Although we've done about 25 cruises this was our first on Holland America. Over the years we had heard all the comments about it being a very old crowd on board, so we stayed away. After a few positive reviews from a trusted source we decided we had to give them a try since they leave from our home city. Yes the crowd is older then on some other cruise line, but it was never an issue for us, we actually meet some very nice people. We are very glad we tried HAL and will definitely sail on them again.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Boarding time was 1:40, we arrived at the port at 1:30. There was nobody waiting in line for their boarding time. Dropped off the luggage, had our vaccine and Covid test verified and then checked in. I would say the entire process took 20-30 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The service was excellent in every dining venue we visited. The food was always hot, which often isn't the case on past cruises. The quality and flavor of the food was very good. We had the signature drink package and never felt like there was a drink we wanted that we couldn't get.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Didn't use the fitness center, walked through it to check it out, looked like it had everything anyone would need. We used the main pool multiple times which was very nice. Only issue we has was they didn't always play music at the pool. Made for a quiet area when they didn't. Tried the ocean facing pool, but with have off the deck being for smokers wasn't for us.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The activities were good, but not great. The day time activities were spread out leaving some gaps with not much to do. That was fine for us as it left time to relax by the pool without feeling like we were missing something. The night time was good if you like live music, virtually no main theatre shows.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Absolutely great staff. They were very friendly, always there to get you what ever you needed. They had great suggestions on extra cost items do on board without being pushy about it.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was very easy to navigate, pretty much everything was on 2 decks. Ship was very clean and always saw crew cleaning the hand rails and frequently touched items
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Good size balcony room with an extra large balcony. Only a couple of issues with the room. First and the biggest issue is the position of the toilet. It's too close too the shower doors. If you're over 5'5" plan on sitting on the toilet side saddle. The good news is it does allow for a larger shower. I believe this is the same with every room on the ship. The other minor issue is although the room has an extra large balcony you still only have the 2 regular chairs and small table. We did ask for a lounge chair for the balcony but was told they couldn't add one.
Ship tip
If possible book deck 6, makes it very easy to get to all the public areas, 3 levels up or down and you're in the action. If you're looking for a drink too go, go to the Dutch Cafe, they have the to go cups.
Thanks for this review. We are long-time Royal Caribbean cruisers, and we’ve also tried Princess, but we’ve yet to sail with HAL. We’re looking forward to it. The toilet issue seems to be one that many people have found annoying. At 6’-6”, I’ve no doubt that it will also be an issue for my husband. But we are looking forward to checking it out for ourselves, and to spending 17 days aboard in early 2023.
Glad you tried and liked Holland. We cruise them all the time. Love them. I have to disagree with your toilet comment. At 5 ft 8in I have never had an issue with space and have never had to sit anyway but normal on their toilets. I have very long legs and never come close to touching the shower or anything.
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