The first thing we noticed about HAL was how much it has changed in the 10 years since we travelled with them ....and not for the better. Our paper, cut out labels and the long wait for the HAL transfer from the airport to the ship were just the start!

We had travelled on Princedom when it was with Seabourn Sun and remembered a lovely ship. To be fair our balcony cabin was well laid out and comfortable; we were really pleased with it - the size, furnishings and good balcony size were all great. The inside of Prinsendam is generally good, but externally the ship is in a very poor condition. A lot of people commented on this from the external staircases constantly out of use, lower promonade deck out of use and ripped sunbed mattresses. The need for maintenance work externally was evident everywhere. Internally, one of the four elevators was out of action for a number of days, causing some upset to passengers less able to walk around.

The ship is due to go in to dry dock in January - I'd say this is way overdue. If Carnival/HAL take on older ships they need to ensure that they invest more in maintenance - it shouldn't be evident to passengers how little maintenance work has been carried out. However, in dry dock extra cabins are to be added to deck 8, taking up some valuable outside space. Read more