Would never book this ship again because of poor cabin design and crowded public areas,
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Crowded, slow, lots of stops
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Buffet was crowded, lacked seating areas at times, had to take my lunch to my room one day. Lots of choices but very repetitive over the course of 9 days. Great Pizza but again difficult to find seating in that area. Dining room ok but wasn't pleased with the food or menus. Worst prime rib I've had on any cruise.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pools were always crowded, lounges filled with people's towels reserving them for the entire day even if they weren't there. Couldn't use fitness center because we didn't have gym shoes.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Ship was maintained well, but didn't like how crowded everything was. Hallways to staterooms were narrow. This is an old smaller ship which has been refurbished but is touted as the newest ship. The elevators were speedy.
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
Horrible cabin, narrow room with terrible layout. Narrow hallway leading into room was impossible with three doors (entry, bath, closet) opening into each other. Couldn't enter or leave bath if closet doors were open or someone was entering room. Also, it was a connecting room and could hear tv in next room. Lots of creaking noises and vibration when ship was underway. Faulty electric outlets. Left my GoPro plugged in overnight and didn't charge, thought my battery had gone bad but had no trouble charging when returned home. Worst cabin we've ever booking.
Ship tip
Try to change your cabin if it has a connecting door.
"This is an old smaller ship which has been refurbished but is touted as the newest ship."
Are you sure you were on the Rotterdam? It's the newest, biggest ship in the Holland America fleet.
I was on this cruise, you should not cruise HA again, please. It is not crowded even when it’s full like this sailing was. I never had trouble getting a seat anywhere as long as we did not show up at the last minute and expect the best seats. The cabins on this ship are pretty much the same as any other ship I have ever been on. You should never get an adjoining room on any ship. If you did a bit of research you would know that.
On the ship in January and it was full. That said, there were no long lines anywhere. You did have to get to the theater half hour early for a good seat. On HAL not finding a seat in the lido mean one by the window.
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