Just booked Eurodam

[Gracie115]

this will be our first HAL cruise...we are long time Celebrity & Royal cruisers but have wanted to try something new...saw this 4 nighter on the Eurodam this fall and decided to give it a try... how will it compare to Celebrity's "S" class (if anyone here has been on one) Thanks for the help....we are hoping that HAL works for us as we want to do Alaska next year and know that HAL's Alaska itineraries are better than what most other lines offer.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have never sailed on Celebrity - yet.

Eurodam you will love.

The Eurodam and the Nieuw Amsterdam are the only 2 ships in HAL's fleet that has the Silk Den for cocktails and the Tamarind Restaurant (Pan Asian food) -- which many of us have raved about and I highly recommend that you try. Dinner is $15 per person. And well worth it.

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

I have not sailed Celebrity, but I have on RCI. I feel you will really like HAL. We really do.

[doublebzz]

A " four nighter" on HAL is likely to attract a much different demographic than the 41 day Transpacific I recently sailed. You will probably find less retirees and younger, working people on a short cruise more typical of RCCL. Each poster has their favorite cruise line; I'm sure you will enjoy Eurodam.

[Taramar]

I have only ever sailed Holland America the Eurodam you will love and Holland America Alaska cruises absolutely fantastic.......enjoy

[PathfinderEss]

Congratulations, you will like the Eurodam. You will find things you like better then Celebrity but it works both ways. Hope you have a great sampler cruise.

[George C]

this will be our first HAL cruise...we are long time Celebrity & Royal cruisers but have wanted to try something new...saw this 4 nighter on the Eurodam this fall and decided to give it a try... how will it compare to Celebrity's "S" class (if anyone here has been on one) Thanks for the help....we are hoping that HAL works for us as we want to do Alaska next year and know that HAL's Alaska itineraries are better than what most other lines offer.

 

Have cruised RCCL (11 times) and also Celeberity Solictice, I find Hal MDR better than either, RCCL has better activties and shows. You should like it

[KirkNC]

Hope you have a good cruise, we have been on the Solstice (which we enjoyed). I find HAL more traditional and smokier.

[Gracie115]

Hope you have a good cruise, we have been on the Solstice (which we enjoyed). I find HAL more traditional and smokier.

 

 

Up to your post I was feeling pretty good about HAL....hope your "smokier" comment doesn't mean that everywhere is open smoking on the HAL ships...I know they don't have the stricter policies of Celebrity but hope it's not too bad!! I quit 15 years ago and while not one of those manic former smokers I still really don't like the smell....:p

 

Other than that sounds like we'll be okay. I do realize the demographic on a short cruise is much different than a long cruise but I'm as much interested in the ship and what it has to offer as I am the age of the passengers!!

 

Thanks for all the comments!:)

[sammygoose]

Up to your post I was feeling pretty good about HAL....hope your "smokier" comment doesn't mean that everywhere is open smoking on the HAL ships...I know they don't have the stricter policies of Celebrity but hope it's not too bad!! I quit 15 years ago and while not one of those manic former smokers I still really don't like the smell....:p

 

Other than that sounds like we'll be okay. I do realize the demographic on a short cruise is much different than a long cruise but I'm as much interested in the ship and what it has to offer as I am the age of the passengers!!

 

Thanks for all the comments!:)

 

My first HAL cruise was aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam in October. I never noticed any smoke smell per say except in the sports bar/Casino area. I never saw anyone smoking in the casino, just a couple in the sports bar. There was a lingering smell of cigarettes in that area but just lingering. The Seabar (aft pool) had some smokers on the starboard side out of the wind but it was not overbearing in any way. They seemed like late night refugees smoking all by themselves and by late at night I mean 9pm. Otherwise it was deserted. I in no way was affected or was put off by it- no clouds of smoke ever. I know people have differing levels of levels of awareness to smoke but maybe we were lucky. I think you will be fine!!!!

[cruz chic]

I've tried Celebrity twice. I'm not in a hurry to go back. I find HAL superior in every way.

