We sailed on the Oosterdam Nov. 17-24, western Caribbean. This was our first time with Holland America having travelled with a variety of other lines. Boarding the ship was well organized but we were really surprised to be able to access our cabin immediately. Every other cruise line we have travelled with, we learned that cabins would not be available for 2-3 hours after boarding. The oceanview cabin was relatively spacious and had lots of closet and storage space. The bathroom, with a tub/shower combination, was much more comfortable than some other tiny, barely-fit-in-the-shower experiences we have had. The beds were so comfortable that I’d bring one home and replace our current, expensive mattress.

Some reviews I had read worried me that this ship would present as old and needing some face-lifts. What we found instead was classic, elegant and refined. Every public space was like a very high-end hotel. The bars were truly relaxing areas to have a drink and enjoy private conversation in quiet environments.

I was led to believe that very senior citizens are the primary clientele of Holland America but this was not at all the case on this trip. There was a broad range of ages, including some families with children. Perhaps most surprising, the pool areas were never clogged with people. We could always find deck chairs together as opposed to finding dozens of empty chairs with towels left on them for hours at a time. We have cruised on one of the new mega ships and will never do that again. Read more