NCL vs. Holland America (HAL)

[Sara & Marc]

Dear Forum,

I have a question. My husband and I are contemplating a trip to Scandinavia and Russia in July or Aug. of 2006. We are in our early 30's and have never been on a cruise before. We have traveled to Europe in the past (with Contiki and Trafalgar) but have never sailed on a cruise ship. We are currently considering 2 cruises: a) 10 days cruise with Holland America (Copenhagen round trip) vs. b) 12 days cruise with NCL (London round trip). Which cruise will we enjoy the most? Is there anything we should know/ be aware of as we are planning our trip?

Thank you!

Sara

[Sandy]

Sara, of the two cruises you mentioned, I think I'd vote for NCL for you. On a 10 or 12 day trip, you'll find more young people on NCL, plus a lot of flexibility in dining.

Sandy

[thomas stanton]

Sara
I would suggest that you read as many review's on the 2 sihps that will be used for these cruises and also read as many review's as you can on the 2 cruise line's. Read the one's on this board and the many other boards that are out there and this will help you make an informed decision. hope this help's. Tom

[Ron Clark]

The Dream will sail down the Kiel Canal. The Holland America ship will not!

This is a no-brainer, I would pick the Dream on just that aspect of the cruise.

Here's the Dream's itinerary:
12 days departing May 11, 2006 on Norwegian Dream
Day 1 London (Dover), England 8:00pm
Day 2 At Sea (Cruising the Kiel Canal)
Day 3 Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany 7:00am 9:00pm
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Tallinn, Estonia 8:00am 5:00pm
Day 6 St. Petersburg, Russia 8:00am(OVERNIGHT)
Day 7 St. Petersburg, Russia 2:00pm
Day 8 Helsinki, Finland 8:00am 4:30pm
Day 9 Stockholm, Sweden 8:00am 4:30pm
(Cruising Swedish Archipelagos)
Day 10 Copenhagen, Denmark 7:00pm (OVERNIGHT)
Day 11 Copenhagen, Denmark Noon
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 London (Dover), England 6:00am