Although I have cruised over 20 times, this was my first one on Holland America. I chose this cruise because it was going to Cuba (2 stops). I have already been to the other ports/islands on the itinerary. I consider their private island an at sea day. The ship is old. The food and service were very good. The captain skipped one of the Cuba ports and did a at sea day instead. They bumped up the rest of the ports 1 day. Not sure why we could not go to another port or back to Havana. An at sea day provides them more money. They said the problem had to do with the generator. Could go to the other ports and stay out to see but could not go into the Cuba port. Doesn't seem right to me.

As I mentioned, food and service was very good. Activities and entertainment, not so much. They had an activities director but not much of a staff. Other than line dancing, and activities where they made money (foot analyzes, art auction, etc.), the other activities were not structured. The best activity they had was America's Test Kitchen. I highly recommend going to that, although I thought they would let you taste the food afterward.

The cabin was old and worn. Stains on the walls and rust in the bathroom. The rooms and bathroom were pretty spacious for a cruise ship. We had a picture window level room that had a full bath with shower. Read more