Holland America vs. Royal Caribbean.

[lardan]

I was on the Vision of the Seas on RCCL in November, and frankly, wasn't all that impressed with the ship and the food. While on board, I booked an Alaskan cruise for the summer, also on Vision, with the hope that the drydock would help the ship (private restaurant, concierge lounge, etc..). Now that I see they really did nothing in the drydock, I am mulling over going on the MS Zaandam for the Alaskan cruise.

 

The fares are very close, the rooms are about the same size (Vision JR. Suite vs. Verandah Suites on Zaandam). The only drawback would be I am a Platinum member on RCCL, so I lose a few benefits.

 

Has anyone been on both cruise lines???? I value all opinions. We are a couple going without our kids for a 20th Annivsary. Both in our mid 40's.

 

Thanks.

[doone]

Its hard to compare RCCL with HAL, there, IMHO, is no comparison.

 

I haven't sailed RCCL, but I have a couple of friends who have and then sailed HAL. They all said HAL won hands down, from food to service to the cabins. She said the cabins are alot larger on HAL.

 

With that being said, if you weren't happy with RCCL, then give HAL a try, you may be in for a wonderful surprise.

[Captain Crunch]

Look forward to reporting when he get back in late March.

We did the Westerdam last year and will do Navigator of the Seas this March.

 

I'm willing to bet, we'll have a good time this year, ust like we had a good time last year.

 

As long as the weather is good and the seas are calm, a smile will appear.

[FlorenceItaly]

Since 2004(maybe 2003) I have cruised both lines:

 

RCI: Enchantment of the Seas(dh and I; first RCI)

Rhapsody of the Seas(dh and I)

Mariner of the Seas(my sis and I)

Majesty of the Seas(family vacation)

upcoming: Rhapsody of the Seas(dh and I)

 

HAL: Maasdam (solo)

Veendam (solo)

Zuiderdam (dh & I) sailed last month

upcoming: Oosterdam in March(sister and I)

 

My preference is HAL. My upcoming Rhapsody cruise will most likely be my last. I wish it were a HAL cruise, but for various reasons we need to keep it in place (other people are joining us).

 

I think since you have not tried HAL, you should. Variety is the spice of life :). If you were cruising with your children I would recommend RCI.

I have cruised on HAL to Alaska (Veendam) and loved it. HAL is a more quiet, refined experience....a cut above RCI, imo.

 

Marie

[GarySuzy]

We have not sailed on HAL (will be on the Maasdom 2-9-06) we have been on RCCL and enjoyed the cruises. We always have had supieror service on RCCL. Yes the food in the Dining Room is not exceptional but it is good. We also like the buffett as it had a good selection.

 

I will post again after we have been on the Maasdom and let you know how we like it.

 

We have sailed on NCL, RCCL, and Celebrity and now trying HAL looking for the line we want to stay with. We also will be trying Carnival May 06 and Seabourne in the Fall 06.

 

I believe each line has their own style and you have to find one that matches you.

 

Gary

[RedmondCruiser]

Hands down --- take the Zaandam. In 2004 we did a 14 day up and back to Seward. The northbound was on the Ryndam and the south bound was on the Vision of the Seas ( Why two cruise lines?? - its too long a story)

 

The Vision of the Seas portion was not a bad cruise, by any means, but it is no comparison to HAL. Your talking about a Chev vs a Cadillac. HAL has bigger rooms, better service and much better food.

 

On with way up, on the Ryndam we had rain. On the Vision of the Seas portion we had sun and 80 degree temperatures. I guess we forgot to purchase sunshine guarentee ??

 

Take the Zaandam and you will be very pleased.

[M.S JAZO]

100% go for Holland America. You cant compare HAL with Royal. It like comparing a Kia with an Acura. Big difference, Go for Holland America

[Bookish Angel]

My daughter and I cruised on RCCL's Sovereign of the Seas last May and found it pretty tacky; e.g. very foul odor on the pool deck, scuzzy looking deck chairs and carpet, etc. Likewise, the food was significantly inferior to HAL's as was the overall ambience.

[dougnewmanatsea]

Well, my guess is that on the RCI board people will say "go for RCI" just as much as we are saying "go for HAL" ;) , but another vote for ZAANDAM here. I've never really understood the attraction of RCI - I know a lot of people who like them, but I've always found their product to be inferior to the other lines I've sailed, particularly in the area of food.

