First let me say that this was my first HAL cruise, but I have been on many different lines and 36 cruises since first cruising in 1987. I was very apprehensive because in the past I have seen in various ports the HAL passengers and in a few occasions not only did they seem to be just about one foot in the grave but also many seemed to be in very foul moods.

I was very pleasantly surprised! Right from the beginning the service was efficient and in most cases excellent. Check in was very smooth and fast. No long lines whatsoever. We boarded about 1245pm and were directed to the Lido Restaurant as the cabins would not be open to passengers until 130pm, and that seemed unusual but I figured whatever. This would be the only time I knew how crowded the ship actually was. There were absolutely NO seats in the the restaurant or by the pool and that was pretty frustrating but when the cabins opened up the mass exodus began and we relaxed for the cruise. The ship is very nice and I think very nicely decorated. The atrium is very small and is NOT the focal point as it is on many other ships, in fact I rarely did anything in the atrium area. HAL has started a new 4 tier dinner seating and this was confusing to us, this is something that HAL needs to explain better so others don't miss their meals. The first seating are at 530p for the upper dining area and 600p for the lower are follows by 800p and 830p for second seating. The service in the dining room was very efficient and professional but with the Indonesian staff there was less getting to know our wait staff vs the International staff on other lines. We did try the Odyssey Restaurant and it was worth every penny of the $20 we paid the service was excellent and the food delicious, everyone should try it once you won't be disappointed! The food at the Lido was very good and the variety was excellent. I was impressed with the fresh squeezed orange juice and made to order eggs (any style, both are uncommon on many lines I have sailed on). The port were ok, I have been to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau many times. If you are into aviation then don't miss Maho Beach in St. Maarten for a great beach and airplanes really close up! It was my first visit to Half Moon Cay and that was a nice out island, second in my opinion only to Disney's Castaway Cay. The sand was the finest grain sand I have ever walked on! The stage shows were surprisingly good (I have seen so many review shows on board I was skeptical, but they really were pretty good). The staff on all levels was excellent, always helpful and friendly. A standout was Eugene a bar waiter in the Crow's Nest Lounge, he asked our name in the hours before sailing and then always greeted us everytime we went there for the rest of the cruise. Some negatives were the lack of choices on the in cabin TV and the vibration in the dining room, it was pretty loud making everyone talk louder than they should and making the overall volume in the room high. Our inside cabin was large and they under bed drawers are a great idea, making a great place for dirty clothes.

IN conclusion this was an excellent cruise and we are already looking at the Zuiderdam or one of her Vista sisters for our annual November cruise in 2004.