Holland America brand does not live up to reputation

Eurodam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Prabinow

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

3.6 out of 5

Verified Review

11 Night Panama Canal Sunfarer (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 09, 2022

Ship: Eurodam

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 5024

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

The boarding process was extremely efficient, and rooms were ready almost immediately. Baggage followed within a few hours. Overall, the boarding process was excellent. We had an inside room (5024) it was clean and was nicely equipped. We did have a noisy neighbor (5018) was loud and obnoxious. We complained and it quieted down for a bit. It had a negative impact on our entire cruise as it continued erratically (3 AM, 4 PM, etc..).The room noise was attributed to a contractor and became a joke between staff and the contractor which really did not sit well with us. The food in specialty restaurants was excellent unfortunately the same could not be said for the main dining room. The lido deck buffet workers seemed confused about the menus and offerings. The omelet station person told me they were out of mushrooms on the first breakfast. I shook my head no and they magically found more. We had other issues with buffet line during a dinner service. The entertainment did not live up to the Holland America reputation. They were ok at best. The comedian that performed at the beginning of the cruise was so bad we did not go to see any of the other comedians. The piano players were our favorite and they were average. There was a general buzz of what priority members had access to compared to the rest of us extending above better accommodations something I had not experienced on other cruise lines. We had obtained a Holland America credit card as we had planned to become a loyal brand member however, after taking this cruise we are looking at booking with other cruise lines. We were planning to book the Alaska cruise for early 2023 however, we may also look to other lines. We did encounter a tropical storm/hurricane and the staff handled it exceptionally well as we did have an added day as we waited out the storm at sea. The un-boarding process was extremely efficient. Overall, the boarding/un-boarding process was excellent.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

The boarding process was extremely efficient, and rooms were ready almost immediately. Baggage followed within a few hours. Overall, the boarding process was excellent.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food in specialty restaurants was excellent unfortunately the same could not be said for the main dining room. The lido deck buffet workers seemed confused about the menus and offerings. The omelet station person told me they were out of mushrooms on the first breakfast. I shook my head no and they magically found more. We had other issues with buffet line during a dinner service.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Fitness center was good, the pools were nice, the recliners by the pool were comfortable.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

The entertainment did not live up to the Holland America reputation. They were ok at best. The comedian that performed at the beginning of the cruise was so bad we did not go to see any of the other comedians. The piano players were our favorite and they were average.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

We had an inside room (5024) it was clean and was nicely equipped. We did have a noisy neighbor (5018) was loud and obnoxious. We complained and it quieted down for a bit. It had a negative impact on our entire cruise as it continued erratically (3 AM, 4 PM, etc..).The room noise was attributed to a contractor and became a joke between staff and the contractor which really did not sit well with us.