Rotterdam

Staff was very friendly and helpful. The only thing we wouldn’t do again would get to skip Sydney. Not much to see or do. And the tour from Holland on Quebec situation was just awful. We have reported the tour and waiting to see what Holland will do for us.

The itinerary was excellent--the scenery in Greenland, Iceland and Norway was incredibly beautiful. Although the ship (Rotterdam) is older and in need of updating, the amenities, activities and service by staff was very good--with exception that service in the Main Dining Room was very slow. Holland did its usual very good job--with exception that the tour operator for our excursion Edinburgh Castle never got us to the castle, yet Holland would only reimburse 30% of the excursion cost. Unbelievably poor response on Holland's part. There was an outbreak of Norovirus onboard the ship, beginning at the very start of the 38-day voyage. Holland's initial response was slow--just reminder announcements to wash hands, and putting an attendant near the Purell dispensers. Later, they took more proactive steps (Disinfecting cabins, common areas, elevators, stair railings, etc. Discontinuing self-service at food and drink areas. Shutting down the library, etc.). However, they started this measures later than they could have, and in incrementally more measured steps. As a result the ship had a growing number of cases on board, over a longer period of time. I personally felt that their more proactive steps should have been implemented sooner, and continued longer. (They discontinued after 20th day or so, and after a few days more cases occurred).

Unfortunately weather did not cooperate and we learned to live with constant sound of he fog horn. Greenland is of no value as a stop. Ships staff was excellent but food quality is slipping, especially on the Lido. charging extra for many in-room breakfast items is not acceptable.

Overall the cruise was good with a number of port stops that I wouldn't otherwise have visited. The Lido buffet was good with a wide range of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining room service was good, but the food wasn't any better than the buffet. There were a number of very interesting talks and a variety of other on-board activities.

Use will defi.itely seek out other Holland America options. Loved the size of the ship. 1,400...