Great cruise. I love How Holland America is so relaxing. Excellent food and drinks. Great music venues. Pool is covered so you can use it if it’s cold out. A bit boring as there isn’t as much to do as on other cruise lines. We spent a bit in the casino because of this but it paid out a bit so this isn’t a complaint. I wouldn’t pick Holland America for a longer cruise but I’ve always enjoyed the 7 day ones.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
There were two ships in Vancouver port on our embarkation day. Some big lineups! We got there around 1:15 but I don’t think it would have mattered what time. There doesn’t seem to be enough space for this amount of people, hence the lineups. It took about an hour which isn’t that bad I guess and we talked with some ladies we met while in line.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Pinnacle grill- I had the filet with lobster dumplings and baked Alaska. Fricking amazing. My spouse had the New York and it was fine. Best meal I’ve had in specialty restaurant so far.
Dining room- good selection and excellent. Fancy.
Buffet- busy as the ship was full but good selection.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Let’s be honest, not a whole lot to do on Holland America. We did play trivia a few times, read books, swam, and relaxed. There were a few enrichment seminars that were excellent. Casino was fun. In a 7 day cruise there are 3 ports plus the glacier day so most things are closed. We have done Alaska a few times before so I only got off in Skagway. A lot of day drinking happening…hey, I was on holiday.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Music venues are great- rock room, blues room, and duelling pianos. Comedian Steve Caouette was hilarious. There aren’t any big stage shows but had singers one night and dancers another.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff are attentive, hard-working, and friendly. Our dining room staff- Edy, Selgy, and Victor took good care of us. The bar staff knew us by name and our drinks. Hmmm…maybe that sounds bad. Oh well, like I said, we were on holiday.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Spotless wherever we went.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
It was small but fine. I’m not a fan of inside cabins but we got this cruise for free (plus taxes, port fees) so I’m not complaining. I like the sideways cabins better as I get some room for changing. Big tv with lots of free movies. It was cosy but really missed the balcony on glacier day.
Ship tip
The $50 a day all-in promotion is a good deal. We got the booze package, wifi, $100 each excursion credit, and one specialty dining. Much cheaper than other cruise lines and totally worth it.
So beautiful. Honestly, no matter how many times we’ve seen this, I could always see it again. We saw calving of the Marguerite glacier, otters, whales, and beautiful scenery. It is truly breathtaking. Yeah, get a balcony cabin just for this day. It’s worth it.
The disembarkation was seamless. What a difference from embarkation. We did self assist as we live an hour away and we were off and on our way in 10 minutes.
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