Would you recommend the QM2 over the HAL Rotterdam?

[derheld]

Hi,

my wife and me are thinking about making our first cruise next year in April. At the moment we do have 2 options for our favorite target Rio, either HAL Rotterdam or QM2. But now that I read the comments, I am a bit worried, since there about 50% of the reviews I read stated they loved the QM2 and 50% who said its been the worst time of their lives, while the reviews of the Rotterdam most people gave good reviews.

Now I am even more unsure what trip to book ... does anyone have recommendations?

(we are in the thirties, but we do not have any intentions on partying in the pools or wearing baseballcaps and shorts at dinner on either ship )

[Paul Motter]

Which is more affordable? The QM2 is a one of a kind ship that some people have a hard time warming up to. HAL is a well-established company (most of their ships are nearly identical) that delivers a solid, consistent product - elegant yet affordable.

Consider the HAL the "sure thing" cruise line, like a "Marriot", while QM2 is like taking flyer on an expensive one-of-a-kind pricey hotel like New York's Plaza Hotel.

The people who don't like QM2 probably find it too big, a little "cold", a bit segregationist (they have something akin to a 2-class system), and pricey for what you get. Those who love it probably paid a little bit more for the better cabins.

On HAL, every cabin is good, and the suites are great, but you won't get the wide selection of food or diversity of entertainment and enrichment you will get on the QM2 = which you pay a little more for.

Does that help?

[cookie1207]

After sailing the QE2 twice(2nd being a world cruise) I would go with HAL.
To me, Cunard is all hype. Granted I was not sailing in a suite, but still think HAL would offer a more enjoyable product unless you are booked on a suite on QM2.

[babsbufton]

Hello

I have travelled on the QM2 five times so far, it is the only way for me to get between USA and UK. I have also travelled on the Rotterdam.

Having used QM2 and Cunard's other ships, I would certainly choose HAL's Rotterdam in preference. The whole experience was better.

The QM2 is too large, the service and quality is okay but nothing to write home about. I feel one is paying for the name and history. Don't get me wrong, the crossings are a marvellous experience, it's just that I found, the service, warmth and whole cruise experience on HAL much more enjoyable. I have worked in the cruise industry for years prior, so have a fair bit of experience on most cruise lines.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes Babs