I was looking for a post-Christmas cruise and have spent my last 3 cruises on Holland America. The familiarity I have with the ships is very comfortable and the service, food and ship themselves are first-rate. The embarkation was very quick and painless. My stateroom (obstructed ocean-view) was ready when I boarded and the cabin attendants did a great job (seldom seen, but thorough). Dis-embarkation was easy as well, just the typical line-up.

I really enjoy HAL's food and put the servers on edge as I always ask them to choose/surprise me with my meal in the main dining room. Very seldom does it not work out, but if it the meal is not to my liking, the Lido is open.

The ports of call were not all that important to me as this was just 'down-time' from work. However, for the second straight year my fishing trip in Grand Turks was canceled. The 'Stingray Adventure' in Half Moon Cay was somewhat of a let down with the rays more or less just being fenced in. I heard stories of how it's done in Grand Turks and the two don't compare. Read more