My husband and I have been on more than twenty-five cruises. We had sailed with Holland America previously. Embarkation in Seattle was relatively hassle free. We arrived around 1:30 and it took us about thirty minutes to get through the line. Lines need to be adjusted to accommodate those of us who had checked in on line. Our cabin was ready and waiting for us, and within thirty minutes our luggage arrived. The cabins on the Noordam are well designed the bathroom was spacious and there was plenty of storage/hanging space. The beds were comfortable. The deck furniture was perfect, quite comfortable and very clean. Our room steward was excellent. Dining on the ship was another story. We were assigned to open seating for dining. We have experienced this before with Princess and at that time were very pleased. Each time we requested a table by a window, each time we were seated away from windows, eventhough many window tables were available. The staff that greeted us in the dining room were arrogant and difficult. The food selection could have been more varied. Many times hot foods came cool and lacked much taste. Dining room seemed under staffed and most of staff needs customer service training. About half way through our voyage we complained to hotel staff as dining room was not the only place service was almost nonexistent. We asked that our name not be given to dining room staff. Well from this point on the staff in dining hovered over us, making us very uncomfortable. Entertainment in main venue was below average in quality. Ports of call were as expected. Tours were fine and arrangements to connect with tours was hassle free.

Probable will not sail with Holland America again. One would have to question if Carnival's ownership has made the difference in the first class service we anticipated.