Nowadays, most cabins are built at a factory and slotted in at the shipyard, resulting in identical accommodations across ships, fleets and even cruise lines. Prinsendam is unique in that its cabins aren't pre-fabricated -- and so some staterooms are irregularly shaped. Prinsendam does boast the usual range of staterooms and suites: inside, outside and verandah categories are represented, all typically a bit smaller than those on the line's newer ships.
The ship has a 38 percent ratio of cabins with balconies, which is a low number these days, but it's important to note that Prinsendam was built a good decade before balconies became a common feature. If you prefer balcony cabins, it's best to book early, as staterooms with verandahs sell out quickly.
Many cabin categories on the Prinsendam feature walk-in closets. And, a good number of even the smallest-sized cabins have generous bathrooms, with full-length tubs, upgraded fixtures and color schemes. Another nice touch: The line offers single cabins, which means passengers traveling solo are not forced to book a double stateroom (and pay the extra surcharge).
Suites, of course, offer additional amenities, including separate sleeping and living areas, curved sofas with large coffee tables, and longer verandahs. The bathrooms in Superior Verandah Suites encompass two areas connected by a door; one side contains a large tub and sink, the other a toilet and sink. This ingenious design certainly eases the "getting ready for dinner" rush. Holland America has built some special garden villa cabins out onto the Promenade's Aft Deck; these "lanai" cabins have semiprivate terraces, surrounded by glass. Passengers who book these cabins have sole use of this particular aft area's amenities, which include tables for al fresco dining and a whirlpool.
On this ship, it really does pay to splurge on more expensive accommodations. Higher priced digs come with use of the Neptune Lounge, which occupies a lovely space, featuring stained glass insets -- not to mention all-day coffee, tea and snack services; newspapers; a private library with books and games; and an excellent selection of Lonely Planet guidebooks. The Neptune Lounge also has its own verandah -- it runs right up to the edge of the bridge.
Verandah stateroom #153 was quiet and comfortable. Midship location meant smooth sailing. The closet space was ample, but there was only one electrical outlet.
We enjoyed the verandah, but the furnishings in the room were tired and scuffed. My husband kept hitting...continue
Stateroom (I187) was small but adequate, however it was directly above the Wanjang Theatre which unknown to us screened loud action movies till midnight in some cases (usually to an audience of three to five passengers). Our complaints resulted in some lowering of the...continue