 

That's just me - of course "your mileage may vary"! I don't like RCI much but they must be doing something right as they certainly have their fair share of fans. That's fine with me - each to his/her own!

 

But I do suggest that you give HAL a try. They really do have an excellent product which I think provides superb value for money.

 

Also give Princess a look for an on-board atmosphere a bit closer to RCI's than HAL is, but again a superior product (IMHO). (I prefer HAL for a more traditional experience, but for something a little less formal, and a little more closely matched to RCI, I think Princess would be a good choice.)

[caviargal]

I am really looking forward to my cruise on Zui in March. It has been a really long time (20 years) since I cruised with HAL. At that time, I felt that the entertainment was way too low key and the food boring.

 

I have cruised with RCI a lot (45 cruises). What I enjoy the most are their fitness facilities and activities, which IMO are excellent. I was on the Zui on Saturday and, even though it is a new ship, the gym and that area simply do not compare.

 

I also think they offer an excellent range of live music on their ships and general and that their pool bands are very good.

 

Food is a tough one. I am one of those people that eat the same on a cruise as I do at home. For me, that is healthy. So, as long as I can get good quality fresh fish and veggies each night, I am quite happy. I also really enjoy RCI's Portofino restaurant and the Concierge Lounge. And their Radiance class ships are stunning! Nothing like them out there, IMO.

 

So, it all boils down to what matters most. For me, eating healthy, staying in shape and having a great band to dance to at night are what make me happy.

[user8]

I've sailed on Slender of the Seas and 5 different HAL ships, including the Zaandam. IMO there reallly isn't all that much difference but the Zaandam is hard to beat because it is a very elegant ship with an outstanding crew.

 

If it were me, I would base my decision on the itinerary and the costs. I don't think you will go wrong with either.

[blueboro]

We sailed the Brilliance of the Seas during Christmas 2002 and the Zuiderdam in October 2005. Here were our impressions:

 

- The food was much better on the Zuiderdam.

- Service was slightly better on the Z but very good on both. We were amazed at how they staff remembers your name on the Z.

- We felt the entertainment, other than the Elton John impersonator, was better on the Brilliance as were the choices of activities.

- Cabins were almost identical...both very nicely appointed. However, the balcony was slightly larger on the Z and the bath had a tub.

- We much preferred the open areas, amount of glass and colors on the Brilliance to the Z. The public areas on the Z, while very nice, were smaller and darker. The atrium was so cramped it would be better in our opinion not to even have one.

 

With all this said, it depends on what will make you happy. I think you will get a more refined level of service on the Zuiderdam with better food. If more activities and a larger casino are important, the Brillance may be a better choice for you.

[AirGorilla]

Both are mass market lines. Some on this board may disagree, but the fact is that both are mass-market lines.

 

Both have their strong points. Both have weaknesses. You will probably have a good time on either.

 

My most recent three cruises have been, in chronological order, HAL Zuiderdam/Crystal Symphony/RCCL Empress of the Seas. Had a fine time on all three. Just make sure to have realistic expectations when you sail. The RCCL specialty restaurant exceeded my expectations -- it was called Portofino.

 

Hope you have a great trip!!!

[rubrrick]

My DW and my last cruise was on the Westerdam. Our next one is on the Mercury. Then the Monarch of the Seas and then the Jewel of the Seas.

 

We thoroughly enjoyed the Westerdam. Some of the best food that we have enjoyed. We has an SA suite. When we cruise on X we take a Royal Suite, and on RCCl an OS suite. Our complaint is trying to entertain guests in our cabin on HAL. There just is not the room that X or RCCL give. And, no, we won't do the Penthouse on HAL, just because it's just too expensive.

 

We have many things that we enjoy about each cruise line. We enjoy cruising on each line, and what one thing is superior on one line, is made up for on another.

 

We are RCCl supporters, but love and cruise HAL as well.

 

Rick

[capnjoe]

Well I will be celebrating 121 days at sea on the Westerdam in april.

I have sailed with RCCL for 34 days.

IMHO HAL wins hands down, there is alot of little touches you will find on HAL that you really don't find anywhere else. The service and staff on HAL is second to none. The cabins are larger, food slightly better,and I believe your overall crise experience will not be surpassed.

