HAL Oosterdam vs Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas for southern Caribbean this Nov

[funji1]

Cannot decide which is better because of a differnece in price. RC Vision is about $400 less for 2 and has almost the same ports. But, I hear HAL is better all around. We are well experienced cruisers on several lines, loving Oceania as #1 and Celebrity Equinox as #2 but have never been on HAL. we are in our upper 60's but active and love to cruise.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Edited August 3, 2015 by funji1

[Ryten]

Which cruises are you comparing? The early Oosterdam cruise is port intensive with great choices that aren't normally offered. the later cruise is essentially a sourthern beach cruise with a few days at sea. I dont know which cruise you are comparing but have to believe any of them are going to be great. Not really sure how to respond.

[DWhit]

We had probably our favorite cruise ever on the Vision, but it was because of the people we were fortunate to meet more so than the ship itself, although we did enjoy the ship. I am sure you can have a great trip on either ship.

[sofietucker]

I suppose it depends on what you mean by better... What matters most to you? Ship layout? Daily activities? Entertainment? Food?

 

Have not cruised on RCI ships except the Jewel & the Brilliance--smaller than the Vision. We like those just fine (back on the Jewel this coming January, for a trip to the ABCs).

 

That being said, my limited, general comparisons:

-RCI seems glitzier than HAL in ship decor

-HAL seems more relaxing than RCI (that is, calm, as opposed to RCI's high energy atmosphere)

-RCI has a rock-climbing wall, etc.; HAL has shuffleboard ;-)

-RCI passengers skew younger (30s-40s); HAL's are 50s-70s and tend to be well traveled

-Crew are more mixed nationalities on RCI vs HAL (Indonesian & Filipino)

-Food quality about the same

 

I remember being particularly impressed with the quality of RCI shows--talent, choreography, sets, and costumes. Plus I recall the Brilliance's main show band had an offshoot (unofficial) jazz quartet that played late at night--real, improvisational jazz, for their own enjoyment. The only people in the bar for those sets besides 4 of us were ship's staff & officers. But that was probably an anomaly.

[kalliekae]

Depends upon what you're looking for in a ship.We enjoy sailing on HAL when we want port intensive cruises. We think HAL does a great job in Europe, the Mediterranean, and Alaska. We don't want a super busy ship when we are visiting lots of ports. I believe I'm paying for that RC WOW factor with their ships and that's a waste of my money if I'm going to be dead tired at the end of the day after a long port visit. On HAL, I can come back to the MDR and have a relaxing meal, walk around that lovely teak deck, and then retire for the evening.

 

We sail Royal Caribbean's ships when we go to the Caribbean because we've seen those islands many times so the ship is our destination. RC's entertainment is superb and there is never a lack of daily ship activities. MDR food is similar on both lines, but RC has more specialty dining choices than HAL. We enjoy that WOW factor and the different neighborhoods on their mega ships.

 

Only you can decide which ship fits your needs.

[funji1]

Here is my problem deciding.....our finances are limited but we need to get away. Having been to most all of the Caribbean islands, I loved the HAL ports of Curacou, Bonaire, Aruba and Grand Turk as we have only been to Aruba and that was 35 years ago. We LOVE music as my husband is a musician.....jazz, symphony, classical, oldies, all types. We like nice dinners but not necessarily want to pay extra for the Best food. We love fun but dislike the Carnival party atmosphere. We do not want to head to our cabin at 8 or 9 PM. Or, be the only people in the clubs at that time. We Also love to go to the shows, especially the musicals. SO, my choice is Carnival for $1200 for 3 islands in 8 days, $2100 on HAL, and about the same for RCL with similar itinerary as HAL. We live in Florida so will be driving to the port. We are 68 and 72 and active, loving to snorkel ! Maybe this clarifies it more. THANKS

Edited August 3, 2015 by funji1
I corrected my info

[Aquahound]

