Never thought I could say I would enjoy a cruise this long, but i did. Once you have processed how long you will be there, you just enjoy and relax. Plan your excursions with the ship, not on your own. Liability if something goes wrong is much easier to manage. Sea days were filled with activities, and there is something for everyone. I do not recommend taking small children, but there is much to do. Booked another long cruise already. Smooth sailing enjoyed snorkeling for the first time in Bora Bora and swam with sharks.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Was good. Nothing overly exciting, weather was good. Used VeriFLY and will not take another Holland America Cruise without completing this. It is the pre-approved TSA of cruising.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Plenty of everything, and the staff was tremendous. Specialty nights were awesome, the desserts were a spectrum of all imaginable types of culinary delights
Dive-In
5 out of 5
Exciting, especially once you learn that you can order on line, rather than waiting. Excellent choices. Two thumbs up
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Wide variety of events to include various trivia events, cards, and even chapel services. Loved the exercise area to include the sauna.
Oak Room
5 out of 5
Out of the way and quiet for a meeting or to just go watch a movie on your tablet or play a game.
Lido Pool
5 out of 5
Loved the hot tubs and the pool, along with the availability of food and drinks
Gymnasium
5 out of 5
Great equipment. Big TVs. Plenty of towels.
Guest Services / Excursions
5 out of 5
Good hours, overly friendly and respectful, and were very punctual about returning answers or delivering necessary information via phone in the room.
Fitness
5 out of 5
This was one of the highlights. Great classes. The locker rooms were clean, accessible, and the sauna was right down the hall.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Actually I think 4 1/2 stars, but I rounded up. Shows were phenomenal, all of them, especially Cantares, four male vocalist who were absolutely stunning. The first comedian was great as the second, the third comedian should not be back. Rolling Stones lounge open till midnight and beyond was a go-to place for those who like to dance. Note, this is an older crowd, so just be aware that the ship doesn't rock like Carnival, but it's a great ride. The opportunity to meet the performers at a morning coffee was one of the highlights of the cruise.
World Stage
5 out of 5
Great seats, nice acoustics and super shows.
Crow's Next
5 out of 5
Nice and quiet. Numerous games to play or do puzzles. Liked the bar.
BBC Earth In Concert
5 out of 5
Better than PBS. Informative and should be a part of all your cruises.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
If nothing else to make this a great trip, it was the staff, beginning with the stewards who knew your name by the second day. Attentive and unobtrusive. Wait staff was exceptional as was the food. Enjoyed afternoon tea, and also open seating...nice to meet new people each day.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Well-kept and just spotless.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Inside cabin, just what we expected. Had a fridge, safe, hair dryer and plenty of hangers. Small space between the wall and the bed, but comfortable bed, lovely sheets and nice addition that they had a night light when you went to the bathroom at night.
Ship tip
Make sure you download the app before you get onboard and print safe your statement as a pdf before you get off. Difficualt to access after leaving teh ship.
The tender was difficult to make so we missed our excursion. But we walked around, and the city was beautiful. Note, in order to use the internet, you need a gmail account. FYI.
Took a city tour on the way to the airport which was fabulous as was the entry to the port. Must take a city tour as part of your transfer from the ship to the airport.
Excellent, but I recommend that you book earlier for your shuttle to the airport and make sure you plan a city tour as part of it , if you have the time.
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