If you want to see the greek islands and turkey, this is the way to do it. HA parked on the docks on all of our stops except two, the cities were easily accessed from the pier, the people were friendly and we felt safe in all of the ports except Egypt. HA has a video presentation on the TV describing the ports and how to get around and it made it easy for us. The food on the boat far exceeded expectations. The crowd was a little old and quiet for my taste. There wasn't a lot of dances or music events. By 10:00 the boat was quiet and most people went to bed. The TV had a great selection of movies and things to watch. The wifi was typical for a cruise ship (weak). The boat had so many bars that waiting for a drink was rare. The main dining room is set up for tables of 4-8 and they encourage people to sit with others. You could get a table for 2 with a wait. That was new for us. There was not a show every night and the shows were not as spectacular as we were used to, but they were adequate and worth attending. Everything was in English, which is something we don't always see. The elevators were appropriate for the size of the boat and waiting for an elevator was rare. We did get confused on what direction we were walking frequently (even after 4 weeks). Norwegian puts the fish on the carpet to always remind you which way is forward. On HA you have to be at an elevator bay to see which direction is which.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We have cruised with many lines and found HA to have the best check in process yet.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food was fantastic. The buffet was better than expected, They even changed up the foods and made it interesting. In fact the food at the buffet usually included the food in the dining rooms and we were tempted to eat dinner at the buffet many nights.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
pool and fitness centers were wonderful and the art center leader was fun and fantastic. The cruise did need more activities on days in port for those who get back on the boat early.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Shows were good but not as spectacular as some cruise lines. The magician was the best we have seen. The casino was disappointing as the minimum bet on the tables was $10 so it wasnt as fun as it could have been. The bingo was done well.
Children's Programs
we didnt bring children and didnt see a lot of kids on the ship.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was friendly and helpful. First class.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Well laid out and organized. The public bathrooms were immaculate at all times, even the busy ones near the theater and restaurant.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
A little tight for an upgraded veranda balcony room, but it was clean and neat and the staff kept it clean for us. It could use a little more storage. For a one month cruise we brought 4 suitcases for two people but there wasn't room to put away that many clothes. My wife's scooter didn't fit in the room, but they were cool with us leaving and charging it in the hallway.
Ship tip
I thought they were a little more formal for dinner, but all of the days in port were "casual dining" and they wouldnt let people in with shorts, but most people were casual on most nights. We brought more dressy clothes than the cruise needed. Dont forget an orange outfit for festive orange night.
Crazy excursion to the pyramid. The country must be dangerous as there were police and military escorts all the way including an armed guard on each bus. Cairo looks bombed out and was too close to the pyramids but they were fun to see. The sphynx is small and underwhealming. The military stopped our bus a dozen times and we got back to the boat an hour late, obviously the boat waited, but it was an interesting experience. I wouldn't go back, but I am glad I experienced it once.
excursion around town and to the Library also had armed security on the bus and military escorts which made us nervous, but it was a very interesting place to see. I wouldnt go back.
Santorini was interesting, the archeological ruins were fantastic and a must see.
The town was difficult to navagate as my wife had a scooter and there were stairs everywhere. This was a stop that required tender boats and a difficult cable car back to the tender boat that required many stairs. This island isnt handicap friendly.
I was on the first cruise on Nieuw Statedam and loved the ship.
Great reading your review I would not be getting off in Egypt either !
Were you on an ESA ?
I used to work with Princess cruises at head office.
Employee on Holland?
Fiona
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