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Holland America Line

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Volendam

Westerdam

Not bad, but did not live up to expectations

We (my wife and I, (a retired couple) chose this cruise as there was good deal on offer including 2 nights in Singapore and return flights (we live in Sydney). We were also keen to try Holland America.

The ship was a bit smaller than we are used to with limited entertainment options. The food in the main dining room and Lido was average at best. We ate in the Pinnacle twice and it was excellent food, ambience and service. Our main complaint was the paucity of entertainment options. Apart from the productions in the main theater (which weren't all that good) it was either the band in the BB king lounge or the 2 pianists in the piano bar. There was a classical quartet playing in another venue, but they were of no interest to us. The band was good, as were the piano players, but after 16 days of them every night we were looking for something different. There was very little in the way of alternative entertainment such as Game Shows, karaoke (I think this was the first ship we have been on that didn't have karaoke or stage 'The Wedding Game')  etc.

disappointing first cruise with Holland America

Our 16 night repositioning cruise to Singapore started at  Sydney airport where we were transported to the ship by our pre-booked transfer.  Boarding was quick and efficient. The VeriFly app which we had been encouraged to use was a bit of a waste of time and not taken seriously by the check-in personnel.

The Westerdam is tastefully decorated with almost no signs of wear and tear. A big bonus is the wrap-around promenade deck which allows a complete circuit of the ship and was very popular. The ship has only a very small central atrium.

Breakfast in the dining room was always good but dinner was disappointing, and no side dishes are offered. It was often closed for lunch. We expected better from HAL. Specialty dining is offered in Canaletto and Pinnacle. Canaletto was excellent, although being located in a sectioned-off area of Lido Buffet gives it the feel of a pop-up restaurant. The food in Pinnacle was also very good but the service was sub standard and very slow. Afternoon tea is a joke with tiny portions and no refills - one time was enough. Room service was fine and delivered in an acceptable time.

Entertainment was generally disappointing with a second-rate comedian and magician and uninspiring song-and-dance acts. However, the BBC Earth concerts were popular and enjoyable. The outstanding act was Cantare who were superb.

The HAL Navigator app is the best I have used on a cruise line - I give it a 5 star rating.

Overall, we had high expectations for this cruise but after a couple of days started to feel little let down.

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