Holland vs Princess

[judymag]

I'm just of fos with royal I'm 40 and best laugh I had was with 2 75-80 year old ladies I met in the main dining room the first night they were full of life and full of fun my dad was traveling with me his 70 at the other side of us were a couple in the 60's we became known a a roudy bunch in the dining room mainly started my my elder travellers with some witty antidote about life one night we dined late and it was quite

My point don't let age of fellow traveler impeed your decision

[avian777]

I need opinions Please!!

 

I would like to do a Eastern Caribbean cruise ... found cruises through Holland and Princess but someone told me that I wouldn't enjoy Holland because the cruisers are very old and boring and to try Princess ... I want to have him watch Quest, Belly Flop and the usual hilarious things that occur on cruises.

 

Please give me your opinion or suggestions.

 

Thank you

 

IMO neither HAL nor Princess will give you the more raucous activities that some of the other cruise lines provide. However, there is one significant difference between Princess and HAL that might matter to you - only HAL has a Roman Catholic priest (who celebrates daily Mass) on board every one of its cruises. So if spiritual renewal is an important component of your vacation experience, HAL is the hands-down choice. Whichever you choose, I hope you enjoy the cruise!

[SurferJoe57]

What I love on a cruise is dance lessons and maybe some other activity that is interactive, maybe cooking classes(not demonstrations).

I'd postulate that HAL would have more activities along those two lines; but that's only going from brochures. I've never done Princess - will be discovering for myself this Christmas.

You can always try the "Cruiseinality" test at the World's Leading Cruise Lines website.

/

[susiesan]

Just came off of a 7 day Canada cruise on Veendam. I am 61 and I was one of the younger people on board. I'd say 75% of the pax were retired people, many with physical infirmities.

Lots of walkers, scooters, etc.

 

My husband and I participated in the dancing with the Stars program and took 3 classes to learn the waltz, cha cha, and samba. We ended up in the final show as contestants. it was great fun for someone who likes to dance. But I believe HAL is discontinuing this program at the end of November.

 

I was also on Emerald Princess in January. For your interests and demographic, go with Princess. I know I will in the future over HAL.

[Hlitner]

I'd postulate that HAL would have more activities along those two lines; but that's only going from brochures. I've never done Princess - will be discovering for myself this Christmas.

You can always try the "Cruiseinality" test at the World's Leading Cruise Lines website.

/

 

"Postulating" is not a good substitute for first hand experience :). When it comes to activities, Princess easily surpasses HAL in just about all categories except the "knitting get togethers."

 

Hank

[iancal]

We have been told that Bingo on HAL ships can be quite raucous.

[Cruzaholic41]

I need opinions Please!!

 

I would like to do a Eastern Caribbean cruise sailing in December. I've only been on Royal (Oasis, Freedom, Majesty(3 times) doing Eastern, Western and Bahamas cruises. Currently Royal is out of my price range for the two ports I want to see which are San Juan Puerto Rico and St. Marten. I've found cruises through Holland and Princess but someone told me that I wouldn't enjoy Holland because the cruisers are very old and boring and to try Princess. We are 48 and 51 years old. We don't drink but like to dance and this cruise will be his first and I want to have him watch Quest, Belly Flop and the usual hilarious things that occur on cruises.

 

Please give me your opinion or suggestions.

 

Thank you

 

So it's pretty much come down to this. If you want more active activities that are close to what you've seen before, book Princess. If you want bingo, knitting and church, book HAL. Unless the priest does baptisms by belly flop, I don't think you're going to find the activities you want on HAL.

[LMaxwell]

OP - You want to look at Royal Caribbean. Plenty of entertainment and night time fun / dancing, but doesn't tend to attract a really rowdy crowd. From your description HAL may be too quiet; possibly Princess would too. I would throw one of NCL's big ships into the mix too.

 

can't believe someone would suggest Costa of CdF for a new cruiser

[knittinggirl]

My point don't let age of fellow traveler impeed your decision

I must agree! A lady on our cruisetour in Alaska was 94, and she ran the rest of us ragged!

[SetAnOpenCourse]

So it's pretty much come down to this. If you want more active activities that are close to what you've seen before, book Princess. If you want bingo, knitting and church, book HAL. Unless the priest does baptisms by belly flop, I don't think you're going to find the activities you want on HAL.

