THE CRUISE LINE - Holland America
We've been on five cruises, and all of them on Holland America - so, we can't compare to other lines. Our experience has been consistent. It is classy, but no where near stuffy. The staff are friendly in the extreme and are always there to help. They are ever-present but not imposing. Their ships are "mid-size", topping out at about 86,000 tons (compared to more than 200,000 from a couple of the Royal Caribbean behemoths!). I would describe the line as "quietly elegant". The ships offer enough activities while also providing an awful lot of places you can have a quiet moment and read.
THE SHIP - Zuiderdam