Switching To HA

[sogamusicman]

My dw and I have taken our first cruise and loved it. We're considering trying the Oosterdam out of San Diego in April to Mexico. Our first cruise was on the Carnival Inspiration out of Tampa. Anything you can share will be helpful. What's the comparison between the two? How about port info? I will appreciate all info. Thanks!

[Charliesmom]

We have been on two Carnival cruises and four HAL America cruises with two more planned for winter 2008-2009.

 

On our first Carnival cruise on the Victory where we went with our children and grandchildren, the food was so bad that my husband lost 3 pounds. However, the grandchildren had a terrific time.

 

On our second Carnival cruise on the Miracle, the food was good in the dining room, but not so great in the Lido. The problem for us was that everything was LOUD! The music at the pool was loud, the mikes at the show were turned up high, the hoopla at dinner was loud. We got blasted out of there.

 

HAL is the other end of the spectrum. The Oosterdam is a lovely ship. We have not been on her, but have been on the Westerdam, her sister ship.

 

What attracted us was a spectacular price on a Deluxe Veranda suite. Two things got us hooked. First, we booked an aft suite and my husband discovered that he loves sitting and watching the wake. Our original suite was 7133, but then we went to a party in 5187 and the suite was even larger with a HUGE balcony. It was so scrumptious we booked that suite for the next year.

 

The second thing that hooked us on HAL is the concierge in the Neptune Lounge, which is there for only Deluxe Suite and Penthouse Suite passengers. Your every wish is their command. All problems are addressed there. They have a continental breakfast there with a coffee machine that makes expresso and cappucino at the press of a button, plus American coffee or decaf, too. You can get a light lunch there and hors d'ouevres are served through the dinner hour.

 

If ever you wanted to feel special, this is it!

 

If you are late night party goers, HAL might not be for you. Sometimes there is a large enough group to keep things alive in the Crow's Nest. There is also not a lot of hoopla. I don't recall much music around the pool. However, there are bands playing in most of the lounges and there is a nice variety of music available after dinner. The shows are good, but not as spectacular as those on Carnival. The gym is more than adequate. I can't tell you about the casino because we don't gamble. On the Carnival Miracle my sister-in-law won $1250.00 which essentially paid for her cruise. She was quite happy about this.

 

If you want terrific service (even if you are in an inside room),you'll find it on HAL.

 

The food in the Lido is far superior to that of Carnival, with the exception of Carnival's deli sandwiches, which we found delicious.

 

If you are traveling with kids, I think Carnival is a better bet. On the other hand, if rowdy kids annoy you, you'll be much happier on HAL. Rowdy doesn't happen on HAL.

 

If you want more info, just ask. You can also email me at charlies71mom@hotmail.com.

 

Roberta