Holland vs Princess or Carnival

[trustgal11]

My husband and I (both in our 60's) have cruised many times. We are considering a European/Mediterranean cruise for summer 2017. We have cruised mostly on Carnival, but also Princess and RCI but are looking at cruises on Holland. I am a little concerned that there may not be as much to do on Holland as we are used to on the other ships. How does their casino and nightly production shows compare? These are things we like to do in the evening. Also, how does the dining compare? Thanks for your assistance.

[cruiserking]

My husband and I (both in our 60's) have cruised many times. We are considering a European/Mediterranean cruise for summer 2017. We have cruised mostly on Carnival, but also Princess and RCI but are looking at cruises on Holland. I am a little concerned that there may not be as much to do on Holland as we are used to on the other ships. How does their casino and nightly production shows compare? These are things we like to do in the evening. Also, how does the dining compare? Thanks for your assistance.

 

The food on Holland America Line is very good. I have always found their productions to be enjoyable. However, during the evening their entertainment options are not very plentiful.

 

I would suggest looking at the itineraries for their newest ship the Koningsdam, which features a lot of brand new entertainment venues and a variety of restaurants.

 

Jonathan

[Essiesmom]

Med. itineraries are very port intensive. Only one sea day in 12 cruise days. Thus, ports are more important that ship/amenities. You spend all day ashore and when you get back onboard, all you want to do is shower, eat, and go to bed to prepare for the next days touring. Think about why you want to do this cruise rather than what there is to do on the ship. EM

[Aquahound]

My husband and I (both in our 60's) have cruised many times. We are considering a European/Mediterranean cruise for summer 2017. We have cruised mostly on Carnival, but also Princess and RCI but are looking at cruises on Holland. I am a little concerned that there may not be as much to do on Holland as we are used to on the other ships. How does their casino and nightly production shows compare? These are things we like to do in the evening. Also, how does the dining compare? Thanks for your assistance.

 

Your concerns are justified. HAL does cater to an older crowd and there is not as much to do on board, compared to those other lines. Also, in my opinion, the nightly production shows suck. HAL is not known for their entertainment.

 

The dining, on other hand, I think is pretty good.

 

Personally, HAL is my last choice right now not only because of the awful entertainment, but also because they still allow cigarette and cigar smoking on balconies.

[navybankerteacher]

HAL's strengths are more comfortable accommodations, better service, and somewhat better food. Their primary weakness is less dynamic entertainment (offset by good music), and, for some, their more liberal smoking policy. As a "cured" smoker, I do not like having to put up with others "exhaust", but I have only rarely noticed it on our balcony: I think that problem is somewhat overstated.

[OCruisers]

HAL is a good choice for "port intensive" cruises. :)

[RJ2002]

Your concerns are justified. HAL does cater to an older crowd and there is not as much to do on board, compared to those other lines. Also, in my opinion, the nightly production shows suck. HAL is not known for their entertainment.

 

The dining, on other hand, I think is pretty good.

 

Personally, HAL is my last choice right now not only because of the awful entertainment, but also because they still allow cigarette and cigar smoking on balconies.

 

Well put, particularly the smoking thing. We are currently booking away from HAL due to an bad experience recently with a smoker on the balcony of the cabin next to us. We think HAL does have more unique itineraries though. I am still holding out they will eventually tighten their smoking policy.