Holland America is Slipping

Volendam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

WilliamH3

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 0

Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Glacier Bay Inside Passage Alaska (Vancouver Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 16, 2010

Ship: Volendam

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

We sailed on the Ms Noordam about two years ago. The service on the Noordam was outstanding. The Volendam does not compare. I honestly believe that Holland America has reduced the English-speaking requirements of their staff. There were too many mistakes/misunderstandings by too many staff members for anything else to make sense.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

The food quality is not even close to as good as it was two years ago. Also, our in-room breakfast order was "forgotten" once and wrong three times. We went to the restaurant once.....they brought me the wrong food and messed up my wife's steak.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The activities are perfect for the 60 years old + crowd. We are in our 40's.

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

In-room dining staff cannot understand English. Restaurant staff cannot understand English. Casino bartender was smug and unfriendly (but....he does speak English).

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

When we arrived, our room had dirty plates and half a glass of milk in the refrigerator. There were also crumbs all over the table and the floor. The combination definitely set the wrong tone. Our telephone broke on the second day (it was repaired quickly). The DVD player in our cabin did not work. The wireless internet did not work in our room at all.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5