The cruise is what my husband, daughter and I made it. Cruise director did not do anything that helped us in planning events or entertainment. Without our own input it would have been a pretty boring cruise.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Amsterdam has not been seeing off cruise ships for as long as the Florida ports, so, embarkation in Amsterdam is a bit more unorganized. The embarkation staff will find that they may have to be a bit more strict to manage all the confusion.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food during the first two weeks of the cruise was wonderful with many choices and good quality choices. On the third week of the cruise, when many 7 day cruisers had joined the ship, the food quality and choices went way down. Too many fish and chips and chicken meals. Even the main dining room was not as good. The specialty restaurants are recommended in these situations.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Movies on deck. Ugh!! No library. Ugh!! Only comedians and magicians in the evening, Ugh!! Awful.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
See above
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Cabin stewards were terrific. Main desk was excellent. Food service staff were very good. Excursion staff were very helpful.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was clean but much prefer the design of the former Holland America ships.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The only complaint in regards to the cabin: the carpet needed a shampoo. It was dirty. Everything else was clean. Problems we had in the bathroom were immediately addressed by the plumber, twice. The cabin was a very good size with lots of storage. The balcony was narrower than on other ships.
Ship tip
If you love the former Holland America ships, for example the Amsterdam, you will not like this ship. With many noisy children the first two weeks was closer to a Carnival ship than a Holland America ship. We will not sail on this ship again as we are in the older age group and do like some peace and quiet on our cruises.
Terrific. If during the Festival with the Tattoo, even better. Great excursions in and around Edinburgh. At the port of South Queensferry a good number of eateries, all with very good food.
Quaint, with a huge Scottish gift shop with very reasonable Scottish items. A small tea room with good soup. Two grocery stores for Scottish groceries. A post office. A pharmacy.
Ship was docked right next to the castle/fortress and near everything. Wonderful sidewalk cafes and the Nobel Peace building and fish market right in the middle of the city. Easy walking.
You expect the cruise director to plan your entertainment, he does, you have an activity schedule put out your door every night. Who do you think plans that.
Sorry, but I never have the Cruise Director dictate my daily activities. We read the daily activity newsletter and do our thing; sometimes together, sometimes apart. I have not gotten bored yet. Never been one to require another person to entertain me.
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