After asking my travel agent to book us on one of Holland America's newer Vista class ships, I immediately started to regret it after reading all the horrible reviews from last December's Norovirus disaster on the Oosterdam. Then the azipod was out, and I wasn't sure we had made the right decision, but the airline tickets were bought, and we would just hope for the best.

Then we started reading about the Oosterdam from various Cruise Critic members and hearing about the wave. Thanks to everyone, we started looking more and more forward to our cruise to Alaska. This would be our third time to the Great White North, first back in 1993 on Rotterdam V, then in 2005 on Zaandam. On the Rotterdam V, we were with a large group that took over the whole ship for 11 days, so there were a few firsts on that cruise including Rotterdam's first stop in Skagway and the first time she cruised through the Misty Fjords. That was a sight with the sheer walls and waterfalls outside, while we had tea in the Queen's Lounge watching it all go by. While there is nothing like dancing in the Ritz Lounge on the Rotterdam V, we were ready for a new adventure on the Oosterdam.

Susan and I are in love with the Big Band era and the essence of old fashioned cruising. My great grandmother and other relatives came to America, then Canada on the Queen Mary, so we have spent many a happy evenings on board her now that she is in Long Beach (they put on a great New Year's Eve party). She reminds us of days gone by and a time period we really enjoy. Between the Big Band, Jazz, and Art Deco, we enjoy that period. I only bring this up, as we are a pretty unique couple and know that Holland America doesn't represent the typical interests of everyone. So many of our friends are looking for an all night party on a cruise. While Holland America is a party at sea, it's a party that like Cinderella's ball is pretty much over by midnight (if not before). Even the ship exudes old sailing charm with that dark blue hull and gleaming white top. If it is an escape you are after on a cruise, the escape on a Holland America ship is an escape into civility, calm, and serenity. It's not everyone's cup of tea, in fact lots don't even drink tea, but to us it suits us perfectly. So if you are looking for a retreat into another world, where passengers get dressed for dinner, where people say hello in the hallway, and where you start up conversations with people you have never met before, then Holland America may be the cruise line for you. Read more