Wanted a dependably pleasant Caribbean cruise and selected Holland American based on prior good experiences and our multi star status. We’ve been sailing HAL for over 50 years.

The ship is newer, but we found a major change in the HAL experience. It has gone to a lower level of service and overall quality with many extra charges for what has been included in the past. For example, if one wants to have a better quality meat with a meal in a specialty restaurant, there is a $15-25 upcharge.

So-called specialty restaurants are not always a real departure from the dining room. Service is painfully slow due to an obviously reduced staff level. Read more