Last summer's experience on the Maasdam was so fine, that my wife and I booked a family vacation for 8/08 on the Oosterdam, planning to take our kids and celebrate my son's graduation from Law Scholl. By January, our group of four expanded to include my son's fiance and her parents. All in all, seven people, two suites, two balcony cabins on the same deck. Then a friend of my son's and his girlfriend bought a cabin, as well. And I couldn't imagine a better way to get to know the future in - laws.

We flew into Seattle two days pre-cruise, since we've never toured the city. We stayed at the Fairmont Olympic (a great hotel) and Friday morning had a personalized city tour, ending up at Pike's Market for lunch. Saturday's transfer to the boat and embarkation were smooth with HAL using one side of the building and Princess the other.

With the suite came concierge and butler service, at a much higher level than I've found on other similar vessels. This became obvious as the boat left the pier, and we had an impromptu bon voyage party on our balcony, arraigned with less than two hours notice. We also kept the concierge busy making dinner arrangements since we had flexible seating. Read more