The Cruisers: we are a retired professional couple around age 70, having cruised for more than 30 years on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Viking, and Princess (Elite status). We felt we were aging out of Princess and thought this would be a good time to try HAL. We sailed on a 14 day Caribbean cruise (10 ports)on the Volendam 3/18/23 to 4/1/23.
The Ship: the Volendam is an older ship that was ...
I have been on several HAL cruises before and really felt like this was my cruise line. One thing Eurodam had that I loved was their library. It was expanded quite alot and had very current authors and books. I and other passengers loved this amenity.
I had recently been on a Nieuw Amsterdam ship (Nov 2022) and my husband and I really enjoyed it. Food and entertainment were just as good as ...
We normally cruise in Jan or Feb but this date, cruise and itinerary worked for us. The ship was sailing close to 100% full. Lots of people and small kids on spring break. Youngest crowd I can ever remember for Holland America ship. Probably just the timing with spring break, it didn't effect our cruise in anyway just caught us by surprise. The ship is showing it's age but has been kept up pretty ...
As a 4 Star Mariner, I expected more (or at minimum at least what I have experienced over the last 20 years on HAL). Embarkation was fine. Cabin was ready when we arrived- suite with ample storage and a nice balcony. Lido pool always overcrowded- especially on days at sea. Seaview pool is nice except for the non stop cigarette smoke. The food in the dining room was mediocre on day one...slowly ...
We're 3-Star Mariners. Probably would've been 4-Star by now, but for Covid. This was our first cruise in 4 years, aboard one of our favourite ships, the NA. We had grown accustomed to the wonderful HAL service (great crew), fine cuisine, enjoyable entertainment, and superb efficiency.
The good: the staff - cabin stewards, dining room, buffet. un-endingly cheerful and accommodating. HAL nails ...
We wanted to experience the Panama Canal and my travel agent suggested Holland America (HAL). Our previous cruises had been on Regent, Celebrity, and Crystal and it seemed like a good fit. Don't get me wrong, we had a really good time, but there were some things about the cruise, and HAL's policies, that subtract from the experience. Our cabin needed a serious upgrade as the carpet was completely ...
First of all this was a 7 day Caribbean cruise not a 14 day cruise. My wife and I weren't planning on a HAL cruise
but couldn't pass up the price or all the perks that were offered. The ship was not filled with elderly like many think
HAL cruises are. There was a lot of seniors on board but there was also lots of middle age couples and quite a few
younger couples.
Embarkation went ...
I chose this cruise as an option. I was offered by Holland America . The employees on the ship were doing the best that they could although I think most of them were brand new. The main reason for my review is the “orange package”. It was not what it appeared to be. Getting on and off the ship it worked wonderfully, but on the ship not so much. There was not a dedicated line for shore excursions ...
This was the first time I have travelled with Holland America Line, I had booked a South Pacific cruise, but due to constant changes to both the itinerary and ship I requested a cancelation and refund. I was unable to cancel and get a refund but was offered a change to booking.
I changed the booking to a 21 day Caribbean cruise on HAL Rotterdam.
The ship is new, the décor and the art work ...
This trip was all about the 33 ports and Antarctica. HAL is recovering from COVID like everyone but they seem to expect pre COVID world to return. Nice if incompetent staff. Many things done superbly and just as many SNAFU'S. 5 star passengers who waited many days with no hot water, heat or flushing toilet. I was lucky as cabin worked well throughout the journey. Overpriced spa, who pays $245 for ...