We recently completed a 15 day cruise to the Panama Canal on the Statendam. We travelled with another couple and our experience was very positive. We had a Verandah Suite and found it very spacious. The bathroom showed it's age but a real treat to have a bath-tub. The service was excellent and the staff extremely courteous and friendly at all times. We ate in the dining room, the waiters and wine steward made our vacation. The food in the dining room was varied and very good. Buffet dining in the Lido had ample selection, although we would like to have seen a larger selection of fruit.
We found plenty of activities to fill our day and particularly enjoyed the Café and again the great service. We took two of the Holland America shore excursions and they were not our highlight.
The entertainment was exceptional and we really enjoyed the cruise director. The Hal Cats (Statendam band) along with the singers and dancers was first class. Embarkation and Disembarkation was seamless, the only hold-up was customs in Fort Lauderdale but that was not the fault of Holland America.
The cabin was in need of a little attention. The couch was ripped, there were stains on the carpet, the bathroom sink was cracked and the tub a little worn. Did not think there were enough benefits in paying double. However, it certainly didn't affect our cruise. Cabin location was perfect, did hear some noise from upstairs balcony but no problem. Cabin layout perfect with lots of room for everything. Very satisfied