I Hope We'll Like it........

[sogamusicman]

Well, I took the plunge and booked the Oosterdam in April. My DW and I took our first cruise on Carnival in November and are comparison shopping. The best way I know is to try it. Wanna give me any clues on what to expect that's different? We had a great time with Carnival, even tho we're not partyers..........

[Northshorecruisers]

Not being a "party" person will be the first thing you enjoy.

HAL tends to have a class above the people that like to dress for formal night and have common sense and manners. The fellow passengers you meet are courtious, well mannered, share an interest in good food & wine, as well as wanting to experience new adventures. If there are children on board, they will most likely be well mannered.

After having sailed on another line other than HAL that seemed to be a "self-serve" cruise - I can hardly wait to go back.

You will have a wonderful time!

[KCat]

We have not sailed with Carnival, so I can't compare them. I will tell you that after sailing with NCL & HAL, HAL is our favorite. We feel that it is classier, more elegant, and has better service & quality. That's just our opinion. We do like NCL's suites better (who wouldn't like a window in their shower & bathtub :) ). We are not partiers either, I think you'll love HAL.

[intandemNV]

I just got back from a carnival cruise on the Inspiration and I was pleasantly surprised with that cruise BUT it was in no way comparable to my cruise on the Westerdam. Carnival reminded me of an old gaudy casino and the Westerdam was so beautiful and relaxing and classy. I am definitely a big fan of Holland America! I'm 45 and like to stay active and find plenty to do on HAL! I'm sure you will be happy with your choice!;)

[mechcc]

Having sailed with both Carnival and HAL, I would like to say that there are differences. If your Apr cruise falls outside the spring break for the west coast, you will probably not have many children. But children will be children, some cruises you have the most wonderful children (our experience on the Oosterdam during a spring break period) and other times they can be monsters - as has been reported on this board about HAL cruises.

The Oosterdam (and the Westerdam) is a beautiful ship and has a refined elegance. Carnival ships tend to be gaudy and plastic looking. HAL's food is a bit bland for my taste whereas Carnival's has more spice. HALs staterooms on an average are bigger but Carnival's are not bad. Best cabin stewards were on HAL. Best dining stewards were on Carnival. Best Pursers on HAL. Best room service on HAL. Best bartenders on Carnival. Best nightlife on Carnival. Best elegant pampered feeling on HAL. Best Specialty Resturant - Carnival. And last but not least - best public restrooms - hands down it's HAL. Trying different cruiselines is the only way you are ever going to find a line that you really want to cruise on exclusively or find out you enjoy variety. Every line offers different expierences and every ship within a line is different. And every cruise is different even on the same ship. That said if someone offered me an all expenses paid cruise on either HAL or Carnival - I'd take HAL without hesistation.

[mechcc]

Not being a "party" person will be the first thing you enjoy.

HAL tends to have a class above the people that like to dress for formal night and have common sense and manners. The fellow passengers you meet are courtious, well mannered, share an interest in good food & wine, as well as wanting to experience new adventures. If there are children on board, they will most likely be well mannered.

After having sailed on another line other than HAL that seemed to be a "self-serve" cruise - I can hardly wait to go back.

You will have a wonderful time!

Having sailed both lines, there are lots of people on Carnival that by their dress, habits, manners, interests, and children really must be on the wrong line and belong on HAL. And according to Ekerr's review of her recent cruise, there are many that are sailing on HAL that belong on Carnival.