Originally Posted by Daringdoo
I was wondering if anyone can comment on the 'acceptability' of the more affordable NCL versus the more expensive Holland America line. We'd be looking for cleanliness, decent service from staff, lectures, on-board activities, dining experiences and so on.
Originally Posted by Hedoman
Gee whiz, you asked a specific question and received an accurate response. Look at MSC, but you should cough up the cash for Holland America
Looked like a pretty broad question asking for a comparison between two cruise lines. Not a "specific" question. "Coughing up" the cash, as you so crudely put it, is not an option. She wouldn't accept it.
Originally Posted by
greatam
Don't know what the budget is but this is a pretty good deal-$2500.00pp, 21 days, oceanview, HAL Prinsendam (one of the BEST HAL ships), Rome to Fort Lauderdale, Nov. 3. And it doesn't appear that the cruise is selling very well, so there MAY be additional price drops, especially after final payment (should be Sept 3).
Get an extra job, get siblings to chip in. Make this truly a once in a lifetime experience for you Mom. You will not regret it (from someone who is still regretting it).
Thank you for the suggestion greatam. I checked the itinerary and I can see that it's a repositioning cruise. I'm sure they'd love the first 13 days with the European ports, but I'll have to check with her about the 6 days at sea. Of course they could always 'bail out' at Portugal and fly back.... which may not be practical on several levels.
As for getting an extra job/chipping in etc.
a) She wouldn't accept it... I have tried.
b) She already knows the joys of sailing with HAL; and thusly has already experienced her "Once in a Lifetime." Unfortunately now, nothing else will compare. She's quite happy to 'down-grade' and prides herself on travelling on a budget so, while another cruise line may not be as luxurious, I'm certain there must be one/some (NCL?) that will make her happy.
c) Her main reason for taking a cruise is to have a simple mode of transportation from city to city. No more days of train hopping and lugging bags from hotel to hotel
Budget depends on several things...
How much it will cost for them to fly to Europe and back
How many days she'll get out of it
How many ports will be covered (not interested in days at sea)
Minimum 'Outside' category (ie porthole); preferably a stateroom/suite
Thank you for your thoughtful assistance.