Gorgie Cruise Review on Zaandam on Dec 17, 2018

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 110

Review summary

Just got back from a 22 day cruise from San Antonio, Chile to Antarctica and on to Buenos Aires. It was our first time with Holland America, We have sailed with Princess 16 times and loved every one. When we booked they did not go to Antarctica but they do now. The cruise was great. The 4 and a half days in Antarctica were fabulous. I would love to go back someday. The Captain was great and I loved the hour he spent answering questions from the audience. The Steward (Ram) and the Assistant (Buddy) were exceptional. The waiters at table 156 Anaka and Gete were wonderful. The supervisor Johanas was extremely helpful and treated us like royalty. The two extra free days in Buenos Aires were a very nice touch for those who had suites. The free excursions for the suite guests were also very good. The ship itself was fine, no complaints. The retractable roof allowed for swimming even in Antarctica. The theater was small and the upper deck felt isolated from the floor activity, especially for New Year’s Eve. The woman naturalist Tamara was poor. Had no clue how to give clock directions for viewing. Also made up sightings, 15 whales off the stern. Numerous times like they were trying to reach a quota. Having the guy from Argentina give a lecture on the Falkland war was a severe error in judgement. “We would have to get rid of all the people currently living there.” No wonder the British people hate the invading Argentinas. Most lectures were good but the political comments have no place in the talks, we are not paying for their political opinions. The food selection is limited and after reading the menu online there were several nights we avoided the dining room. The Lido was poor as well, although they did have good salads in large bowls. Overall the food did not compare to Princess. The entertainment was also not as good as Princess. It was usually only 35 to 40 minutes. Excursions varied. Some were very good. Some were overpriced for what you received. The staff that helped people into tender boats and back on board were not friendly. Room Service was very good and although the food was always the same it was usually good, and on time. Important for early excursions. They seemed to be constantly pushing alcohol. There photo department was the worst of any ship we have sailed. No video offered for sail of the cruise. No cameras for sail, no batteries or accessories, No ship camera. The stores were the worst as well. They could have sold 1,000 Antarctica shirts and hats. No hats period and shirts only in small and medium, and that was charging 160.00 for a t-shirt. Constant comment was Holland does not run their own shops. I was surprised by the number of children, teenagers, young adults, and people under 50. I think they were the majority. It was the Antarctica not Holland or the ship that caused this. We only missed one port because of the wind. That was Christmas Day, the stores would not have been open anyway. I really liked the fact they provided very nice binoculars in every suite cabin, better than what we brought, great for spotting penguins on icebergs. All in all it was a wonderful trip. Holland was not bad, some things were really good, but I would go with Princess if both were going to the Antarctica. They have been the only main cruise line going to Antarctica so the itinerary is good. We saw a Silver Seas ship while there doing Antarctica but they want 36,600 per person for 18 days. You are looking at well over $80,000 for two people counting flights and excursions. Almost 4 times what we paid. You get a lot better value with Holland.