I understand what your saying by giving up certain perks for being a platinum member on RCCL, that is the one thing I would change about HAL, I think past mariners should have "perks" like RCCL does, instead I get all these cheesy pins and large medalions to hang around my neck (which of course I would never wear ;) )

Im sure your going to love the Zandam, its a smaller ship than the Vision, however its a very elegant ship.

Hope you have a wonderfull time and Im sure we will be anxiously awaiting you review.

Bon Voyage !!

[RichardK]

Within the past three years, my last HAL cruise was on the Veendam, and my last RCL cruise was on the Serenade of the Seas.

 

Overall, when compared side by side, HAL won, but not by much. I'd go on either line again without hesitation --- basing my decision on price, availability, itinerary, cabin (balcony) location, etc., and not on the Cruise Line itself.

 

Remember, you've posted this on the HAL Board -- and unlike many of the other boards here on CruiseCritic, HAL has it very, very devoted fans --- i.e., many here think that HAL "craps ice cream" and can do no wrong!!

 

For comparison, go post your question on the RCL Board and get some opinions there. Biased, yes, but won't be as much............

 

Good luck --- I’m sure you’ll enjoy either decision that you make!

[pollux]

I am a old HAL cruiser since 1963 and took many Transatlantics with the Noordam , Statendam ,Rotterdam.

Last spring since my favorite Noordam was sold I deceided to go with the Brilliance RCC.

For 13 days and great ports and a outside cabin solo for a better price then HAL.

I find the food on all the cruise line whether HAL, RCC, NCL or Carnival are just about the same.

I am a junk food eater so there is always enough and more than enough food.

So in April I deceided again with RCC Spelndour of the Sea for the Transatlantic out of Galvaston.

Great ports and great price.

RCC crew are very good and the ships are clean and pleasant.

Now some HAL fans will still say HAL is the best but I find since the auto tips the crew are not as attentive anymore.Not even talking about the increase in prices.

I found the crew rude and uncaring on my last Oosterdam trip.

[CruisinGrams]

We cruised on RCCL (Brilliance of the Seas) last spring and found the service, and food terrific. I will admit the cabins were smaller and the beds were very uncomfortable. We barely got to use our balcony due to neighbours who smoked heavily and seemed to have a party going on in their cabin and balcony most days. It was almost impossible; no it was impossible to get a deck chair close to the pool. The day and evening Entertainment was really terrific geared to all ages and there was a real variety of fun things to do on board.

 

The only time I cruised HAL was a 21 day Panama canal cruise in spring 2002. The meals were very bland, repetitive, and boring in the dining room. However they were good on the Lido and in Marco Polo. Service was terrific everywhere on the ship. The ships had old world class and charm and the crew were constantly cleaning and making repairs while we slept. Some of the passengers were very inconsiderate to the crew during lifeboat drill but I felt the crew handled it very well with a lot of patience.

 

Entertainment on HAL (Volendam) was low quality, boring, and geared for the very elderly crowd. The jokes by the cruise director started to repeat after the first 10 days and stopped go to the shows. We liked to frequent a particular lounge before dinner and it was so predictable (after 21 days you heard the same song at the same time daily). Even the cruise director staff seemed bored and were actually quite rude to some of the passengers. Since my first cruise experience was with Princess I found this quite unacceptable and felt sorry for the people that were treated poorly, some were quite elderly. I try to think that HAL was not up to par during this cruise as it was so soon after 911, which really affected the cruise market. I know I swore that I wouldn't cruise HAL again.

 

But I think that HAL has really tried to improve their market share by becoming a bit more modern to attract younger passengers and familes (at least that is what I am hoping as we are cruising in Alaska in May on Westerdam). I can hardly wait for the bread pudding! It is almost worth the cruise just for that one dessert.

[kelmac]

Royal Caribbean does many things very well. Great looking ships with abundant activities for all ages. The food, however, is not one of their strong points. They serve huge portions, and allow passengers to serve themselves in the buffet area. Some people equate this with quality/value.

HAL and Celebrity are considered Premium cruise lines because they spend much more, per passenger, per day, on the raw ingredients used to prepare meals.

If cuisine and service are important to you, I would stick with these two cruise lines.

