1. Three First time Cruisers, two adults, 40's, and one 8 year old child.

2. Cruise destintion: Alaska Southbound

3. 7 Day cruise with 5 days land.

4. Early September departure.

We seem to be caught deciding between two lines/ships. Holland America Statendam or the Princess Coral. Both are close in price for about the same itinerary except we were able to get a "free" upgrade to a "deluxe verandah suite" on the Satendam. (Which looks spectacular.) The room we priced on the Coral was an "outside double with private balcony". About 1/2 the size as the suite.

The Coral has a stop in Skagway and the Statendam in Sitka. The other portions of the trip seems pretty close. Any preference of one over the other?

Are there any perks we might get on the Statendam (because of the room selection) that we may not get on the Coral?

We're concerned a little about the age of the Statendam (10 years.) The Coral is brand new. Seems a big plus to be on a brand new ship. Is this a factor? Is the Coral a much nicer ship than the Statendam?

We're leaning toward the Coral because of the Princess Wilderness lodge in Denali. Holland America puts us in the Mckinley Chalet resort which looks nice, but not as nice as the Wilderness lodge. Does anyone have experience with both these lodges?

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We seem to be caught deciding between two lines/ships. Holland America Statendam or the Princess Coral. Both are close in price for about the same itinerary except we were able to get a "free" upgrade to a "deluxe verandah suite" on the Satendam. (Which looks spectacular.) The room we priced on the Coral was an "outside double with private balcony". About 1/2 the size as the suite.

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The Coral has a stop in Skagway and the Statendam in Sitka. The other portions of the trip seems pretty close. Any preference of one over the other?

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Are there any perks we might get on the Statendam (because of the room selection) that we may not get on the Coral?

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We're concerned a little about the age of the Statendam (10 years.) The Coral is brand new. Seems a big plus to be on a brand new ship. Is this a factor? Is the Coral a much nicer ship than the Statendam?

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We're leaning toward the Coral because of the Princess Wilderness lodge in Denali. Holland America puts us in the Mckinley Chalet resort which looks nice, but not as nice as the Wilderness lodge. Does anyone have experience with both these lodges?

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Here are a few websites you might want to look at.
Coral Princess Ship Preview

Statendam Pictures

[ 01-12-2003: Message edited by: Keitaro ]

outside double with private balcony on Coral is a small balcony but they may offer a better children care center, they have a little of everything that's grate.

deluxe verandah suite on Statendam you get a real balcony and since you say you two are 40's they will have better entertainment BUT children care is not as good (children care is where you dump your kid off to have privet time)

I would go with Statendam since you get a GRATE room and there entertainment is good, but 8 year old..... I don't know, very few 8 year old go on Holland America but im not clear on that or the two ships only the company so I guess that quote "take my comments with a grain of salt" applies here.

I'd definitely go for the Coral. There is nothing like a brand new ship, especially a Princess. This ship is gorgeous! Also HAL can't compete with Princess food and service.

Sam

[ 01-12-2003: Message edited by: sam ]

Holland America is an Premium Company, Princess is Mass-Market.

I expect the Service and Food better on Holland America, the Cabin is of Course better.

Between an Deluxe Verandah Suite and an Outside Cabin is an GREAT Difference.

And 10 Years is NO AGE. I myself knew Ships with an Age of 50 Years, and it is no Problem, if they are handled properly by their Owners.

Actual we have in Germany on the Market the OCEAN MONARCH, ALBATROS, and on the International Market the STELLA SOLARIS, which are all about 50 Years old.

This is an good, classic Experience.

I've sailed with HAL. One of the reasons I don't sail with them anymore is their food, Carnival food was much better. As for Princess, even Cunard can't compete with Princess food in my opinion. RCI and Celebrity have very good food too.

Thanks so much for your opinions. The picture links were helpful. From the looks of the Statendam, the ship looks dated and worn. (Might be just the pictures, but I would assume they would have chosen the best portions of the ship to photograph.)

The Coral looks beautiful and modern.

I think the deciding factor for us is now the room difference. Holland's deluxe suite looks fabulous. I'm wondering if Princess would give me an upgraded room if I told them about the deal Holland has offered me.

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Originally posted by Jekyll:
I would say...forget both and go with Celebrity Southbound...food, accommodation and service better than either Princess or HAL and probably a VERY good price too.

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I agree! Celebrity is the best of the mass-market / premium lines IMO.

Leaving on the INFINITY to Hawaii in March. Can't wait!

[ 01-12-2003: Message edited by: gohaze ]

Princess Coral is new but you talk about Statendam being like a 30 year old ship under a cheap subsidy line of used ships !!!

I could care less about Statendam and on the other side i kinda like Princess since she looks odd outside but im biased, i like HAL and like the looks of Coral outside. (never seen inside of Coral)

Sorry Sam I jumped to the conclusion you were biased since Holland America is owned by Carnival...

I think the real thing here is you only spend so much time in the cabin even if its on a good verandah cabin. And not just the food but the room you eat it in, so is the dinning room nice since that is one room you will remember, are the activities they have fit you ? And what will the 8 year old child like since he is part of this cruise.
Also do you get more for a better cabin like on Cunard ships ?

"Holland America is an Premium Company, Princess is Mass-Market."

For your information, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), of which both Princess and Holland America are members, lists both HAL and Princess as "Premium".

Check it out for yourself at http://cruising.org/planyourcruise/findcruise.cfm

CGT

[ 01-16-2003: Message edited by: CGT ]