Help- need HAL fan opinion of RCI

[kent4489]

Long story short... we booked 10 nt. Eurodam, NE/Canada for next week. We have elderly parent issues and ended up having to cancel last month. Now we find that we can possibly get away for a shorter length of time. The only thing we're finding that might be of interest is a 5 day RCI, Enchantment of the Seas to Bermuda. We have sailed HAL 3 times and prefer to stick with HAL, but just not possible right now. Under the circumstances... would you, as a HAL fan, enjoy the RCI cruise as a Plan B alternative? Have any of you ever sailed Enchantment of the Seas and can give input on it? THANKS!

[Linda&Vern]

We have not cruised RCI - but my DM was a loyal RCI fan. Usually two cruises a year. Lots of Caribbean and also covered much of Europe. Her last cruise (at age 79) was with DH and I on the Veendam. She wasn't real impressed. We heard a lot of "well RCI is nicer this way or that way" during the week. :D

[jtl513]

Long story short... we booked 10 nt. Eurodam, NE/Canada for next week. We have elderly parent issues and ended up having to cancel last month. Now we find that we can possibly get away for a shorter length of time. The only thing we're finding that might be of interest is a 5 day RCI, Enchantment of the Seas to Bermuda. We have sailed HAL 3 times and prefer to stick with HAL, but just not possible right now. Under the circumstances... would you, as a HAL fan, enjoy the RCI cruise as a Plan B alternative? Have any of you ever sailed Enchantment of the Seas and can give input on it? THANKS!

We've only tried Sovereign of the Seas, and compared to HAL we thought it was lacking in every aspect except entertainment. Our Outside cabin (6556) was 125 square feet! :eek: Admittedly, Sovereign otS is one one their oldest ships (1988), but we liked HAL's 1993 Statendam much better.

[Jacqueline]

Bermuda tends to be a bit of an outlier as a cruise destination... What month is the trip?

I have only sailed there once and it was on an older Celebrity ship. tends to be a rough crossing one way or another, regardless of the size of the ship, as this is the open Atlantic (and sounds like hurricane season?). But I am no doubt telling you what you know.

What port is the ship leaving from? You can be sure that with a 5 day trip it will be many people from the port of embarkation.

[kent4489]

Thanks for the quick replies.

 

Linda, I have elderly friends that we took on the Eurodam in Feb. They also kept comparing to their previous RCI cruises in the same way.

 

jtl, yes, I'm afraid I will find it lacking in comparison to HAL, but we really just can't get away for longer at the moment. Just wondering if it is better than not going at all.

 

Jaqueline, the cruise is next week! Last minute, but that's life right now. I am watching the hurricane outlook. It sails from Baltimore.

 

Still debating...would appreciate any input.

[LMB01]

Just wondering if it is better than not going at all.

 

Still debating...would appreciate any input.

 

Former RCI cruiser here.

I think "it is better than not going at all". After all, a cruise can be very relaxing.

While I have not specifically been on the ship you are looking at, there are things we lover about RCI and things we don't love. To have a different point of view than another reply, we find the cabins on HAL smaller than those on RCI. However, we cruise in suites and you also have to consider the ships that are being compared.

Take the cruise, get away, enjoy.

[CowPrincess]

Let's see, your choices are take this cruise or don't cruise. Hmmmm, took me about 10 seconds to decide "cruise" :D

 

A dear friend of mine who is a BIG fan of HAL has a partner who is a big fan of RCI. So now they cruise RCI and my friend is pretty satisfied. According to him, it is a different experience, but they are still cruising. He finds the service somewhat less, and the food somewhat less, but figures it is a good trade-off to not listen to his partner saying "y'know on RCI they do blah blah blah" :) My friend is pretty high-maintenance, and again, he is pretty satisfied with RCI. Though purchased a cruise for his parents on HAL, because he thought his dad would find the service better and have less to kvetch about.

[slotl]

If we are traveling with a group with people of many ages (children to grandparents), I always recommend RCCI. RCCI has activities for everyone of all ages.

 

When we cruise "alone" we prefer HAL.....I will explain why.....my reasons are quite different that your circumstances....We always go on cruises longer than a week.

 

We have been on over 50 cruises and this is my opinion.

 

There are two types of cruises (and passengers).

1. People who go on cruises for the "resort" experience. Favorites are the big RCCI ships with the rock climbing walls, zip lines, ice skating rinks, great entertainment. These cruises usually go to the Caribbean and are usually shorter 7 to 11 days. You find loads of children (especially during the summer months and school vacations), and loads of folks who like to "party" and use the casino.

2. People who go on cruises for the "travel" experience. These are where the ships of HAL have it all over RCCI. These cruises usually go to exotic locations and are usually 14 days or greater. You find fewer children, an "older" crowd and people who are interested in the ports of call rather than the "entertainment" or activities on the cruise ship.

