NCL v HAL and RCI

M

monaco90

Guest
I am in the process of deciding on which cruiseline to book for my first cruise. I am presently considering RCI (probably Radiance of the Seas), HAL (Zaandam, Oosterdam or Vandeem) and Norwegian (Sun or Wind). We are doing a western caribbean cruise in early March, 2004.

I have been doing alot of research but what I really need is a comparison of these three lines and ships. So, if anyone can help me - what are the differences between these cruise line re: room size; quality of food; shows; number of poolsand size thereof; kids running around (I realize this is the height of spring break season. Unfortunately we are not able to "get away" at any other time) , and any other significant differences anyone can think of.

Thanks!
 
N

newmexicoNita

Guest
Hi, it's me again: I haven't cruised HAL but have the other two lines. Both have positive and negatives as in any line: NCL and the Sun:

Very lovely ship. Of course only a few years old (about 2 now) Freestyle is just what the doc ordered for our family. Some do not like the concept; I almost can't imagine anything better. The alternative dining is superior and the main dining is good to very good. The entertainment is consistantly voted the best or almost best at sea. NCL crew normally are very friendly. The cabins on the Sun are standard to a little larger than standard in size with good storage. The negatives and I say that with tongue in cheek cause I don't really think there is much negative: the service in the main dining rooms are not quite as good as it was many years ago. This could be due to automatic tipping system, freestyle or just the age we live in. The buffets were very average, but I have heard there have been changes and they have improved, pool area very crowded on sea days, much more so than any line we have cruised. All lines have some problems, NCL the worst.

RCL: I haven't been on the ships you are talking about so can only give opinion based on my experience with the 2 ships I have sailed: Very lovely public areas; nice pool area, good food and good entertainment. Lots of activities if you are into rock climbing etc. The staff on our two ships were a mixed bag. We had very good, average and bad service. The buffets left us totally cold. The cabins were small, but very clean and well layed out. The ship seems to devote much of the ship space to the public areas.

HAL: all I can say is based on what I have heard and read. The service is wonderful, the food used to be great, but think it's gone downhill somewhat. The newer ships are beautiful I have heard, but the older ones are pretty sad. The age range as you may know is on the older, much older side. HAL is trying to shake the image as a line for the retired only, but doesn't seem to be doing a very good job.

Depending on your age and interests I would lean toward NCL or RCL. Of course I have to admit I am a strong supporter of NCL>

Just my opinions,

Nita
 
S

Sestra

Guest
I have been on both an NCL and RCCL ship. The cabins on RCCL are bigger, but I prefer the Freestyle onboard lifestyle of NCL. It's a matter of what's important to you. RCCL ships seem bigger which can make a difference to people who hate smaller spaces.

By the way, while in port in Ketchikan, my ship the NCL Sky was also docked with the RCCL Radiance of the Seas and the HAL Amsterdam, with a Celebrity ship anchored in the harbor. I wish we could have toured all these ships but they don't allow that. :-(
 
D

DJP

Guest
My husband and I have been on NCL four times and going again this Christmas, but not on the ship you are interested in. We have been on RCCL once, but never on HAL. Our other two cruises were on Carnival. I don't think you could wrong with either NCL or RCCL, although I think the service is a bit better on RCCL. Food is very good on both. I found the at sea days around the pools on RCCL just as crowded as NCL and Carnival. We haven't been on a NCL ship in 4 years, so have not experienced Freestyle yet, but I posted a question about it on this message board a few months ago and the vast majority of respondents were in favor of it. I would agree with Nita about the HAL "reputation" and I don't know anyone who has sailed on HAL. 67 days until we sail on the NCL Majesty......can't wait!
 
N

newmexicoNita

Guest
DPJ, I think you will find NCL a little changed in the past 4 years, at least we have. Always enjoyed sailing them, but think the ships are much better now. As for service compared to RCL we actually got better service overall from NCL. Dining service on RCL may be a slight bit better since the invention of freestyle and auto tipping. I love both, but do think the service has suffered just a little. No matter have a great cruise, I know you will.

Nita
 
Top