Where to begin??? My mom (from Tall, FL) and I (from DFW) were exited to cruise again together. We had been on the Holland America Zuiderdam a couple of years ago, and had a fabulous time. But enough about the competition.

Since my mom's failing health prevents her from too much walking, cruising offers a great option for us to spend face time together. Our adventure was initially dampened when the brand new luggage I'd gotten for this trip was bent beyond repair. It was an amazingly arduous process just to file a claim. I purchased a new 'set' of luggage, but they argued with me about including both pieces of the set as needing replacement. (When one shoe is ruined, is it customary to get only one replaced???? I think not!) I'd been in those very long lines four times to finally get only a damage report. They told me I'd need to file with the insurance company, if in fact, I had insurance.

This ship is amazing-there are so many things to see, just on the ship-the large amount of amazing artwork, in ADDITION to the art gallery; the walk down memory lane on the 2nd floor with all the famous people and a brief history of their infamy; along with the wonderful library and gift shops. Read more