HAL Cruisers back from Ruby Princess

[melrn]

I have cruised NCL and Princess many times, with Princess being my favorite by far. We are doing a HAL cruise in the fall and am looking forward to it. We have never done HAL before, but it sounds like I am going to like it! :)

[Hlitner]

Interesting from a "branding" point of view, since both are Carnival Corp companies. I don't think Carnival has managed to clearly brand the difference between Holland America and Princess: minor things, hard to define real differences, so the result is commoditization - in the end with no clear brand differentiation consumer is left looking for the best price.Carnival line seems to be trying to recapture the "Fun Ship" image, IMHO a step in the right direction for them. But after all these years of Holland and Princess both being Carnival, where's the brand distinction?

 

Regards, Richard

 

Ahhh but we digress :). DW and I are 4 Star Mainers and also Elite with Princess and we think the two lines are totally different in many ways. Our personal preference changes as the quality of both lines change (currently we prefer Princess) but there is no way to compare the Grand Class ship design (i.e. Ruby) to most of the HA ships. But when it comes to getting a balcony cabin for a reasonable price it is hard to beat Princess (or Celebrity).

 

And by the way, we disagree with a prior post (in this thread) that calls HA buffets the best at sea. We think the Lido Buffets on the Celebrity Solstice Class ships are the best at sea (by far) in terms of quality, selection and layout. On Celebrity they have the stations spread out in a large area so there are seldom any lines, no getting stuck behind scooters and wheelchairs, etc. And Celebrity has a huge variety of foods on these buffets... I should add that on both Celebrity and Princess the buffets are open (partially) after 8 pm :) Of course on those lines the passengers do stay awake after 8pm:D

 

Hank

[OlsSalt]

Interesting from a "branding" point of view, since both are Carnival Corp companies. I don't think Carnival has managed to clearly brand the difference between Holland America and Princess: minor things, hard to define real differences, so the result is commoditization - in the end with no clear brand differentiation consumer is left looking for the best price.Carnival line seems to be trying to recapture the "Fun Ship" image, IMHO a step in the right direction for them. But after all these years of Holland and Princess both being Carnival, where's the brand distinction?

 

Regards, Richard

 

It appears from this report, the difference might be the Dutch heritage and the use of Indonesian and Filipino crews vs the more international crews on Princess (and increasingly on other cruise lines like Crystal as well). HAL ships have a special glow and a staff camaraderie that do make them the ships of smiles. There is a sense of deep tradition on HAL ships and we like it very much.

[startwin]

It appears from this report, the difference might be the Dutch heritage and the use of Indonesian and Filipino crews vs the more international crews on Princess (and increasingly on other cruise lines like Crystal as well). HAL ships have a special glow and a staff camaraderie that do make them the ships of smiles. There is a sense of deep tradition on HAL ships and we like it very much.

 

You could also be describing another cruise line that we love - the HAL of today is not the HAL of even five years ago. Really, there is little to set it apart anymore.

[OlsSalt]

You could also be describing another cruise line that we love - the HAL of today is not the HAL of even five years ago. Really, there is little to set it apart anymore.

 

Actually, I was describing our HAL "ship of smiles" experiences from just a few months ago, which have been consistent since we started cruising HAL in early 2009. And ready to feel its warm embrace once again in 24 more hours!

[cruz chic]

Actually, I was describing our HAL "ship of smiles" experiences from just a few months ago, which have been consistent since we started cruising HAL in early 2009. And ready to feel its warm embrace once again in 24 more hours!

 

Generally I would agree with you but when I was on the NA last year I saw a ton of miserable staff. It was so different when I cruised on that ship the Feb before. Have you actually cruised on Princess? They have a pretty solid product. Startwin, I think you would enjoy it.

[OlsSalt]

Generally I would agree with you but when I was on the NA last year I saw a ton of miserable staff. It was so different when I cruised on that ship the Feb before. Have you actually cruised on Princess? They have a pretty solid product. Startwin, I think you would enjoy it.

 

We don't sail the larger ships. I would worry about their impersonality due to sheer size, and perhaps that is true. Sorry you had such an unhappy experience. That would be discouraging. DH had sailed Princess in the past and has no desire to return. He has been very happy with HAL ships too, because for us they have been "ships of smiles" and always feel so welcoming when we return.

