Holland America brand does not live up to reputation

Eurodam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 32

Overall rating:

3.6 out of 5
Verified Review
Eurodam

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: 2 years 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.

Ship tip

Spend time on deck 11 Observation Crows nest. Great service and a perfect place to relax.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5
We live in Florida and this wasa where we boarded.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

4 out of 5
Did not get off boat due to weather.

Willemstad, Curacao

3 out of 5
Yes it was okay

Oranjestad, Aruba

3 out of 5
Yes it was okay

ENTER PANAMA CANAL

5 out of 5

Cruise Gatun Lake (Inside Panama Canal)

5 out of 5

EXIT PANAMA CANAL

5 out of 5

Colon, Panama

5 out of 5

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

5 out of 5
Yes it was good.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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6 Comments

shipper50    2 years ago

Thanks for the review. I had a similar problem on the Carnival Paradise with water noise running thru the ceiling for 3 days and no one did anything about it.

byhisgrace    2 years ago

Thanks for your review

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

lsbs    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

AuntPinkie    2 years ago

Appreciate your detailed review. Sorry you were disappointed in many parts of the cruise.

WhippetMum    2 years ago

Thanks for your detailed feedback

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