[Gracie115]

My first HAL cruise was aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam in October. I never noticed any smoke smell per say except in the sports bar/Casino area. I never saw anyone smoking in the casino, just a couple in the sports bar. There was a lingering smell of cigarettes in that area but just lingering. The Seabar (aft pool) had some smokers on the starboard side out of the wind but it was not overbearing in any way. They seemed like late night refugees smoking all by themselves and by late at night I mean 9pm. Otherwise it was deserted. I in no way was affected or was put off by it- no clouds of smoke ever. I know people have differing levels of levels of awareness to smoke but maybe we were lucky. I think you will be fine!!!!

 

 

Well thanks for that.....sounds like we won't have a problem...as I said I am not one of those manic exsmokers just don't want it in my face all the time.... I'm anxious to try HAL....I don't expect it to replace Celebrity as our line of choice but would love to have another line we like with some different ports to explore!!

[Infi]

I'm also a longtime X cruiser and enjoy HAL also. Like others have said, HAL ships are more traditional. Eurodam and NA have a slightly more modern decor than the other ships, but still very different than Celebrity's S-class. Service is comparable between the lines, with Celebrity's staff being slightly more formal and HAL's crew a little more informal and eager to please.

 

The Tamarind is a must try, both for the food and experience. Much better than Silk Harvest on the S-class IMHO, and only available on the Eurodam and NA. All things considered, I think HAL and X are more similar than different and if you enjoy one, you'll probably like the other. Enjoy your cruise.

[Gracie115]

I'm also a longtime X cruiser and enjoy HAL also. Like others have said, HAL ships are more traditional. Eurodam and NA have a slightly more modern decor than the other ships, but still very different than Celebrity's S-class. Service is comparable between the lines, with Celebrity's staff being slightly more formal and HAL's crew a little more informal and eager to please.

 

The Tamarind is a must try, both for the food and experience. Much better than Silk Harvest on the S-class IMHO, and only available on the Eurodam and NA. All things considered, I think HAL and X are more similar than different and if you enjoy one, you'll probably like the other. Enjoy your cruise.

 

 

You are the second person to recommend the Tamarind.....we did NOT like Silk Harvest on X, although service was excellent....does Tamarind accent on Sushi or does it have other options too? We are not sushi fans so if that is where they concentrate we probably would not enjoy...thanks for your help!!:)

[epixx]

Like you, we sailed Celebrity Silhouette in summer 2011. We sandwiched that trip by twice sailing HAL's now defunct, unbelievably great 14 day Alaska itinerary (2010 and 2012). We didn't expect much entertainment or activity on the HAL trips, and we were right! However, we still enjoyed the 2010 trip so much that we returned for the same trip in 2012. The reason is that, for us, Alaska really is all about the intinerary, so we put up with the sedate atmosphere on the ship to do the itinerary that we wanted.

 

I'm not sure that a 4 day HAL trip will really give you the flavor for HAL in Alaska, as the clientele and atmosphere will probably be a siginicantly different. Just consider your priorities when you plan your trip. For ship activities and entertainment, go with Celebrity. For itinerary, look closely at HAL, especially the one way trips or the round trip Vancouver.

[superoma]

Up to your post I was feeling pretty good about HAL....hope your "smokier" comment doesn't mean that everywhere is open smoking on the HAL ships...I know they don't have the stricter policies of Celebrity but hope it's not too bad!! I quit 15 years ago and while not one of those manic former smokers I still really don't like the smell....:p

 

Other than that sounds like we'll be okay. I do realize the demographic on a short cruise is much different than a long cruise but I'm as much interested in the ship and what it has to offer as I am the age of the passengers!!

 

Thanks for all the comments!:)

 

We just got off the Eurodam on the 9th and one of the things I remarked on to my traveling companions was the "lack" of smokers. Sure, there was smoking in the aft pool area and on the starboard side but I personally never counted more than a couple of people smoking and never had to walk through a smoke cloud. Even the casino was much less smokey than usual. Not sure why but as I said, I did notice it and remark on it.

 

My sister-in-law had a balcony on deck 8 and when in port you could occassionally smell some cigarette smoke on her balcony but not anything terrible. At sea, not a problem at all.

 

We enjoyed the Eurodam and especially the Silk Den and the Tamarind. It was everything everyone on these threads has said. Full review coming in a couple of days.