[Hlitner]

Somebody asked about ice cream on Princess, and for many years it was an interesting issue. Princess has pretty good ice cream (about the same quality as we get on HA) and it is available in the MDR and the buffet at mealtime. But they used to shut down the buffet ice cream bar at the same time as they ended lunch (the buffet always has something open around the clock). They would then serve ice cream at an announced time (usually 3:00 to 3:30) which made for quite a spectacle. You would get this long line of cruisers (many in swim suits) waiting to get an ice cream cone. I believe Princess finally got the message and they now serve ice cream all afternoon.

 

IMHO the best ice cream at sea is on Celebrity...and this is because they make it onboard and have a person whose only job is to make ice cream (and he is always well trained). They also have an ice cream/yogurt machine (self-serve) located at the outdoor grill that opens late in the morning and then is available all day.

 

Hank

P.S. DW just reminded me that on Princess they will often come around the pool decks in the afternoon and serve (chairside) freshly baked cookies and milk (for those that want milk).

[pv girl]

HAL has the ice cream bar in the Lido where they scoop up regular ice cream in bowls or cones and add toppings etc. - free - and open all afternoon and until Lido closes about 8pm - also ice cream for dessert at dinner in dining room

 

on Ruby, soft serve ice cream until very late hours beside pizza bar poolside - free - chocolate, vanilla, swirl - in cups or cones

gelato - DELICIOUS - in International Cafe 3 scoops for $1.50 from about 6 rotating flavors

regular ice cream for dessert in dining room - 3 rotating flavors to choose from - plus sundaes made to order and banana split from kids' menu - all good

 

but - hard to choose ice cream for dessert at dinner as along with daily rotating choices, Princess has really good NY cheesecake and creme brulee on the daily dessert menu

[pv girl]

We couldn't help noticing the staffing on Princess - there were always folks available.

 

Dining room 2 waiters had two 4 tops and one 8 top to service - they did wine, drinks, water, etc. also - never a delay and always handled special requests with ease and never seemed rushed - head waiter was always coming around to check if we were okay with food and service

 

Buffet - they were falling all over each other pouring drinks and clearing tables in eating area - and always refilling foods in the buffet lines - never a wait

 

Bar service in all lounges was speedy and many bar waiters around - and pool area always serviced well

 

So here princess wins out over HAL - they really appeared to be overstaffed.

 

Public bathrooms have paper towels - not cloth- and no flowers like on HAL - but were always very clean and working - that is a very minor issue in the big scheme of things.

 

Room steward left room spotless and responded to our first day request of robes and a top sheet for bed promptly. He helped us learn to adjust shower temp. But he made it clear that he needed to be in the room in the morning as he quit at 1pm and to put our requests in writing by leaving a note on the bed. One day we left a note for a sheet change that day and it was taken care of. Towels were replaced morning and night if we left them on the floor. Fruit bowl refilled when we left the card on the door - this is done by room service. But there are carts in the halls like in a hotel - imagine this could be an issue for those with walkers, strollers, etc. Never saw this on HAL. He seemed to be more of a supervisor and the actual cleaning was done by ladies in old-fashioned maid uniforms. He greeted us in hallway but never used our names or chatted or seemed like he cared. Not a big thing to us - he met all our needs - but it was impersonal compared to the HAL stewards who always ask about your plans for the day and greet you by name from day one.

 

Again, getting on and off at ports was easy and quick - there are several security people with hand-held scanners for your card and usually two Xray machines going, so it is efficient - but not welcoming us "home" - just an impersonal processing. Also on HAL there always seemed to be folks at the ramp to help the elderly up and down. The only time I noticed this additional help on this cruise was the one day we tendered and the tenders were shore operators, not Princess -at Santorini.

 

We did use the medical office for an eye problem from contacts and it was quick and friendly - but very expensive - $270 for some cleaning and drops and ointment.

 

We were not bombarded with announcements - the CD made announcements in am about port details and shuttles etc. and at about 5pm with an evening lineup. Captain made 2 announcements daily. The Patter gave all details of the many activities available and the entertainment lineup each day. Shops and casino were larger of course.

 

All in all, I think any HAL cruiser would be happy on Princess. Some things better and some not as good - but all just little things. The big things I missed were the Crows Nest for comfortable INSIDE viewing, relaxing, and place for drinks - and the lighted makeup mirror. The overall products on both lines are good and very comparable in price, itineraries, and service levels.

[SeaWatch]

What were your ports?

[pris993]

The Ruby Princess is our favorite Princess ship.

 

We are elite on Princess, elite on Celebrity, 2 star on HAL, cruise Cunard and NCL as well presently.

