Thinking of trying a HAL cruise only sailed with Celebrity

[OlsSalt]

Wow! This is one of the best size variable comparisons I've ever read. Thanks, OlsSalt :D

 

The Goldilocks Cruise Line. Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear cruise ships.

We are Baby Bear HAL cruisers.

[cruisereaders]

No mileage at all there for me... Sorry. Zero.

 

We are Princess cruisers. Our next cruise will be on the Regal Princess.

And, I am thinking that in some ways, (not all of course), HAL will be a step down.

But when it comes to the basics, the cabin, food, etc.. They seem to be on-par. With slight differences of course.

 

The HAL itineraries, as mentioned, and the availability of their brand new ship, the Nieuw Statendam, have us placing a deposit on a Mediterranean cruise for 2019.

 

 

 

Actually we are generally HAL cruisers who have tried Princess twice. The entertainment was more varied on Princess but we found that dining, service and ambience were lacking. To each their own.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[loving goldens]

Thank you everyone.... I am really learning a lot we are leaning toward either the Amsterdam or the newest one the Statedam.... ( not sure if I am spelling this right)... we love the itineraries on both ships... as we sail in March we know this is spring breaks for school we know there will be families with children which will not bother us but i know it will not be like Carnival or anything... lol... we are excited to try a different line... thxs again ... now I have to decide if we should buy a drink pkg...:o

[knittinggirl]

We're Diamond Plus w/ Royal Caribbean, and that made us Elite w/ Celebrity.

 

We've done three w/ Celebrity, and have a fourth next January.

 

As far as I know, HAL doesn't have anything like Concierge Class (balcony w/ benefits), and AquaClass. HAL does have a Spa Vista that looked a lot like our Vista on HAL but w/ exercise mats. They don't have an equivalent of the Elite Breakfast, and we're only three star. Don't know if free drinks come w/ the higher loyalty levels. We did get free alcohol w/ the Mariner's luncheon. But I think you must have completed a cruise w/ HAL first. Our free loyalty drinks always get us some free soft drinks on Celebrity and HAL.

 

We found tables in the Dining Room much more spread apart with HAL.

 

HAL has a laundry special for $7-$9 per day for unlimited laundry. Or you can fill the bag for $20. But we've found it nice to keep a rotation of laundry coming back daily on our cruises.

 

Since we started cruising again, we've done a 38-day and a 35-day cruise w/ HAL. Not sure if Celebrity offers them that long. But on Celebrity, you can probably merge them together like we've been known to do on Celebrity.

 

HAL's Loyalty point system isn't as sophisticated as Celebrity. We get single credit for everything up to Balcony, and Double credit for Vista Suites and up. On Celebrity, you get from 2-15 points per day depending on category.

 

Both cruises on HAL had a crew man chiming a xylophone while marching when the dining room doors opened.

[Wishing on a star]

I'll have to look for a video of that!

Not sure I can imagine, or are 'getting' it !

 

Yes, HAL's laundry service is a real plus on a longer cruise!

Not sure I could compare 'ambiance' as better or worse. From everything I am hearing, HAL just has very very little ambiance. Very very low-key. Or maybe that is referring to the visual ambiance of the HAL older ships with their darker more European decor???

 

On any line, I think the vibe onboard can differ from ship to ship, and from destination/sailing to destination/sailing.

Our last cruise was Alaska, I am quite sure it will be very very different than our next cruise which will be Caribbean, on a much larger ship !

 

Dining can also be subjective and hard to compare. I am thinking that, in some ways, HAL has it over Princess for speciality dining. But, if we sail HAL, we will miss the International Cafe and Alfredos.

 

On our last cruise, the MDR was especially excellent in both food and service. But, I know that this might not be indicative of ALL ships and all sailings. (PS: on the same cruise, the buffet was just awful)

[OlsSalt]

"Very, very low key" ....is ambiance. And a preferred choice that works for the high numbers of repeat HAL passengers. HAL ships have lots of large windows, open viewing spots, lovely art and fresh flower arrangements, and a real feeling of being at sea either indoors or out, along with the sunniest crew we have ever experienced. That is HAL's ambiance.

[mickrory]

We're HAL newbies and we were so impressed we've booked another HAL cruise next January. We've sailed with Celebrity several times, from our experience food, service and relaxation HAL has the edge but for entertainment Celebrity wins by a street.

Edited April 14, 2018 by mickrory
corr

[drsel]

For us, entertainment is much more important than food. So we would prefer Celebrity, Royal, Norwegian and Carnival

[OlsSalt]

For us, entertainment is much more important than food. So we would prefer Celebrity, Royal, Norwegian and Carnival

 

Good to know what you want, and that you have choices. HAL needs to stop trying to be all things to all people, of late. Look no further than the botched up new website - stressing all these "activities" on board, when in fact it is and should be the quiet cruise alternative cruise line.

