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Western Carribean cruise HA Oosterdam $1,500 vs RC Symphony Seas $4,500


ChillEDog
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Total first timer here, planning a Nov 7 night cruise from Ft Lauderdale for my 60th. Balcony cabin for two. The Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas, $4,500, is 3 times the cost of the Holland America Oosterdam, $1,600. Both rated 4* on cruise critic. If anyone could enlighten me what differences between the two might be i would appreciate it. Thank you.

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Thanks for replying. .. i assume you mean physically lowest (lowest deck) as opposed to lowest price level. Apologies, i'm not sure, at this point i'm just doing test bookings to get an idea of prices...so i did not note the deck levels.

 

But i take from your reply that deck level can impact price?

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Thanks for replying. .. i assume you mean physically lowest (lowest deck) as opposed to lowest price level. Apologies, i'm not sure, at this point i'm just doing test bookings to get an idea of prices...so i did not note the deck levels.

 

But i take from your reply that deck level can impact price?

No he means lowest category verandah room. Each type of room (inside, outside, verandah, suite, etc) has different categories within it. For example a verandah room onboard a Holland America ship could be a category A or B or BB or BC.

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I think he means, are the cabins comparable. For instance, it wouldn't be fair to compare the cheapest balcony on HA to a premium outside balcony on RCI. Yes, cabin level can make a difference, but it shouldn't be that much. The cheapest balcony, maybe smaller, in a worse location, partially blocked view, etc. might be $799 while the best balcony, larger, bigger balcony, better location, etc. might be $1499.

 

I'm also sure the new huge ship factor is the main difference. The Sympathy has lots of bells and whistles and things to do; You have to be sure you would use them, for instance, zip lines, climbing walls, ice rinks, flow rider and I don't know what all the Symphony has.

 

Even though HAL isn't our cruise line of choice, that price difference would make it easy.

Edited by Nebr.cruiser
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We’ve sailed on the Westerdam (Oosterdam’s sister) and on the Allure (Symphony’s sister). You couldn’t pick two ships that are more different.

 

Oosterdam will be a much more traditional, sedate, and quiet experience. It’s a much smaller ship than the Symphony (like a third the size). The ship is not as bright indoors, and even though the decor boasts a multi million dollar art collection, it’s a bit on the gloomy side. Average passenger age will also be older, who tend to be more traveled and appreciative of a bit more upscale cruise experience. Choose Oosterdam if you are a more traditional person with an eye for the small details.

 

Symphony will be like stepping into a brand new, massive Vegas hotel. Endless dining options, professional (sometimes jaw dropping) entertainment, many high energy activities (some for thrill seekers), more diverse crowd with lots of families, etc.

 

Only you know what type of cruise experience you want. If the Symphony sounds like what you’re looking for, then the extra money will be well spent. If not then go with the Oosterdam. When we sailed on the Allure (during her inaugural season) we paid a premium for that cruise, but it’s what we were looking for at the time and considered it money well spent.

 

With all of that said, there are many other ships that offer experiences and prices that fall somewhere between these two extremes. Have you considered any of them?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

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No he means lowest category verandah room. Each type of room (inside, outside, verandah, suite, etc) has different categories within it. For example a verandah room onboard a Holland America ship could be a category A or B or BB or BC.

 

Correct...I mean lowest category balcony cabin.

 

HAL ships with category A, B, BB, or BC are the older smaller ships, Maasdam for example. Oosterdam's (and all HAL ships except for the older and smaller ones) lowest balcony is VH...think "V" for veranda.

 

It looks like Symphony of the Seas lowest balcony category is 8D, but I could be wrong.

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Thanks everyone, huge help. Apologies for misunderstanding CB's post. Some observations, no particular order:

 

- they're both balcony cabins, ocean view. I'll have to dig deeper into the details of each cabin now that I know there may be differences.

