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Rotterdam Cruise Review

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 20

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Rotterdam

10 Night Southern Caribbean Seafarer (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 08, 2023

Ship: Rotterdam

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8169

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Stay out of the tourist traps. Also don’t book excursions with the cruise line unless you want to pay 2 to 3 times the amount. If you’re flexible, find an excursion directly in port and save some money.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Much smoother than carnival’s

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Best food by far.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Lacking activities for young people. Holland America is tailored to retired and seasoned cruisers who want a laid back experience.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Lacking activities for young people. Holland America is tailored to retired and seasoned cruisers who want a laid back experience.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Helpful friendly staff as usual.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Ship was clean but ugly dull drab interior.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5
Smaller than Carnival’s interior room. Bed was uncomfortable and moving around the room was difficult.

Ship tip

If you have kids choose a different line. This is a great cruise line for older retired folks or those who want a more quiet cruise. The music and entertainment is toned down. The food quality is however better than say Carnival.

Ports of call

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

2 out of 5
This was our second time here. The first time was our favorite port by far, doing the ATV excursion in 2018. Things have changed though and it’s becoming a real swindler’s paradise with our taxi driver (Miguel) and local shops gouging you to death. Pay cash only NO CREDIT! If using credit ask for the exact dollar amount on your receipt.. Also I realized DR has an insanely high tax rate.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

4 out of 5
Nice private island with clear blue water however no fish to see if snorkeling.

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5
Very hot dry and busy island but plenty to see and do.

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5
Prettiest of the ABC islands. Lacking on tours compared to Aruba so just rent a car.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

5 out of 5
Beautiful great for snorkeling.

Grand Turk Island

4 out of 5
We had bad weather but still a pretty and friendly island.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

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