So, you are planning a cruise to Alaska? Which cruise line should you choose?
We have traveled to Alaska on Holland America’s Ms. Volendam in June 2013 and on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder June of 2018.
Here are some of our opinions comparing Holland America’s Ms. Volendam & Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder for these wonderful vacations:
Bottom line:
Disney is a vacation powerhouse. They do things better than most. Disney has more kids & activities for those kids/families. My kids LOVED it. The adults LOVED it as well. If you go with Disney, you will be satisfied, no matter how old you are.
Holland America: My kids CRIED & SOBBED when they had to leave Club HAL for the last time. They were 11 & 8. It is VERY personal. I believe there were 30 kids all together. It was truly like summer camp. Disney doesn’t have that opportunity with sooooo many kids on board. Holland America is tailored for an entire family experience, has older guests overall, with less people and less frills and better food. (which is hard to do…, Disney has GREAT food). If you like “smaller classes”, Holland America might be the best choice for you.
Holland America’s Ms. Volendam Pro’s/Con’s:
Smaller & Quieter
Holland America’s Ms. Volendam caries 1,432 passengers & 647 crew compared to Disney Wonder’s 2,400 passengers and 950 crew.
With many kids come noises like running down the hallways or yelling during meals. It just is what it is. Holland America is quieter.
Because the Holland America ships are smaller, they can get into areas where the bigger Disney Wonder cannot go.
Less Kids
This can also be a con, especially if you have very extroverted kids, and/or if you like loud spaces and lots of action and motion.
With less kids in the Holland America’s kids area, called “Club HAL”, there is a chance to really get to know the counselors and the other kids. My kids really bonded with the other kids and counselors, and were so excited to spend time there. They would wait outside for their doors to open.
Also, the kids become special, since there are not very many of them, therefore they get special attention at dinner or with staff around the ship. The staff will play games with them and show them special things to do.
Better Food
It’s hard to beat Disney Wonder’s food, but, in my family’s opinion, Holland America’s food was a tick better.
Both have great food, so you can’t go wrong either way.
Excellent Shows
Their shows are great, and NOT Disney themed, so, there are many options. We really enjoyed the entertainment!
One Main Dining Room
This can also be a con compared to the rotating dining rooms on the Disney Wonder, but, we felt like it was nice to sit in the same place each night.
The food is superb. Dinner is taken very seriously here, it’s where they really shine. If you don’t like family dinners or sit down dinners, you can go to some other venues for dinner, but for us, this is a high light.
Disney Wonder’s Pro’s & Con’s:
- Lots of kids & kid’s activities (Pro & Con)
- Younger crowd
- Disney themed everything (Pro & Con)
- Alcohol is less noticeable
- Quiet places for adults only
Lots of kids & kid’s activities (Pro & Con)
There are many, many kids of all ages on Disney Cruises. And, Disney is ready for it! They have fully staffed areas for all ages of kids. They take safety and cleanliness very seriously, and they keep good track of each child.
The areas are AWESOME, like only Disney can do. They are impressive!
The Con here is that there are SO many kids, that being “special” or having quality time with any of the staff just can’t happen. There just isn’t enough time or manpower to make special time for each kid. You remain “one of the crowd”. This isn’t always bad, but that is a main difference between the kid’s areas from Holland America and Disney is the sheer number of kids at Disney limits their ability to spend quality time with guests.
Disney makes up for this with incredible areas.
Younger Crowd
Younger people seem to have a bit more understanding & tolerance of kids & the stress they can create. Instead of having some expectations of quiet, there is an understanding of loud. ?
Of course, it’s nice when it’s quiet, and any parent would love some quiet, but we also understand that kids are excited, and they talk loud and are curious and loud. They even walk loudly. It’s weird.
If you are excited about meeting some parents and families, there will be more families your age on a Disney Cruise than on a Holland America cruise. But, I read that this is changing…
Disney Themed Everything (Pro & Con)
For some, this is exciting, fun, ideal & represents all things good. For some, it does not.
We happen to be a Disney family, and we love the theme. But, I travel with some families who don’t like Disney and some who don’t care either way.
For the Disney lovers, it’s magical! There are Disney movies streamed in your stateroom 24/7! There are Hidden Mickey’s in many places. The music matches, the lighting, colors, smells, all Disney.
If you don’t appreciate Disney stuff, just ignore it if you can. ?
Alcohol is Less Noticeable
We take notice of this since my husband is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for over 7 years. But, one thing we noticed is how the alcohol is “contained” in the adult areas.
It’s not that there is no alcohol in public areas, just that Disney does a good job of separating the kids from the adults, especially when there is alcohol.
The adult only areas are almost hidden, just like the staff areas at the Disneyland Parks. All of a sudden, the staff are gone, and it’s like you needed a secret pass code to find a secret door.
These areas remind me of that.
Quiet Places For Adults Only
Just like with a secret password to get into the adult areas, once you find them, they are quite magical. There are very comfortable chairs, great views, blankets available for extended stays outside, nice pools, extensive bars, great coffee and chai, and the main thing….. Quiet.
My husband and I spent many hours in these areas, never to be found by our rarely-trying-to-find-us children.
It’s perfect for reading! I rarely get to read at home, so this is a treat. Plus, it’s just private and romantic, so you can have long talks without feeling heard by any other adults around.
Since Holland America’s Ms. Volendam has mostly adults, there are many of these areas, but I think Disney wins this one, since their adult areas are mysterious.
You can’t go wrong with either cruise line. If you are going, I’m jealous.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Some other Alaskan Cruise posts you might like:
