This was a Transpacific crossing as a repositioning cruise which involved more sea time than usual for most cruises. The MS Volendam is smaller than most modern cruise ships, which lends a more communal feel. That being said, it was a great cruise with greater than normal interactions with the ships crew, as well as the hotel staff.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were running later than normal, so we missed the normal early rush.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The main dining room was good, but with late dining the service was often slow. We were used to cruises that had early and late dining, with the movies and stage shows during the opposite dining option. What Holland America had was early and late dining and late and very-late show and movie times. Had we realized that we would have chosen early dining.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Holland America tends to emphasize lectures and other educational forums over mindless entertainment. The lecture series on Japan (history, culture, interactions, etc) was excellent, as were the Pacific Explorations during the Age of Discovery. Two of the junior officers (Sophie and Martjn) also ran a very popular series of lectures on Navigational Topics that were very informative.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The dancers were so-so.
Children's Programs
No children on this trip.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was great as always.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cleanliness was very good, but the ship is older and somewhat dated. Scheduled for a dry docking this winter in Shanghai where they will hopefully get lifts for the pools and hot tubs.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We got a handicap accessible cabin which worked out great. There were only a couple of 110V outlets available (in the bathroom and over the desk). We needed to use an extension cord to recharge her wheelchair, phones, iPad, etc,
Due to low pressure cells building in the Bearing Sea the Captain elected to skip Dutch Harbor and travel south. Extraordinary prescient as bad weather plagued the Aleutians during our crossing.
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