HAL vs Celebrity

[CruiseVirginfromBrooklyn]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for some honest input here. My wife and I are in our late 30s and as you can see by my signature lines, we're hooked on cruising. As you can also see by my signature - we've never tried HAL. We're considering HAL for a family reunion cruise during the holidays but, would like a comparison of HAL to Princess and Celebrity.

 

Of course, this being the Celebrity board, I realize your opinions will be more in favor of Celebrity. I guess what I'd like to know are the questions listed below, and if I upset or offend anyone, it isn't intentional. These are the possible misconceptions we have in our minds about HAL and that's why we're asking for your honest input.

 

Does HAL tend to get older passengers? Meaning over 60?

How does HAL compare to Princess?

How does HAL compare to Celebrity?

Will HAL accept an infant of 3 months old at the time of sailing?

How is the food? Please be candid as it is one of our biggest concerns. We like the food on Princess, Celebrity and even Carnival but hated RCCL. Please compare.

 

Anything else you can add to aid in our decision will be greatly appreciated. I look forward to your responses. And, if you're curious, we're most interested in the Westerdam.

 

Thanks.

[CoasterBill]

I hope this helps you! I was on Hal this December and this is how I felt they stacked up next to each other. You will see I side with Celebrity for sure but Hal did have its high points as well. As far as age it did seem to be the oldest group I have ever cruised with. Where we noticed the most was that so often we had to walk so slow on the ship due to the age of the people and their health.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=111727&page=1&pp=25

 

I hope this works to get you to the page. It was the first time I cruised that I was looking forward to getting back home. That overall should tell you how I felt about Hal. Thanks, Bill

[fun2travel]

Yes, I would agree that HAL is definitely an older crowd. Several of us went on it (in our low 40's), and we felt like children. Celebrity is a better mix, though still older than Carnival and maybe RCL.

[TEXASMUNK]

Beautiful ships, classic art work, food is bland so as not to offend the palate of the older passenger. Our ship was asleep at 10pm every night. The hallways were ALL lined with wheelchairs and electric carts. Poolside band (from Lithuania....what is with that????) played for 45 minutes daily. The major announcement every day is for BINGO....announced with teh volume turned UP.

 

Average age....somewhere near either the paleolithic or mesolithic era...and we ain't young..mid 50's and felt like the kids on the ship.

[Cally]

I agree with all the above. I just returned from a cruise on The Amsterdam I can tell you it will be the last time I cruise with HAL. The crowd is 75+ and the food is not that great. My husband and I have been on 15 cruises with this being the first on Hal and he felt as if we were on a floating assisted living facility. My husband and I are in our early 50s and yes we did feel like kids on this.

Give me Celebrity or Princess anyday...

[sammiedawg]

We've been on several newer HAL ships and they are attracting a slightly younger crowd. The new vista class ships are excellent and we like them better than the older Celebrity ships like the Century. We have had excellent food on HAL and their buffet beats Celebrity and Princess both.

[Lois R]

Hi:)

 

After having sailed X 3 times, I went on HAL in September and was quite disappointed. Yes, I know I was on a cruise;) ....and there were a couple of things I LOVED...the entertainment on my cruise was outstanding......and the Promanade Deck, which wraps around the entire ship was wonderful too.

 

I did meet some very nice people from Cruise Critic too:D

 

But the food and service left something to be desired. In my opinion, Celebrity wins hands down in both categories. I had a couple of poor experiences in the dining room..which didn't help.

 

And not just those things.......I can't put my finger on an exact item....but I just didn't feel welcomed on HAL....When I step on a X....I feel like I am really home again......and get a very warm feeling. In my opinion, HAL felt colder.

 

I knew when I got home from that cruise I would book another cruise on Celebrity...and I did, cruised on Constellation last month and was sooo glad I did:)

 

I have no plans to sail HAL again...and am looking for something on X!!!

[Jimsgirl]

As I am 79 I feel that I am in a position to voice an opinion on age of passengers.

 

Went on HAL and felt I had gone to a "nursing home" at table for 10 I was only one without a hearing aid, and three of the passengers were "memory impaired," even argued about what they had ordered from the menu

Never saw so many wheelchairs, walkers, etc, even saw one wheelchair going south, meeting another coming north and they met in middle of hall while the occupants screamed at each other about who was to "back up"!!!!!!

I know someone my own age who swears by HAL, but she is "afraid to travel alone, must have someone to take care of things"etc etc.

I travel alone , in May going on Celebrity to West. Caribbean, May fly to UK, take QE2 to Med and back, fly back to USA, November fly to San Diego to take Celebrity R/T to Hawaii, fly home , then in Jan fly to LA to take 49 segment on QE2 World Cruise.

 

I certainly would not advise someone as young as you to go on HAL, in view of my own feelings at my age. (though as you can tell inside me there is a 30 yr old trying to get out)

 

Have fun whichever you choose

[Wilcoam]

I am comparing Celebrity Constellation with HAL Oosterdam, both of which I took in two successive years in Europe.

