HAL Eurodam vs. Ruby Princess

[klsinga]

We are a family group of 5 (65, 63, 35, 37, 3) trying to decide on a Princess cruise or HAL Eurodam. I have been on the fence about this for literally weeks and we need to book. HELP!

 

We've all sailed Princess and been mostly pleased, but HAL seems to have reviews about more comfortable rooms, nicer staff and marginally better food. On the other hand, I have heard a few references to HAL not having quite as much in the way of entertainment as Princess.

 

None of us are after hours partiers, but my dad usually goes to all of the things during the day on at sea days (talks, bingo, game shows, etc.). If you have personal experience or opinions about the following areas on either Ruby Princess or Eurodam (or just Princess vs. HAL), please share.

 

For the husband: dessert (quality and selection)

For the kid: kids program (esp. staff)

For the old man: daytime and early evening on-board activities

For me: room organization/size/comfort and cleanliness of ships

 

Many thanks from the most indecisive person in the world!

[Essiesmom]

Both lines will have enrichment lecturers and good entertainment. A couple of things HAL has that your Dad might like: Not just a daily program, but daily newspaper with the NYTimes crossword. Not a full sized newspaper, but on 8-1/2 x 11" paper. In the Explorations lounge, where the internet cafe and library are (plus tables for jigsaw puzzles) they have a daily trivia quiz. Pick one up, complete it and turn it into the box there (you can use library reference material, too) and write the time on it. The person with the most right answers and earliest time wins a fabulous prize, something like a keychain or luggage tag...They have a lounge for culinary demonstrations...I recently returned to Princess after an 8 year absence, but I like HAL better. EM

[klsinga]

Essiesmom - thank you! This is exactly the kind of information I'm seeking!

[cruiserking]

We have sailed with HAL three times recently and aboard the Eurodam two years ago. The service on these ships is top notch, when the lido waiters make a point to memorize your name that is very special.

 

I was also impressed when the the Noordam Captain John Scott remembered my name and greeted during our transatlantic voyage. It's little things like this that go a long way toward maintaining customer loyalty.

 

We have not sailed with Princess but, I did research their ships and cabins recently while choosing a New England/Canada cruise. Unless you book a mini-suite the standard balconies on Princess are quite small.

 

The Holland America standard cabins are all approx 254 square feet with a nice sized balcony. The bathrooms all feature bathtubs except for one or two in odd sections of the ship. Aboard Eurodam the new Signature additions of the Asian themed Restaurant Tamarind and the exotic Silk Den Lounge are real show stoppers.

 

I always feel like you get a good bang for your buck on HAL. The food is delicious, the lounges are elegant and intimate. The only thing is the ships tend to quiet down after the evening production show but, there is always the Northern Lights disco or the Casino and Sports bar which bubble with activity till fairly late.

 

Jonathan

[Twickenham]

I have not sailed on either ship, but have sailed on the Diamond Princess and the Noordam, so my comments will be based on those cruises:

 

Desserts: I didn't go wanting on either ship. Maybe slightly better on Princess, but that's due to their excellent souflés and custard sauce.

 

Kids program: No experience there, but on both ships the kids seemed to be having quite a good time.

 

Daytime and early evening on-board activities: My impression was that there was slightly more to do on Princess than HAL, but then again I seemed to actually do more on HAL - loved their culinary center in particular.

 

Room organization/size/comfort and cleanliness of ships: HAL hands down, slam dunk winner. Cabins were larger, nicer and with better fixtures & fittings. The only thing I'll give Princess is the size of closet, but at the end of the day it's not a major priority for us anyways. Had a standard balcony cabin on both.