Holland America vs Celebrity

[chewap]

On many levels they are similar, we sail both based on itineraries. X is more contemporary in style of ships, no promenade to walk around but still quite nice. The smoking policy is much more restrictive on X. Food and service are similar. We found entertainment to be similar. If you enjoy wine, X's offering blow HAL away.

 

I was on the Eclispe in April, there was more smoking on the ship than any cruise I have been on. Everytime I was out in the balcony, smoke was drifting up from lower decks. Also on one side of the pool, the smoking area was packed. It may have been the result of 40% of the ship were Europeans. Last year I was on the Westerdam and did not notice the smoke on the balcony. Only place was the Casino which you had to go through to get to the MDR. 2 nights, the casino was smoke free and the Casino was packed. You would think that HAL would get the hint that most passenger do not like smoke and will stay away. Like KirkNC said HAL and X is very similar.

[retiredslug]

Ever since we cruised with Oceania we have been searching for a comparable dining experience without paying Oceania prices. So we just completed a TA on Celebrity Constellation to Amsterdam and had an AQ cabin that included access to the specialty restaurant Blu, and the Persian Gardens. Absolutely loved Blu and we always enjoy the Persian Gardens or similar facilities.

 

We saw those lines at the MDR each evening as we walked to Blu where we were cheerfully greeted and seated immediately . We are not foodies but we both felt that Blu was outstanding, especially the breakfasts. We recognize that not everyone feels AQ cabins are worth these extras and are grateful for this. But we were so pleased we've scheduled another TA next year on the Reflection and yes, we choose AQ again. Would not sail on Celebrity in any cabin that did not allow access to Blu.

[navybankerteacher]

I feel that HAL and Celebrity are the best among the mass market lines. Celebrity seems to have somewhat livelier entertainment. Food quality is comparable, but I would give a slight edge to HAL - purely subjective, individual taste. Service quality and staff attitude is definitely better on HAL - as is layout and comfort of cabins. Small touches - puts HAL way ahead: fresh flowers in public spaces, fresh OJ for breakfast in Lido, full teak promenade deck with classic wood loungers, just looks like a ship with dark hull and more traditional lines, apparently better - less crowded layout in public spaces - these are all minor and subjective, but still important to us cumulatively - especially on top of great staff attitude.

[Christine Frances]

Here are some incredible pictures of the Equinox courtesy of Cruisinggator (hope I got that right) to give you an idea of S Class

Edited June 17, 2014 by Christine Frances

[cruisetrail]

Service quality and staff attitude is definitely better on HAL - as is layout and comfort of cabins. Small touches - puts HAL way ahead: fresh flowers in public spaces, fresh OJ for breakfast in Lido, full teak promenade deck with classic wood loungers, just looks like a ship with dark hull and more traditional lines, apparently better - less crowded layout in public spaces - these are all minor and subjective, but still important to us cumulatively - especially on top of great staff attitude.

 

"Small" touches?:)

How about some more "small touches"?

Hydropool & Thermal Suite is something Celebrity Soltice class can only dream about.

Sports court on the Signature class ships is twice as large as the one on the Solstice class.

Separate open pool deck for adults with beautiful views - not available on Celebrity.

Most spacious sun decks at sea (vs ships size)...

 

All this "small touches" taken together form what I now call "most affordable luxury at sea" - HAL Signature class ships.

 

These two running mates are a class of their own is the world of cruising.

:)

[Typhoon1]

Two very fine cruise lines.

 

We wouldn't hesitate to cruise either.

[cruisetrail]

I have searched cruise critic but can't find any newer advise....only info that is years old. We have sailed Hal 3 times now and Princess once. We loved both for different reasons but are looking at a Celebrity cruise because we like the itinerary. Can anyone share their opinions and comparisons of Hal vs Celebrity for us? (ie entertainment, activities, food, service, friendliness of staff, comfort of rooms, etc) Thanks!!!

 

If you want to try Celebrity look at their best ship - the Solstice.

[cruisetrail]

X's largest ships carry about 2,700. They are not close to the monster class that RCI offers. What is interesting on these X ships, is they are very well designed and we felt more crowded on the Eurodam (which has about 600 less people) than I do on the X ships.

 

 

X's largest ship (126,000 GT) carries 3,046

RCI Freedom class (154,400) carry 3,654

 

 

[cruisetrail]

If you want to try Celebrity look at their best ship - the Solstice.

 

MsMolly, exuse my misprint.:eek:

 

The best Solstice Class ship is the Eclipse.

