A message was sent by email the day before we were to embark on our cruise. We were already in Vancouver and did not receive this email until after the cruise. Even if we had received this message, it would have been expensive and stressful to change our flights. Holland America did not offer any refunds or assistance in making alternate plans.
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION:
Please be advised that we have been experiencing a heightened level of Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) on the ms Volendam. Therefore, the ship will follow a special cleaning and sanitizing protocol developed in conjunction with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prior to our departure from Vancouver, Canada, on September 17, 2014. Consequently, embarkation will begin at approximately 1:00pm for a 4:00pm departure. Our guests are encouraged to delay their arrival at the pier until 1:00pm, as there is limited seating at the Vancouver facility. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
The bathroom smelled of mildew, there were no electrical outlets in the bathroom. After flushing the toilet made a loud unexpected honking noise which would make you jump. The hair dryer overheated and was too hot to hold. There was only one electrical outlet in the cabin. The TV had a blurry picture. We were not allowed to borrow DVDs or books because of the germs