BACKGROUND Our first cruise with Holland America Lines. We've cruised with Princess and Royal Caribbean in the past but we found The MS Westerdam to be a very impressive ship with an outstanding crew. From the outside it looks huge, but in fact it holds fewer passengers than either of the ships we've been on before.

EMABARKATION Smooth, friendly and efficient. HAL and Port Everglades has this down to a science - Not like Port of Los Angeles (Yech!) The lifeboat drill was fast, easy to understand and organized. (painless)

OUTSTANDING SERVICE I can find nothing to complain about with any of the staff. I mean seriously - from the guys scraping and painting on deck to the Captain. Everyone is helpful and pleasant - always with a cheerful attitude. What a refreshing change from other lines. Our Stateroom steward was friendly, efficient and thorough. Our room wasn't just made up, but cleaned, replenished and organized several times a day in addition to the turn-down service. Read more