We are a married couple with 12 cruise experiences on multiple lines. We said we would not take Holland America again because of the lack of daily activities, but the price was good on this cruise so we tried it and were satisfied. We brought our own entertainment on board ( books, card games, puzzles, podcasts, video games etc) and this helped. We walked 3 miles daily on the ship ( nice promenade deck) and played some pickle ball ( equipment and facilities were not optimal). We enjoyed the anytime dining and evening entertainment. We upgraded to a suite and I feel this really improved the quality of our trip. The balcony cabins I saw on this ship were quite small and the balconies one of the smaller in the industry for this level. The support staff on the cruise were excellent and I never had a bad experience with them. I did have a bad interaction with the excursion planning staff and I recommend not using them. The naturalist was knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed his lectures. I wish there were more. We booked this cruise to enjoy BB King's blues club, but the singers were focused on R and B and soul. More blues please! I can not recommend the Billboard piano players. As a singer, I found them both weak and their harmony frequently off. Plan to be in your cabin early as the activities die off after 11 pm but with a nice balcony, large flat screen TV and in room movies, this was pleasant. Enjoy!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Easiest yet. Bags arrived a few minutes after we did. Lunch was ready and we had a full afternoon to enjoy exploring the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Service was spotty at times. Everyone was polite but Gala nights there was not enough dining room staff available. We missed a show due to the tardiness of our dessert.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Really there is nothing to do on this ship during the day if you don't gamble, cook or drink. Bring your own entertainment. We had enough ports to keep us busy and enjoyed a couple of days of relaxation by the pool. I felt that they could have had more ecology oriented lectures or physical activities on board, but we knew this going in and planned accordingly.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The comedian and ventriloquist were excellent. We liked the first run movies and in room movie selections. The Do Wop group didn't click with us as we are in our 50's. The piano player was great but a little spastic in his personality. He was very talented and entertaining in his own way.
Children's Programs
We did not bring children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Most of our interactions with staff were excellent. We only had one really negative experience and that was with the port excursion staff. They were rude and condescending! I had a hard time getting any information from them. I would recommend booking your tours online with Holland America or doing your own thing.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship is older but still well kept and classy. I liked the intimate feeling of this ship with many coves and nooks for private conversations. You never feel like a herded cow on this ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We have been on 12 cruises and this was our best cabin ever. The suite was spacious and well laid out. We could both get ready at the same time. Two sinks and two showers equals two people ready for dinner in minutes. The bed was comfortable and the balcony was spacious and safe. Despite being below the Lido deck, we heard very little noise. I would love to book this cabin again. The only negative was that during windy weather, the separator between our balconies would thump. Otherwise we were comfortable and not cramped.
Ship tip
Wine on this ship is average at best. Bring your own if you prefer better vintages.
Get out past the cruise port to experience Cozumel. Avoid the hawkers on the market strip and walk into the city a bit. Have a margarita at Pancho's Backyard for an old Mexico feel. Chankanaab reef at the park was devastated by Hurricane Wilma and the snorkeling is not what it used to be at the park. Better snorkeling can be had on a boat tour. AVOID the scooters. They are dangerous.
Completely uneventful and easy. Holland America has this down. If you are renting a car from the airport for a few extra days in Florida, choose Alamo as they have a shuttle from the cruiseport to the rental area. Otherwise, you need a taxi or uber ( same price).
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