 

We are not really loyal to any line. We are booked presently on the Grand Princess leaving this month, going on the Nieuw Amsterdam next April for a TA, Celebrity Silhouette out of Rome in October 2014, then back to the Star Princess in 2015.

 

The one thing I wish Princess ships had is a front lounge like the Crows Nest.

 

Only the mini suites on Princess have a sofa and bath tub.

 

I am sorry you did not try Sabatini's on the Ruby. The location and design of this dining room is very nice. We also enjoy the disco at the back of the ship for a before dinner drink in lieu of no Crows Nest.

 

We enjoy the international crew on Princess, similar to other lines. I don't really notice any difference between the lines in that "welcome" feeling as you say. My DH is European background and speaks many languages so we always making a good connections with staff on all cruise lines, including HAL.

 

In general, we feel food, service, entertainment on Princess and HAL are very similar. Of all the lines we cruised on, Cunard seemed to top them but Cunard is more formal and traditional.

 

Thanks again for you review.

[cruisetrail]

Ahhh but we digress :). DW and I are 4 Star Mainers and also Elite with Princess and we think the two lines are totally different in many ways. Our personal preference changes as the quality of both lines change (currently we prefer Princess) but there is no way to compare the Grand Class ship design (i.e. Ruby) to most of the HA ships. But when it comes to getting a balcony cabin for a reasonable price it is hard to beat Princess (or Celebrity).

 

And by the way, we disagree with a prior post (in this thread) that calls HA buffets the best at sea. We think the Lido Buffets on the Celebrity Solstice Class ships are the best at sea (by far) in terms of quality, selection and layout. On Celebrity they have the stations spread out in a large area so there are seldom any lines, no getting stuck behind scooters and wheelchairs, etc. And Celebrity has a huge variety of foods on these buffets... I should add that on both Celebrity and Princess the buffets are open (partially) after 8 pm :) Of course on those lines the passengers do stay awake after 8pm:D

 

Hank

 

Agree about the Ruby vs small ships - different stories.

The Signature class is able to compete with major resort ships and actually win in many ways.

 

Buffet on Celebrity - oh, dear..

Signature class has 4 stations for hot food, 1 station for deli, 2 omelette stations, two salad stations, 2 dessert/ice cream stations and 2 tea/coffee stations.

11 separate stations - can there be one line?

Celebrity carry 750-950 more passengers.

Separate isles are not better, not worse. If the buffet is full - it is full.

The only difference is in the shape of the lines - they are circuled on Celebrity.

Food - start from free fresh OJ on HAL....

[whogo]

This is a great thread. I appreciate the cruise line comparisons. It is good to hear from people that cruise more than one line.

[cruisemom42]

 

We enjoy the international crew on Princess, similar to other lines. I don't really notice any difference between the lines in that "welcome" feeling as you say. My DH is European background and speaks many languages so we always making a good connections with staff on all cruise lines, including HAL.

 

 

I really agree with this point. I've sailed on more than a few lines, and I can say that every ship I've been on could qualify as a "ship of smiles." In fact, I think the happiest cruise I've ever been on was a cruise aboard Golden Princess in 2006 to Egypt and the Aegean -- everyone on board, crew and passengers, just seemed to be in an excellent mood during the entire cruise. Much happier than my 2010 Westerdam cruise with a very similar itinerary. The wait staff in particularly on that Westerdam cruise seemed to have very little personality or "smiles". Looking at some of the comparisons above, I wonder if it is because they are run off their feet? Maybe the Princess DR staff have a little more time to be personable... On the other hand, the folks behind the main desk were much pleasanter on HAL.

 

Of course, part of this is one's own perception. When one is happy and excited, things always seem a little better. When one is looking for problems (or perhaps comparing with a beloved favorite), it is easy to nitpick.

[flamomo]

I will be in just the opposite position next March, when I, a Princess Cruiser with 23 cruises to my credit .... ALL with Princess, will be giving HAL a try with 25 days on the Noordam.

 

It will be interesting to see what differences I see with HAL that make me wish I had been on a Princess ship instead!! Beyond the Elite perks that I will surely miss, especially the free laundry and free internet!!! I know I will also dearly miss the comfortable feeling of "coming home" at embarkation.

 

But I will do my best to be openminded enough to be looking for things that HAL does better than Princess .... at least IMO!

[cruz chic]

I will be in just the opposite position next March, when I, a Princess Cruiser with 23 cruises to my credit .... ALL with Princess, will be giving HAL a try with 25 days on the Noordam.

