We returned this past Wednesday from a marvelous cruise experience aboard the HAL Prinsendam. This was our 16th cruise, having previously cruised the Western Med.; Alaska (twice) and Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean routes on NCL, RCCL and Celebrity. We are in our mid-fifties and were travelling with another couple. Holland American and the Prinsendam impressed us in a number of ways.
Embarkation: This was as highly organized as we have ever experienced. We arrived in Amsterdam the day prior to cruising to allow for sightseeing and arrived at the port on sailing day at approximately 11:45 a.m. We were assigned an embarkation number dependent upon our time of arrival which was called in order when embarkation began promptly at 12:00 noon. This avoided a rush for the registration desk and long wait lines. Refreshments were served while we waited for our number to be called. We were registered and on the ship by 12:30 p.m.
Cabin: We frequently book a balcony. However, at the time we booked, there were none available since this ship does not have a large number of balcony cabins. We opted for a Category E Outside and were very pleased. Our roomy cabin included a walk-in closet, spacious bath with a full size tub and shower, sitting area with couch and chair, as well as the usual dressing table/storage. However, we also had a fully stocked refrigerator and mini-bar with prices the same as in the public rooms for like items and fresh fruit. The Prinsendam's cabins recently completed a fleetwide enhancement program that included new pillow-top mattresses (very comfortable), flat panel TV's and DVD players. This cabin was very comfortable and very quiet. A nice feature is the recessed entryway from the hallway to your cabin. You actually enter your cabin from the side of the cabin rather than from the back so that your door does not open onto the main hallway.