This was our first HA cruise. Have tried Carnival and Royal Caribbean in the past. We expected the "white glove" service advertised by HAL. Embarkation went smoothly for us, but we didn't arrive at the port until about 2pm. Check in was much slower than usual, we were told, due to a new computer system. Passengers arriving earlier stood in very long lines; perhaps it's better to come on board after 1 and have a smooth check in rather than try to rush the process to get onto the ship and find long lines! Anyhow, we were greeted by a wonderfully polite gentleman with white gloves who escorted us to our cabin. We then went to the Lido for a quick bite and then, naturally, the muster was held. We left the port with light rain but a smooth embarkation. That evening, however, the seas were quite rough and unpacking was a challenge. We were bounced around in our cabin quite dramatically.

Skipped dinner due to upset tummies and went to the Lido around 7:15 for a bite - found out the Lido closes PROMPTLY at 7:30 - no ifs, ands or buts. The line closes and the curtains are pulled. Dinner was fine. The next morning we docked at Nassau and had a few hours (too few to do much) in the sun. Then we left for the rest of the trip. Our stop in Tortola ended up being a wonderful experience for us - but the ship tours were canceled due to rain. We were lucky to have booked the tour independently and had a lovely catamaran/snorkel afternoon. Got back on the ship in a rain storm that had everyone in a sour mood. During our ten days we had horrible weather - it was sunny only a day or so. We had a LONG day in St. Thomas (perhaps to shop, shop, and shop?) but the day in Dominica was about 6 hours (and threatening skies). All excursions were canceled in Barbados due to weather and we were unable to go to HMC due to gale force winds and high seas.

During this weather we wondered if there were stabilizers on the ship. We have never been bounced around as much as on the Volendam. There were "barf bags" placed at all elevators. You couldn't go out onto the veranda or you'd get a salt shower. The upper decks were so windy that you felt you would be blown off. The aft pool was splashing all around on the deck. The sun would come out for a bit, and then the rain clouds threatened again. You can't change the weather, but this made life on the ship more evident. There was very little to do. There was no music played on outer decks. Nothing near the pools. During the breaks of sun, the decks were cramped with people trying to capture a ray or two - no music. Just people laying around. Movies were played in the Wajang Theatre, but there were two a day. Not bad choices, but who really wants to spend four hours a day inside in a theater? At least there was popcorn - a VERY SMALL BAG - but fresh. The casinos were full - and full of smoke. With allergies, we had to avoid the area completely. However, one of our members won over $4000 during her cruise! We heard of a number of winners playing the slots, so if that's your bag, go for it! Read more