This was our second time on the OOSTERDAM...previous cruise was four years ago. We found the ship to be clean, well maintained and offering the same great HAL service that we have come to know and like aboard the ships of HAL!!! Having been on many Mexican Rivera cruises, we did not take any excursions, opting for a little on our own time which included a beautiful day at the beach in Puerto Vallarta and shopping in Cabo. We were very glad to see that the OOSTERDAM at the age of eight is looking great with crew obviously working hard to maintain the paint, carpeting and upholstery in top condition. We were also happy to find that the food in the MDR and Lido is still very good, althought the lack of trays in the Lido is a real pain in the butt...six trips back and forth to the table for breakfast is not exactly relaxing (more like a marathon) but I guess I'll learn to live with it or go to the MDR for breakfast with the rest of the Seniors!!! The Pinnacle Grill continues to be excellent...both the food and the service are well worth the twenty dollar charge (less for us 3 & 4 star people)...reserve early if you don't want to eat very early or very late as space goes quickly. This voyage was with Captain Jeroen Baijens who did an excellent job keeping us informed and docked the ship with the precision of a skilled master, never once did we feel the ship bumping against any dock!!! Kudos also go to Cruise Director Matt Ferrell who has to be one of the hardest working and friendly CD's in the fleet!!! The big "O" is off to Alaska next week for the summer season and I would not hesitate to tell you to book this great ship for your Alaskan adventure.