Cannot decide which is better because of a differnece in price. RC Vision is about $400 less for 2 and has almost the same ports. But, I hear HAL is better all around. We are well experienced cruisers on several lines, loving Oceania as #1 and Celebrity Equinox as #2 but have never been on HAL. we are in our upper 60's but active and love to cruise.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I've been on the Vision and I've been on a sister ship of Oosterdam (Zuiderdam). In fact, those 2 cruises were one right after the other. In no way, shape or form do I agree that HAL is better all around. The Vision Class ships of RCI are a very far cry from RCI's mega ships. They are much more refined, but still beautiful nonetheless. The entertainment on RCI far exceeds that of HAL and on Vision, they recently added aerial shows in the main Centrum. That, and the fact HAL still allows balcony smoking, are reasons I prefer RCI.

 

In this case, especially since the Vision is $400 less, I would certainly choose Vision.

Edited August 3, 2015 by Aquahound

[Aquahound]

Here is my problem deciding.....our finances are limited but we need to get away. Having been to most all of the Caribbean islands, I loved the HAL ports of Curacou, Bonaire, Aruba and Grand Turk as we have only been to Aruba and that was 35 years ago. We LOVE music as my husband is a musician.....jazz, symphony, classical, oldies, all types. We like nice dinners but not necessarily want to pay extra for the Best food. We love fun but dislike the Carnival party atmosphere. We do not want to head to our cabin at 8 or 9 PM. Or, be the only people in the clubs at that time. We Also love to go to the shows, especially the musicals. SO, my choice is Carnival for $1200 for 3 islands in 8 days, $2100 on HAL, and about the same for RCL with similar itinerary as HAL. We live in Florida so will be driving to the port. We are 68 and 72 and active, loving to snorkel ! Maybe this clarifies it more. THANKS

 

After reading these preferences, that's all the more reason I think you would enjoy the Vision more.

[mcrcruiser]

Here is my problem deciding.....our finances are limited but we need to get away. Having been to most all of the Caribbean islands, I loved the HAL ports of Curacou, Bonaire, Aruba and Grand Turk as we have only been to Aruba and that was 35 years ago. We LOVE music as my husband is a musician.....jazz, symphony, classical, oldies, all types. We like nice dinners but not necessarily want to pay extra for the Best food. We love fun but dislike the Carnival party atmosphere. We do not want to head to our cabin at 8 or 9 PM. Or, be the only people in the clubs at that time. We Also love to go to the shows, especially the musicals. SO, my choice is Carnival for $1200 for 3 islands in 8 days, $2100 on HAL, and about the same for RCL with similar itinerary as HAL. We live in Florida so will be driving to the port. We are 68 and 72 and active, loving to snorkel ! Maybe this clarifies it more. THANKS

 

We are in our mid 70s & have sailed on both ships in the past .From what you now describe as your interests ,we recommend that you sail on Vision of the Seas;) .Of course if you are looking at price then Carnival is hands down for cost ;but ,you can get a real party atmosphere with Carnival & especially in the Caribbean for short cruises :eek:

[elusive_23]

Here is my problem deciding.....our finances are limited but we need to get away. Having been to most all of the Caribbean islands, I loved the HAL ports of Curacou, Bonaire, Aruba and Grand Turk as we have only been to Aruba and that was 35 years ago. We LOVE music as my husband is a musician.....jazz, symphony, classical, oldies, all types. We like nice dinners but not necessarily want to pay extra for the Best food. We love fun but dislike the Carnival party atmosphere. We do not want to head to our cabin at 8 or 9 PM. Or, be the only people in the clubs at that time. We Also love to go to the shows, especially the musicals. SO, my choice is Carnival for $1200 for 3 islands in 8 days, $2100 on HAL, and about the same for RCL with similar itinerary as HAL. We live in Florida so will be driving to the port. We are 68 and 72 and active, loving to snorkel ! Maybe this clarifies it more. THANKS

 

I certainly hope you are not thinking about paying $2100 for only 7-8 days on HAL! I am sailing on the Oosterdam in October and paid just a bit more than that for 21 days in a balcony and will be hitting 13 islands! Out of the 3 lines you mentioned I've only been on HAL and I think that it will offer everything you are looking for as far as nice dinners, musicals, lack of party atmosphere and ability to do things until midnight or so depending on the night. It definitely quiets down in the evening but you will find late night people in the bars, casino, BB King Blues show, the midnight buffet and at the late show. This 29 year old will not be in bed at 9pm that is for sure!

