Consider the activities you want onboard, excursion options, and destinations, and pick the correct vessel and cruise line. Holland American tried but it is not a cruise line for everyone especially if you are in your 40s or younger. It was boring for us when we were at sea.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Quick and easy. They did a nice job of getting us onboard quickly and not forcing everyone to take the picture that we all dread about.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food is fine typical of a buffet and service. Holland America has odd hours for meal times which were inconvenient. E.g. They shutdown all kitchens in the buffet dining room rather than stacking the shutdown. If you missed early breakfast then you have to wait for lunch until 11:30AM. Dinner shut down by 8PM and you have to get room service. You simply don't have a choice if you don't want to see in the room after a late night casino or theater.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
There were variety of activities such as arranging flowers, knitting, group walks, painting, art auction, and shopping. I wanted to go to the fitness center but it was not open so I gave up after the third day. The activities were not for everyone.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Holland American is designed for seniors. Music is limited to 60s, 70s, 80s which we love but not for 7 nights back-to-back. They need varieties for music and activities for all demographics. We are in our 40s and we found the trip boring while onboard especially at sea overnight or the two days. There was no free WIFI so you resort to either, casino, sleeping early or drinking at the bar. We are not casino people so we chose drinking and socializing with people. The theater was also not active with only a couple of performances. They played a couple movies and one was Marvel Agent - Flash which was an interesting selection for seniors and the middle-age.
Children's Programs
Did not go looking for it.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Most staff were fantastic. There were a few times where staff in the Lido Market (Buffet) were rude especially during closing. They literally shut the blind on you right on the dots while you are getting food.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship is clean and well-designed. In any case, it is dated, 90s style.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Service staff were fantastic and accommodating keeping the room neat and clean. Just like the rest of the ship, it's dated decor.
Ship tip
Know that this is a small ship. E.g. It's half the size of a Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian cruises. Limited activities and lack varieties and options. It did have a nice retirement home atmosphere.
It was fine. We did have to walk quarter plus mile from Uber drop off. Only Yellowcab were allowed to drop off by the front of the port entry. It was fun dragging a few luggage for a long walk.
Not brilliant for business idea on Canada's part. There was one gift shop for three cruise ships that docked that night. There were no restaurants or other shops, no walking paths, parks, literally nothing to do unless you get on a shuttle. About the shuttle, it was completely useless for Holland America to dock there for only 3 hours. It simply was not enough time for any excursion when thousands of people from 3 ships waiting to get on a shuttle into town. We gave up waiting for the shuttle and board the ship.
Talk to your travel agent about what you want on your cruise. A good travel agent will give you info on cruises geared for younger crowds. Sorry you were disappointed.
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