We chose back to back on the Konningsdam before all of the Zuiderdam early San Diego cruises were cancelled so we ended up being on the first Holland America voyage from San Diego. We expected challenges and Holland America did not dissappoint.

Embarkation was the easiest we have ever had. Showed up at 11:30am to drop off luggage (our priority group A1 boarding was 1:pm due to crew celebrations in the morning) and we were told we could board right away. All people involved in check in were happy and the atmosphere was so upbeat. They glanced at out covid test and vaccination cards and paperwork and then breezed through security. I uploaded an ID picture ahead of time but they took our pictures anyway. First big problem...The pictures were not "beamed aboard " the ship. At the gangway the picture of me was from my 2014 Zuiderdam cruise and they told me to go to guest services and have them take still another picture. Found a line down the hall at guest services with about 50 couples who had other strangers pictures attached to their accounts. Did not wait in that line and was never guestioned again about looking 7 years older.

Embarcation lunch in MDR was a total disaster. Two hours and some at out table never got parts of their meal or drinks. Went to Club Orange for dinner after this bad experience and dinner service there was even worse. Never did get my main course and gave up and left. Read more