[Infi]

You are the second person to recommend the Tamarind.....we did NOT like Silk Harvest on X, although service was excellent....does Tamarind accent on Sushi or does it have other options too? We are not sushi fans so if that is where they concentrate we probably would not enjoy...thanks for your help!!:)

 

Yes, there is sushi on the menu, but it is not the focus. The Tamarind has Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese inspired dishes. If you search, the menu is on this board somewhere and will give you a better idea. I personally find the menu more varied and interesting than Silk Harvest, and enjoyed the experience much more.

[blueboro]

Have been on Nieuw Amsterdam and 2 Celebrity Solstice class ships. Both are great.

 

Things I liked better on X:

- A more open feel on their ships and a larger atrium area

- Buffet layout is far superior IMO with separate stations and no lines

- Thought they had more entertainment options and great party bands

 

Things I liked better on HAL:

- Wrap-Around promenade

- Aft pool

 

Things about equal:

- Food, service, cabins good on both ships. We really liked Qsine on X and loved the Tamarind on HAL.

[Gracie115]

Have been on Nieuw Amsterdam and 2 Celebrity Solstice class ships. Both are great.

 

Things I liked better on X:

- A more open feel on their ships and a larger atrium area

- Buffet layout is far superior IMO with separate stations and no lines

- Thought they had more entertainment options and great party bands

 

Things I liked better on HAL:

- Wrap-Around promenade

- Aft pool

 

Things about equal:

- Food, service, cabins good on both ships. We really liked Qsine on X and loved the Tamarind on HAL.

 

 

 

I also like the separate buffet stations on Celebrity's "S" class....I gather HAL's is all in one line like the "M" class on Celebrity.

 

We were not fans of Qsine, but it was only the two of us, I suspect in a large gathering it would be a lot of fun. Tamarind gets lots of raves....will have to give it a try for sure!

[RuthC]

I also like the separate buffet stations on Celebrity's "S" class....I gather HAL's is all in one line like the "M" class on Celebrity.

That depends on the class of ship you are sailing. The Vista & Signature ships have clearly delineated stations, as they are larger.

The smaller S- & R-class ships have made an attempt to separate into stations, but the room for them is just not there. There are dividers between different types of foods, but it really isn't all that clear where one line ends and another begins when there are mobs of people in basicly the same area.

 

And the Prinsendam is totally different from any of the other ships.

[gelo7]

We have sailed the Eclipse, which is a Solstice Class ship. We have sailed the Eurodam twice. They are our number 1 and 1a favorite ships.

[Gracie115]

We have sailed the Eclipse, which is a Solstice Class ship. We have sailed the Eurodam twice. They are our number 1 and 1a favorite ships.

 

 

Great endorsement!! Thanks!:D

[sail7seas]

We really like Eurodam and love Tamarind. DH eats sushi but I do not and I never have trouble finding wonderful things to order for dinner.

 

The setting, decorating, atmosphere, table settings, lighting and service all make this a special dining experience. Add good food and what more could anyone want. ? :D

 

[cruisetrail]

this will be our first HAL cruise...we are long time Celebrity & Royal cruisers but have wanted to try something new...saw this 4 nighter on the Eurodam this fall and decided to give it a try... how will it compare to Celebrity's "S" class (if anyone here has been on one)

 

Don't ask me please :)!

We had B2B on the Eurodam + Eclipse.

That was day and night.

What we enjoyed on the Eurodam most of all was totally missing on the Eclipse.

The Eurodam is a classic cruise ship that follows the best traditions of glorious era of ocean liners.

We would start our days jogging on a beautiful wrap-around promenade deck. It's a nice place to retun and take a walk later during the day.

Lido buffet offers ulimited freshly made juice for breakfast.

Classic afternoon tea is not to be missed.

Hydropool & thermal suite is something Celebrity clients can only dream about.

Aft pool area (adults only) was our open deck residence.

All that is missing on Celebrity S-Class.

Unbelievable?

Yes.

 

We also enjoyed more sun decks on the Eurodam (2 times larger than on Celebrity and more private) and 2 front observation decks.

The ship is smaller and easier to navigate due to 3 starwells (2 on Celebrity).

The Eurodam is more open to the sea while Celebrity in more closed in.

Open decks on the Eurodam are incomparably more spacious.