- SotS sounds pretty fab, but not +$3k fab. We're looking for a) nice cabin with balcony b) fitness center c) good food d) casino for wife e) absence of zillions of screaming kids :) So Oosterdam is starting to sound pretty good.

- My main concern was, is there a vast difference between the basics- accomodation, views, food and drink. My takeaway from all the great replies here is, a lot of the cost difference lies in the 'extras'. As first timers, and being just a couple 55+, while we might enjoy all the Vegas-like or Disney-like features, we can do without it as well.

- We only have the week of Nov 17 to cruise and looking here I've found 5 candidates, all Eastern or Western Carribbean. Of those, I sampled the 2 highest reviewed (4 stars). The others are 3.5 stars.

 

Honestly, with the huge price difference, I was concerned there was some basic difference such as, one includes food, the other does not. (Did I mention this is my first time?) From the replies here it sounds more like the differences have to do with what the ship offers beyond the basics. Very helpful and now I will dig deeper.

 

One last question, if anyone is still reading. Any thoughts on how much one should expect a 7-day cruise Eastern / Western Caribbean to cost, balcony cabin for 2 ? Obviously the answer to a certain extent will be "it depends", so I guess I'm asking what you would pay for that kind of cruise...if you don't mind saying.

 

Thank you!

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Have you read the demographics for the cruise lines? Some find HAL very 'old' and that the carpet rolls up with nothing to do after 10 pm. Your age may allow a fit - particularly if it is a port intensive itinerary and you plan to spend every waking hour doing 'something'....but I would read CruiseCritic's reviews on the cruise lines as they cover your 'fellow passengers'. Some folks are chameleons and can adapt to whatever cruise line, but others have a preconception of what they want. I haven't cruised either, but I have read enough to know they might be entirely different experiences. As said, Celebrity might be a great compromise....if the dates work.

The other thing is that there are more than just 'the big 5'. If you are comfortable in a continental or multinational passenger environment, there is MSC and Costa.

Also, as a new cruiser, maybe looking at an experienced cruise travel agent might help. I am a global solo land traveler and generally do my own planning, but somethings tend to benefit from an expert.

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Agree given those choices I would go with Hal, but I would rather look st some of the older rccl ships that would be same price but much better entertainment than Hal. We have done suites in November for a lot less , our November cruise on oasis is 5k but have a 550 sq ft owners suite with 250 sq ft balcony

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I would prefer Princess or Celebrity over HAL; even at 73 the Oosterdam seemed 'old' to us. I also liked the entertainment better. 13 cruises on Princess, 5 or 6 or Celebrity (plus other lines), 1 on Holland America should tell you something. Also, don't rule out NCL, especially the newer ships; we've really enjoyed them, especially the entertainment.

 

All major cruise lines include many venues for food; you can also pay extra for 'specialty' restaurants but it is totally not necessary. All, except maybe Disney? have casinos.

 

What a cruise 'should' cost is very subjective and depends a lot on how much you spend on the extras; drinks, photos, spa, casino, extra-pay restaurants, etc. and shore excursions, as well as other discretionary spending. The basics are covered. Don't foget the daily gratuity charge, which adds up.

 

We basically don't drink (very seldom) or use the casino or spa. For a balcony cabin, we like to stay around $100 per night plus the taxes and port fees. We look for deals where gratuities are included and usually get some OBC (on board credit). We don't need suites but do want a balcony. We also usually do at least two weeks and in cheaper time periods, such as early December.

 

Example: we are going on Celebrity for 12 days leaving Nov. 18th. Our cost for a balcony is $1299pp and inludes all taxes and fees, free gratuities and $310 in OBC. Costs for excursions (we almost never do the ship tours) will add up as this itinerary has six port stops. But, you don't have to spend a lot in port if you don't want to. Yes, we look for deals and are flexible as to dates, itinerary, cruise line and other factors.

 

Everyone is different in what they want to do or spend, but for your first cruise I'd pick an itinerary that interests you at a price you like. Most major cruise lines are more alike than different.

