It is our first Holland America cruise. We knew it is more for mature passengers but we didn't care as we just wanted to try the Mexico Riviera cruise and the timing was right. We embarked from Vancouver and our check-in was a breeze.
Our oceanview stateroom with a large square window was very spacious but it was on deck one where most of their oceanview staterooms are located. The location of our stateroom was problematic as it was below Billboard Onboard. We could hear music until midnight or 1:00 am and noise from moving chairs as the place has hardwood floors. Thanks to Guest Services, they were quick to help and had us relocated to another stateroom.
Main Dining Room: There were pros and cons to open seating, we liked the flexibility of no fixed dining time but the wait for a table was around 15 minutes. The main dining room service was great but slow. Food was good generally but they were exceptional on Gala nights.
Very spacious cabin with a large window + sofa, flat-screen TV. The bathroom has a bathtub and Elemis bath amenities. Expect noise from Billboard Onboard directly above as it has hardwood floors, you may also hear music and singing well past midnight.
A vibrant city with beautiful mountains and spectacular waterfront. Vancouver Cruise Terminal is located right in downtown, accessible by Canada Line Rapid Transit.
A beautiful city with lovely beaches, many opportunities for water-related activities. Great shopping and restaurants along the main strip called State Street. It's very easy to explore downtown Santa Barbara by foot.