 

It will be interesting to see what differences I see with HAL that make me wish I had been on a Princess ship instead!! Beyond the Elite perks that I will surely miss, especially the free laundry and free internet!!! I know I will also dearly miss the comfortable feeling of "coming home" at embarkation.

 

But I will do my best to be openminded enough to be looking for things that HAL does better than Princess .... at least IMO!

 

I hope you'll come back and let us know, good or bad.

[cruz chic]

Agree about the Ruby vs small ships - different stories.

The Signature class is able to compete with major resort ships and actually win in many ways.

 

Buffet on Celebrity - oh, dear..

Signature class has 4 stations for hot food, 1 station for deli, 2 omelette stations, two salad stations, 2 dessert/ice cream stations and 2 tea/coffee stations.

11 separate stations - can there be one line?

Celebrity carry 750-950 more passengers.

Separate isles are not better, not worse. If the buffet is full - it is full.

The only difference is in the shape of the lines - they are circuled on Celebrity.

Food - start from free fresh OJ on HAL....

 

You have to remember that poster can find no fault with Celebrity. I find them to be poor to mediocre. We all like different things.

[pris993]

Agree about the Ruby vs small ships - different stories.

The Signature class is able to compete with major resort ships and actually win in many ways.

 

Buffet on Celebrity - oh, dear..

Signature class has 4 stations for hot food, 1 station for deli, 2 omelette stations, two salad stations, 2 dessert/ice cream stations and 2 tea/coffee stations.

11 separate stations - can there be one line?

Celebrity carry 750-950 more passengers.

Separate isles are not better, not worse. If the buffet is full - it is full.

The only difference is in the shape of the lines - they are circuled on Celebrity.

Food - start from free fresh OJ on HAL....

 

Having cruised on Celebrity a number of times (we are elite on X) I can add that the menu never changes in the buffet on Celebrity by comparison to HAL and Princess which have menu item changes daily at the buffet.

 

I would also add, while Celebrity may not have the "best" buffet, the buffet is really their best dining option. This is especially true for the newer larger Celebrity ships for us. We have cruised the Eclipse and Equinox and found that we skipped the MDR on the Equinox and did not really feel BLU (the speciality restaurant tied to Aqua Class cabins) lived up to the hippe on the Eclipse. For us the MDR is hit and miss when it comes to food and service and the room itself is crowded and noisy.

 

Consequently we prefer the buffet over their other dining options on X. Another issue for us on X is they don't really do special orders off the MDR menu very well. Both HAL and Princess are very responsive to off menu requests.

[jimmy2x]

You have to remember that poster can find no fault with Celebrity. I find them to be poor to mediocre. We all like different things.

 

Don't think you would say that if you went to the "X" board and saw the thread he created on the Solstice class ships. A LOT of unhappy "X" cruisers were ready to run him out of town.:D

[cruz chic]

Don't think you would say that if you went to the "X" board and saw the thread he created on the Solstice class ships. A LOT of unhappy "X" cruisers were ready to run him out of town.:D

 

Interesting. Pretty much every post here states how celebrity is superior in every way.

[Hlitner]

Hmmm, seems to be getting a bit "catty" around here. So I will say one thing in Celebrity's behalf which is not subject to any debate. We can sit on a Celebrity or Princess veranda and breathe in that wonderful fresh sea air without a hint of smoke. And its the same in Celebrity casinos. :)

 

Hank

[cruisemom42]

Don't think you would say that if you went to the "X" board and saw the thread he created on the Solstice class ships. A LOT of unhappy "X" cruisers were ready to run him out of town.:D

 

Interesting. Pretty much every post here states how celebrity is superior in every way.

 

I think you are each talking about a different poster. :cool:

[cruz chic]

Hmmm, seems to be getting a bit "catty" around here. So I will say one thing in Celebrity's behalf which is not subject to any debate. We can sit on a Celebrity or Princess veranda and breathe in that wonderful fresh sea air without a hint of smoke. And its the same in Celebrity casinos. :)

 

Hank

 

Not catty at all. Just notice that you constantly praise celebrity. It just makes me wonder why you would cruise Hal. The constant digs about how everyone is in bed by 8 are getting old fast.

[cruz chic]

I think you are each talking about a different poster. :cool:

 

Can't speak for jimmy but I am correct. It takes about 10 minutes on the Hal board to notice a pattern.