I love the sea and a cruise. This was number 14, and my third trip to Alaska. My first time was booked on Sitmar, to become Princess by the time we sailed, second on Princess, and my first time on Holland America. I decided to try Holland, as they promote a more "traditional" cruise. I believe they are. Some people will say the ship is "dated", nope, it is traditional. It is not filled with formica and plastic, but more wood, teak, brass, glass and art, but it is traditional. Everywhere you look, fresh flowers, and beautiful arrangements, lots of them! A different look on every floor, you may not want it in your home, but really fun. The crystal ship chandelier is an eyecatcher, along with the great view as you go up and down in the outside glass elevators!

The food was good, with some meals being excellent, and some needing a little more work, but overall, they did a nice job. If you've never cruised, don't be surprised to find some odd sounding dishes, soups and salads, but get out of your comfort zone and try something new, you might be surprised. If you don't like it, they'll bring you something else. There are always "vanilla" dishes for those of you who are not daring enough to try something new. I have diet restrictions, and can be disappointed at times, but considering the total experience, they are a strong B+.

I did not find the ship crowded, in fact I thought the use of space was quite clever. There are many bars, lounges tucked into nooks and crannies that gave you the feeling of a small ship, even though it carries just under 2,000 passengers. I prefer smaller ships, and in today's world, this is a smaller ship. Remember some lines carry in excess of 6,000 passengers today on their "barges" they don't seem like ships to me. My first cruise was on a ship that carried just over 300 passengers, so I know what a small ship is like. It is all a trade off, the larger the ship, the more options that can be provided, on a 300 passenger ship, there are more parlor type games, and certainly no casino. There is more one on one entertainment, and there was no internet. So as much as I love the "good ole days" you have to appreciate the shops, classes, activities, spa, views and options that come with a larger ship. Today, I think this ship is as close to perfect taking the best from the old and combining with the new. Read more