 

HAL Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Prinsendam "specialize" in the longer "grand" cruises. The Volendam cruises Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia most of the year. The Eurodam does the Med area in the spring/summer and depending on the season, most of the "other" HAL ships are cruising the Caribbean, New England, and Alaska. I believe the Westerdam does the Med area in the spring/summer as well

[startwin]

I've never sailed on the Enchantment, but have done the Mariner of the Seas several times, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not the same experience as HAL, but I never had a complaint. In fact, the cabins are bigger, I loved the showers with a door instead of shower curtain, lots of storage areas, and if you get a cabin on "the hump" it's a prime location.

 

Do it and enjoy!

[agabbymama]

I think you will find the RCI cruise a lot busier than HAL. It's definitely more a family cruise, IMO. And only 5 days will definitely have a lot more partiers onboard.

 

But I definitely think any cruise is better than none. I think just getting away, relax and enjoy.

 

You can always curl up on your balcony with a good book if you don't want to participate in all the activities. Food/Service/Ship shouldn't be that much different than any other cruise ship.

 

It is definitely different than a HAL cruise. I think of HAL as a more refined elegant cruise.

[westlab]

Interesting thread. I have done 3 HAL cruises and am going to do RCI cruise in October. The reason for the change is that RCI had a balcony available for New England. We liked HAL's itinerary better. We waited too long to book HAL. I am keeping an open mind.

[snorkelingsearchers]

We pick our cruises based mostly on itinerary. We enjoy both cruises and land vacations - each offer different experiences, but are both fun and relaxing. The three cruise lines we have experienced HAL, RCI, and CCL have also all been fun and relaxing, but each a little different. We have not been on the Enchantment. Here are some subtle differences:

 

For Us, HAL was the most laid back in terms of activities - more of a quiet atmosphere where you had to seek out activities. For example, there were a lot of excellent low key entertainment options (such as a variety of live music). HAL really does a good job on food and service and definitely gets a nod above the other two lines we have tried on this one. For us the food quality is a BIG plus, the service is nice but the lesser service on other lines we have tried is still sufficient for us to have a great vacation.

 

CCL has much more of an `in your face` type of engaging personality trying to get you to become involved in activities, more announcements about activities and paid extras. However the service and food in the Golden Fleece was excellent (better than the Pinnacle - however the surcharge is almost double so that might not be a fair comparison)

 

RCI was much more in the middle - like there is a lot of stuff to do, but its your vacation so get out there and do what you like or dont and just relax. The service in the MDR was really excellent for us. Not as shinning throughout the ship. The beef options on the menus were really good to excellent, everything else was okay to pretty good.

 

So, I guess I would say GO, GO, GO and then report back and answer your own question here on this board.

 

P.S. I sometimes think that your cruise varies as much by the type or class of ship that you pick as much as the line.

[English_in_Spain]

HAL is my favourite cruise line but we have sailed 3 times on RCI in the last 2 years (not on the Enchantment).

We enjoyed our cruises but they felt much more crowded with a lot of children which can sometimes be a problem. Eurodam is bigger than Enchantment but carries 300 less passengers.

I would recommend you get a balcony or a cabin large enough to retreat to. We found ourselves spending quite a lot of time in our cabin if only to get away from all the announcements.

[debsjc]

We did a short 4 day cruise from Oslo on RCI a couple of years ago, and it really put me off them. The cabin was fine, but the food wasn't very good, especially in the casual cafe restaurant. Also didn't find the service as good, although it wasn't bad in the main dining room.

 

The worst thing was the other passengers, who were mostly Northern European/ Scandinavian. They were drinkiing beer at breakfast, shouting a lot, and even pushing. Several times men actually pushed my mum out the way to get into the elevator. I'm sure not all RCI passengers are like this at all, I think we were just unlucky and had a bad experience.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

I agree, if there is a choice to cruise or not to cruise - definitely cruise. We have done 3 RCCL cruises on the West Coast. Ships are larger than most of HAL's ships. But we found the food comparable, service good, and way more activities than HAL offers these days. Although HAL is normally our first choice, we are open to other lines especially if the itinerary is what we want at that moment.

 

Barbara

[baggal]

Have been on several HAL cruises both in the Caribbean and Baltics. We are in our late 50's. This summer we cruised RCI Voyager of the Seas (3,000 plus passengers) in the Mediterranean because of the itinerary and because we were taking our two children in their 20's and I thought they might like the activities on RCI. Turns out they were exhausted from touring the ports and never went to any of the clubs and other night time activities.

