This will be my first cruise. We are thinking of doing the mediterranean in May 2001 in either Millenium or Rotterdam. Still thinking about which cruise to take. Could anyone give us some advice? What about the food quality? We do love good food. Also what about cabins? Is there any differences in both their suites? And what extra amenities do we get if we book a suite? I know I've got many questions, blame it on first time cruisers!!! Thanks.

I have just returned from a European cruise on the ROTTERDAM with an itinerary of Baltic ports and St.Petersburg,Russia.

Whilst docked in St.Petersburg,the MILLENNIUM arrived in port, adjacent to our berth. All I can say is..the MILLENNIUM is so huge that it looks more like an office block/hotel than a cruise ship. There were close to 3000 passengers on board,apparently. And it didn't look anything special at night...whereas the ROTTERDAM looks festive EVERY night with all the lights strung all over.

I realise that looks alone does not a cruise ship make but you will have to forgive me,ps,when I say that I am positively biased when it comes to the ROTTERDAM.It is a wonderful ship which is blessed with a fabulous crew. This was my 5th cruise on her since her Inaugural World Cruise in 1998..I think that speaks for itself.

The food is always outstanding,served by the ever-smiling Indonesian dining staff.The cabins are excellent,some of the largest of all the cruise lines.

As for the age-groups....there were quite a few children(badly behaved I might add) along with many teenagers.HAL does have a program which caters to these age groups.

There were honeymooners on board and lots of younger folk,middle year folk and older...we all had a great time from what I could see.

I was amazed at the many Asians on board,whole parties of them and extremely polite and well-behaved.

So you can be sure that if you decide on the ROTTERDAM,you will be able to relax and just enjoy.

One more thing..HAL implemented another new disembarkation procedure which went SO smoothly,I never saw my luggage after it went into the truck on the dock in Copenhagen until I claimed it at Toronto Airport...amazing!!

But as Sympatico suggested...do check out the posts she mentioned.

Good luck!!

Thanks for your reply. Did you enjoy your Baltic cruise? We were thinking of that too at first, nut since I have never been to Europe and my mum has, I think Mediterranean. Do you normally get a lot of Asians on board? I am a Malaysian! Well just wondering! Thanks.

I would definitely recommend a Baltic port and St.Petersburg cruise,if only for St.Petersburg! Bearing in mind that if you plan on going ashore in St.Petersburg,under your own steam,then you will need a Russia visa. You will not be allowed past the checkpoint on the dock without a valid visa.

However,if you go on a shore excursion with the ship,then a visa is not necessary but you MUST stay with the tour group.

I enjoyed Oslo and Tallin very much,they are quite charming cities. I am sure you would like them too.

As for many Asian passengers?...there are usually a few around,some Chinese,some Japanese,even Filipino and Indonesian.As Sympatico pointed out,you would feel quite at home with the wonderful Indonesian and Filipino crew on board all of the HAL ships.

Take your pick,ps!

I'm sure Millennium looked huge, but I doubt it was caarying close to 3000 people. At double occupancy it only holds 1950. I'm not sure what it would hold with every berth filled, but I doubt its more than 2300.

I also LOVE HAL, but I'm going to give Celebrity a shot and sail Millennium. If its too big, I'll be back with HAL next cruise.

We were thinking of going to either Mediterranean or the Baltic. Still making a decision. I've read your review on the Baltic. It really sounds good! Probably we will do that. Also depending on the time we go, July is too hot for Mdeiterranean. Thanks.

The figure of 3000 was mentioned by someone who had been talking to a passenger from the MILLENNIUM....it could have included the crew.

Even so,it is still a very large ship,too large for little ole me!

TL :-))

I think we are about to have the 'big ship v small ship' argument! Both have their advantages and disadvantages. In some cases, a ship with 2000 passengers can see MORE spacious that a smaller ship with 800 passengers! However, it can be argued that small ships are more intimate and friendly.

PS, I've just returned from a Baltic cruise, on a smaller ship. The Baltic is a great itinerary if you want an active cruise with lots of interesting cities to visit. It is not a particularly relaxing itinerary, unless you choice to miss the action on shore.

(Which part of the planet do you live PS - that could have a bearing on your choice of cruise line/ship).

HAL, all the way......

I am currently staying in Australia. How does where I stay have to do with which cruise line I take?

mrblanche,
If I don't go with Celebrity or HAL which other serves good food? We are thinking whether or not fishing out the extra money to go on Crystal Symphony. I heard they serve really good food! One thing I am vary is the age group. I am only 24 although my mum is 53. Do you think I will fit in well and enjoy myself on Symphony?

Thanks for the various comments on Celebrity and Hal! It is sure useful.

ps

For example here in the UK we can cruise from Dover, Southampton or Harwich, directly to the Med and return - no need to pay the Airfare. Obviously this is NOT the case for you, although you could still choose to visit the UK/London and Cruise directly to the med with P&O, for example.

Just another idea - even if it's a wild one!

Crystal is great, from what I hear. Never been there, never done that, can't afford it, don't have the clothes for it. I don't think I'd be happy there, but I've never heard any complaints about the food there!