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Not only picking the newest ship but also your week would be only the second sailing in North America. You can find mid November sailings on Harmony and Allure for under $2500 total including Taxes and port fees for ocean view balconies for two. The online TA that we use is now offering pre paid gratuities and 2 specialty dining dinners as a perk for the week of Nov. 18. happy cruising

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Op, take a look at Allure, Oasis or Harmony. They are essentially the same ship as Symphony but will be much less expensive since they are no longer sporting that new boat smell.

 

I would prefer Princess or Celebrity over HAL; even at 73 the Oosterdam seemed 'old' to us. I also liked the entertainment better. 13 cruises on Princess, 5 or 6 or Celebrity (plus other lines), 1 on Holland America should tell you something. Also, don't rule out NCL, especially the newer ships; we've really enjoyed them, especially the entertainment.

 

All major cruise lines include many venues for food; you can also pay extra for 'specialty' restaurants but it is totally not necessary. All, except maybe Disney? have casinos.

 

What a cruise 'should' cost is very subjective and depends a lot on how much you spend on the extras; drinks, photos, spa, casino, extra-pay restaurants, etc. and shore excursions, as well as other discretionary spending. The basics are covered. Don't foget the daily gratuity charge, which adds up.

 

We basically don't drink (very seldom) or use the casino or spa. For a balcony cabin, we like to stay around $100 per night plus the taxes and port fees. We look for deals where gratuities are included and usually get some OBC (on board credit). We don't need suites but do want a balcony. We also usually do at least two weeks and in cheaper time periods, such as early December.

 

Example: we are going on Celebrity for 12 days leaving Nov. 18th. Our cost for a balcony is $1299pp and inludes all taxes and fees, free gratuities and $310 in OBC. Costs for excursions (we almost never do the ship tours) will add up as this itinerary has six port stops. But, you don't have to spend a lot in port if you don't want to. Yes, we look for deals and are flexible as to dates, itinerary, cruise line and other factors.

 

Everyone is different in what they want to do or spend, but for your first cruise I'd pick an itinerary that interests you at a price you like. Most major cruise lines are more alike than different.

 

Your celebrity sailing sounds like it’s a great deal. When did you lock in that price if you don’t mind me asking? Does celebrity regularly include taxes and fees in their prices?

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Thanks for additional helpful reponses.

- checked Harmony, Oasis, Allure - no 7-days departing Nov 17. We can only do 7 days, and it has to be Nov 17 due to wife's job

- checked Celebrity - same story :(

- checked youtube - great suggestion, thanks.

 

kind of leaning toward HAL, I actually like quiet / older altho to be honest Nebr.cruiser's opinion sort of concerns. Our wants are simple (and maybe novice-level): I want a cool cabin with balcony, a good gym with bikes, good food. My wife wants a casino (ok me too). Not even that interested in excursions...I envision working out, reading, eating, and time on deck. So if I stop there, HAL works. But good entertainment would be a bonus - classical music, jazz, maybe some broadway if it's not too cheesy. Disco ? no thank you :)

 

We *don't* want a ship overrun with kids but that possibility seems low since it's a mid-november cruise.

 

from my search here there are five possible Nov 17 7-day departures. Probably no-go on SotS due to price. Any of the others stand out ? Thank you again !

Norwegian Epic

Royal Princess

Independence of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas

Oosterdam

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Thanks for additional helpful reponses.

- checked Harmony, Oasis, Allure - no 7-days departing Nov 17. We can only do 7 days, and it has to be Nov 17 due to wife's job

- checked Celebrity - same story :(

- checked youtube - great suggestion, thanks.

 

kind of leaning toward HAL, I actually like quiet / older altho to be honest Nebr.cruiser's opinion sort of concerns. Our wants are simple (and maybe novice-level): I want a cool cabin with balcony, a good gym with bikes, good food. My wife wants a casino (ok me too). Not even that interested in excursions...I envision working out, reading, eating, and time on deck. So if I stop there, HAL works. But good entertainment would be a bonus - classical music, jazz, maybe some broadway if it's not too cheesy. Disco ? no thank you :)

 

We *don't* want a ship overrun with kids but that possibility seems low since it's a mid-november cruise.

