Experienced senior cruisers (7 or 8 on HAL, Princess, Carnival, Regent) traveling with 40-something son and wife. Embarkation no problem, as we arrived later than the crowds (1:30) for a 4 PM sailing. Bags already in room, as we had dropped them at the airport, even though we had not booked HAL transportation.

On a couple of our last few cruises on HAL (all Caribbean)we felt like the line had slipped. Too much sales pitch, food not too good, ships a little worn. Not the case here. The sales stuff was still there (sales in the shops, art auction, port talks) but easy to ignore, as they did not hammer on it at all, and the "announcements" were kept to an absolute minimum after the initial barrage they give you before the embarkation.

Amsterdam was the cleanest ship we have ever been on, furniture, carpet, etc. in good condition, the service was absolutely top notch, and food very good and well presented. We ate in the main dining room most of the time, but had a few lunches and a couple of breakfasts in the Lido. Much enjoyed the little coffee bar near the library lounge great Irish coffee at a good price, free small sandwiches and cookies. Did not try the Pinnacle, as it is an enclosed space with no windows and did not look as nice as the main dining room. The line has attempted to create a second alternative dining spot (free) at one end of the Lido at night. It is Italian, and reservations are required. We didn't try it, but it might be something different for southern Italian food fans. It looks like it is only partially successful as alternative dining spot, since it is really just a cordoned off area of the Lido, and the Lido itself has tablecloths at night for a little nicer feel than the breakfast and lunch buffets. Read more