This cruise was a perfect sampling of the ports visited. We did all port days on our own, so cannot speak to the cruise line excursions. However, you will save money doing the tours on your own for the same experience. All the ports felt safer and more comfortable than expected for our first visit to Europe. We have cruised Carnival in the past, and were pleasantly surprised by this Holland America cruise. Service and food was excellent, the cruise director (Erin) was fantastic and engaging. Definitely different from the Carnival experience in some ways, but NOT and older crowd. We had many families, kids, and 20 somethings on this cruise so the diversity of the demographic was a very pleasant surprise! We would do it again!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The fastest and easiest embarkation I have experienced when cruising!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Food quality was excellent for us. We selected the flexible dining times, and therefore were seated at an available table upon arrival at the formal dining room. While we had less than fantastic service our first two dinners, on our third night our waiter was excellent, and we requested him each night for the remainder of the cruise. Service could not have been better from there on! It was unfortunate to have some off nights in the beginning and not what we have experienced in the past when cruising.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Some of the activities were more lively than expected for our first time sailing with Holland America. Orange Party, Lido Deck DJ and dancing, Kids Games, etc....we were pleasantly surprised as a family traveling with a 12 year old.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
For us, the on deck DJ and most music was good. We wish they still had the dueling pianos. While the pianist was excellent and had a fantastic voice, the entertainment got a little repetitive-dueling pianos would be more entertaining, even if it was only for a few of the nights. We stopped in Rolling Stone a number of evenings and the music wasn't our preference. The World Stage was mostly good-great pianist, better than average illusionist, and the dance company. We have sailed with Carnival in the past and prefer their shows in the main venue-more lively, more dancers and they also include vocals. The dance performances on this cruise were ok.
Children's Programs
4 out of 5
Our 12 year old loved the High Score game room! It made up for the lack of top deck bells and whistles on other cruise lines for kids (ropes courses, water slides, etc..) We were cruising for the 8 ports visited in 10 days, so the game room offered plenty for the limited time on ship. They also offered fun tournaments-ping pong, games, etc....
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Despite our rough start for two nights in the dining room, service was otherwise excellent. Our room stewards were pleasant and helpful always and all waiters and bar staff were cheerful and greeted you at every encounter.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We were pleasantly surprised by the design and decor of the ship! It exceeded our expectations, and our room was kept spotless throughout the cruise.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Bigger than expected! We slept four in the room and each day our room steward put away the extra beds in the morning. This helped to give us more room to be comfortable during the day. We also liked the curtained area by the bathroom and closets for changing and privacy. The location on deck 10 gave us easy access to Lido and the Crows Nest-loved the location!
Ship tip
If you are sailing this year, ask for Putu Budhi in the dining room! He will make your dining experience.
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