This was our first cruise and probably our last on the Prinsendam. We have been on 3 other Holland America ships and really enjoyed the ship and the customer service, but sadly not this time.

For being Holland America's Flagship, it is a "tired" ship. The whirlpools' finish has eroded, there is more rust showing than their other ships, the carpet in our "Superior Suite" had a run in it and when the touched up the wall with paint, it didn't match, the metallic finish on the door handles in the Spa had mostly fallen off. The crew was constantly working on the ship and painting, but it really requires a more major overhaul.

As for service in the dinning room this was the most disappointing. We had to ask for refills on water, we waited a couple times for over a half an hour for the next course in the meal. One of the folks at our table was brought a plate full of just noodles when the menu called for the item to have a cream sauce with chicken (I believe was the meat) and the waiter never even apologized when he said, take this back please. One meal I ordered a baked potato and the vegetables for my entree. When the main course finally came after 25 minutes of waiting, all I received was a plate of steamed vegetables. By the time I was brought the potato, my wife had nearly finished and my vegetables were cold and again no apology. Read more