Holland America - What Are Passengers Like?
 

We're traveling on Oosterdam 12/8 sailing to Mexican Riviera (7 days). Has anyone taken this trip? What are the passengers like? They seem a bit snippy & rather old-fashioned on Cruisecritic.com. We're no spring chickens, but we're in the new century.

People on Holland America ships are fairly well-educated and well-traveled, and many are repeat clients on HAL. The age groups are getting younger with the new emphasis on family cruises by HAL. They like the finer things in life, such as classical music and jazz, excellent and warm service, fine wine, linen table cloths and crystal glasses. There are beautiful tropical flower arrangements and art and sculpture throughout the ships.

Best Regards,
Julia

I was just on a Rotterdam cruise in Europe. The service on HA was not any better than I've experienced on Royal Caribbean or Carnival - it's all Indonesian crew with the same friendliness.
They had an Explorations Speakers Series that was quite cultured and intellectual, but only about 20 people showed up to each one.

It's going to feel a bit like a nursing home. However, many old people played sports during their Sports of Call program, which was really cute.

As for the "finer things," the linens, bathrobe, and flat-screen TV and DVD player in the cabins were super comfortable. The shows were very so-so, though.

If you want a fun cruise, I would not recommend HA.

I am just back from the Noordam and my third HAL cruise in 24 months. Have also cruised on RCI (3x) and Celebrity (2x)in the same time span.

My husband and I (50) both prefer HAL. Though the nightlife could be better, food, accomodation and service are very good and it is a far more classy experience than RCI and the rest.

We always meet interesting people on HAL that are well travelled and fun to be around.

I agree that if belly flop and hairy chest contests and wearing shorts to dinner is your idea of fun, HAL is not a good fit. If you prefer upscale ambiance and are the independent type, you will be fine.

BTW, we were on the Oosterdam in April and it was terrific, my personal favorite of HAL ships to date and the nightlife was hopping!

By "fun cruise" I was hardly referring to hairy chest contests. But they had a ventriloquist show on the HA cruise! It was like nursing home entertainment. It's not as classy as the HA crowd likes to point out.

Well, Kim, we can agree to disagree on that. I have found HAL to be quite classy in every aspect and have cruised all the major lines over 30 years.

I suspect it is how one defines "classy" and also what one looks for in a cruise.

My personal experiences on Carnival (3) were all disappointing. I find their ships loud in every way: decor, entertainment, even dinner.

And with my 50th RCI cruise just completed, IMO their ships are perfect for casual cruisers as well as families and those who do not need the niceties offered by HAL (sommeliers, a decent wine list, nice linens and china). If constant activity, big ships and a friendly crew with average food are one's preference, RCI is a great fit, especially for nightlife and fitness activities. But, the amount of kids aboard their ships is a real turn off to me, as well as the lack of any dress codes in the public areas. Board shorts and and tanks at dinner do not define "classy" IMO, nor do barefeet in the clubs.

To each his own but I will choose the quietness of HAL over the mall/amusement park atmosphere on RCI and the old Vegas atmosphere and decor on Carnival.

I like my husband's description of Holland America cruises... "gracious"

Linda Coffman
Author, Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises
& Fodor's The Complete Guide to European Cruises

Thank you all. Very interesting. All in all, I think I prefer, at this time of my life, a bit more "gracious" cruising. Was on a Princess cruise 3 years ago, & felt like one in a HUGE herd of cattle. This is a bit smaller ship and, hopefully, there won't be as many kids aboard. On Princess, kids were everywhere, in the adult only pools, in the hallways, in the elevators at all hours. The entertainment doesn't matter that much. It wasn't great on Princess either.

My girlfriend and a group went on HAL. She was at the time mid 50's. She had also cruised all the other popular lines, carnival RC, and Princess. She said she would not cruise them again she didn't care for it at all. She said they were way to fuddy duddy, old, and not a fun ship at all. One persons opinion. I cannot say, I have not gone on HAL.

Yes, different strokes as they say.

If one is looking for a casual, frenetic, and entertainment laden cruise, HAL is not a good choice.

Fortunately, "fun" is not defined in the same way for everyone and there are options for those of us who prefer a gracious (how perfect a description!) experience.

Kfusto, she is not a carnival "wet tee shirt" individual at all. I would define her as a classy lady, but it was just to "gracious" or stuffy for herself. I am glad there are cruises with whom we can all enjoy. That is why there is strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla ice cream. It could have just been the particular HAL cruise she was on. She had said she was old, but it was more 70's and 80's. I hope I can cruise when I am that age!! Bless them for a long lived life.

We all have different likes and dislikes or preferences. I made the mistake recently of "dissing" a car company in the presence of a friend and coworker who owns one of its models. That was a mistake. Its not worth the hurt feelings for him and my own embarressment. Perhaps somethings are better left unsaid. JM2C.

I was under the impression that this was an "opinion forum." Why are people so incredibly fragile on this message board? It's important for people to state both likes and dislikes so that someone out there looking for real world advice and opinions can get the broadest range of input on a particular travel decision.

To put it in a way the OP might (judging by her screen id) this thread has gone into the rough. :S-

KimPossible, perhaps your use of "senior citizens", "Old people" and "nursing home" when describing HAL caused some to respond more strongly than normal.

:D :D :D

Point taken. From now on, I'll refer to the the average HA passenger as "wrinkly but cultured."

Out of the rough but into the bunker :D :D

Larry, since I am just off a HAL cruise and therefore relaxed and still feeling pampered, I shall leave the gauntlet where it was thrown and simply step over it:)

Thats cool K. :-) As this is my last day of work B4 we leave Sun. for the Baltic, shoot I'm just having a little fun. :D And really no offense to Kim either, just some good natured teasing. Smooth sailing everyone on whatever cruise you take. :-)