Combo Cruise 7/11

While an 18 day cruise might not be feasible for most, for those of us with the time available it was both enlightening and relaxing. The eastern Caribbean segment of the first week featured a variety of ports to include Puerto Rico, Grand Turk, and St Thomas in the U.S.V.I.  The cruise line's private island in the Bahamas, additionally, was a gem.  The latter eleven days featured a return stop in the Bahamas, Aruba, Curacao, Cartagena in Colombia, a partial transit of the Panama Canal, and a stop in Limon, Costa Rica.  The Panama Canal was the highlight, but all other destinations offered an enriching distinctiveness.  And Costa Rica never disappoints.  For us this mid-size ship with under 2,000 guests was the perfect size.  Holland America staff treated us ever so well and the food, entertainment, activities, and the independent shore excursions chosen provided the satisfaction one would anticipate.  This latter segment is probably best suited for adults.  Our rating, if possible, would be 4.5.  HA comes with our recommendation.  Don't expect Disney, but they don't purport to be.  HA does a great job of keeping you informed while on board with all the necessary and optional items on your radar. One negative, HA still permits smoking in limited areas but attempts to limit second hand smoke; they aren't always successful.  HA has no control of the weather, but our good fortune in this regard put this itinerary over the top!  If like us, you live in colder climates in winter, this cruise in late Dec and early Jan is just what your therapist would order.