Rotterdam Review
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The main reason we chose this cruise was for the size of the ship as we wanted a relaxing cruise, not with a large crowd. We had sailed on HAL once before in 2011. We were tired of the party people on Carnival. (Yes, we are older but not dead!) The embarkation was a little confusing but once we were moving, it went fairly well.
I want to really rave about the Lido Market. First, the table had a little orchid flower (real). The silver was wrapped in nice cloth napkins (do not believe we saw paper napkins anywhere on the ship). For breakfast, cups, creamer in small silver pitcher, and water glasses on the table. Enough servers that you do not have to wait for coffee or juice but a minute. Even if you did not get a window seat, you have a nice view anywhere you sat. One side did open about 30 minutes before the other. It is buffet but they serve you (at all meals) instead of you having to dish it up. They have menus for each section as to what they are serving. I had Eggs Benedict (excellent) several mornings. Omelettes, scrambled, fried, poached, etc. They are very well trained, not long lines serving you. We had prime rib and steak there also. We ate most of all our meals there. As good or better than dining room. The dining room is nice and very good service, we just like our choices better on Lido.
There is a pizza stand on the aft deck, on main pool deck is Dive In, hamburger and Nathan hot dogs (all good) with other stuff. You need to watch the time on serving as pizza closes at 8 pm, Dive In at 5pm, Lido closes at 8pm and usually opens back up for an hour at 10:30 pm. In room (room service is 24 hours, with a limited menu.
Cabin Review
Spa Verandah Suite
As soon as we boarded, we were told our rooms were ready and lunch on Lido Market. Took our carry on to room on the Verandah Deck (6), close to front elevators.. We had asked for twins and they were! Our wonderful room steward, Dedi, asked if that is what we wanted. He was so pleasant. We asked for extra ice as we drink a lot of ice water. He kept us with ice. Never had to call him for anything. Balcony was nice with small table, 2 reclining chairs with stools that slide under the chair if you don't want to use them.
The TV is small and not much choice on channels but we were not there to watch TV. Had a sofa (believe it is a sleeper), glass top coffee table, chair at dresser,desk with mirror and 2 way magnifying mirror with hair dryer in drawer. It has a safe, refrig, mini bar, plenty of drawers and closets (good deal of hangers), 2 night stands. Wine glasses (2 smaller and 2 larger). Also, a little fresh flower in the room.
The bathroom has a whirlpool tub (did not use) with a wonderful shower head. The only problem with having tub is hard to get in if you have leg or knee problems, as the side if a bit high.Nice shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (Elemis). Also, no sewer smells in the hallways.