Sorting out the Cruise Lines

People often ask me what is my favorite cruise line. That’s a really hard question to answer because even within the cruise lines, some ships can be better than others.

Holland America

For instance, we were on our first Holland America cruise on the Oosterdam. It’s a relatively smaller ship with less than 2000 guests. I liked the size because it limited wait times and long lines.

I have to say our Captain, Captain Breibert, was our favorite out of 14 cruises. He had a sense of humor, he was understandable and he was approachable. The crew was great – wait service prompt and attentive. Our cabin steward and assistant have been on top of things especially cleaning up our mess.

What I found lacking was the entertainment. They had the usual nightly mainstage shows which were not all that great. The dance company did not have singers which made it rather lackluster. The first night act was the best and they were tango dancers from Buenos Aires.

There were no enrichment talks at all. I thought Holland America was known for that but nothing on penguins, glaciers or even anything that we could attend.

The port talks were done by the cruise director. The theater was so crowded people were sitting on the floor. This wasn’t because they were so interesting but because there wasn’t much else to do.

In the bar a female piano player was on every night. She couldn’t carry a tune. And the casino was boring – no excitement.

The food was good. Have no complaints about that but sure missed my escargot. The ice cream was great, many flavors.

And as far as health and safety. Obviously, after a week into the cruise, many passengers were coughing, and in the theatre it sounded like a TB clinic. HAL should have had masks sent to each stateroom, broadcast the port talks on the tv, and implemented some of the health measures they had in place after they resumed sailing after COVID. This was the biggest turn-off of the cruise.

Princess cruises

Right now I’m on the Caribbean Princess going to Iceland. I was on this ship in May on a transatlantic. It was a very enjoyable cruise.

Now the food was not the best on the Transatlantic. Bruce likes rich cream soups and they had few. Also, we have not always enjoyed the meals in the dining room. And I missed the ice cream from Holland America. The food this time is better and the soups have been good. I wish they would serve different flavor ice creams. At least on this ship its only chocolate and vanilla.

The entertainment was fabulous. From the production shows to the guest singers, they really didn’t have a bad entertainer. So far the same in this trip. The only bad part is we have seen the production shows.

Activities in board were great on the crossing. We had enrichment lectures every day on murder and mayhem. Just my speed. There was music playing all the time at some venues. And they have bingo, art auctions, trivia, and game shows going on all day and night. Same us true for this sailing.

The Trawlermen was my favorite show of all time!

Our cabin was not as nice as on Holland America. Our shower curtain fell down and a bolt came out of the bathroom handle. It’s an old ship and it’s showing.

I don’t have much to say about the captain except he brought us through some rough seas. The crew was ok on the transatlantic. Our cabin steward though was not friendly. The waiters were good but not anyone we wanted to go back to. Our cabin steward now is great.

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of sickness on board so no safety protocols for health safety. No crew member telling you to washy washy as you go to the buffet.

Celebrity

The cabin on the Equinox was roomy with a couch. The bathroom was ok. Our balcony was nice.

The best part of celebrity is the escargot. Every evening. I do love that.

They do have many ice cream flavors available which I liked. Food overall was well presented and good.

The crew was great. Our cabin steward was wonderful. He was attentive and friendly. Everyone was happy to be on the ship.

The entertainment was exceptional. Its not the full Broadway experience but the singers and dancers were very talented.