This was our 6th cruise, our second on Holland America: Zuiderdam (our first and most memorable), Princess Miracle (great corner room/deck and specialty restaurants), Crown princess (just too big, another ghetto of the seas); QMII - truly a letdown unless you are in First Class - we had one of those silly hull cutout balconies - we never left the pub!; and last year RCL Grandeur- great price for a suite, but otherwise mediocre and you pay for everything and they do not allow alcohol in the room. We decided to try HA again on a sister ship Westerdam. It was as even better then we remembered. Our cruise mates were veterans of 30 cruises. We had the best time.
First of all, the HA Philippine/Indonesian crew is still the friendliest and best trained for this level of cruising. Front desk, stewards, bars, buffet, and especially the dining rooms were equally professional; and they quickly got the names of their regulars. Far superior to any of the other lines that we have experienced
This particular cruise crowd was older - average age 65+ - almost no children at all (right before school break). And not a discouraging word ever. Many of the folks we spoke to were return HA guests and considered HA the last of the affordable old world cruise lines.
6096 - Spacious, immaculate, and comfortable with a very large bathroom, his and her sinks, with separate shower and whirlpool bath. Convenient location. Seating area was good for four guests. Makeup mirror and hair dryer. Balcony was huge - about 10x15. This was the best mini-suite we have ever had.