In total this was a 39 day cruise starting in Auckland for a 14 day trip to many New Zealand ports then across the "ditch" to Tasmania, Melbourne and finally to Sydney. Then the 25 day transpacific crossing to Vancouver. Wonderful trip. Ran into a bad storm about 3 days from Vancouver. Worse conditions I have ever experienced but the captain kept us informed and did a great job.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
This was part 2 of a back to back cruise. No real embarkation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I don't use the main dining room but the buffet was excellent every time.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There were special activities due to crossing the equator and international date line.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Holland America has an emphasis on music and they deliver. The One Step Dance Company performances in the World Stage are fabulous.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Holland America has some of the happiest crew and staff of all the cruise lines. They really enjoy their jobs.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship is sparkling because the crew is always cleaning, painting, vacuuming, etc.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This was a standard veranda with plenty of room. They bed was comfortable. There are areas of the room that will need upgrading but that will get done when they do another dry dock.
Ship tip
Make sure to see the presentation of the history of this cruise line. It is fascinating.
The small village of Easo was interesting. The beach was full of shells, water warm, locals put on a traditional show, and the shops were full of local items.
I did an excursion to Tivou Island, a remote small island about 45 minute boat ride. Very tropical, warm clear waters, saw black tip sharks, had a lunch and entertainment.
Walked around the small town and shopped. It was a Sunday and many thing normally would be closed but the locals opened up stores for our ship. Very nice.
Disembarkation at 8:45 am. Stored luggage at terminal and walked to Gastown. Lunch at Steamworks Brewery, shopping, back for luggage and then to trail station for 25 minute ride to airport.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
