First time Cruise with Holland America

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 28

Review summary

The MS Osterdam is an older ship but beautiful - it was kept extremely clean and shiny during the entire time we were on cruise. We are entering a new chapter in lives and will be going on more cruises and we feel that Holland America will fit our needs much better as it is a quieter crowd that enjoy relaxing and getting away from it all. The most outstanding aspect is their cleanliness and sanitation procedures. They provide written material in your stateroom and also post in every public restrooms to use paper towel or tissue to open the door. We generally practice this already but the Oosterdam has embraced it and ensures that it is being done; this was extremely impressive and we appreciate it. One issue of concern for us, but was handled very well by the front office, is to ensure that you know when you get a "large room ocean view obstructed" that it could mean you will be under a lounge with loud music at night and may also be in front of a huge winch that will run several days early in the mornings to handle the tenders. Also, we are hoping that when we return that they will no longer allow smoking in the Staterooms. We may have to hold off our next cruise with them until they can restrict the smoking areas. All in all, we will return to give them our business and enjoy their professional and wonderful service.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Entertainment

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Pros: excellent service from room steward, front desk staff, restaurant staff; and the cleanliness and very sanitary ship

Cons: Noise from band playing below our room;winches running outside our window. Smoking in staterooms and other areas.

Recommends Oosterdam? Yes!

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