New to HAL

[carlyshenk]

Hello everyone. We just booked a cruise on Veendam. It's a 7 day cruise leaving January 31st. This is our first cruise on HAL after 22 cruises mostly on Celebrity. I know Veendam is older, but I wanted a smaller ship and the itinerary is to our liking and the price was good also. Can someone who has sailed Celebrity and HAL give me some information comparing the two lines. I have become disenchanted with Celebrity. I'm tired of the "nickel and diming" everywhere you go on the ship and also they seem to be overworking the staff. They just don't seem as happy and friendly as they once were. Our last two cruises were just not enjoyable for us. I know ultimately we'll find out for ourselves, but I would like to get some other opinions before we sail. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Carol

[Lady Arwen]

We're long time cruisers with both HAL and Celebrity. They are both, in our opinion, quite similar in the product they offer. Food is slightly better on Celebrity (subjective, of course) and the entertainment on Celebrity is much better. We love Celebrity's no smoking policy which covers the entire indoor space, including the casino. HAL's casinos are sometimes clouded in smoke, which makes it very uncomfortable for us non-smokers.

 

HAL's itineraries are much better and more interesting. We did Alaska on Celebrity and it did not compare to HAL. HAL has maintained a traditional look to their ships, except for Pinnacle class which is very much like Celebrity S class. Celebrity M class is comparable to older HAL ships. HAL provides a more traditional cruise experience, as well. Celebrity is aiming for a younger client with modern ideas (Celebrity Edge is a perfect example). Celebrity has louder music around the pool and more activities. HAL gets quieter much earlier in the evening than Celebrity.

 

We love both lines and choose by itinerary, price and ship. We would gladly sail on either line!

[dogo88]

We just got off our first Celebrity cruise in October on the Equinox and had a fabulous time. We've been exclusive HAL cruisers for years but as other here can attest jumping ship gives to something to compare and a different flavor to experience.

While we've never been on the Veendam we have done the Maasdam and Ryndam. Our next trip is on the Zaandam. So HAL continues to offer a product that interests us. The smaller ships clearly offer up some advantages to the mega ships but it's not all wonderful. If you like the variety for different restaurants and activities, then smaller ships tend to offer way less. Many of the HAL fleet is older and there are mixed reports on conditions you may encounter. But as in all forums the cheerleaders will overlooks a lot, while the more objective will point out the problems.

But as you said, you need to find you way and coming on the Veendam will give you an opportunity to compare to Celebrity. I'd be interested in what your opinion is after the trip.

Dan

[SetAnOpenCourse]

Oops I've not sailed on Celebrity, but thought it worth chiming in with one major difference: wraparound teak promenade deck, wonderful for walking, relaxing, or ocean-gazing. Enjoy your cruise!

[Aquahound]

Hello everyone. We just booked a cruise on Veendam. It's a 7 day cruise leaving January 31st. This is our first cruise on HAL after 22 cruises mostly on Celebrity. I know Veendam is older, but I wanted a smaller ship and the itinerary is to our liking and the price was good also. Can someone who has sailed Celebrity and HAL give me some information comparing the two lines. I have become disenchanted with Celebrity. I'm tired of the "nickel and diming" everywhere you go on the ship and also they seem to be overworking the staff. They just don't seem as happy and friendly as they once were. Our last two cruises were just not enjoyable for us. I know ultimately we'll find out for ourselves, but I would like to get some other opinions before we sail. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Unfortunately, the pushy nickel and diming is becoming a trait of all the major lines. I never thought it was bad on HAL until my cruise last month. The bartenders kept pushing some $75 wine pairing dinner, to the extent of leaving a flying on my table while I was eating in one of the specialty restaurants. The soliciting got so bad that I finally asked one of them if they got personal commission for the sale. The answer was yes. So don't think you'll escape the sales pitches on HAL.

 

One thing you will miss on HAL is the entertainment. Celebrity does a lot more theme night parties (like the 60s night, etc) and audience participation game shows.

 

On a more positive note though....I think you might be experiencing a typical reaction to 22 cruises on the same line. It's time for a change, and you might very well like HAL and the more subdued atmosphere. In my experience, the service has always been excellent on HAL....but then again, I still stink its excellent on most of the lines I've sailed.

[catl331]

Crew News is currently posting about his latest HAL cruise on the Veendam. Should be interesting. I like the smallness of the ship and am not a regular at the nightly shows. I like to plan my day ahead of time after reading the nightly paper. Veendam is good for a cruise to Bermuda as she fits into the downtown pier. I don't believe you can judge HAL by sailing this ship only. Everyone has their own opinions and experiences.

[KroozNut]

Food is slightly better on Celebrity (subjective, of course)

 

Agree that food preferences are always highly subjective, which is primarily why we tend to disregard any and all food related comments.

 

and the entertainment on Celebrity is much better.

 

Also a very subjective comment.

[carlyshenk]

Wow! Thank you everyone for your replies. I thought I would be criticized for asking for personal opinions. I got the perfect answers! I think we're going to enjoy our cruise and I feel so much better about trying HAL. I knew the smoking would be an issue. But we don't frequent the casino. I'm a little worried about smoking on balconies next to us. We have an aft cabin and I'm hoping it won't affect us too much. I will let you all know when we return how our cruise goes. We talked my sister-in-law into joining us. She has never cruised before. I'm hoping she's wowed just because she's never cruised before and will join us again on future cruises. :D

[KroozNut]

Good new is that HAL no longer allows smoking on balconies, so you can cross that off your list of things to stress about! ;):)

[carlyshenk]

Good new is that HAL no longer allows smoking on balconies, so you can cross that off your list of things to stress about! ;):)

Thank you, KroozNut! That is great news!

[navybankerteacher]

While staffing cuts seem to be across the board on all lines, impacting service generally, one aspect of HAL which seems to survive is the cheerful and upbeat attitude of staff. It is so uniform that I think it is part of their training and management, but it still contributes a positive flavor which is unique to HAL.