 

IMO the food on HAL is far superior to RCI. RCI food is high-end institutional food. HAL food is restaurant quality. But, we had a table for four using RCI's My Time Dining every night AND HAD THE BEST MDR SERVICE THAT WE HAVE EVER HAD ON ANY CRUISE. Maybe it was a fluke, I don't know. But the servers were always there, always got it right, friendly, and never seemed rushed or strained.

 

You will not have some of the cabin amenities like robes, Elemis products, etc. unless you are in a suite or above. I hated the single shower with out a tub. Its very tiny.

 

On HAL, the ship is eerily quiet by 11 p.m. RCI is usually going strong until 1 a.m.

 

I agree with the poster above, any vacation is better than none.

 

GO!!!!!

[kalliekae]

So far, we have 6 cruises on HAL with an upcoming Nieuw Amsterdam cruise in November and an Oasis cruise in December. We scheduled the RCI cruise simply because we wanted to experience the Oasis plus we are going into this cruise knowing full well that the two lines are entirely different. Therefore, we do not intend to spend our 5 day Oasis cruise comparing it to the HAL cruising experience. Each line is unique and appeals to people for different reasons. If you go with an open mind, then you will enjoy the RCI cruise. Don't spend your time worrying about how the cruise stacks up to HAL. Go and enjoy!!

[bergjd]

We have been on RCI for 6 cruises and love them. We also love Princess, and HAL. We will leaving for 69 days on HAL's Amsterdam in 2 weeks. Although we haven't been on the Enchantment, I wouldn't hesitate going on that cruise.

 

Each line is different with good and bad points. Go and enjoy yourself. The worst day at sea is better than the best day at work!!

[GeriatricNurse]

Have been on several HAL cruises both in the Caribbean and Baltics. We are in our late 50's. This summer we cruised RCI Voyager of the Seas (3,000 plus passengers) in the Mediterranean because of the itinerary and because we were taking our two children in their 20's and I thought they might like the activities on RCI. Turns out they were exhausted from touring the ports and never went to any of the clubs and other night time activities.

 

IMO the food on HAL is far superior to RCI. RCI food is high-end institutional food. HAL food is restaurant quality. But, we had a table for four using RCI's My Time Dining every night AND HAD THE BEST MDR SERVICE THAT WE HAVE EVER HAD ON ANY CRUISE. Maybe it was a fluke, I don't know. But the servers were always there, always got it right, friendly, and never seemed rushed or strained.

 

You will not have some of the cabin amenities like robes, Elemis products, etc. unless you are in a suite or above. I hated the single shower with out a tub. Its very tiny.

 

On HAL, the ship is eerily quiet by 11 p.m. RCI is usually going strong until 1 a.m.

 

I agree with the poster above, any vacation is better than none.

 

GO!!!!!

 

 

Also, I believe that RCI now has a surcharge for steak ordered in the MDR as well as a surcharge for Room Service at night, I believe from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.!

[slotl]

Eurodam is bigger than Enchantment but carries 300 less passenger

 

HAL has the LOWEST passenger density of most of the cruise lines. Passenger density is measured by the number of passengers divided by the number of tons in size.

[matondo]

Go for it. Try not to compare. Instead focus on having a great time!! Bon Voyage.

[sassyredhat]

Cruise ! We have only sailed Radiance OS, and though we are HAL fans, we did like this ship.

 

We had a balcony, and they are similar in size. I think the balcony itself is smaller, and there is only shower gel.

 

The food was good, service was good, but you know, there is just "something" about HAL.

[NordicPrince]

Also, I believe that RCI now has a surcharge for steak ordered in the MDR as well as a surcharge for Room Service at night, I believe from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.!

 

Unfortunately many CC-ers post things which they think to be true versus knowing that they are true. This is one such case.

 

There is no additional charge for the regular NY strip steak served in the MDR on RCI. However for an additional charge of $15 you can get the New York strip which is served at the specialty dining room served to you in the MDR. Some people feel this is worth the money.

 

Alternatively you can just dine in the specialty restaurant for steaks and chops for $25 p/p which gives you much larger portions, better appetizers and scrumpicious deserts. Your preference.

 

There is a small additional charge for room service between the hours of midnight and 6 AM. God knows why anyone needs this as there is always a place open which has food available in one form or another the other 18 hours of the day. This helps to cut down on out and out

gluttony and wastefulness. It's not that they don't want you to have it, they just want you to think about it a little.

 

To answer the OP's original question, DW and I have taken several RCI cruises, the longest B2B 7 day cruises and 1 HAL cruise of 7 days to Bermuda. We enjoyed all of them. IMHO HAL is a little more laid back, RCI more active without being overwhelming. Take out of it what you will.

 

The way that some of our HAL CC-ers write you would think that going on RCI is like going on a tramp steamer to Africa!

