This is very much a cruise that will be exactly what you make it. You can either be board and say there is nothing to do or go make your own enjoyment. Whether that is reading, getting some sun, making new friends or relaxing with old ones, Rotterdam is a great place to do it but you need to understand this is NOT like the other cruise lines.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation wasn't fast but it wasn't slow either, we couldn't complain.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Honestly this was the highlight of our cruise. We LOVED the food, by far the best we have experienced at sea. Only once in the main dinning did we thing it was just okay, but the rest of the time we were incredibly impressed. We had the steakhouse first night and it was well worth the price, buffet was very good and no not just for a buffet but very good in general, and main dinning there was always something great on the menu.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
This is the only part of the cruise that felt lacking, although we understand that is probably by design on Holland. We have sailed Carnival and Royal a bunch so we are used to multiple activities all day long but that was not the case here. Basically only a few classes, that were very interesting by the way, and bingo were the only real things going on. Mostly you are on your own to fill the time, bring a book or grab one from the huge library. Lots of board games available was a big plus. Only having one pool on the ship did tent to make it not the greatest spot since it was always overrun with kids during most hours.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Although the productions aren't as flashy as on Royal or Carnival they do not skimp on talent for the entertainment. We thought the singers on board were by far the best we have ever seen at sea as well we really enjoyed the magician they had aboard.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Loved the staff, could not have been happier with the service from everyone. Our room steward was quite slow however, a lot of times our room would go most of the day without cleaning, yes its a first world problem I know but from what we are used to on other lines this was the slowest we have experienced, also on disembarkation day they wanted to come into the room very early to check the mini bar while we were still sleeping.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The ship is very clean and I loved a lot of the older decor like statues and paintings and we loved the smaller size, a much more intimate setting as you see the same people more often. However I do think a refit is necessary, just having one pool makes it very crowded and updating certain aspects could make this a very cool ship. Only one TV on the whole ship showed any sports, big negative, and it was in an awkward spot which made watching tough for a large crowd.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Decided to go with a Lanai oceanview and we absolutely loved it. Almost felt like a balcony suit since you had access directly to the deck outside. The room felt BIG compared to other lines and you get an actual tub in the bathroom.
Ship tip
Definitely do the Pub crawl! They don't advertise it much but the bartenders will ask you to sign up. Was the most fun we had on the ship!
The port itself is really cool! Pools and swim up bars along with all the shopping you could want. Just a few minute away are nice beaches with a boardwalk and all the vendors for anything you'd like.
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