We decided to take this cruise on HAL although my wife and myself have traveled extensively on just about all the cruise line this would be our first with Holland American Lines. We live in Florida so it was an easy trip to the Noorsdam which was at Birth 26 in ft Lauderdale. Everything went well and our stateroom which was just below the Lido deck on the 8 floor. Our bags arrived and the stateroom was available in a timely manner. our cabin attendant came in and introduced himself and everything seamed right until I turned on the lights and opened the blinds. My wife and my self both sounded out " the rooms decor was shabby the rugs were stained and the bathroom had a urine smell.

I called the attendant and pointed out the problems in the room he said" all the rooms were the same after looking at the next room to us ,it was clear all the passengers were in the same Boat. The Balcony was lined with rust on the aluminum trim and the Plexiglas on the Balcony was unclean or stained. it was apparent that we would have downgrade our expectations even though we paid considerable more for this cruise.

Our next stop was the dining room on the 3rd floor we had a small but nice table for 2 which was a nice and convient. The waiter was pleasant efficient and the food was very good. After dinner we took in a show on the second fl and the captain and staff welcomed us aboard. The show was predictable for a cruise ship, but the costumes seemed to be old fashioned and need of replacement. Read more