We are very experienced cruisers (>30), but this was our first Holland America trip. We were hoping to expand our cruising options. Since we are over 55 and don't have children, the traditional HAL demographic seemed ideal. Their reputation for service was also an important consideration. Unfortunately, they did not deliver on either of these!
Embarkation was very smooth, but with one peculiar addition: a "health questionnaire." It asked a number of very direct and detailed questions concerning the passenger's bathroom experiences within the last couple of days. These questions, intended to screen passengers for gastrointestinal illness, were not only very invasive, but clinically inappropriate. The "kicker" was that it contained a notice to the effect that if you didn't answer these questions truthfully, then the Captain could kick you off the ship at the next port! Heaven help the passenger who develops a norovirus infection in the first 48 hours of the cruise, they might find themselves marooned on a Caribbean island with a bottle of Pepto Bismol! I applaud the line's desire to keep infected people off the ship, but it would be a much more effective approach to warn them ahead of time that they will have to submit to screening and to provide an easy way to self-report without dire consequences. Perhaps allow them to rebook without penalty?
The balcony cabin was very comfortable, especially the bed. The condition of the upholstery, curtains, and carpets were clearly worn and in need of replacement. The cabin steward kept the cabin clean and tidy. I have no complaint about the cabin service.