 

On the upcoming Maasdam InDepth cruise they are even doing away with the onboard entertainment crew and using only local entertainment options topical to where we will be sailing. Good trend for a lot of the smaller hAL ships when you think how many "beds" a full entertainment staff require.

[drsel]

Eliminating the entire entertainment crew should cut costs quite a bit. But this isn't reflected in their prices.

[OlsSalt]

Eliminating the entire entertainment crew should cut costs quite a bit. But this isn't reflected in their prices.

 

In the case of the Maasdam "InDepth" cruises, they are adding all sorts of other enrichment activities so this is a very good trade off. We shall see how it works out in real time, not cruise brochure time. I suspect the itinerary uniqueness is what drives the prices up for these cruises, not getting rid of the typical entertainment crew. I wonder if they will retain the casinos and high end shops. Not part of the new adventure aspects either.

[drsel]

The main Cruise lines do all the regular ports, because they are popular and in demand

[Wishing on a star]

I agree that HAL should not be mis-leading and needs to re-find their identity.

 

But, you guys do realize. (or do. you), that when you are talking very very low-key, quiet, fresh flowers, etc...

IMHO, pretty much describing an assisted living center or funeral parlor, maybe moreso than a traveling vacation????

 

Hey, if that is what one is looking for, then that is great!!!!

But, let's not try to sell one thing as another.

 

Perhaps that this the 'identity' that HAL has seemed to be known for that they are currently trying to change?

Music Walk, State of the Art almost 360' theater, new decor, etc....

 

If that is true, I think that their first attempt with the K still needs some work. Quite a bit of work.

[OlsSalt]

The main Cruise lines do all the regular ports, because they are popular and in demand

 

Which makes all these other cruise lines a perfect fit for those who want to do all the "regular" ports. And pick up their free gifts at Diamonds International. No thank you.

[Wishing on a star]

Princess. (and probably other lines) bring local talent and speakers onboard at some ports.

They didn't have to give up their entertainment staff, well-done shows, etc.. to do so.

[OlsSalt]

I agree that HAL should not be mis-leading and needs to re-find their identity.

 

But, you guys do realize. (or do. you), that when you are talking very very low-key, quiet, fresh flowers, etc...

IMHO, pretty much describing an assisted living center or funeral parlor, maybe moreso than a traveling vacation????

 

Hey, if that is what one is looking for, then that is great!!!!

But, let's not try to sell one thing as another.

 

Perhaps that this the 'identity' that HAL has seemed to be known for that they are currently trying to change?

Music Walk, State of the Art almost 360' theater, new decor, etc....

 

If that is true, I think that their first attempt with the K still needs some work. Quite a bit of work.

 

It is great, because very, very low key is exactly what many are looking for when they choose HAL ships. Why all the ageist insults?

 

HAL is having an indentity crisis right now under its new management. It may implode itself trying to be what it is not and never can be. Why go for the lowest common denominator in the cruise industry when most of its ships are designed for a different market?

[Wishing on a star]

The fact of the matter is that cruising is so popular, and all of the lines have so many ships, that all ports are in high demand.

All cruise ships are looking for additional and alternative ports.

Ships are going where ports are able to take them in.

 

Other than the fact that the Mega-Ships simply are not able or allowed to do smaller ports. then I do not see this as something that is a HAL advantage, or something so very negative to flame all other cruise lines for.

 

When people see the negative bias and 'cheerleader' aspects so very blatantly, they might tend to give such posts much credibility.

[Wishing on a star]

Sorry, but I just stated an obvious and general observation.

There was no prejudiced insult against anyone of any age.

 

With that....

I posted my thoughts, and now I will back away, very slowly!!!!!

[OlsSalt]

Princess. (and probably other lines) bring local talent and speakers onboard at some ports.

They didn't have to give up their entertainment staff, well-done shows, etc.. to do so.

 

Maasdam chose to give this typical cruise ship feature up for their new InDepth cruise offerings. This has nothing to do with whet Princess offers or what HAL also offers on many of its cruises where they too bring onboard local experts for certain segments of the itinerary. Compare apples to apples. Not apples to oranges.

[OlsSalt]

Although it takes time, I try to give more comprehensive pictures.

Posters are asking about what they don't know. That's why they are asking.

They have no idea about HAL ships and how different they are.

 

Getting the best of cruising requires some knowledge.

 

People cruise for different reasons....

 

 

 

Little knowledge of cruise ships let stereotypes dominate.

"Low-key" may sound different for different clientele.

 

My words for the recent cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam (not HAL) :

 

Romantic

Light

Bright

Inspiring

Entertaining

Comfortable

Tasty

Recreational

 

Nieuw Amsterdam (Eastern Caribbean):

 

 

Stereotypes and cruise line loyalty (i.e. horse eye shades) is the worst thing that prevents cruisers from getting the best of cruise life.

