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overall, enjoyable, but of the more than half dozen cruises we have been on, this is at the bottom of the list. The cabin and the cabin staff were excellent; more storage than we have ever had in any stateroom. The food was passable, in comparison to other cruise lines.
We do not eat in the dining room that often. This cruise, we dined in the dining room three times. The first time, the pork chops were served with a huge steak knife. Actually, a chain saw would have worked better; really tough meat. The second time, the meal was very satisfactory. However, we ordered coffee after the meal and received empty cups after 10+ minutes and coffee another 10+ minutes; we gave up on a refill. The last evening on board we ate in the dining room and had an incredible enjoyable meal and the service was first-rate. The cafeteria did a passable job, but there seemed to be some problem EVERY morning having sufficient coffee available; strange.
DO NOT sign up for the Internet service plan. As another computer user put it: this is like watching grass grow. My suggestion, use the free WI-FI services provided by many local establishments in port. We found plenty of connections and they were definitely hi-speed.
Opt for the unlimited laundry package. It is worth it, though you will end up having your cabin staff chase missing items. Our missing items all turned up.
The bartenders on this line must be waiting for a slot in mixicologist school. The mixed drinks were incredibly bad, no matter where ordered. I'm not an expert, but I know bad when I taste it.
My hats are off to the staff that handle transfers. We ended up being the only couple in the Sheraton Airport in Rome and then moved to the Hilton after one night (availability). We were transported by van from the ship and in a limo to the airport. Now that's service. The Holland America staffer at the Sheraton even made sure we had her number, just in case there might be a problem with the pick up from the Hilton.
My advice, give yourself two or more days in Athens prior to the cruise (stay at the Marriott (the best Marriott ever! food, service, room, etc.). This will give you time to tour around Athens. The Marriott has a free shuttle to take you you into town and back. The same is true in Rome; at least 3 - 4 days are necessary to get the flavor and see much of Rome. Both the Sheraton and the Hilton have free shuttles into the center of Rome. If at the Hilton Airport, taking the train into Rome and then the Metro are options that work well, though they are not free :-)
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