12 years ago we started our first cruise with this line (to Norway) and we loved it , after few cruises with other lines we decided to go back to Holland America , because of our first good experience with them. This time we were unpleasantly surprised that for 12 years the standards have dropped significantly , instead of improving. On the first minute of the cruise we were very disappointed to ...
Cruising is a game of expectations as with most things in life. Having previously sailed on freestyle ships, that are often looked down on, we expected a little more from our first Holland America experience. So this review is more related to how we were disillusioned with “traditional old school” cruising.
Embarkation in Hong Kong. Not a drop of water or morsel of a snack for guests waiting ...
our 2 week Indonesian explorer was disappointing. some issues we experienced:
- the airco of our cabin (incl the complete corridor incl our neighbours) was not cool enough. esp. at night the cabin temperature was way too hot. we woke up in the middle of night sweating. HAL did inroom measurements and acknowledged that it was up to appr. 20% higher than it should be (24 degrees vs 20 degrees). ...
We wanted to try Holland America after a four year pause. Short cruise in Alaska.
We booked a Neptune suite. The cabin is typical for a Neptune; well maintained, clean, and serviced by an experienced pair of cabin attendants. The Neptune Lounge was as well. On boarding we had only one lunch option, the Lido. It was overcrowded, seating was non-existent, and the food looked unappetizing. ...
Splurged and took my wife on her first cruise and try and pamper her some with a bamboo spa massage as well as a mani-pedi, which were paid in advance t our sailing. After both treatments, my wife was bruised on the back of her legs from the massage and her hands and feet were slightly bruised as well. While walking on different deck while the crew were working to keep the ship clean, the solvent ...
To resume pre-Covid travel, we decided to take up an attractive 2 week fly/cruise package departing Singapore. Having previously sailed on Cunard and Celebrity we sought out a different cruise line,HAL, which was scheduled to visit approx 6 interesting Asian ports. This proved to be a huge mistake.
Amongst the few positive aspects of the line's Westerdam ship is it quirky, modern art deco ...
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 ...
We sailed on the Westerdam June 12-19 as part of a 13 person family trip. Here is a summary and highlights / lowlights:
We are a couple in late 50’s with 2 of our kids (30, 27) and one of their spouses with us.
Embarkation was at pier 91 in Seattle and was terrible. Despite doing verifly app, Canada app, doing pre-Covid test appropriately and completing Navigator app, Holland really ...
We have always dreamed of an aft cabin got one one the ship. At first glance we were very disappointed because if was so small, old, and dreary but at least we had an aft view but the veranda was filthy, covered in soot. I asked the cabin attendant if it could be swept at least but he said they don't clean it. Although the view was beautiful I could not sit there because of the filth. I would have ...
I picked this cruise for the brilliant itinerary - the ports were the best part of the trip.There is absolutely NO Wow factor to this ancient ship.Embarkation went smoothly(mainly because I,d done it on line before leaving home),the welcome aboard was non-existent.Cabins not ready so battled to find our way around,no staff to point us in the right direction.All decor & public areas are very drab & ...