Food was ever better than previous HAL cruises and we have done many (almost 5 star). Service was excellent and as delightful as ever. I understand that sometimes the 'open dining tables had slower than usual service, but during the set dining the service was excellent. The Oosterdam has been partly reno'ed (I understand the suites, although we did not stay in one), the Lido was super and so were the many lounges and bars: all new furniture and fixtures. The cabins all now have wall-mounted flat screen tv's and the range of free movies, news, music, etc. was very good.

Lido hours extended which was nice when returning from shore for a late lunch. A new addition which was a GREAT hit, was the new salad bar and they serve you in very large salad bowls with an amazing array of choices. What many cruisers don't know, but we do, if there is something that you fancy that is not being served, you can order it and they will make it specially for you.

We found the entertainment good to very good and very varied. We have never liked and including this cruise, the shows with the singers and dancers. They are far too loud and we dislike the high-pitched female singers in particular. I did ask for the pre-show music to be turned down and they finally did that. Yes, the crowd is older on HAL but with or without hearing aids, the music doe NOT have to be deafening. My only only negative comment would be the choice of music. When reading unstairs in the Crow's Nest and where the reading room is now located adjacent to the Explorers Cafe, the music is annoying. Sometimes the young 'teckkies' see to think that cruisers enjoy rap music, but I can assure you most do not.