Holland America vs Celebrity

[GladstoneTim]

Hi All,
I have registered for Cruise Critic, received an email saying I am approved but still can't access the forums so I am asking here. Just wondering if anyone has experience with Celebrity Cruises compared to Holland America, or more specifically, Celebrity Millenium vs HAL Volendam. Both are for about 14 days in and out of Singapore in January 2016.

 

[Pushka]

I've not sailed HAL but I really like Celebrity. What is your demographic? It seems that most who use HAL are older. And HAL was more highly promoted by TAs until the Solstice came to Australia.

You will get Celebrity fan bois and watch out if you dare point out any shortcomings! It seems you can't say anything is less than perfect or be deemed a winger.

 

[GladstoneTim]

Thanks, Pushka. We did a 17 day HAL Volendam cruise around New Zealand and SYD/MEL five years ago. That was our first cruise ever. Everyone loved it. Just recently my wife did a P&O Pacific islands cruise. We will be with three of our children aged from 13-20 at the time of the cruise, with us in our early 50s. I didn't think the aged Americans had encountered anything before like the large contingent of Aussies on the Volendam NZ cruise. LOL.

 

[Pushka]

Then it sounds like whatever you select you won't go wrong. . I'd look at the best itinerary and price point then if you know what you are getting with HAL and you can't go wrong with Celebrity.

 

[bobe]

Done on both ships and without being bias, Celebrtiy by a country Mile, but then you put Royal Carabean into the hat and you get a very close comparison, Celebrity very up to date , RCI very , how can I put it, er, very much like the old Cunard decor , oak furniture etc, but still very comfortable , you'll enjoy whatever ship you go on but if I were to choose IMOP only, Celebrity every time, enjoy whoever you go with.

 

[Steelo]

We have done both and Royal Carabean. The most important thing is to be confident with the itinerary. Many people don't take into account the distance from the berth to the city destination. We enjoyed Celebrity and enjoyed the food even if it was a bit too "American French". One of the biggest draw backs are the small core of whinging passengers who can get into your head and easily make every small issue a problem. The speciality restaurants on celebrity - with silver service were great. If you work out what you want from a cruise (for us it was a rest) you are better prepared. If your aim is to site see - then choose itinerary carefully.

 

[Magpie10]

Gladstone Tim have not done Celebrity, but gave sailed on HAL, Cunard, Oceania and it depends on what you are looking for, price point could be a factor, you can't go wrong if you pick a destination you like. Pushka may be able to correct me if I am wrong here, but Celebrity can be booked using US sites and therefore may come in cheaper than HAL. I love cruising and hopefully booking Allure of the Seas next year from Barcelona. Celebrity may also cater for the younger members of your family more than HAL.

 

[GladstoneTim]

Just an update for people.... Have booked Celebrity Millenium for a 14 day cruise from/to Singapore calling into coughet, Bali, Komodo, Port Klang, departing 03/01/2016. The only reason I am using Fright Centre is my niece is the agent and the deal includes Pick a Perk, which will be beverage packages for 4 of the 5 of us and $400 accommodation/flights credit. National Seniors Travel came within $80 per person of the niece's special price, but without one or both bonuses.

 

[bobe]

You got a good deal and you will enjoy the ship , not too big not too small, nice itenary

 

[Pushka]

The beverage package is wonderful. Enjoy!