I think we have narrowed it down to these two choices. Looking for feedback on them to help make the final decision. The prices work out to be so close that price is not a factor. We want to see scenery during the day while cruising and do a fair amount of drinking, meals have to be decent but we aren't super picky. We don't spend much time in rooms unless sleeping so either should be fine. The majority of the group is used to (and satisfied with) Carnival for comparison, though some of us have been on other lines too. None are big on dressing up and will do the minimum required for the formal nights if not eating at the buffet, but being formal isn't in our interests. Holland's "Have It All" package looks to be the superior value of the two based on what is included when compared to Princess Plus.
Itinerary:
Ports: The difference looks to be Sitka vs Skagway. I know Sitka requires a tender, not a big deal. Skagway has the railroad which may be a good excursion.
Holland: Seattle, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria (too short to matter)
Princess: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria (too short to matter)
Scenery: I am not seeing a major advantage to either - both offer some good scenery.
Holland: Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier
Princess: Stephens Passage, Hubbard Glacier
Ship:
Holland - Westerdam: 1964 guests, built in 2003 https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/find-a-cruise/A3E07B/W326.html
Princess: Discovery Princess: 3660 guests, built 2021 https://www.princess.com/search-cruise/details/?voyageCode=X321
936ft vs 1083ft but almost twice the passengers tells me Princess is likely to be more crowded?
Other thoughts I've noticed so far - not sure how much any of these matter yet.
Princess allows only one person in the room to buy the drinks package. I think most of us will do the "all-in" options and eliminate this, but it may be a slight advantage for Princess if we have any cabins where 1 wants it but 1 doesn't.
Holland looks to be a slightly older crowd with less activity at night, but as long as a bar is open until midnight or so everyone will be happy. Our ages range from 30-75 in this group. The less small children, the better. Princess looks to be a little more lively.
The Princess Medallion app looks more advanced - it sounds like you can track others in your group. Otherwise, they look similar.
The Holland rooms include the couch area, which is nice but rarely used.
I believe Princess has the enclosed pool, which may be good for an Alaskan itinerary.
Any thoughts on all of this and which one we may prefer, and why? From what I am seeing each have pros and cons but neither is a clear winner over the other.
Thanks!