on board one year to the next year on HAL with just 29) means you will be able to hear yourself think in the dining room and not have to fight for a pool chair.

 

If you like to read, HAL has a nice library which you can borrow books.

 

I am very sensitive to cigarette smoke, and although HAL has a more liberal smoking policy, our experience has been that the HAL passengers are very respectful of rules/policy (not just smoking, but in general) whereas DCL we have experienced situations where it can turn into a zoo with the kids (mostly as a result of missing in action parents). With the sensitivity to smoking, we book an inside cabin, and avoid the casino and aft pool, and have never had an issue.

 

On the Eurodam, you have the ability to rent a cabana and we have really enjoyed this on our cruises.

 

Depending on time of year, we have found the water temperature warmer at half moon cay versus castaway cay.

 

If you would like to know what you may miss moving from DCL to HAL, let me know and I will try to respond.

 

To summarize, we love both lines for different reasons and would go on DCL again in a heart beat, but I cannot justify the price difference. For our upcoming cruise DCL was over twice that of the HAL cruise.

[matondo]

You will have a casino on HAL. Half Moon Cay is amazing only drawback is you have to tender. I like the food much better on HAL.

 

The Disney shows and movies are far superior to the HAL product. I found HAL to be much more relaxing than Disney.

 

Enjoy

[PatLuv]

believe it or not,the more I read,the more I know I've made the right choice to try HAL! I do agree that Disney can get downright nuts sometimes.I work in a grocery store,so being able to relax,and enjoy what ever there is onboard is my idea.Oh,and a balcony with a great view too!;)

[PatLuv]

Krazy Kruiser,I just got a private invitation mailing from Hal in the mail.In the letter it states that since I've sailed on a sister ship that I'd be in Mariner Society when I come aboard.Very nice!;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Krazy Kruiser,I just got a private invitation mailing from Hal in the mail.In the letter it states that since I've sailed on a sister ship that I'd be in Mariner Society when I come aboard.Very nice!;)

 

Great

By the way -- the Mariner's embarkation lunch is on the lower level of the dining room -- deck 2 (lower promenade deck).

Rarely is the dining room on the larger ships limited to the 4 and 5 star mariners.