We wanted to try a new cruise line, and I decided on Holland. We have previously sailed on Carnival reg balcony (too blue collar!), and Princess full suite and mini suite (satisfied customers). We wanted to get a full suite on this cruise to celebrate a milestone birthday in style.

Embarkation: Was a breeze, 1st class next in line to get a gold key. Boarded the ship before the rest of the crowd. Went immediately to the Neptune lounge and met Odessa. This young lady took care of all of our extras (Specialty restaurants/cabana/spa services). The Neptune lounge was very nice, comfortable and well stocked with goodies!

Cabin: SC Suite on port transom corner. This was a far walk from the Neptune, but very quiet and private. A 55 foot long wrap around balcony is a nice thing to have! The cabin was clean and neat. Carpet was a bit worn, and the tables had a few nicks and marks, but overall satisfactory condition. The balcony was great layout, but faded cheep tables and wicker furniture was not impressive! Suit on Princess had nice real teak furnishings. The bathroom was very clean and well laid out. Towels were nice as were the robes! I liked the soap dispensers in the shower and tub. The dressing area was great for the wife to keep all of her things, with her closets in the same space. Storage was plentiful. The bed was longer than what we had on Princess which was great for me. No more feet hanging off the end of the bed! Our steward Yoga was a very nice man, and tended to all of our needs. The ships laundry was awesome! The best pressing and cleaning is found aboard cruise ships. A full size bottle of Champagne was a nice touch. Dining: Tamarind the 1st night was the best meal on the ship! Service and food was top notch. Main dining room was hit and miss, some good meals, some so so. Portions were small, and overall not as good as Princess in my opinion. Service was just OK, except night 7 which was horrible! Pinnacle grill for breakfast was quick and good. Pinnacle grill dinner was a complaint. We were charged an extra $10 to have a beef fillet and lobster tail. Probably a deal breaker for future Holland cruises! All the other cruises we have been on offered all the lobster tails you want along with anything else on the menu in the premium restaurant. Read more