I chose this cruise mainly because the timing suited me - I couldn't go until the last day of April or early May - last day of April was RCL and the ship was way too big, so it was Prinsendam or Cunard or Pulmantur - Cunard was too short, only seven days - Pulmantur was too restricted, not open dining, earliest dinner time of 7.30pm - didn't suit me, and tiny cabins. Prinsendam was a bit above my price for a balcony but I had sailed with Holland before and really enjoyed it. Once I was on board I forgot all about the price (it was paid months before) and just enjoyed it all from day one on. I enjoyed the fellow passengers, the service, the food and the ship itself - I loved the Atlantic Ocean, the sea days, and would happily go again.

The sailing was remarkably smooth given that weather conditions were at times near gale force. I loved the fact that it always felt as though I was on board a ship, not in a big plastic lined floating hotel. The ship was full, but there were never lines for anything, not for embarking and disembarking, not for the buffet or for the lifts or seating for dinner etc. The lectures were good, interesting and informative, not infomercials dumbed down. The shows were good too. Really I had no complaints. I did see things like corrosion on my balcony, and a few other spots - ships have that, and I did see some furnishings that appeared to be soon due for replacement along with a lot that were quite obviously brand new - didn't spoil it for me.

If this little old lady was planning another trip, and that grand old lady was heading that way I would be emailing my agent quick smart.