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 ...
We've sailed HAL 10+ times and have also been on several of the other mass-market lines. We have generally felt that HAL offered a slight edge in the food department, but this cruise was pretty bad. Everything in the Lido just seems so cheap -- we really just did not enjoy eating there much. The bread in the Lido, supposedly baked daily, was always stale. The DR was a bit better but even there, ...
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 ...
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 ...
I have purposely allowed some time to pass before writing this review.
THE SHIP AND STAFF
The review really concerns an apparently struggling cruise line, an aged ship, and a wonderful itinerary. The captain jokingly said it best when after it was mentioned the ship was 23 years old, a passenger asked him what was the effective service age of such a ship. He replied 22 years.
The ship ...
Initially, we chose this 74-day cruise based solely on the “Grand Voyage” itinerary. The ports-of-call for the cruise, most of the excursions we took, and the passengers & locals we met were great fun & exciting. However, Holland America’s cruise ship (the Volendam) was awful - and based on that we would never want to cruise w/ Holland America again or recommend the cruise line to anyone. We ...
Our 16 night repositioning cruise to Singapore started at Sydney airport where we were transported to the ship by our pre-booked transfer. Boarding was quick and efficient. The VeriFly app which we had been encouraged to use was a bit of a waste of time and not taken seriously by the check-in personnel.
The Westerdam is tastefully decorated with almost no signs of wear and tear. A big bonus ...
We purchased a Neptune suite in the rear corner, so we had good all-round views and a large veranda. The only thing that was good about this expensive cruise were the workers on board. Very good people.
Cabin - Large but many issues listed below.
Food - Good at start but got worse over the trip. The specialty restaurants were much better than the public ones.
Entertainment - Similar all ...
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 ...