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Item: Rotterdam
Rating: 4
Author: Srkl2l6

Rotterdam Cruise Review

Srkl2l6

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

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.

Thumbs up

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.

Thumbs Up 2

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

4 out of 5

Nice private island with clear blue water however no fish to see if snorkeling.

Thumbs Up 0

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5

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

Thumbs Up 0

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5

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

Thumbs Up 1

Kralendijk, Bonaire

5 out of 5

Beautiful great for snorkeling.

Thumbs Up 0

Grand Turk Island

4 out of 5

We had bad weather but still a pretty and friendly island.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Traveler Photos

5 Comments

Ladyjunecliff 1 year ago

Thanks for your review. I like big rooms too but I don’t like the price for a suite on a 7 days cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

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nightrider 1 year ago

I somewhat agree with you. My wife and I just took our first Holland cruise on the Rotterdam in February. We had a fantastic time! We believe it’s the best food that we have experienced on any ship that we have been on. I do believe that the interior room is the same as carnival 185 ft.². If you think that room is small do yourself a favour and don’t go on the Mardi Gras. I was very disappointed the rooms are much smaller trying to squeeze in as many people as possible.

Thumbs Up 2

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javawoody 1 year ago

Appreciate the feedback

Thumbs Up 0

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Wanderer4life 1 year ago

Thanks for the feedback. My opinion is different cruise lines cater to different types of people.

Thumbs Up 2

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed review. Glad you mostly enjoyed your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

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Other reviews of this sailing

Excellent Holland America Southern Caribbean 10-day Cruise

Great trip