i chose this cruise because i had ntaken a 35 day cruise on volendam last yr and i likedthe service. also i liked the itinerary of this cruise, and living in vancouver cruising out of san diego means a 2.5 hr flight embarkation and disembarkation smooth. customer service excellent in all dept. why 2 stars?

first. hal has always catered to retired folk and still does, but hal has changed. librarian gone. last yr on volendam libraian came to my cabin to deliver a book i had requested. knowing library was non-existant on latest ship, koningdam i asked mgr if this was a trend and was told "yes, hal was eliminating libraries on all ships."

secondly, i enjoy the spa and always rent the thermal suite. i allocate funds massage, pedicure etc. and read the daily blurb for specials. hal has discontinued advertising spa services and the spa mgr said her company was protesting because it was hurting their business. hal eliminating spa? if spa loses money why stay? Read more