 

Enchantment is very similar in size to the largest HAL vessels. Typically your cabin will not be as large as a HAL cabin. However, for a 5 day Bermuda run I expect that you will spending a minimum amount of time in your cabin as you will (should) be out and enjoying Bermuda for 3 whole days.

 

Be aware that due to its size your ship will not be going directly to St. George's or Hamilton but will be going to the Dockyards. This just means you will have to arrange your transportation with taxis and bus accordingly.

 

The RCI ships are nicely decorated, the shows are good and despite what some bon-vivant CC-ers may say the meals on RCI are mostly well presented and tastefully done. 99.9 % of the people come back and say they have been over-served. Maybe not to some of the best HAL menus standards but nice dining nonetheless.

 

Let us remember that food can be a subjective thing.

 

You will not be on a 24 hour party-hardy binge boat. The RCI Bermuda run does not attract that type of clientele. This is one trip you should cruise for the destination.

 

RE; Hurrican season: You will only be at sea for 2 days. It's a big ship that goes fast so they can usually outmanuver any weather. Look what happened with Earl and the Veendam recent run. They worked around it and Veendam is 25% smaller than Enchantment.

 

I will gladly take your place if you choose not to go. Since I have no more vacation available you therefore must go.

 

Happy cruising.

[cruisecrasy]

Cruise ! We have only sailed Radiance OS, and though we are HAL fans, we did like this ship.

 

We had a balcony, and they are similar in size. I think the balcony itself is smaller, and there is only shower gel.

 

The food was good, service was good, but you know, there is just "something" about HAL.

 

:)

u neglected to mention all the glass on the Radiance class ships so the views are sensational wherever u look plus the Radiance class RCL ships in particular have 2 specialty restaurants onboard - Chops Steakhouse ($25pp) & the Italian one - Portofino ($20pp). These prices were in 2009. Both are great..w/ a nudge toward Portofino..for me anyway!

 

I am a fan of fine dining (used to be a caterer) and more choices. Only drawback for me with HAL is only 1 spec. restaurant - the Pinn. Grill - although the food is also great (w/ the exception of the Pinn. Grill x 4 nites on the Zuiderdam fall 2009 - don't know now though)..

 

With regards the Italian restaurant included in your cruisefare on HAL (Canelleto) the food is nice but not as nice as RCLs Portofino - IMO anyway). The room service charge does exist but is waived for pax in suites.

 

As per cabins, unless u go for a suite, u might not like the small shower stalls but other than that the cabins are comfortable and almost as nice to sleep in as HAL...Stewards not quite to HAL standards but good enough but room service I find a bit better... Food IMO, esp in the MDR, not to HAL standards but then again it is subjective.....Prefer the easy layout stations on RCL though over HALS center buffet though w/ usually long lines..

 

As far as activities, more on RCL & ship is busier at nite..but more announcements during the day..HAL is more laid back w/ ambience.....RCL more active/fun... Watch the date u are choosing to travel if u wish to avoid crowds of kiddies! Some dates & on shorter cruises there can be a lot more kiddies onboard RCL than on HAL..

 

As to the OPs question - I myself wld prefer a 10 day cruise on any ship over a 5 day but that said - I recommend u GO - try RCL (its only 5 days) - How can u compare if u don't do at least one cruise on another cruiseline as only u can decide which one if either u prefer!

 

Hope this helps u decide & have happy cruisin'..:)

 

Great info..'NordicPrince'..esp liked your comment re: tramp steamer in Africa..:D

[kent4489]

Thanks, everyone for all the replies. Lots of good info. We're going to watch the path of Igor over the weekend, then decide. Our main concern is the 2 days at sea that we would not be available to get back home quickly if needed. But, parent issues have improved from a month ago when we cancelled the Eurodam. Still, we don't feel comfortable being away too long right now. We kind of thought with the cruise date (Sep. 18), kids would be back in school and there should be very few children on board???? Our previous cruises have been on the Zaandam, Amsterdam and Eurodam. I'm sure we will enjoy the time on Enchantment of the Seas if we go. We enjoy nice dining, but are light eaters, so food is not our main focus of a cruise. One of our favorite activities on the Eurodam (our last cruise), was dancing in the Ocean Bar. Any comments on if there is a similar dancing venue on EOS? We also like to walk (A LOT) on deck, so that should be similar on most ships. The gym was really packed on the Eurodam, but we used the gym a lot on the Zaandam. Loved the Thermal Spa... anything similar on RCI? With the cruise a week out, there are only interior and oceanview cabins available. We've always had verandah or suite on HAL, but I think we'll be happy just to go at this point.

 

As an aside... is anyone familiar with how good cell phone service (Verizon) is on a cruise to Bermuda??? DH must be in contact with business.

 

Thanks again for all the great information!