Holland or Princess
 

My husband and I are looking for take a cruise in Jan or Feb. We are looking at the partial Panama Canal cruise. It's round trip from Ft Lauderdale. Both Holland America and Princess offer this cruise...but not sure which cruise line would be better. Anyone take that cruise?

Did that cruise for Christmas & New Years last yr. we were on Holland & would go again.

Took the partial Panama Canal cruise a few years ago on Princess, which we loved. Really, cab1948, it depends on what you are looking for in a cruise. Do you want a casual approach to mealtimes in the dining rooms? Do you like to "dress" for dinner? They are very different cruise lines. Once you decide what you like, deciding which cruise line will be easy.

Panama Canal
 

My husband feels more comfortable dressing casually and we do like the idea of dining anytime we want....I guess you've helped me make up my mind. We only took one other cruise about 5years ago ( I was still working) and we really enjoyed it. Now, that we are both retired and have alot of time, we would love to enjoy cruising more.....was looking at the Rocky & Rollers cruise but wasn't that happy with the ports they are stopping at.

For us, size of ship is the most important factor

We prefer HAL as the ships tend to have far less passengers

Most dining on HAL is now "anytime" and the dress code is "smart casual" most evenings - even on formal nights, very few wear anything smarter than a jacket

Did that cruise on the Zuiderdam 2 years ago. We are huge Princess fans and I was so reluctant to try Holland America. Zuiderdam was an older ship, cruisers were older, buffet area good, food wonderful but the sevice was outstanding!!!!!! Princess is for us, younger crowd, great food, good buffet and nightlife better than HA if that's what's important. The cruise director on HA was the best I ever met. His name is Gene and was very approachable and sweet.

Both are terrific for different reasons. Going on the Princess Ruby right after Thanksgiving. Try 'em both! Good Luck!!!!!

We did it a few years ago, loved it, went with Princess. Get ready for the heat.

We cruised Caribbean Princess and HAL Oosterdam. Hardly a bit of difference, in my opinion. If I had to choose, I would probably pick Princess, but can't really explain why...Best suggestion was to try them both. Can't really go wrong. I think cruising is the BEST part of retirement!!!:)

Of course, once you find a line you like, it's a better value to keep cruising with the same line (usually). You get discounts and upgrades for repeat cruises.

we are "regular" cruisers.....we did the Panama round trip via Ft. Lauderdale .....10 days.

Our vote without hesitation, is Princess. They do offer anytime dining (most lines do now), along with traditional. On any cruise the so called formal nights are optional. There is no requirement to dress formal.

The size of the ships used in the Panama canal are dictated, obviously by the width of the canal...hence you will find all the ships that go through the canal to about the same size....they will all be 105 feet or less wide and they can only vary the length so much per foot of beam (width).

In our opinion, Princess is one of the most consistent level of quality and service cruise lines of all we have used.

btk

We've taken many cruises, Holland, Celebrity, Carnival, Costa. We highly recommend Holland. Their service, food, port selections are all top shelf.

Not knowing anything about your likes and dislikes hard to give you an answer. We always use Holland but I not heard of any problems with the Princes. I would look at each port and the excursions offered and pick what I like best. I could also see taking the least expensive. Take a look at Cruise Critic Message Boards and do some searches. You will get a variety of opinions.

If you're thinking about cruising you certainly want to join "Cruise Critics". They've got over 300,000 members and reviews on any ship you might like information on. If you have a question you post it on the board and the answers will flow in. It's a snap to join and I would highly recommend it to anyone that cruises.:eclipsee_gold_cup:
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We went to the Panama Canal on HA on one of those "dam" ships, the Zuiderdam. Had a fantastic cruise. I do agree the passengers were for the most part older. My advise is to get the very best cabin you can afford. We splurged and got a veranda cabin on the back of the ship, one of the best cruise decisions we've ever made. Going through the lock system, on our own veranda with coffee and danish, we could see it all. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful experience!

Change of plans
 

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions.....BUT there has been a little change of plans....we are going on a cruise but to the Caribbean...Grand Princess St Thomas, St Maarten, Puerto Rico and their private island....Leaving Jan 19th ....so if any other Villagers are going would love to meet up for some fun!!

cab1948:

Sorry to be late in giving my two cents worth, since it's now academic, but you may store my thoughts for another year!

I've done the 'partial' canal three times. Twice on Holland America (HAL), once on Princess. I am partial to both lines, regardless of the itinerary, as they both provide wonderful service, especially for us seniors!"

It is true that you may be able to find a smaller - i.e., less crowded - ship on HAL than on Princess, but that shouldn't necessarily dictate your decision.

For what it's worth, I have 50 nights aboard Princess ships, 76 aboard HAL.

With another 19 booked on Princess, and another 7 on HAL.

SWR
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