Like a FINE wine just keeps getting BETTER

Rotterdam Cruise Review to Caribbean

jhuntermartin

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 39

Overall rating:

3.3 out of 5

Verified Review

21 Night Southern Caribbean Wayfarer / Seafarer (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 01, 2021

Ship: Rotterdam

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

This is the third Rotterdam I have had the pleasure of sailing on. My first cruise since COVID-19 ravaged the cruising world. Much has changed let's discuss this. EMBARKATION This is a bit more complex as COVID Testing and Vaccination records must be reviewed. You no longer receive your cabin keys at check-in or can add or update credit card information. Embarkation was FAST, THOROUGH, and EFFICIENT took about 15 minutes. FIRST IMPRESSIONS The Rotterdam VII is the third Pinnacle Class ship for Holland America. I was very disappointed that the Mariners Luncheon was held at 11:30 AM on Embarkation Day. Holland America has brought back a REAL library. Your cabin keys are found in the mail slot beside your cabin door. The Lifeboat Drill is GONE but not FORGOTTEN. Now you go with your Cabin Key Card at your Leisure but BEFORE departure to your Muster Station and it is scanned. You then return to your cabin and watch the Safety Video in it's entirety. Finally, before departure the Captain gives an important Safety Announcement you must listen to that. ONCE you complete ALL three tasks you have completed the Safety Drill. This is a HUGE but WELCOMED change. FOOD and DINING Holland America has always done well in this area and continues to do so. Service is the usual 5 star experience. Special requests are CHEERFULLY accommodated and honored quickly. No report on premium dining as I didn't participate. CABIN My Cabin Stewards Ram and Mery were over the TOP. Cabin was kept clean and service was great ENTERTAINMENT This area of Holland America keeps improving with every cruise. Billboard Onboard and the Rollingstone Rock Room are becoming HAL staples that please everyone. Featured Shows are thin but well done. SPA This area of the cruise is well done but very expensive. Passengers complained about pricing and the staff's aggressive behavior in regards to selling overpriced spa products. CUTBACKS Nightly Turn down service is gone and those beautiful flower arrangements too. THE BOTTOM LINE Carnival Corporation and it's subsidiary Holland America have survived and are back to sailing with some incredible offers. Cutbacks in services are never fun but these companies are fighting for their survival. Holland America celebrates it's 150th year in business in 2022 and I wish it another 150 years !!