Expectations were high because it was Holland America and considered elite. However I found it to be average at best and when compared too the experience with Royal it fell short in the food and overall excitement during the cruise. Lineups we frustrating, mess hall style food and the lack of highlighting hawaii was disappointing. (you cant put a pineapple on a ham and cheese sandwich and call it hawaiian is one of many examples)
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Delayed embarkation had all passengers sitting and standing for hours in Canada Place waiting for customs ship inspection. Was a free for all once cleared to board. Just a sorry for the delay was all that was offered. Considering the age of most of the passengers I am surprised we didnt have any medical distress issues. They could have done some damage control by offering water or something. The line ups for the available bathroom was unmanageable.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
For such an elite and elegant ship I thought the food would be better than other lines, but nope just average and not many dishes stood out. The buffet had large lineups daily and was seldom fully open with only one side of the ships food stations servicing attending quests. This lead to many frustrated people and people butting in to try and get food. Brew coffee (free) was only available at the buffet area unlike other ships that offer it in many other areas.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Had no expectations of activities so was not surprised. I was surprised however that given the fact that it is the 150 year anniversary during our voyage and the Kings birthday also happened during our sailing that there was nothing free provided for the celebration of these events. (not even a cake) Even the items sold in the shops were priced much higher than I have experienced on another line.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Entertainment was great when you could get a seat to watch it. Plan to come an hour early and stand in line to get a spot. No reservations taken for shows.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Room staff was good, and food staff were good as well. I understand it took over an hour for room service for some people so only ordered breakfast once, and it arrived on time.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Everything seemed cleaned and fresh paint was being put on daily in some taped off areas of the ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Nicest sized shower we have ever had on a cruise. No small couch or luv seat so we had to sit on the bed to eat but we knew what we were getting when we booked.
Ship tip
Keep your expectations low. And be prepared to spend alot of time in line for food or shows. Come early and get a table for dining and never leave. Go to the world stage an hour before the door opens to get a good seat.
Another tender but worth it to see a pod of several dolphines playing right off the dock. Another easy access beach right at the dock and the local shops and markets were right up the main street. It has a free trolley to hop on and off along the main town road. Made the mistake of taking a $35/person shuttle which stopped at 7 locations along the main road but only returned once an hr. Most of the locations could be walked too or accessed with the free trolley. live and learn.
Yes its a tender, but worth the long tender. Once on shore quick access to parks and the lava surf wall for swiming. Chickens running wild and beautiful banyon trees. All shops within walking distance.
2 day port in Hilo And made the mistake of taking the free shuttle to walmart only to find the the hawaiian shirts were cheaper in the small shops. Took the free shuttle to the old town market area the next day and loved the market, park and old town shops and authentic restaurants. Wish we had done that shuttle on the first day as we had to get back to port for a early departure.
Was a level walk from the beautiful and well accessable cruise port to fishermans warf and walked to the BC parliament buildings and Had the best meal of the trip at the Old Spaghetti factory. All ports should be as organized as this one.
Took a free shuttle to the big mall and then easily walked threw the mall to the beach and very big beautiful park. Nice food available at the beach and clean change and washrooms everywhere. Outside shower stations for cooling off and getting the sand washed off. never bothered with any excursions and just enjoyed the warm clear waters.
Nothing special about getting off the ship except for late comers were allowed to move right in front of people who had waited in line for serveral mins to disembark.
Ship staff said "everyone is getting off so just let them go ahead"
After reading several reviews similar to this I am beginning to get a little concerned. We are cruising in September so I am hoping things will have improved by then. The Travel Agent told us how magnificent this ship is. We trusted her word but now I am not so sure. 😕
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