This was our third cruise and first time with HAL. We had a great time and would choose the Volendam and HAL again. There were no problems during embarkation or disembarkation.
We liked that it is a smaller ship and thus doesn't take too much time to learn the layout. There are however, enough public spaces. This cruise had a nice mix of ages, although we were 30 yrs. younger than our table mates for the formal nights. We only ate in the main dining room for those nights and both times the entrees were very good, but the starters were very small and nothing special. The deserts, again too small for my husband, were very good.
We ordered room service for breakfast one time when we had a very early shore excursion.
My husband picked this cabin. My main problem with it was that it was too far forward and on the curve, so although it had two large windows, my side of the bed had an angled ceiling and there was not much walking space. However, the bathroom was a good size.
We arrived late aft. and tried to walk to Stanley Park, but were too tired. Next morning we had a very good breakfast in the Gastown area and then did some shopping in the downtown area.