This was my 8th. cruise on a HAL ship. My favourite has always been the Maasdam -- nice size, easy to get round. In August 2012, I took the Baltic/Northern Europe cruise on the Eurodam -- lovely ship, but for me, it is too large. Clearly I refer small to medium-sized ships.

I had always wanted to sail on the Prinsendam and as I wanted to return to St. Petersburg and see things I missed on the August 2012 visit, the July 1 Prinsendam sailing was ideal.

While the Prinsendam is somewhat tired in terms of interior decor, my cabin was very comfortable -- first walk-in closet I've had at sea. The Explorer Library was well-fitted out, lots of books, games, videos etc. and I used the computers to check my e-mails and stay in contact with my home in Canada. Read more