We took the first cruise after the Statendam had completed its 'Signature of Excellence' refit. It was our second Inside Passage cruise and we were concerned some of the "magic" might be lost -- it definitely wasn't. My wife and I would happily step on board again tomorrow -- especially with Holland America.

The crew are friendly and helpful, just as advertised. I think I only once heard someone "grizzle" about a crew member being less than helpful, and that was an extreme circumstance. (The guest ordered a drink, then changed his mind when it was delivered and wanted something different -- without paying for the first drink! Naturally, the waiter was a little nonplussed. Then there was the lady who loudly complained that the Pool Deck was "too cold"! Had she bothered to look up, she would have seen the sliding roof was open because the salmon barbecue was on ...)

The ship is comfortable and the upgrades in terms of beds, bedding, linen etc. are well worth it. The flat-screen TV and DVD player are ... well, I went there to enjoy the scenery, not watch TV, but everyone's different I guess. The ship, like all HAL ships, was clean, polished, warm and inviting. They are "home-like" in many ways -- not floating gin palaces like some of their flashier cousins! I find the Statendam to be a warm and somehow comforting ship. Read more