Input needed on Holland American Line

[coastboync]

Considering taking a cruise on Holland America. I have been on 7 Carnival cruises & have loved each of them. Thought about trying another line & found an itinerary that I like. Just looking for some input from others that have sailed with HAL before. I will be traveling alone. I'm 43 & just love to have a good time. Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!

[St Pete Cruiser]

8)

I've been on both and would suggest going with the itinarary you want to do rather than the cruise line. That said, HAL does have an older crowd and Carnival more party people. HAL ships are more nautical and upscale compared with the neon & chrome look of Carnival. I think the dining room food service on HAL is better. If a short cruise at a low price is in order, pool games and kids, etc., then Carnival is it. Both lines have either Friends of Dorothy or Rainbow GLBT meets.

[curious1]

Hey, guy, I'm a big fan of HAL, but you should probably be prepared for a shock if Carnival is your only point of comparison. You may find it kind of like moving from the pep rally to the library! Okay, not quite that bad, but you get the point. If Carnival boasts the "fun ships," HAL has the "classy ships" -- wood paneling, polished brass, European still-lifes on the walls. Personally I think it's awesome, but it's not everybody's taste. I've always found them very gay-friendly, however. Maybe that's a nod to their open-minded Dutch heritage. Next July my company is planning a gay group cruise to Alaska with HAL, so they must be doing something right!

[jonjon]

My partner and I have been on two HAL cruises this summer. Both were a blast. It certainly is an older crowd however it is always what you make it. The casino is fun at night as the dealers enjoy the younger passengers. The staff is very friendly and even invited us to several staff only functions off the ship in ports of call. As mentioned in other replys, if you enjoy a little classier ship then HAL is the way to go. (A side note is that Carnival Corporation owns HAL, Princess and Seabourn but they put the extra touch in the HAL line.)

[coastboync]

Thanks for the input guys. I really like the itinerary of the Jan. HAL cruise, so I think that I'll probably go with that one. Any other input is welcome! Thanks again.