This was our fourth cruise and second on HAL. In most ways, we can't wait to return to the Caribbean and to the Eurodam. We took the late offer (10 days before sailing) to upgrade to the Neptune (deluxe veranda) level suite, and it's worth the money for the extra room and amenities. The Eurodam, at 6 years old, shows only minor aging signs and is in very good shape. The ship holds over 2000 guests, and I was told that the ship was full, but you wouldn't know it. The public rooms, the hallways and the elevators were all in scale to the crowd.

The service was excellent. Each service person I encountered, from housekeeping to dining to cleaning staff, was kind and courteous. Most remembered me by name, an indication of training and skill. The cruise director, JT, was entertaining without being over the top. Embarkation and disembarkation at Port Everglades was smooth. We've learned to arrive and depart behind the crowd. That is, about two hours after starting time, the big lines and waiting times are gone. We just walked on and off the ship with ease.

Dining was very good. We dined most nights in the main dining hall. We had a very good table for two in the early seating, and the food was mostly hits with a few misses. In that environment, I try to take the attitude that they are serving 500 people plus at once from a single kitchen. You can't expect the same level that you would from a high end bistro. That considered, the food and service was superb. We dined one night at Pinnacle, and it was outstanding with the exception of an overdone steak, a rookie mistake that marred an otherwise top notch experience. Also outstanding was the Canaletto Italian restaurant, a bargain at $10 upcharge. The Tamarind for lunch was equally good. Read more