This was our third Holland American Cruise, and I have no desire to cruise with any other company. Holland America meets our desires perfectly.

In October, we embarked from Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a 14-day Panama Canal Cruise, ending up in San Diego. I only have one complaint about the airport process, and that is with the HAL luggage tags one has to print. They are very flimsy, and the HAL airport gal did not have any tape or stapler to attach them to the luggage. Luckily, I had brought some tape along!! One couple had laminated their tags, which was a smart thing to do. The boarding process at the port was very efficient, and except for the line, took very little time. Once on the ship, we went to see the maitre d' because we did not receive first seating as requested. We wound up getting the Open Seating on the Lower Level of the dining room and were, at first, disappointed with this arrangement. As it turned out, we were able to have the same time and table each night, so it was very similar to eating on the Upper Level. Our room was on the Main Deck, #611, Category K, inside cabin. I wanted an outside room, but the other couple we traveled with preferred the inside, and, in the long run, it was just fine. We were not in our staterooms very often, but I would have enjoyed seeing what the weather was doing. Our bags arrived in good time, so we were able to unpack and get changed for dinner.

We are in our early 60's and were some of the youngest passengers on this ship, so we did not encounter any rowdy behavior, etc. HAL seems to cater to this older age group. There were about 8 children, but they were never alone. (Of course, school was in session at this time.) Cabin service: Our cabin was kept immaculately clean the entire time. The stewards were very friendly, accommodating, efficient, and never intrusive. Loved the towel animals they left each night, and our ice bucket was always filled. Meals: We ate breakfast in the Lido each morning after taking our early promenade walk. We chose the Lido to help with the calorie intake! It was excellent. We ate all our other meals in the dining rooms, and I cannot rave enough about the meals to do them justice. Food -- outstanding; Service -- personable and outstanding; Wine service -- outstanding. At Sea Days: Wine tastings; Culinary Arts demonstrations; Reading in the Crow's Nest or Library; Team Trivia each day; Art Auctions; Kitchen Tour, Afternoon Teas; people watching. Read more