[funji1]

Thanks to all who have replied to my posting. After considering all your pros and cons and information, I think I will stay with HAL simply because of the itinerary. With the other cruise lines we would have to sacrifice 1 or more of the ports we will see with HAL. Since all these ports, good dining, and the lack of noisy beer parties will be part of the HAL cruise, and important to us, I hope it all goes well. Thanks again !

BON VOYAGE !!

[mrscopper]

Maybe we will see you on the Oosterdam for the 11 day mid Nov., have fun no matter what you choose, cruising is the best!

[funji1]

Have you sailed HAL before? If so, what are your pros and cons for MDR dining, buffet dining, shows and night life, excursions, service and cabin choices (we usually go for midship and inside to save $, and value for the price. Where is your cabin located?

[funji1]

I addressed you as Mrs. Cooper because we have friends with that name. I am so sorry Mrs. Copper.

Also, what made you decide on HAL and how did you book it.?? Travel agent or yourself?

[rafinmd]

I suppose it depends on what you mean by better... What matters most to you? Ship layout? Daily activities? Entertainment? Food?

 

Have not cruised on RCI ships except the Jewel & the Brilliance--smaller than the Vision. We like those just fine (back on the Jewel this coming January, for a trip to the ABCs).

 

That being said, my limited, general comparisons:

-RCI seems glitzier than HAL in ship decor

-HAL seems more relaxing than RCI (that is, calm, as opposed to RCI's high energy atmosphere)

-RCI has a rock-climbing wall, etc.; HAL has shuffleboard ;-)

-RCI passengers skew younger (30s-40s); HAL's are 50s-70s and tend to be well traveled

-Crew are more mixed nationalities on RCI vs HAL (Indonesian & Filipino)

-Food quality about the same

 

I remember being particularly impressed with the quality of RCI shows--talent, choreography, sets, and costumes. Plus I recall the Brilliance's main show band had an offshoot (unofficial) jazz quartet that played late at night--real, improvisational jazz, for their own enjoyment. The only people in the bar for those sets besides 4 of us were ship's staff & officers. But that was probably an anomaly.

 

At least 1 factual correction. Radiance class ships are newer and bigger than Vision class (other than possibly the stretched Enchantment). One other difference I will add is that HAL crew includes a "Location Guide", knowledgeable about ports giving background talks and normally unbiased advice.

 

Roy

[funji1]

After speaking with a few people and intense rethinking my plan, we will be changing our minds and going with RCL Vision of the Seas. The main reason is the ship and activities you all discussed. I am disappointed that we will miss Grand Turk but for the extra $500 we would spend on HAL, I decided that for the 6 hour port stay, it was not worth it. ALthough we have been to Key West, we can use that as our "unwind day" and go for a walk. The same with Grand Cayman. However, we only walked through the port area to go snorkeling so maybe we should take a trip around the rest of the island see exactly what Grand Cayman has to offer.

Of course, being a female, I may change my mind again prior to final payment.

If anyone has more suggestions, please send them on !!

Bon Voyage.