No such thing as a bad cruise.:)

 

Kel

[dsawyer]

But Holland America is a close second. I agree Royal Caribbean does not compare to Holland. In the beginning of our crusing life, we went on The Splendor and Rhapsody and really liked it but then we went on The Dawn Princess and we were Princess devotees after that. A couple of years ago, I went on The Veendam and then The Zuiderdam and found I liked Holland America almost as much as Princess. I think Princess is a better matchup with Holland than Royal Caribbean. The Voyager class ships don't even feel like a cruise ship.

 

Celebrity, on the other hand, is much stuffier to me than Holland and Princess. We will be sailing on The Constellation in Sept. because of the price and itinerary.

 

We like to vary the cruiselines so as not to get too bored. We went on 5 Princess cruises in a row so now ready to do something different in 2006.

 

We will be on The new Noordam in March and are very excited about it.

[Robin7]

The day and evening Entertainment was really terrific geared to all ages and there was a real variety of fun things to do on board.

 

We have been on HAL five times and Princess twice. We've never cruised on Royal Caribbean. Last October we took the Oosterdam to Mexico, and my BIL and SIL came along. They've been on all three lines. They like RCCL (or is it RCI now?) best. My SIL is a marathon runner, and she complained about not being able to run on the promenade deck and wsan't impressed with the equiment in the gyms. She also complained about the lack of activities. (The only activity I wanted to do was sit by the pool and read.) My BIL thought the food was better on RCCL and talked A LOT about how our diningroom steward wasn't as friendly as their last one on RCCL. They both thought the entertainment was better on their "...of the Seas" ships. I guess it's all in what interests you and what appeals to your specific palate. If I were the OP, I'd at least try HAL. We've agreed to try RCCL next fall with the relatives.

 

Robin

[cruisekmc]

We are booked the end of Feb., went for the guaranteed room and just found out that we are in room VA127 which is under the Aft Pool. This is only our second cruise. Our first was NYC to Bermuda. The seas should be calmer in the Caribbean I would hope. Does anyone know how this room will be located at the back of the ship and on a higher floor? I'm wondering if the balcony will be private or if the pool will be looking down at us. Thanks!

[cruzbums]

We have sailed on both RCCL and HAL. RCCL(3times) and HAL(10 times).

 

I really think it depends what you expect from a cruise. We have taken my son and his wife on both RCCL and HAL. They preferred RCCL because of the younger crowd, rock climbing walls, night life and the more of a party ship atmosphere.

 

We are much older and prefer HAL as we go on a cruise for the relaxation, good food and more upscale feeling.

 

I have to say though that I have never been on a really bad cruise no matter what cruise line I use.

 

Happy Cruising!

[nevis92]

I've not cruised on RCCL Voyager Class but felt I got a good representation of the overall experience when I spent a week on Monarch of the Seas. I've since sailed on Zaandam and hands down prefer HAL but the reason may surprise some of you.

 

I enjoyed RCCL when I was single. Late nights, disco, partying, it has it all. Now that I'm married with young children, you would think I would choose RCCL because the perception is that it offers more for kids. That may be true but I, like many on these boards, don't want to be on a ship overrun with kids. I thought the Zaandam had the perfect balance for a family. Plenty of kids on board to make my little ones happy, but not too many to upset the older folks.

 

I talk to a lot of families who are considering a cruise with their kids and they all mention RCCL. Nobody thinks of HAL because of the reputation of being "God's waiting room at sea". (sorry). One needs to take a cruise on HAL to realize that it really offers something for everyone affording a nice balance and mix of people.

[ReaganSkyesdad]

It truly can be a matter of taste and the particular boat. On this board, there are many HAL loyalist and that is fine. However, my experience with HAL on the Zuiderdam in January was very poor. Thus I will have second and third thoughts about sailing on HAL in the future. I did not find the food anything worth remembering, other than the Pinnacle Porterhouse, and the ship's entertainment was not up to par.

 

I can say that my experience on RCCL was very good. The dining room was lovely and the staff very attentive. On the Zuiderdam, the staff had so many to serve they just wanted to rush you out. An experience I have never had before on any line I've sailed. I will sail RCCI again without a doubt. As far as the passengers being older on HAL, yes, I did find that to be the case. But there were also about 200 or so would were in their late 30's to 40's that were just regular people looking to have a nice time (not partiers, but not fuddy-duddys either).

 

For my money, I would look to a more modern cruise line and not one with dated ships such as the Zuiderdam.