This was my 12th cruise of which 11 were Caribbean cruises and 1 was a Mediterranean cruise. I have sailed on Royal (2), Princess (3), Carnival (4) and HAL (3). Yet this was my first Southern Caribbean cruise. Stops were in Half Moon Cay, Aruba and Curacao. Three Sea Days. I usually return from non HAL cruises saying nice cruise but it wasn't Holland America. This still holds true after this particular cruise, although the Allure of the Seas came surprisingly close in July this year.

We stayed at the Westin Beach Resort the night before and we took a taxi to the terminal around 11AM. Embarkation was a breeze and we were on the boat by 11:40AM and were pleasantly surprised that the cabin was ready. We had one of the small suites on the Navigation Deck Cabin 8040, and it was perfect. Big balcony, Great bed, Lots of Storage Place and a big spacious bathroom. The room steward was pleasant and efficient. We had room service a few times and it was fast and accurate.

We had the late seating in the dining room on Deck 3, Table 26. It was a table for 6 and we lucked out that our dinnermates from NY and CO were very nice. As usual on HAL the food was very good to excellent and the service was the usual HAL standard. (Great for those of you who have not experienced HAL). Read more