This was our first cruise in 7 years, so things have changed a bit. We have sailed with Holland America before and been quite happy. This time we did Alaska, round trip out of Seattle (we live in Western Washington). Left our car at the SeaTac Masterpark lot and caught Shuttle Express from the airport to the cruise terminal. Saved some hassle going, but coming back we had to stand in line with everyone else who was trying to take Shuttle Express, whether they had a reservation or not (we did). Ended up waiting about 15-20 minutes to get on a shuttle that was totally full, but it could have been a longer wait.

At the cruise terminal, we stood in line about 20 minutes to get signed in and then headed to the Lido for lunch. We had been told our cabin (4101) wouldn't be ready until about 1-1:30. It was indeed ready then, very neatly made up and clean. It is supposed to be a "larger" cabin, but was smaller then I expected, though when I saw a "standard" size cabin later, ours was bigger. We had great staff taking care of our room, only had to ask for something to get it. I love getting fresh towels 3 times a day.

Food in the Lido was ok, though I admit I loved the soft serve ice cream at lunch. Trying to find a seat was a pain most days and for anyone paying extra to eat in the Italian restaurant, be warned it is only part of the Lido dressed up with linen napkins, glassware and waiters. Dinner in the Vista dining room was inconsistent in quality, tho never bad. One night filet mignon was wonderful, two days later it was just so-so. A lot of confusion sitting people, I'm not sure why. Also, I know I'm not continental, but I think 1 1/2 - 2 hours every night for dinner is a bit much, especially when some of the dishes brought out were wrong. Read more