Cancellation and change of cruise schedule without prior notice

Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

woncho

Contributor Level: Purser

32 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 11

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

11 Night Iceland & Greenland Passage (Copenhagen To Rekjavik)

Sail date: June 29, 2024

Ship: Nieuw Statendam

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8081

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 months ago

Review summary

I couldn't see Greenland, which I wanted to see, because Holland America canceled and changed the schedule. According to the letter from Holland American, the weather in Greenland was changed due to ice conditions for the safety of our customers. However, it was 8 degrees Celsius (46.4 F), which is typical summer weather in Greenland, and there was no unexpectedly heavy ice conditions as Holland American said. If we had not sailed to Greenland from the beginning and only went to Iceland, we would have taken a plane to Iceland instead of taking the cruise. That would have been more cost-effective and time-efficient. This time, Holland American should provide grounds for why we couldn't go to Greenland due to technical issues and provide compensation for this. Not only me, but also the other people who were on board said that they had no idea about the schedule change before boarding. In conclusion, I forgot to trust Holland American and my vacation was ruined. I am just glad that I was able to return home safely and in good health.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Notification of cancellation or change of schedule after boarding

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

The food at Dining is not very tasty.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

The show is simpler than other cruise companies.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Good

Ports of call

Copenhagen, Denmark

5 out of 5

Alesund, Norway

5 out of 5

Husavik, Iceland Did not visit port

Cancelled and changed it by Holland America

Thumbs Up 0

Isafjordur, Iceland

1 out of 5

Not much sightsee

Thumbs Up 0

Nanortalik, Greenland Did not visit port

Cancelled and changed it by Holland America

Thumbs Up 0

Qaqortoq, Greenland Did not visit port

Cancelled and changed it by Holland America

Thumbs Up 0

Reykjavik, Iceland

1 out of 5

Not much sightsee

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

11 Comments

Sogmoore 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

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Gwbigdog 4 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

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javawoody 4 months ago

I am impressed that you know so much more than the captain

Thumbs Up 3

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passportready 4 months ago

Icebergs and floes increase as the temperature rises. These are dangerous part when tendering. You need to read the cruise contract. Everything is up to the Captain. Safety is always the priority!

Thumbs Up 1

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kdlady 4 months ago

Look at you, being a ship captain and knowing what conditions are safe to sail into!

Thumbs Up 5

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karlgrgurich 4 months ago

You need to research and consider these things when you book a cruise.

Thumbs Up 2

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cruising2004 4 months ago

Sorry to hear of your disappointment. Hopefully you’ll make it to Greenland one day.

Thumbs Up 1

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maryred 4 months ago

Out of 7 past sailings to Greenland that I have been following (& this is across 3 different lines), only 1 to date has made to any Greenland ports. Apparently the need to use the ship's lifeboats as tender plays an enormous factor and if too many icebergs or flows are in the bays or if winds gust consistently exceed 25knots they cancel the port especially last minute.

Thumbs Up 6

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HeavySeas 4 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience

Thumbs Up 0

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Lawnboy1956 4 months ago

Weather is always a factor. Maybe stick to land travel. You won’t get any compensation read your cruise contract.

Thumbs Up 3

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24MyLuckyDragon 4 months ago

Sorry to hear about your disappointment. Visiting exciting ports of call is why we book. Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable & can dampen the occasion. As far as getting reimbursed, not sure that will happen since most cruise lines disclose that yes/no in their policy, and even when you insure your cruise, read the fine print for what will be covered if the itinerary changes due to weather changes. You can take a chance & try customer service & see what they say. Good luck & happy cruising on your next 😎⚓️🤩❣️‼️

Thumbs Up 1

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