Lvntrvl Posted November 20, 2018 #1 Share Posted November 20, 2018 We are looking at doing a transatlantic cruise next fall and debating between the NCL Pearl (better itinerary) and HAL Nieuw Statendam (new ship). Any suggestions are appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lamchops Posted November 30, 2018 #2 Share Posted November 30, 2018 (edited) I have not cruised HAL but did a 19 day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Miami on the Pearl. It was the best cruise that we’ve been on in regards to onboard enjoyment. We had a “bowling with the NCL stars” tournament over the course of the cruise and it was fantastic. I’m told this tournament is held only on 14 day cruises. If you get a chance to participate, go for it. The crew got to know us and we were treated like VIPs for the entire cruise. Edited November 30, 2018 by lamchops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verobeachbum Posted December 6, 2018 #3 Share Posted December 6, 2018 Out of the 22 cruises I have been on only one is a transatlantic. In November of 2017 I took my 22 yo son on the Celebrity Silhouette. It was the trip of a life time! We booked the trip 10 days before it set sail from Rome. The folks on the Celebrity customer service were great at making this trip pain free. The trip included stops at Florence, Barcelona, Majorca, Canary Islands and stop in France that was cancelled because of the weather. My son was the youngest passenger. This didn't affect him till we actually had 7 days at sea. Our cabin was a balcony mid ship on the 8th floor. We had the late dinner seating because of how late we booked the cruise. The port days were awesome. The sites were not that busy because it was near the end of the tourist season. On sea days they had guest speakers that I found very interesting and I also took origami classes. There was also games and tournaments during the sea days. I joined my first slots tournament. The pool was busy but the water was too cold for a Floridian. Just realize the days are easy its the 7 sea days in a row that are a little trying if you don't decide to be adventurous. I tried a new thing every day and went to every free activity I could. On my down time I read a book and did my Sudoku. I'm not a fan of NCL and HAL is a little too quiet for me. Have you sailed with either of them? I would gauge your experiences with the 2 cruise lines with your activity level. We usually cruise RCL so we are used to tons of things to do but I knew going into this cruise it was not as high energy as we were used to so I came prepared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Hlitner Posted December 18, 2018 #4 Share Posted December 18, 2018 Just keep in mind that HAL tends to attract an older cruiser then the typical NCL cruiser. Personally we would favor HAL, but NCL will offer more varied activities for younger more active cruisers. Hank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littleribbie Posted December 20, 2018 #5 Share Posted December 20, 2018 On 11/30/2018 at 11:18 AM, lamchops said: I have not cruised HAL but did a 19 day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Miami on the Pearl. It was the best cruise that we’ve been on in regards to onboard enjoyment. We had a “bowling with the NCL stars” tournament over the course of the cruise and it was fantastic. I’m told this tournament is held only on 14 day cruises. If you get a chance to participate, go for it. The crew got to know us and we were treated like VIPs for the entire cruise. Can you share with me the date you went on your HAL...I would love this cruise...especially living in Miami...refresh my memory...Pearl is NCL is it not?....thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lamchops Posted December 22, 2018 #6 Share Posted December 22, 2018 I had stated that I haven’t cruised HAL but did the NCL Pearl. On 12/20/2018 at 2:03 PM, Littleribbie said: Can you share with me the date you went on your HAL...I would love this cruise...especially living in Miami...refresh my memory...Pearl is NCL is it not?....thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daffydk1 Posted January 16, 2019 #7 Share Posted January 16, 2019 On 12/20/2018 at 5:03 PM, Littleribbie said: Can you share with me the date you went on your HAL...I would love this cruise...especially living in Miami...refresh my memory...Pearl is NCL is it not?....thanks Hi! We're considering the HAL Rotterdam for an 18 day crossing from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale, sailing 11/2/19. We are booked on a Viking Ocean cruise that disembarks in Athens 2 days prior. With the ridiculous cost of air fare to get back to FL from there, we thought doing a repositioning crossing would be really cool. My wife did a panama canal cruise on HAL and loved it! We are older 60-65 so HAL appeals to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shippmates Posted January 30, 2019 #8 Share Posted January 30, 2019 We have done several Hal cruises but not a transatlantic but loved the one we did. We are doing a crossing from Bayonne to Southampton in April of 2020. We are planning on returning from Southampton to NYC on the Queen Mary 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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