We had an impression of boarding a floating hotel (Eclipse) after a cruise ship (Eurodam).

Food wise - the Eurodam offered tastier food included in the price.

Celebrity offered more variety in extra charge eateries.

We liked both Pinnacle and Tamarind (try them) but generally speaking Celebrity is half step higher in that area ($$ restaurants).

Another place where Celebrity was above - the atrium and Grand lobby.

This public space on the Eclipse was soaring and really impressive.

But....

A soaring atrium is #25 in our priorities. We passed it by a couple of times .. and that's it.

Panoramic elevators on the Eurodam face the sea, not the atrium like on the Eclipse.

Overall our well-being on the Eurodam was totally incomparably better than on the Eclipse.

A true cruise ship experience vs upscale retirement village.

I honestly don't know what Celebrity designers were thinking building their super expensive ships... Note, that we have not touched balcony locations that is chronic pain of Celebrity S-Class...

 

I am sorry that you did not try the Nieuw Amsterdam. It's even more interesting. She has more solid theme in decor and the implementation is beautiful.

 

Am I a fan of HAL?

Not at all. They have two beautiful ships. That's why I sail on them.

Other cruise lines have beautiful ships too. I sail on them too.

Celebrity?

I will sail on Celebrity again with a heart beat as soon as they build a good ship.

[Gracie115]

Don't ask me please :)!

We had B2B on the Eurodam + Eclipse.

That was day and night.

What we enjoyed on the Eurodam most of all was totally missing on the Eclipse.

The Eurodam is a classic cruise ship that follows the best traditions of glorious era of ocean liners.

We would start our days jogging on a beautiful wrap-around promenade deck. It's a nice place to retun and take a walk later during the day.

Lido buffet offers ulimited freshly made juice for breakfast.

Classic afternoon tea is not to be missed.

Hydropool & thermal suite is something Celebrity clients can only dream about.

Aft pool area (adults only) was our open deck residence.

All that is missing on Celebrity S-Class.

Unbelievable?

Yes.

 

We also enjoyed more sun decks on the Eurodam (2 times larger than on Celebrity and more private) and 2 front observation decks.

The ship is smaller and easier to navigate due to 3 starwells (2 on Celebrity).

The Eurodam is more open to the sea while Celebrity in more closed in.

Open decks on the Eurodam are incomparably more spacious.

We had an impression of boarding a floating hotel (Eclipse) after a cruise ship (Eurodam).

Food wise - the Eurodam offered tastier food included in the price.

Celebrity offered more variety in extra charge eateries.

We liked both Pinnacle and Tamarind (try them) but generally speaking Celebrity is half step higher in that area ($$ restaurants).

Another place where Celebrity was above - the atrium and Grand lobby.

This public space on the Eclipse was soaring and really impressive.

But....

A soaring atrium is #25 in our priorities. We passed it by a couple of times .. and that's it.

Panoramic elevators on the Eurodam face the sea, not the atrium like on the Eclipse.

Overall our well-being on the Eurodam was totally incomparably better than on the Eclipse.

A true cruise ship experience vs upscale retirement village.

I honestly don't know what Celebrity designers were thinking building their super expensive ships... Note, that we have not touched balcony locations that is chronic pain of Celebrity S-Class...

 

I am sorry that you did not try the Nieuw Amsterdam. It's even more interesting. She has more solid theme in decor and the implementation is beautiful.

 

Am I a fan of HAL?

Not at all. They have two beautiful ships. That's why I sail on them.

Other cruise lines have beautiful ships too. I sail on them too.

Celebrity?

I will sail on Celebrity again with a heart beat as soon as they build a good ship.

 

I appreciate your comments though don't agree with some of your Celebrity criticisms...they have the Persian Garden which I would think would be somewhat similar to the "thermal suite" on HAL, also have the Solarium pool area which is an adults only area which we really liked. Don't understand your reference to the balcony locations on Celebrity, we've experienced on 6 different ships and have no issue. BUT don't misunderstand we all have our opinions and I appreciate yours, and look forward to trying the Eurodam this fall....

 

Who knows maybe I will feel the same after trying HAL, what I would like though is to just add another cruiseline to the ones we already try thereby have more choices!! Thanks again for your honest opinions!!:)