Having been on a number of cruises with Holland and having over 50 cruises of varying lengths we chose this one for the itinerary. While the entire trip was above average there were things like no hot water in our suite for the first week, long dinners (2.5 hrs at times) due to insufficient or lazy waitstaff, desk personnel who couldn't or wouldn't take responsibility and help, and a cruise director John who was less than stellar. On the plus side our room stewards were exceptional, the on board lectures were absolutely great, and once the hot water issue was fixed our suite was good too. The BAND was also great being able to accompany a variety of acts brought on board to entertain. The security on the ship while getting on and off was the best I've seen on any recent cruise. They were courteous and helpful, especially since I couldn't go through their scanners.

Holland America, in the past, has catered more to the crowd over 50, but now appears to be trending toward a younger crowd, at least according to the cruise director John and from what we witnessed on board. We regret this trend and feel there are other ships for families and the younger crowd to sail while maintaining a means for the older crowd to enjoy their cruise. We just may need to find another way to sail. They gave up the Neptune dance band, the singer in the crows nest, and other once cherished memories we enjoyed for those over 50. Instead they have opted for loud music, bright lights flashing into the faces of the audience and more of a disco or loud New York night club scene. The lead singers were not as strong as in the past but the dancers were good, when you could see them through the fog they constantly pumped through. There were a number of us who complained the fog made breathing more difficult, but Holland took no heed and the cruise director said it was all part of the show. The entertainers were exceptional except for the "mind reader" who constantly was speaking into his lapel microphone to his second on stage. It was almost comical he was so bad.

Before ending I must send Kudo's and best wishes to Jackson, up in the Leido. He knew my name and started making my breakfast omelet the moment he saw us. Keep it up Jackson you started every day with your ray of sunshine.