This was our second Asian voyage in two years aboard Volendam, and we enjoyed this very interesting 28-day itinerary to many of Asia's most important destinations. Our ocean view cabin on Main Deck was comfortable and spacious but showing its age. It was definitely in need of a refit. The bathroom was fine but there was mould on the shower curtain and in the grout around the tub enclosure. We spoke with others who were in similar cabins that had been refitted so expect all will be updated eventually.

HAL's dining as usual was good standard in all restaurants. We did not think the Pinnacle Grill was good enough to support the $35 pp extra charge. We enjoyed our dinner in Canaletto more. Entertainment was passable, but disappointing that all the major musical productions were repeats from Volendam presentations a year ago. Our cabin stewards were excellent, as was our waiter Axis who served us every evening in the Ocean Bar. He was the best staff member aboard in our opinion. Friendly, efficient -- one of those crew members that give HAL its reputation for superior staff. The same could not be said for the people on the Front Desk and the Tours Desk, who were continually confused and verging on inept. It doesn't matter how cheerful people are if the information they provide is wrong or they can't sort out billing issues.

We had two significant issues on this cruise: Read more