[kjw869]

RCI has a rock-climbing wall, etc.; HAL has shuffleboard ;-)

 

On 18 HAL cruises, we've never seen anyone playing shuffleboard. Maybe on longer cruises, but have not seen in used on our Alaska or Caribbean cruises. :)

[GeriatricNurse]

On 18 HAL cruises, we've never seen anyone playing shuffleboard. Maybe on longer cruises, but have not seen in used on our Alaska or Caribbean cruises. :)

 

The reason, I think, that you rarely see people playing shuffleboard is because the 'pucks' cannot be pushed very far or effectively with the ?shuttles due to the fact that it is being played on a 'resistive' teakwood deck surface, whereas shuffleboard should be played on a smooth surface such as tile! Alternatively, a granulated non-corrosive, teakwood 'friendly', ?sand-like substance could be spread onto the playing surface in order to facilitate the movement of the 'pucks'! (But then, WHO would sweep it up at the conclusion of the play)? ;)

Edited August 11, 2015 by GeriatricNurse

[elusive_23]

On 18 HAL cruises, we've never seen anyone playing shuffleboard. Maybe on longer cruises, but have not seen in used on our Alaska or Caribbean cruises. :)

 

My fiancé and I enjoyed playing shuffleboard on our last cruise late at night. This time we will come prepared by knowing the rules!

[FLACRUISER99]

After speaking with a few people and intense rethinking my plan, we will be changing our minds and going with RCL Vision of the Seas. The main reason is the ship and activities you all discussed. I am disappointed that we will miss Grand Turk but for the extra $500 we would spend on HAL, I decided that for the 6 hour port stay, it was not worth it. ALthough we have been to Key West, we can use that as our "unwind day" and go for a walk. The same with Grand Cayman. However, we only walked through the port area to go snorkeling so maybe we should take a trip around the rest of the island see exactly what Grand Cayman has to offer.

Of course, being a female, I may change my mind again prior to final payment.

If anyone has more suggestions, please send them on !!

Bon Voyage.

I have many cruises on both lines, and have sailed on Vision and HAL Noordam Westerdam and Zuderdam. IMO you will have a much better experience on HAL. Only you can tell though as everyone is different. The food is defiantly better on HAL. Shows are probably better on HAL.

[avian777]

There are many differing opinions & preconceptions about RCI and HAL but IMHO only one significant factual difference between them - only HAL has a Roman Catholic priest (who celebrates daily Mass) on board every one of its cruises. So if spiritual renewal is an important component of your vacation experience, HAL is the hands-down choice. Whichever you choose, I hope you enjoy the cruise!

[Aquahound]

There are many differing opinions & preconceptions about RCI and HAL but IMHO only one significant factual difference between them - only HAL has a Roman Catholic priest (who celebrates daily Mass) on board every one of its cruises.

 

And in this case, I think you're even more wrong than when you said this in the HAL vs Celebrity and HAL vs Princess threads. There is certainly not only 1 factual difference between these cruise lines.

Edited August 13, 2015 by Aquahound

[FLACRUISER99]

I have many cruises on both lines, and have sailed on Vision and HAL Noordam Westerdam and Zuderdam. IMO you will have a much better experience on HAL. Only you can tell though as everyone is different. The food is defiantly better on HAL. Shows are probably better on HAL.

should of said "Shows are probably better on RCI.

[avian777]

And in this case, I think you're even more wrong than when you said this in the HAL vs Celebrity and HAL vs Princess threads. There is certainly not only 1 factual difference between these cruise lines.

 

With all due regard for your status as a regular CC poster, I was not wrong to state that there is 'IHMO there is only one significant factual difference between them'" because (as my post clearly indicated) that is my opinion. Your opinion is obviously different but no more or less accurate than my opinion!!!

[avian777]

With all due regard for your status as a regular CC poster, I was not wrong to state that there is 'IHMO there is only one significant factual difference between them'" because (as my post clearly indicated) that is my opinion. Your opinion is obviously different but no more or less accurate than my opinion!!!

 

...sloppy editing on my part - it should've read "I was not wrong to state that 'IHMO there is only one significant factual difference between them'" because (as my post clearly indicated) that is my opinion. Your opinion is obviously different but no more or less correct than my opinion!!!