 

While your main point of recommending Princess may be good advice in this case (OP will know at some point), I would describe your logic as the "Either/Or" perspective. One can also think in terms of "Both/And". In an environment such as a week-long cruise, stimulating activities and entertainment does not necessarily exclude activities which focus on mind or spirit. Many prefer a bit of both.

 

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[Tennessee Titan]

So it's pretty much come down to this. If you want more active activities that are close to what you've seen before, book Princess. If you want bingo, knitting and church, book HAL. Unless the priest does baptisms by belly flop, I don't think you're going to find the activities you want on HAL.

 

I don't play Bingo, don't knit (my wife does), and don't go to church.

IMHO: HAL anytime!

I don't like crowds and lousy food.....

[Cruzaholic41]

I don't play Bingo, don't knit (my wife does), and don't go to church.

IMHO: HAL anytime!

I don't like crowds and lousy food.....

 

Hey, I agree with you. I think Princess has some of the most crowded ships in the industry. I was only responding to the wants of the op, not mine. ;)

[lmccray]

I'm looking back on Royal to see if the price have dropped. It appears HAL is not an option.:D

 

So it's pretty much come down to this. If you want more active activities that are close to what you've seen before, book Princess. If you want bingo, knitting and church, book HAL. Unless the priest does baptisms by belly flop, I don't think you're going to find the activities you want on HAL.

[SetAnOpenCourse]

At they say, appearances can be be deceiving. Let alone if how something appears was obtained via opinions/impressions over the internet. Anyway, glad the OP made a step forward in their vacation plans. Best to avoid over-cogitating and keep enthusiasm up.

 

I'm looking back on Royal to see if the price have dropped. It appears HAL is not an option.:D

[POA1]

Thank you all for your opinions. I gave him an update on what I've been told. He really doesn't want to go on Carnival due of his concern of the ship being "too lively" for him as he stated he wants to relax and not be around drunks...blah blah blah (which will be on all cruises) - you're on vacation. :) He want me to pick the cruise line/ports but I would hate for him not to enjoy and see all that a cruise have to offer. I would hate to do a 3 day cruise because it's so quick and costly then going on a 7 day cruise...decisions. :rolleyes:

 

I'm a little late to the party, but I can't seem to wrap my head around sober belly flop contestants. :D I have a strict "cut me off if I even look like I'm going to touch a karaoke sign up sheet" policy.

 

I agree with the posters who recommended Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Shop around. There are some serious deals on RCI and CCL in the Caribbean. As long as you avoid both lines' newest ships, you can find some excellent values

[Host Walt]

This is the original topic. Please don't pursue topic drift. Thanks.

I need opinions Please!!

 

I would like to do a Eastern Caribbean cruise sailing in December. I've only been on Royal (Oasis, Freedom, Majesty(3 times) doing Eastern, Western and Bahamas cruises. Currently Royal is out of my price range for the two ports I want to see which are San Juan Puerto Rico and St. Marten. I've found cruises through Holland and Princess but someone told me that I wouldn't enjoy Holland because the cruisers are very old and boring and to try Princess. We are 48 and 51 years old. We don't drink but like to dance and this cruise will be his first and I want to have him watch Quest, Belly Flop and the usual hilarious things that occur on cruises.

 

Please give me your opinion or suggestions.

 

Thank you

[oliver1821]

This is the original topic. Please don't pursue topic drift. Thanks.

Been on Holland and Princess. The food is much better on HAL and I prefer the spa on HAL as well. Did not find the people on HAL to be old and boring at all. Lots of multi generation families, couple and singles. Princess has a livelier late night crowd in their disco. I cruise Celebrity the most and love that line, you might want to consider them.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

My advice for sailing Carnival, do it in the Fall (Sept - Nov), where it is a slightly older crowd (30's - 50's). It's fun, calm, nothing like those Spring Break videos. I assume Norwegian is similar.

 

I'm not currently a fan of RCL, with all the cutbacks, pricing games, pressure on staff and arrogance from the CEO. 50% positive reviews on Quantum class tells me they are going in the wrong direction.

 

We're in our mid 30's, like fun ships and refined cruising alike, so are going to give HAL a shot in 2018.

Edited September 28, 2015 by Stateroom_Sailor

[iancal]

I think a comparison of the two lines is meaningless because there are so many variables.

 

A better comparison might be by ships. HAL has a few duds in their lineup..ships that they are actively trying to unload. Some are maintained to a higher standard than others. Princess ships differ in size. They all differ based on sailing date, crew, management,etc.