 

I am also 'Younger' (i'm 42 and wife is 35)

 

Celebrity wins hands down.

 

The average age on the Millenuim was 45, with lot's of Non-Americans. HAL was mostly American, average age being 65+. No offense to all the lovely Americans here, but when you're overseas, a little more cosmopolitian flavour on board is desired.

 

The Entertainment on both are 'cheesy', but on the Constellation a late night dance bar was hopping till 4 AM every night. HAL died about 1:30 AM.

Ditto for the Casino.

 

HAL's service was iffy. Celebrity's excusions desk opened early and would process last minute shore trips every morning. HAL's closed 36 Hrs in advance. Big Difference.

 

The in-cabin Laptop Internet connection on both ships didn't work. Celebrity apologized and cut me a special deal in the main internet centre $25.00 flat a day unlimited. HAL wouldn't. So, I illegally broke into the casings and had Interent for free at their expense. (lol)

 

Embarkation on HAL in Lisbon was the worst I've ever experienced,and worse yet, they were wholly unapologetic. I got on the Constellation in 10 Min.

 

The food was EXCELLANT on both cruises, but the breakfast on Celebrity was just a little nicer. Maybe a little less formal in dress is Celebrity.

 

HAL's tipping policy remains confusing. The only thing in HAL's favour was PRICE.

 

I had the same choice in the carribean this year. I paid the higher price and choose the Jan 30th Mellenuim, and I'm looking into Europe in the Fall and will again choose either Windstar or Celebrity over HAL.

 

HAL is still a solid choice, but if the price is the same, take celebrity M class ships anyday.

 

jc

H-Shoe Tavern

Toronto

[ocngypz]

1. You are planning on cruising during the holidays. Holidays sailings attract a more diverse age group.

 

2. I've sailed HAL and Celebrity extensively. 7 nighters.. 10 nighters.... 14 nighters. The shorter the cruise, the younger the crowd.

 

3. My personal preference is smaller ships... HAL Statendam class or Prisendam. Of Celebrity's fleet, I prefer the Century-class ships.

 

4. HAL does a much better job with ethnic food than Celebrity.

 

5. HAL's lunch buffets are much better than Celebrity's... especially if you are a salad freak as I.

 

6. Century-class and M-class have better spas than HAL.

 

7. Better small boat (tender) handlers on HAL.

 

I would not bring a 3 month old on a cruise vacation. That's my .02

[ocngypz]

1. You are planning on cruising during the holidays. Holiday sailings attract a more diverse age group.

 

2. I've sailed HAL and Celebrity extensively. 7 nighters.. 10 nighters.... 14 nighters. The shorter the cruise, the younger the crowd.

 

3. My personal preference is smaller ships... HAL Statendam class or Prisendam. Of Celebrity's fleet, I prefer the Century-class ships.

 

4. HAL does a much better job with ethnic food than Celebrity.

 

5. HAL's lunch buffets are much better than Celebrity's... especially if you are a salad freak as I.

 

6. Century-class and M-class have better spas than HAL.

 

7. Better small boat (tender) handlers on HAL.

 

I would not bring a 3 month old on a cruise vacation. That's my .02

[icewolf14]

im 23 and have sailed on both HAL and X...... when we were on HAL, there were barely any other passengers our ages..my brother, cousins, and i had to entertain ourselves.....X tends to have a younger crowd....my grandmother loves HAL because as she says "it geared more towards people my age than people your age", especially the free cappucino they have on board, or did have..... i prefer X, but then again, thats a 23 year old talking

[Hummer]

We sail X but tried HAL Oosterdam last year. Generally, I agree they have an older, loyal, crowd and the ship caters to them. However, truth be told, we had great fun mingling with others at night - I think because the ship had more intimate bar and dance floor spaces as opposed to the wide open spaces on the larger X ships.

 

Nancy

[Tatka]

We sailed on MS Zuiderdam past August with my husband and son (We were 32 + 32 + 12 years old at that time). We saw many of our age or under 40. We also had 400+ kids on this sailing.

 

I didn't noticed any age difference of PAX on HAL and Century (July 2003), so I guess age depends on during which time of the year you are sailing and how long is your cruise. (In both cases it was summer, 7 dayers).

 

The oldest crowd we had was on RCCL during Mediterranean cruise in May.

 

If you are concerned about food ,HAL is definitely better in this department than RCCL both buffets and dining room.

 

I would rate service on HAL and RCCL about the same..both seemed understaffed, but friendly. Celebrity service is more professional and "white glove" IMHO.

 

However our room was made much faster on RCCL than on HAL.

 

In term of quality of food I would rate HAL very close to Celebrity...I found buffets to be slightly better on HAL and dining room food slightly better on X, but service makes whole experience better on X.

 

In term of accommodations, we had large inside on Zuiderdam and outside on Century. I found size of the room to be better on HAL. With Signature of Excellence program updates you will have fruit basket, robes and GREAT bedding (with euro plush mattresses) in every state room.

