Background info: My husband and I sailed on the Eurodam July 10/2009. I own a travel agency and we are both very experienced travellers, mid thirties. This was our 7th cruise, our second with HAL. Previously we have also sailed Carnival and Royal Caribbean.The Eurodam, launched in July 2008, is currently HAL's newest ship and its first Signature class ship. It has a passenger capacity of 2044 with a crew of 929. Ship dEcor is sophisticated but also had a light and contemporary feel. Ship condition was pristine. Two features unique to the Eurodam include Tamarind, the specialty Asian fusion restaurant, and the private cabanas on the Lido deck. I would definitely recommend dining at Tamarind - fabulous food and service. The private cabanas were often empty on our sailing - perhaps due to such a port-intensive itinerary. I did find they crowded the Lido Deck a little as well. Staterooms were spacious and well appointed - although I do miss the selection of TV channels and the interactive TV functions that other lines provide, where you can check your account, book shore excursions, and see dining room menus on your TV. The food onboard the ship was excellent, both on the Lido deck and in the dining room. Taste and presentation was quite good. We dined at Canaletto, a free "speciality" restaurant offered on the Lido Deck in the evenings - it was good. Tamarind was excellent. The Pinnacle Grill was a disappointment - steaks were burned and service incredibly slow - however other guests raved about their experience so we may have been there on an "off" night.

Service throughout the ship was excellent. Everyone was accommodating and friendly; we were greeted by name by room stewards, dining staff, bartenders, etc. The exceptional service they provided was a highlight for the cruise.

There were not a huge number of activities offered onboard. The Culinary Arts Center offered show cooking and lessons.  The wine tasting was excellent, as were the mixology classes - not too long, not too formal, a lot of fun. There were also the usual art auctions, bingo, etc. I particularly appreciated the service of the travel guide on board who gave talks on each of the various ports of call, including ways to do it independently. He was also available for one-on-one talks. I appreciated the fact that it wasn't just a pushy sales talk for the ship offered shore excursions. Read more