 

 

Wishing on a star,

I don't think the cruise line billionaires need our help to run their business better.

 

I don't know why this cruise line is not able to name the advantages of their cruise ships.

As this is a Celebrity "refugee" thread (a hint from Cunard board) let's mention Celebrity.

Look at the Edge ad campaign. They don't hesitate to use any mind-bogging absurd in the ads to promote the new baby.

 

I newer use cruise line ads language in my posts.

Shall I say that Carnival Glory is a "fun ship" when I help my friends choose a cruise?

No. This is what Carnival ads say. In fact there are more fun on the large RCI and NCL ships, while the Glory is quite elegant and relaxing as a cruiseship.

Shall I promise them "modern luxury" on Celebrity Solstice?

Nope. It only exists in the ads. In fact the ship is nice and interesting in many ways but it's 3.5* "only" because its list of "lacking of" is too long to be luxury to any extent.

Shall I suggest NCL for the reason that my friends will be able "to eat where you want, when you want and with whom you want"?

No. They can do so on any large ships (with rare exceptions).

My other friends do cruise on NCL for this particular reason. When I asked them, they honestly had no idea of other options! They were in the fog of ads.

Shall I send them to a cruise on the Anthem of the Seas because it's "the first smart cruise ship in the world"?

No. "Smart", "Modern", "Innovative", "Groundbreaking", "Trendsetting", etc. are often synonyms of marketing gimmicks. Same applies to this floating anthill.

Shall I recommend them one of those dwarfy floating nursing homes that offer "unparalleled luxury at sea" for some $10,000++ (they can afford BTW)? No. They are too young and healthy to limit their cruise life to a "first class dining and personalized service" with a bedside nurse and a marbled bathroom.

Shall I recommend the Koningsdam for the reason of being the newest HAL ship?

Only if I want to cheat them. Newer is not necessarily better.

 

What we can do is to help prospective passengers (those who read Cruise critic, cruise blogs, etc. and want to listen) get rid of stereotypes and perverted mythology, and choose the right ship.

 

Silly me, but I always think about ships as a way to get someplace. Like which itinerary takes me where I want to go, for the price that is in my budget yet with a degree of comfort and hospitality. Somehow that always comes up HAL. I am weak and lazy now, I don't even bother looking anywhere else.

 

And HAL still does continue to tantalize with new offerings, even though the times are 'achangin' on this dear cruise line who is forgeting that many people pick cruise ships because they like to ......travel.

[loving goldens]

Wow this is quite a discussion I started here.... Thks again everyone for your advise and views ..... :) :)

[OlsSalt]

Although it takes time, I try to give more comprehensive pictures.

Posters are asking about what they don't know. That's why they are asking.

They have no idea about HAL ships and how different they are.

 

Getting the best of cruising requires some knowledge.

 

People cruise for different reasons....

 

 

 

Little knowledge of cruise ships let stereotypes dominate.

"Low-key" may sound different for different clientele.

 

My words for the recent cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam (not HAL) :

 

Romantic

Light

Bright

Inspiring

Entertaining

Comfortable

Tasty

Recreational

 

Nieuw Amsterdam (Eastern Caribbean):

 

 

Stereotypes and cruise line loyalty (i.e. horse eye shades) is the worst thing that prevents cruisers from getting the best of cruise life.

 

 

Wishing on a star,

I don't think the cruise line billionaires need our help to run their business better.

 

I don't know why this cruise line is not able to name the advantages of their cruise ships.

As this is a Celebrity "refugee" thread (a hint from Cunard board) let's mention Celebrity.

Look at the Edge ad campaign. They don't hesitate to use any mind-bogging absurd in the ads to promote the new baby.

 

I newer use cruise line ads language in my posts.

Shall I say that Carnival Glory is a "fun ship" when I help my friends choose a cruise?

No. This is what Carnival ads say. In fact there are more fun on the large RCI and NCL ships, while the Glory is quite elegant and relaxing as a cruiseship.

Shall I promise them "modern luxury" on Celebrity Solstice?

Nope. It only exists in the ads. In fact the ship is nice and interesting in many ways but it's 3.5* "only" because its list of "lacking of" is too long to be luxury to any extent.

Shall I suggest NCL for the reason that my friends will be able "to eat where you want, when you want and with whom you want"?

No. They can do so on any large ships (with rare exceptions).

My other friends do cruise on NCL for this particular reason. When I asked them, they honestly had no idea of other options! They were in the fog of ads.

Shall I send them to a cruise on the Anthem of the Seas because it's "the first smart cruise ship in the world"?

No. "Smart", "Modern", "Innovative", "Groundbreaking", "Trendsetting", etc. are often synonyms of marketing gimmicks. Same applies to this floating anthill.

