I'm 54 and retired, My wife and I where thinking about the taking the 2009 world cruise on the Rotterdam verses The Tahitian Princess. Do you have any suggestions for us.
Hi Flyingdutchman, welcome to Cruise-Chat. My first suggestion, is take me with you . But seriously, I've sailed on HAL, NCL, RCL, Carnival, Costa, and Princess. I don't work for Princess, I just think they do it best. For my taste, the food is much better. Even though the service is great on both lines, it just seems Princess, so far, as been a cut above. Maybe do a 7-10 day cruise on each line and then make your decision on which one you would rather spend that much time on board. I met the lady that has lived on board Princess for 17 years. I begged her to trade me places, but she said she was very happy as is. I'm certainly not saying I didn't enjoy HAL, just that Princess has more of a family feeling to me. Best wishes and once again, welcome aboard!
World cruises book up fast so don't wait too long. Generally HAL has an older clientele mix but on a World cruise you will have older clientele no matter which line you choose. World cruises offer "segments", so you may pick up a different age clientele for a segment of the cruise. I would make a list of the pros/cons and then make your decision. The Tahitian is a more intimate ship it carries 670 passengers, the Rotterdam carries 1,316. On a World cruise you may relish the additional people to meet. The Rotterdam will have more amenities,lounges,entertainment to choose. The Rotterdam has two pools (one covered), the Tahitian one pool. The Rotterdam was built in 1997 and has fewer balcony cabins than the Tahitian which was built in 1999. This is another reason to book early if you are looking at a balcony cabin. I would think ports of call would be important. Compare the ports of call and see which are important to you. After weighing all the pros/cons you will have to make a decision based on which ship meets your needs and personality. Both are good cruise lines and offer attentive service. Whatever your decision you are fortunate to be able to go on a World cruise.
Thank You penny3333,
I have been on 8 other cruises including NCL what kinda turned into a carnival to us. We have mixed feelings about the freestyle dining.
Anyway,, HAL was considered because I immigrated to America in 1957 on board the SS Maasdam. So my wife and I are alittle partial to speaking Dutch with the crew. We have never taken a cruise shorter than 14 days,because it takes us a couple of days to unwind. Thanks CA USA
Then HAL is perfect for you. We used to do only traditional dining, and on most other lines, that's still the only option. We do now enjoy the Anytime Dining that Princess offers because you get to meet more people. As Cruise Fanatic states, the Tahitian is smaller, so you do feel like you receive more one on one service, but there are fewer choices on board as well. Princess does have fresh water pools and hot tubs, which we enjoy more than salt water, but it's sure not a determining factor. I do hope you and your wife have a marvelous time, what a wonderful way to spend a few months. I'm trying to save to take the QM2 across the pond, then take a repositioning cruise from Venice through the Caribbean back to Ft. Lauderdale. Princess has one that is 21 days. Maybe one day we can do a world cruise, that would be so exciting. Best wishes and if you have any questions, we will do our best to answer them. Best wishes and have a wonderful time!
You may want to add Cunard to your shopping list. They also offer the world cruise and last year had by far the most attractive pricing. At one point for a short time they had a promotion on QE2, (now sold and becoming a Dubai hotel) for 103 day world cruise starting under $20k per person. Our phones blew up at the office after an article about it surfaced and the pricing climbed in hours after word got out. Then in record time it was sold out.
Haven't checked this year for similar bargains but they happen from time to time. They just don't last long when they do.
. But seriously, I've sailed on HAL, NCL, RCL, Carnival, Costa, and Princess. I don't work for Princess, I just think they do it best. For my taste, the food is much better. Even though the service is great on both lines, it just seems Princess, so far, as been a cut above. Maybe do a 7-10 day cruise on each line and then make your decision on which one you would rather spend that much time on board. I met the lady that has lived on board Princess for 17 years. I begged her to trade me places, but she said she was very happy as is. I'm certainly not saying I didn't enjoy HAL, just that Princess has more of a family feeling to me. Best wishes and once again, welcome aboard!
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