 

from my search here there are five possible Nov 17 7-day departures. Probably no-go on SotS due to price. Any of the others stand out ? Thank you again !

Norwegian Epic

Royal Princess

Independence of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas

Oosterdam

Several points. I've not sailed Symphony but I have sailed Oasis. Several cruises on HAL including Oosterdam and her sister Westerdam.

You will find a lot of kids on SoS. The slides, rock walls, etc., are there to attract kids. You won't find many at all on Oosterdam. You will find very nice live chamber music every evening on Oodam in addition to the stage shows. (We usually go there for a martini every night before dinner.)

 

Did you notice the wrap around promenade deck on the videos? Nice for a stroll or using the many lounge chairs. One of our favorite places is the crows nest.

Here's a video.

 

Suggestion. Have you considered booking a suite on Oodam? Would probably be somewhat cheaper than SoS. With a Neptune suite, you would get access to the Neptune lounge and a suites only breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill. Both are quite nice.

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Op, take a look at Allure, Oasis or Harmony. They are essentially the same ship as Symphony but will be much less expensive since they are no longer sporting that new boat smell.

 

 

 

Your celebrity sailing sounds like it’s a great deal. When did you lock in that price if you don’t mind me asking? Does celebrity regularly include taxes and fees in their prices?

 

 

We booked around the first of June--very early for us. It was a good price from Celebrity to start with, ;I can't remember if the grats were included with Celebrity or came from our TA.--of course I could look this up in my paperwork. Celebrity had $200OBC on this sailing, our TA added $110 more.

 

Celebrity does not include taxes and fees until the final page, if you are booking or doing a fake booking. Our TA includes all of this in his final price, which is normally better than the cruise line offers.

 

I usually find a cruise we are interested in and then use the site that lets travel agents send quotes. The agency we use is usually the best price (often 10% off of best cruise line price) and includes grats, OBC, and sometimes other perks.

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While we haven't been on either of the ships you mentioned, we have been on RCI 3X and HAL at least 12X. Considering the price difference, of course I'd choose HAL, but if prices were equal, I'd still go with HAL. IMO....Nicer overall fit and finish of the ships and a better dining experience

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I have done suites on Hal , rccl and celebrity, worst perks are Hal no free drinks in lounge , just great breakfast, rccl has that plus free drinks at night and depending on ship free suite restaurant for all meals, celeberty has suite restaurant on all ships for all meals plus suite lounge with free drinks all day from morning to midnight.

Also small suites have no real perks on rccl or hal all suites have perks on celebrity

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I have done suites on Hal , rccl and celebrity, worst perks are Hal no free drinks in lounge , just great breakfast, rccl has that plus free drinks at night and depending on ship free suite restaurant for all meals, celeberty has suite restaurant on all ships for all meals plus suite lounge with free drinks all day from morning to midnight.

Also small suites have no real perks on rccl or hal all suites have perks on celebrity

 

No where did the OP suggest they were interested in a suite. I believe the OP is looking at a balcony, no more.

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We booked around the first of June--very early for us. It was a good price from Celebrity to start with, ;I can't remember if the grats were included with Celebrity or came from our TA.--of course I could look this up in my paperwork. Celebrity had $200OBC on this sailing, our TA added $110 more.

 

Celebrity does not include taxes and fees until the final page, if you are booking or doing a fake booking. Our TA includes all of this in his final price, which is normally better than the cruise line offers.

 

I usually find a cruise we are interested in and then use the site that lets travel agents send quotes. The agency we use is usually the best price (often 10% off of best cruise line price) and includes grats, OBC, and sometimes other perks.

 

Thanks!

 

That makes me think I might need to get a TA too. :D

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