 

Zuiderdam is a beautiful ship (if you aren't looking for oversized atriums). Ship is filled with different arts and paintings.

 

We didn't attend nightly shows except for production shows...and we really liked both, and specially on the second formal night.

 

Honestly, except for the somewhat slow service (friendly but slow) I can't name any reasons why you shouldn't try HAL.:)

[barbon2]

We did HAL for our last two cruises, Alaska and New England/Canada, because we liked the itineraries they offered. HAL has a nice product, clean ships, nice staterooms, good food, however, in my opinion they just don't measure up to Celebrity. When going on port intensive cruises, the ports are more important to me than the amentities of the ship. We have just planned a "relaxing" Caribbean cruise for December and of course selected Celebrity, because we are planning to spend more time on the ship.

[CruiseVirginfromBrooklyn]

Thanks your opinions are greatly appreciated. Looks like it's down to Celebrity and Princess at this point. It will probably be a matter of intineraries since we like both lines very much. Again - thanks to those who responded.

 

Vinnie

[Danno]

....ooops.

[Danno]

Beautiful ships, classic art work, food is bland so as not to offend the palate of the older passenger.

 

Sounds like the food you had might even have been better than was our experience....I agree Jim...on all other fronts the two lines match up (+/-) BUT the food we had on Volendam was cold, bland, unimaginative, poorly presented, routine, all in all, dreck. The rest of the ship was first class....except for the inane BINGO guy :mad: !!

[newmexicoNita]

Celebrity hands down for us and we are in our late 60s but not the geriatic (spelling) crowd quite yet and we don't go to bed at 10pm unless we don't feel well or have to get up before the sun the next morning: HAL is a good line, but not what it used to be. Nursing home atmosphere is what you get though the service on HAL is outstanding. As for food, Celebrity is a little better and yet I find all ship food similar anymore. The days of gourmet dining went bye bye when cruise prices became attractive to almost anyone in any walk of life. NMNita

[TWELVEOHONE]

Does HAL tend to get older passengers? Meaning over 60?

Thanks.

 

Yes, HAL tends to get older passengers by design. They are trying to change this by adding childrens programs.

[SANDY BEACH]

Sailed Holland Zuiderdam twice. Once in Nov and once in July. The Nov crowd was very, very old; however, the July crowd had a good mix of all ages. We enjoyed our Holland cruise but feel Celebrity is a step above with service. Sorry, never been on Princess.

[samissailing]

Thanks your opinions are greatly appreciated. Looks like it's down to Celebrity and Princess at this point. It will probably be a matter of intineraries since we like both lines very much. Again - thanks to those who responded.

 

Vinnie

 

Sailed HAL a lot, and just returned from Princess. HAL is definitely better in food (MUCH better), service (especially bar service), room size and storage, and many other areas. Talked to corporate and in their view, Princess is a lower level line than HAL. Don't think I'll do Princess again unless unique itinerary....

[capeboy96]

30 yo from Massachusetts here. Looking forward to my first Celebrity cruise in March on the Constellation. I've been on HAL twice, the Statendam and the Maasdam. Loved them both. There were a reasonable amount of young passengers onboard and ship is perfect size. Went on the Grand Princess this past Christmas and did not enjoy that experience. Ship was way too big and had way too many people on it. Wouldn't hesitate to sail on HAL again in a heartbeat.

[sammiedawg]

Remember you posted this on the Celebrity board, you would get different answers if you surveyed on the HAL board

We did 8 cruises on other lines before our first Celebrity , in 2004 we made the mistake of booking the Century. I had been receiving emails from discount Internet brokers for a couple of years advertising really good prices on this ship. The ship we wanted out of Ft Lauderdale, The Caribbean Princess, was wait listed. We had been on the Zuiderdam out of Ft lauderdale and really liked it. But we took the bait and booked the Century which left the same day from the same port. We regretted it even before we sailed. Learned 30 hours ahead of our departure it flunked the CDC inspection. Once on board , our cabin was shopworn and in bad need of a refurbishment, as were many of the public areas on the ship. Overall the physical plant was a huge disappointment to us. Entertainment was weak. Pool area disappointing and salt water rather than fresh. The food and service each evening in the dining room was excellent on the Century. But we've had very good to excellent food on other cruise lines as well. I would recommend you do broad research, if you book Celebrity go with one of the newest ships. Do not book the older ones such as the Century..

[Kruzrazkal]

I have sailed with HAL 5 times and on Celebrity (Constellation) once. I would say HAL passengers are somewhat older, but not by much. HAL offers elegance and extra touches of ambiance that Celebrity does not: example--- enormous bouquets of fresh flowers throughout the ship vs. mostly fake flower bouquets on Celebrity. HAL offers caviar at one formal night dinner. Celebrity does not. HAL will bring Cappacino by request to your dinner table at no extra charge. Celebrity charges extra. Celebrity offers better evening entertainment in the large Show Lounges. There are pros and cons for each. I would rate HAL, particularly the newer ships, slightly higher than Celebrity.