I travelled with my family (daughter, son-in-law and two of my grandchildren). I had no idea what cruise line to choose, having never cruised before. They picked HAL, and said it would be more my style. We booked two VD cabins on the upper promonade deck, but later upgraded to an SY and SB cabin on the upper veranda.

Check-in began at noon or 1pm, but we didn't show up until a little after two. We were able to walk right up and check in. We checked out our cabins - I was impressed, and my son-in-law (with the SB cabin) was very impressed. We walked around awhile, and checked out the crows nest, and at 4pm we were on deck as the Oosterdam left Seattle. During the next seven days, I was totally pleased by the cabin, the service, the food, even the weather. As much as it rains in that part of the world, for us the sun shone every day. I've read other reviews by travelers on the same voyage, maybe it's all just luck -- we had a great cabin with no problems, our steward was friendly and attentive, the dining room service was wonderful (maybe just a little slow, but what's time when you're on vacation). I had a massage at the spa, and it was lovely, except for the sales pitch to buy products.

We attended some of the shows in the Vista Lounge, they were nice, but not Vegas quality. Still, as I said, they were entertaining. There were not LOTS of kids on board, but enough so that my grandchildren made friends to swim, and play with. They enjoyed Club Hal, for the most part. If I have the opportunity, I will definately sail the Oosterdam again!