We had a Signature Suite, therefore, we embarked first and had to go to the 9th floor deck for lunch buffet. You are not allowed to select your own foods,you are served by the personal. The buffet had a lot of choices; including ice cream and desserts.
The Erodam is a circle public area which you have to walk/elevator to each floor.
The best entertainment was a live band each night at ...
We chose this cruise because we wanted a January getaway to warmer climes than included the Caribbean with a focus on the Panama Canal. We booked early when this cruise was thinly booked and received a good price and a upper floor veranda upgrade in the process.
We have travel with HAL in Alaska on a slightly smaller but similar ship and were very familiar with the ship's layout.
The Good: ...
Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise XXVII....really enjoyed this ship! Boarding was a breeze, as was our debark on the last day. Our cabin was only an ocean view and on Deck 1, but OMG, it was really roomy and comfy. We usually get balconies and really don't use them, so just the window was perfect. Our cabin stewards, Putu and Tri were awesome! So friendly, efficient and took care of us all ...
I Chose this cruise because I wanted to go to Hawaii via California. My first on a Holland ship. Generally I go on Carnival because it is more geared to my budget.
What is my favorite ship was a question I got asked a lot. My favorite is the one I am on at the time. They all have good times, entertainment, food and a place to sleep. Great vacation.
This was a beautiful ship. The ...
We were looking for a January cruise , but not Caribbean. We also wanted an embarkation port we could reach easily. San Diego was an easy direct flight. We wanted a cruise that was longer than 12 days; and finally, we had never been to Hawaii, so this itinerary checked all the boxes.
We thought the staff, particularly Leo and Juan, bartenders, Tri, our MDR waiter and our incredibly hard ...
We are frequent cruises (2-4 per year) AND long-time travelers to Hawaii, going every 3 - 4 years for the last 30 years. In a tourist-way, we feel we know the islands pretty well. We picked this trip to see if cruising might be a way to keep visiting them as we get older . The flight from the east coast is long and tiring, and I can see the time coming when we will be less comfortable driving ...
We arrived in San Diego several days ahead and stayed across from the cruise pier at the Residence Inn by Marriott. It was fun to wake up with the ship arrived outside of your hotel room window.
With six trips on Holland America ships, including the Nieuw Statendam in 2019, and great memories from previous trips to Hawaii, we thought that this would offer a perfect winter getaway. This round ...
This was our fifth time on the Koningsdam. We are four star mariners and have always enjoyed Holland America. Not this time. The embarkation was a nightmare. I've never experienced such long lines and extended wait times.
The cabin was fine, the entertainment OK, but dining was very difficult. They only have a few fixed time dining slots which go very quickly. We were left with ...
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 ...
We decided to try two things we have not yet done before, and that is a Panama itinerary and sail on Holland America. We are in our late 60's and have cruised on Carnival, RCCL, Celebrity & NCL. We have heard HAL caters to the more senior cruisers (like us). That is evident in their not including a lot of the activities such as water slides, rock climbing, laser tag, etc. I think most people ...