Gathering your questions via email and text, we occasionally answer those commonly asked here, with permission.

Question: So both ships have been christened now and I want to know which is better, Celebrity Edge or Holland America Statendam. Call it -Roger C- Tulsa

Not possible really Roger, other than both Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line commonly refer to themselves, and are referred to, as Premium Cruise Lines. I’ll add a bit more detail and say Premium Big Ship Cruise Line. Here are thoughts on both.

There are ships in every size that fit “Premium”. Nieuw Statendam seems to have evolved the Premium category to mean far more than the elegant ships of a line storied in history.

To the point: The Holland America experience today moves the psychographic focus in both directions with all they were before dead center to anchor ambitious plans.

Holland America Club Orange Brings Bonus Benefits, Amenities

I have never seen a cruise line implement such herculean, progressive and inclusive change in such a short period of time. Compared to the Holland America Line of a few years ago, this is a whole new ballgame where hitting stuff out of the park is where they begin. On really big ships. Roger: this one is a safe bet.

Celebrity Cruises made bold moves with the introduction of Celebrity Edge and a new class of ships. Reminiscent of bold design statements seen at the introduction of Norwegian Epic. Different here, these features work. Sort of. The Magic Carpet is not a ride from the top deck to the ocean below. There are a few other nonsensical features but enough other things go well that it all make sense. Sort of. My best overall takeaway from Celebrity Edge is easy.

Bravo Celebrity for taking some chances. Not a lot has been going on there since Solstice class.

15 Celebrity Edge Favorite Features

Still, Celebrity Concierge Class debuted with high praise and gets it still today. I like that Celebrity is taking a chance at a time when business is so very good. Super exciting is how this will end. Roger, you’re safe here too if you go in with an open mind and/or are good with the wow-worthy attractions on sister-line Royal Caribbean. There’s a bit of ideology crossover now.

Now the idea is in service and in the hands of a very capable hotel operation. This will be fun to watch.