 

Once you select the ship, itinerary, and date the rest can be a crap shoot. No doubt the Princess and HAL cheerleaders might disagree however this has been our experience.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

For your interests and demographic, go with Princess..

[Caribensun]

My opinion only;

HAL Pros: Cabins except for obstructed ocean view window-Princess wins these.

Main Dining room food only.

Hydrotherapy pool (for a fee) and outside deck space and Promenade (walking deck).

Neptune Lounge if Neptune or Pinnacle Suite.

Smaller ship, fewer people.

Culinary Arts Center (for a fee you can participate).

Crows Nest comfy chairs and jigsaw puzzle area.

Lots of nightly dancing venues.

All rooms can order in room movies.

Nice balcony furniture.

Very quiet, relaxing cruise.

Robes in rooms and bathroom amenities.

Cons; SMOKING on Balconies!

 

Princess Pros;

Movies/sports under the stars.

food-always food and a wide variety, including best specialty restaurants,

HAL has times when nothing is open.

Ice cream, pizza, Vines for tapas/sushi, International Cafe.

Always something going on entertainment/games in Atrium.

Bingo and casino, trivia and every night a game.

Entertainment.

Thermal Suite and spa.

Muster Drill.

Pub Lunch.

Sanctuary.

If in "Full Suite" Sabatinis for breakfast and Full Suite perks, but like compare able cabin Neptune or Pinnacle Suite better on HAL.

Like interior of Princess ships, HAL is "old world" classic cruising -elegant.

Pool Games!

You won't go wrong with either and only smelling smoke on balcony ruins HAL for me.

Princess is more modern, lively and loud, HAL is quiet and reserved with refined elegance feel, but not stuffy.

Have a wonderful cruise!!!

[FloridaTourist]

My wife and I are very active and in our early 50's. We have sailed both HAL and RC out of Port Canaveral to the Caribbean. We have also been on Princess for Alaska. I think a cruise is more about timing. We thought Princess was older...and that was an Alaska cruise. HAL had great food. RC was younger but the ship was also huge......Freedom of the Seas....and had tons to do on it. I would skip Carnival unless you are looking for a huge party ship with no care about food quality. If you go when school is in session you wont get many younger people. If it is a very expensive cruise you are also more likely to get older folks that are more established financially. It is give an take on all sides. We are doing on the Oosterdam in April for 12 days and I expect it to be older because of the timing , the length and the price. For that reason we are booking more private tours so we can do what we want when we want and our tour isn't help up by older folks that are slower that are not interested in the same things we are. But the older folks can be lots of fun and more controlled ......its all give and take and any cruise can be what you want it to be.

[lmccray]

Thank you for your advice. If I were to cruise on HAL/Princess, which ship would you recommend? HAL has the best itinerary for the ports I want to see and the cost so far is in my range.

 

I think a comparison of the two lines is meaningless because there are so many variables.

 

A better comparison might be by ships. HAL has a few duds in their lineup..ships that they are actively trying to unload. Some are maintained to a higher standard than others. Princess ships differ in size. They all differ based on sailing date, crew, management,etc.

 

Once you select the ship, itinerary, and date the rest can be a crap shoot. No doubt the Princess and HAL cheerleaders might disagree however this has been our experience.

[lmccray]

I'm back at looking at Royal but their BOGO is a joke; the up the price on the first passenger...LOL.

 

I'm nervous to go on Carnival but their prices are great but I'm waiting to read the review on Amber Cove.

 

I've only been on Royal and out of the three ships, I rank Freedom, Majesty, Oasis in that order and itinerary. I had a blast on all but there were different in size and activities. I have no other cruise line to compare. :confused:

 

OP - You want to look at Royal Caribbean. Plenty of entertainment and night time fun / dancing, but doesn't tend to attract a really rowdy crowd. From your description HAL may be too quiet; possibly Princess would too. I would throw one of NCL's big ships into the mix too.

 

can't believe someone would suggest Costa of CdF for a new cruiser

[dogo88]

We did Allure and Getaway last year as a break from HAL. Had a wonderful time on both. We're back to HAL for the next one but would go back to Allure (same size as Oasis) or Getaway in a heartbeat.

 

I have said it before, we traded walkers and carts on HAL for strollers and screaming kids on Allure and Getaway. We found places to sit and relax away from the maddening crowd on all of them.

 

Dan