We were very late booking this 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise, due to the uncertainty of medical issues. So we didn't choose it for its itinerary, and I don't prefer 7 day cruises, as they seem too short given the expense of flying from Canada to Florida. But this is all that was available that appealed to us, so we took it. Our travel agent was told that the only Verandahs left were on Deck 11, and we were assigned one. When we checked on it, we found out that it really wasn't a normal Verandah - just a French verandah like you would find on a river ship. This was definitely not satisfactory, and I would have been very upset when we embarked to find this, if we hadn't discovered it by ourselves. So then we were told we would have to take a Signature Suite on a Guarantee basis, at the outrageous extra cost of over C$1900 for the two of us.

When we embarked, our so-called suite was quite a disappointment - barely bigger than a normal Verandah, except for the Bathroom, with a very narrow balcony, and it was located right next to the glass elevators, so riders could see us on our balcony if they really wanted to. In fact our Stateroom Steward informed us it wasn't a Suite when we asked where some of the amenities were that are supposed to come with a Suite, like fresh flowers and binoculars. He changed his mind the next day as the flowers and binoculars magically appeared. But we had to get over these disappointments, which really had more to do with the poor value we got for the extra $$ we were forced to pay to get a room with outside access. Otherwise the room and the cruise were fantastic.

We found out soon after boarding that almost half of the ship was taken by people who were taking a Gospel singing cruise. It affected evening dining choices and the entertainment normally held in the Mainstage theatre. We normally have Fixed Seating Early, but this supposedly wasn't available when we booked, so we were assigned Anytime Dining. In fact, they were begging for people to dine early, as the Gospel singing crowd all ate at once at 8 pm. So the Hotel Manager, who we met shortly after embarkation, kindly got us a nice table for 2 at 5:30 each night, and as well I am sure was behind the Captain sending us flowers and Chocolate dipped strawberries on our 15th anniversary, on Valentines Day. We were very pleased with the food overall. Holland America seems to have really stepped up their game on the quality of beef they serve. I had learned to avoid it on recent HAL cruises, but our excellent Dining Room Steward Ezza strongly recommended the Prime Rib both nights it was served, and it was fantastic. Also the Filet that came with the Surf and Turf. We also ate one dinner each in the Canaletto, which was a gift from our Travel Agent (would never go there on our own initiative) and in the Tamarind, which was our Anniversary meal. The Canaletto was disappointing as it has been on every time in the past we have tried it, and the Tamarind was the highlight of the cruise, foodwise. Excellent service, food and ambiance. Read more