Which is better - Princess or Holland?

[lskoob]

We're considering a Mexican Riviera cruise for next December (2006) to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. I'm looking at Diamond Princess out of LA or Holland America Oosterdam sailing from San Diego.

 

I've been on the Diamond Princess before (Alaska Inside Passage). In fact, that is my only cruise experience, and I wouldn't mind sailing on that ship again. We had a large balcony, which I think really added to our enjoyment. Plus, we had phenomenal weather for Alaska (80's every day, not a drop of rain).

 

So the balcony is a must for me, and both of these Mexico cruises have balcony cabins I can afford, and dates that work for us. Itineraries are nearly identical. San Diego is the slightly more desirable embarkation point. It's just easier to get there and to get around.

 

My husband has never cruised before, and I want to make sure he enjoys this one. He's not been too keen on the idea in the past, but he has agreed to give it a try. (He prefers fishing trips to Canada, or golf trips to Arizona . . . )

 

My daughter (my most enthusiastic travel companion!) will graduate from high school this May and we're cruising the Greek Islands on Costa in June. After that, she'll be off to college and probably too busy to take vacations with Mom. So I've gotta get my husband "on board". I don't want to choose the wrong cruise and mess it up!

 

So I'd appreciate advice from anyone who's sailed on the Oosterdam or Holland America. Thanks!

 

Lori

Shawnee, KS

[Ray-Barbara]

Lori:

I see we are neightbors who live in Olathe - small world. We have been on 3 Princess cruises and 1 Holland cruises and will be leaving for the Mexican Rivieria 4 weeks from today on the Sapphire Princess. I know of people who swear by Princess and those who do the same for Holland. However, we have enjoyed our Princess trips much more than the one Holland cruise. We were on the Zuiderdam and found the variety and presentation of food not as good, the ship needed repairs and the itinerary was changed several times. However, their balcony rooms were slightly larger and included a full-size bath in the bathroom. On the Princess ships, we loved the food, the activities, and knew that the agenda would not change. So we came back to Princess and will continue to do so in the future. When we get back from Mexico (March 11-18) I will include a review in CruiseCritic.

Ray and Barbara

[lskoob]

Hello, Ray-Barbara in Olathe! . . . it sure is a small, funny world! This info is exactly what I'm looking for. I needed a direct Holland vs. Princess comparison.

 

My previous Princess cruise was on the Diamond Princess which is a twin to the Sapphire, so I know you're gonna love the ship. It looks like you'll have the same itinerary as the one I'm considering, so I'll be looking forward to your review next month. Thanks!

[Ray-Barbara]

Lori:

If you want to see an extensive copy of our review of the Zuiderdam, go to:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=11010

 

We have seen the Oosterdam several times when we were at different ports and heard positive and negative things from passengers on the ship. We are looking forward to our trip to the Mexican Riveria next month (leaving LA and going to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Viarta). I will make sure to have a review written by the time I return.

Ray and Barbara

P.S. We work through Cruise Holidays of Kansas City as they are very knowledge on all the cruise lines. Deb Smith is our specialist with their company.