Transatlantic : Carnival or HAL?

[LMaxwell]

I wouldn't do an inaugural on any ship.  I'd rather have the perks/benefits at the same price point and enjoy the more refined services onboard HAL. 

[prof85]

Sorry, you are comparing apples and oranges.  Really depends on what you want.  Personally, I would not go on a mega-ship.  Why not go to an all inclusive resort?  HAL, with some of the expensive items included, is a good choice.  But, check the price for the same voyage without the extras and you will be surprised.  In any case, I have sailed both lines and have graduated to HAL.  In the end - your choice.

[Dancer Bob]

The demographics of an 18-day cruise are going to be vastly different, pretty much only people like you. And it will almost certainly not be full, it may even be hard to find the critical mass for the activities you like.

I did a HAL Transatlantic once. Even though I was with a group with some group activities, I was utterly bored. Even at age 67, I was much more of a partier than those people (note I am not using partier as a euphemism for "drunken").

I would say two different kinds of apples, one more tart than the other.