PASSENGER PROFILE: The age group on this ship was much older than we are, and we are in our 50's and 60's. These travelers are "seasoned" - many people were celebrating their 50th - 60th wedding anniversary. They were also very loyal to Holland America. It seemed that everyone we ran into had sailed numerous times with HAL and wouldn't even consider trying other cruise lines. Children were scarce, as were young adults and teenagers.
EMBARKATION: We were pleasantly surprised at being able to board an hour before the designated earliest time to board. There were plenty of greeters to guide us through the sign-in process; all very friendly with a good sense of humor. A gentleman with white gloves greeted us, and another greeted us at the elevator. Cabin steward, Ari, was helpful, pleasant, and quick to smile as we went to our cabin, #118. It wasn't ready yet, which was to be expected given our early arrival. We were able to enter after only waiting about 30 minutes. During our wait we ate in the Lido restaurant.
CABIN: When we went to the cabin, the luggage was already there. The cabin is roomy, but a "verandah suite" is really just a balcony-size room with an over-sized bathroom. The balcony is completely private and has a chair and chaise lounge. The cabin has a flat-screen TV, DVD player, plenty of mirrors, and a good amount of drawer space in both the nightstands and the long desk. A refrigerator is included, and is kept at a cool enough temperature, which is rare! One thing that could be improved is the lighting. Even with all the lights on in the cabin, and there are a number of them, it is difficult to read anything. The desk includes a magnifying mirror. This cabin's bathroom included a jacuzzi tub and plenty of counter space, but missing was a shelf under the sink (The Crown Princess for example, has a shelf) and a medicine cabinet, so storage in the bathroom is slim. Shampoos etc. are Elemis - top of the line, but don't smell nearly as good as the Elemis products you pay for in the spa. Waffle-weave terrycloth robes are there to use, as well as luxurious sheets, and most amazingly, large, thick, plush bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. You get a soft, medium, and semi-firm pillow on your bed. A fruit basket, filled every day, is on the desk, and a card for breakfast room service is included, which was served every morning exactly on time and exactly as ordered.