 

Mille pardons. :)

[Lizzie68]

Here are some incredible pictures of the Equinox courtesy of Cruisinggator (hope I got that right) to give you an idea of S Class

 

 

Nice! Thanks for sharing. I had the opportunity to tour a Celebrity ship with my travel agent, and was most impressed with the public spaces.

Edited June 17, 2014 by Marco's Tia

[cruisetrail]

Apples to apples.

Same sunny day.

Same Caribbean sea.:)

[kjw869]

You picked the two worst HAL ships with regard to space ratios: both Signature Class ships. The other HAL ships have space ratios ranging up to 45 (Amterdam and Prinsedam are the best).

 

reference: http://travel.travelocity.com/ecruise/ShipFinder.do

 

My reference showed a lower number for the Solstice.

 

igraf

 

That is true.

 

Celebrity Solstice Space Ratio is 42.7 for 2,852 pax.

 

Oosterdam Space Ratio is 42.9 for 1,918 pax.

 

Zuiderdam Space Ratio is 43.6 for 1,848 pax

 

Maasdam Space Ratio is 43.8 for 1,266 pax.

 

Prinsedam Space Ratio is 45.6 for 835 pax.

 

 

Our friends took a cruise on the Solstice a few years back, and waited for everything, including their meals. The next cruise was on the Eurodam and there was no wait except for jumping on a tender at one of the ports. Their cruise last year was on the NA and again, no waiting. They are 36 and 32 and loved the aft wraparound cabins. So, in some cases, Space Ratio means nothing if your standing in lines every day.

[cruisetrail]

you were on both ships at once?:confused:

 

b2b.

[iancal]

The bottom line is that both Celebrity and Hal have very good products.

 

More similarities than differences.

 

Not certain why it is so important to feel that one cruise line is inherently better than another. It is simply a matter of prioritizing personal preferences.

 

Like the Coke/Pepsi challenge, it can get very stale very fast.

[bachcruise]

I think I've seen that comparison shot posted at least 25 times by the same person (or machine) and it never ceases to make me laugh.

[cruisetrail]

There are so many questions on the boards that have been asked/answered many times. And they will be asked again.

 

Regarding passenger space ratio: I would rather post an article and provide a link to it.

That's why I did not go into PSR explanation ...

It has been done quite a few times. :)

[tip]

... You would think that HAL would get the hint that most passenger (s) do not like smoke and will stay away.

 

Someday HAL will catch on that we are in the 21st Century.:rolleyes: We have taken six cruises with HAL and will return only when they adopt a 21st Century smoking policy.

[agabbymama]

Someday HAL will catch on that we are in the 21st Century.:rolleyes: We have taken six cruises with HAL and will return only when they adopt a 21st Century smoking policy.

 

You make a good point for NON-SMOKERS. There are still a few smokers left in the World that prefer HAL over Celebrity for this reason also.

[iancal]

If you cruise often it is quite possible that you will have a less than stellar experience on a cruise line. Law of averages. Does that imply the experience is representative of the cruise line

.

 

We met someone who experienced sewer backup and no air on a Veendam cruise. Seven months later he was back on the ship. No air yet again...but he was very pleased that the cabin was not flooded. Does this mean that AC and plumbing on all HAL ships is a disasterÉ I hardly think so. Same applies to all services and food. Once in a while, or perhaps twice in a while you can get a bad one. What matters is how the cruise line handles the issue-this is the make or break of customer retention.

Edited June 18, 2014 by iancal

[cruisetrail]

And once again, a vacant ship.

 

Luxury at sea.

 

Luxury homes often look vacant.

Tenements are "well utilized".

[bvocruise]

We have been on three HAL ships and have enjoyed them. We are trying the Celebrity Reflection in May because they have a great itinerary. We are looking forward to the more restrictive smoking policy. We are not looking forward to the fact Celebrity has a lot of casual food places you have to pay for. We also like that HAL does not charge for fresh squeezed orange juice and has good ice cream.

 

We will miss the walking deck that goes around the ship

[iancal]

Who really cares?

 

If you like HAL better, stick to HAL. If you like Celebrity, then stick to Celebrity. After all, they are only corporate entities.....not ethereal beings.

 

 

We like Marriott, ours friend prefer Hilton. I can assure you that we would not knock each other out trying to defend our respective choices. It would be a little silly.

[chrispb]

Someday HAL will catch on that we are in the 21st Century.:rolleyes: We have taken six cruises with HAL and will return only when they adopt a 21st Century smoking policy.

 

There are plenty of smokers in the 21st Century too, shortly to be joined by those who prefer the other weed:cool: Then you might have something to really grumble about.