Out of 7 cruises this was the absolute best. I am not sure why but partly it was due to the friendliness of the passengers as well as the crew. We stayed in San Diego for a couple of days. Went to the zoo on the hottest day of the year but still had fun. Did a dinner cruise in the evening. The hotel shuttle took us everywhere including out to a restaurant and then picked us up when we were finished. This cruise we had a cabin in D with a window. Most of the people we met were all in the same area.We are fans of anytime dining but Holland America offers both to passengers. Our cabin was clean and comfortable and our stewards took very good care of us. We asked for a fan the first day and that helps keep the air circulating. We met many interesting people from different countries and enjoyed their company. Formed a group of six called Oliver Twist and played mega trivia every day. Lots of good competition and lively games. Our son had written to Holland America saying it was Bills 70th birthday, he had worked on a P and O line as a young man and would be honored to sit at the captains table. This actually happened and was a great evening. Bill is from Scotland and purchased a full kilt outfit to wear for the formal nights. Whenever he wore the kilt people would smile at us. Hawaii was better this time than the first time because of the tours we booked. We saw much more and my absolute favorite was the hollywood tour in Narwilliwilli. It is overpriced but for a movie buff great. Next year we plan to do the same trip but Vancouver to Vancouver. I just want to say to Jim our cruise critic leader that he did an excellent job in the singing contest and to me should have won.I guess I cannot say enough positives about everyone involved. Michael the cruise director was great directing the activities as was Laura the party planner from Ottawa. We found the ship in good shape. The entertainment did not draw us to the shows but the Adagio quartet in the lounge was great.Disembarkation was so smooth we were off the ship and at the airport before we knew it. It is almost a week later and we still feel the glow of the trip. Thanks Captain de Boer and all of your staff Bill and Sandy
Our cabin was clean quiet and roomy enough for us. I prefer a balcony but cannot always afford one. We had one day of high seas and we slept without any problem.