The ship is twenty-some years old but in good shape. Something like 1400 passengers makes it easy to get around. Boarding procedure was easy in Boston.. We had completed all the paperwork online. Had two bottles of wine in carry-on (as permitted). This was examined. We were in our cabin by 1pm and then up to the pool deck for a light lunch.

We like HAL in great part because of the crew. The cabin stewards and dining room servers are always friendly and efficient. There are no better on the sea. We have cruised more expensive lines, Regent, Crystal but no crews are more consistently friendly than HAL's. One difference from years ago: The stewards don't have time to chat about family. Officers tend to be from "Holland" or thereabouts. Personable but they don't mingle much.

The cabin: We booked an outside guarantee but received an upsell offer ten days before and took it. Big veranda cabin. I paced off 12x36 for the cabin (bath included) plus an 8x12 veranda. Very clean. Good condition. Twice a day service. Fresh fruit if you ask. Ice. We had room service breakfast daily. Timely and tasty. We tipped the delivery guy - the only extra tips we made onboard. Tip added to our account was $15 per day, and 15% for alcohol or sodas. One complaint: a bad plumbing smell in the hallway around cabin 6161. Lasted for three days. Read more