I have cruised on several cruise lines but never on HAL until this time. I must say I was disappointed in the quality of the experience.

First, I had heard and read that Holland America caters to an older crowd but PLEEAAAZZZEEEE! I have never seen so many walkers, wheelchairs and canes in my life. I am no spring chicken (50+) but we were definitely on the younger end of the age spectrum. I have nothing against seniors cruising and having a wonderful vacation, but clearly the line ignores the needs of any "younger" group as far as entertainment goes. The shows in the theatre were Lawrence Welk-y at best. There were a couple of attempts: the pub crawl one night attracted a younger crowd, and I did hear dance music on deck a couple of times. But overall the activities were a snooze and cut off very early, especially for those of us with late dinner seatings.

Good variety of entertainment included the guitarist up in the Crows' Nest who was very talented; the piano bar was fun, and the string quartet seemed very good although you could never get a seat in the area they were in to sit and listen. I also noticed the group that WAS there was NOT drinking; not good for the revenue end of things! Read more