Shall I recommend them one of those dwarfy floating nursing homes that offer "unparalleled luxury at sea" for some $10,000++ (they can afford BTW)? No. They are too young and healthy to limit their cruise life to a "first class dining and personalized service" with a bedside nurse and a marbled bathroom.

Shall I recommend the Koningsdam for the reason of being the newest HAL ship?

Only if I want to cheat them. Newer is not necessarily better.

 

What we can do is to help prospective passengers (those who read Cruise critic, cruise blogs, etc. and want to listen) get rid of stereotypes and perverted mythology, and choose the right ship.

 

Riffing off your post, there is a very interesting article in this month's reader-generated "International Travel News" (4/18) written by an 82 year old world traveler who decided to take his first cruise. All his other travel to every country on the ITN list was by land, car, bus or train. He chose his itinerary to see new ports, in countries he had already visited.

 

He chose NCL because .... they offered this Free Choice ...eat when you want, where you want, with whom you want and you never have to dress up. That was for him. But like you say, this is pretty much standard now on most cruise ships. Except Cunard? But NCL is working this to their advantage. While we have Oprah's Favorite Things.

 

Overall he found himself quite ripped off and quite annoyed by the constant sells, the constant announcements about sales, predatory venders, and the expensive shore excursions that forgot to tell him all the Magellan penguins had already left. (HAL did that to us too - VOV to see the puffin nesting grounds, but the puffins had already packed up by August- disclaimer and our own knowledge had tipped us off but it was touted as a puffin tour)

 

He also had some pretty dicey moments at sea so not sure how sea-worthy these larger ship are when they enter the worlds more dangerous waters like Cape Horn.

 

Overall, from his detailed descriptions I am sorry he had not chosen a HAL ship - like the Zaandam which really does deliver a very good South America itinerary, instead of his NCL "repositioning" cruise. The article is instructional about what life on board can be like on the "other cruise lines".

 

Please, please, please stay low-key HAL and sell this as virtue; not a defect.

[iancal]

Why not try HAL?

 

Pretty boring to stick with the same cruise line all the time. We like Celebrity and have done a fair amount of cruises with them but we still want to try the others.

 

We tend to focus more on the ship than we do on the cruise line. There are winners and duds in most cruise fleets. The trick is finding the right one for you.

 

Perhaps after HAL, try still another cruise line. Just don't expect the same experience on all lines or compare them on that basis. Enjoy the differences. There are lots of great ships out there and they often have different labels.

Edited April 16, 2018 by iancal

[bennybear]

Exactly Ronbe and iancal!

 

Why not try others? We have tried several cruise lines and although one always compares, we have enjoyed all our cruises. I think it is shortsighted to eliminate ones without trying them after doing some research.

 

Still many on our list!

For fun checkout Mein Schiff 6. We were docked beside it in Cartagena and it was beautiful. Yet we were underwhelmed by a new Viking ship.

 

Edited April 16, 2018 by bennybear

[ZN1300]

Someone, a few years back, posted a humorous motto for the different cruise lines. I only remember a couple...

Celebrity - For people who want to have sex with random strangers

Holland America - For old people and their parents

 

 

That being said, everyone is going to have their individual opinion about a particular cruise line or ship. Each ship is a floating hotel and how that hotel is managed will determine how much enjoyment you take away from your cruise.

 

 

My wife and I have cruised on a few different lines/ships. We tend to favor HAL for a number of reasons, food, cleanliness, customer service, no amusement park on the top, to name a few. We tend to like the quieter ships. If you want activities to occupy your children/teenagers, or want to party til dawn, I would suggest choosing another line. After all, on HAL, the last walker go into the last stateroom at 9:30 (just kidding).

 

 

We did a repositioning on the NCL Sun ( yes that ship ) a few years ago with similar problems as you may have seen on TV lately. Construction going on, a horrible stench in the rear of the ship, blue water coming out of the bathroom sink and shower, arguing with the internet person about no service in our suite and more. We've been on a couple of other NCL ships and they were generally ok.

 

 

The Celebrity ship we cruised on our butler or steward made a call to India on our cabin phone. We had a jacuzzi on our deck that was dirty when we got to our suite and our butler told us 'they get that way' and that was all he did about it. We may try Celebrity again.

 

 

Last fall we did a TA on the Pacific Princess. We tried them because we heard and read good reviews about the line. We believe the food wasn't up to par and the whole ship management team ran things like they could care less about the passengers. We may try Princess again but not that ship.

 

 

On the RCI ship, the shower in our room was a small cylindrical compartment. If you dropped the soap you had to get out of the shower to pick it up. We may try RCI again but get a suite next time.

 

 

We liked the itinerary on all of our cruises.

Mike