AN5

From the minute my husband, daughter and myself stepped on board the Oosterdam we felt special. The staff made you feel welcome immediately. Some of them asked your name and believe it or not they did not forget it. It personalized the cruise experience for us. All you had to do was ask for something once and it was taken care of. Although our stateroom was smaller than expected (a SS suite), it was sufficient enough for the three of us . The balcony was magnificent and we used it quite often, especially when viewing the glacier and arriving or leaving a port. The ship was kept in spotless condition and all of the venues were easy to find. I felt comfortable allowing my special needs daughter to go to the Lido to meet my husband alone. I loved the beautiful art all around the ship. I cannot say enough about the wait staff on the Oosterdam. They were top notch. The Lido waiters would help you find a table, assist you with your tray, pour your drinks and sometimes get food for you. They were very pleasant. The dining room staff was exceptional. Even though we had open seating, we requested the same table every evening. The waiter knew our likes and dislikes immediately and the wine steward would pour our favorite wine as soon as we sat down. The assistant waiter made something for my daughter out of paper and cardboard every night and she was delighted. The food was pretty good in both the Lido and the dining room. Our stateroom bed was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on. Holland America uses high thread count sheets and the most amazing pillows and mattresses. It was better than my bed at home! All you had to do was ask our steward for something once and he made sure you had it for the rest of the cruise. It was amazing to go to dinner and then get back to find your bed turned down and looking so inviting. The staff made us feel like royalty. They say that they are like family and believe me it shows in how they treat the passengers. If you pass a staff member in the hallway they always nodded and said hello. Everyone was willing to help you. They made us feel comfortable immediately and it continued throughout the week. My daughter and I enjoyed the magician, James Cielen. He even had a question and answer session during the week which was very interesting. The DJ ran bingo and believe me you left there laughing even when you didn't win. The show times are the reason we didn't see the shows each night as some times the were in the middle of dinner time.