A chance to see parts of the world not normally available on a single cruise. The food was excellent and the staff was eager to provide their service to you. A great way to meet new friends.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation time was not a major problem as we arrived around 2 pm. Luggage was delivered promptly as two of three pieces were waiting when we got to our stateroom. We had a green circle placed on our key card when we arrived at the embarkation desk, but nobody told us that it was for the ultimate beverage package until 10 days into our cruise, when we started taking advantage of it.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food and choices in main (open seating) restaurant was excellent. Buffet for breakfast and lunch was ok but seating -- as usual on all ships -- was limited at peak times. We had a green circle placed on our key card when we arrived at the embarkation desk, but nobody told us that it was for the ultimate beverage package until 10 days into our cruise, when we started taking advantage of it.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I usually look forward to the art auctions, but the venue was very extremely poor. The selections were also very limited. Due to the nature and location of the cruise, the weather was not very enticing for using the pool area. When trying to use the crows nest area at the front of the ship, there were always those nasty early risers who put their towels on the seats to reserve them all day long, even when they are not in the area or sitting at a table playing cards or another game, just so that it is available for them when they want it. We did enjoy the Q/A trivia games as it gave us a chance to relax and socialize with other shipmates. Afternoon tea was also nice.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Based on the first couple of days we thought the entertainment would be good, but for the rest of the cruise, it was only fair and we either skipped it or walked out before completion. The main theater had insufficient seating to handle all who wanted to attend single session speakers and events. Also, the many poles in the theater rendered many of the seats in the back half useless.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Excellent service - with a smile - from all staff levels. Holland America is known for its service and there was no disappointment.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
layout of ship was fine with exception of the art auction area as noted above, which we understand will be improved when the ship goes in for renovation/dry-dock on October 22. The open areas were generally well maintained, although not perfect. There was generally plenty of seating throughout the ship to find an area to sit down and relax.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was very nice but there needed to be a bit more hanging and shelf/drawer space for an 18-30 night cruise. The cabin was generally clean, but there were some spots that were not completely cleaned up from the prior occupants from the preceding cruise.
Ship tip
be prepared to walk a lot from one end of the ship to the other for the many activities aboard
Most fantastic. Took a fantastic excursion to the ice tunnel at the top of the glacier and thoroughly enjoyed the day, although the lunch provided was not very good. It was good to get back on the ship for some real food to eat. The overnight stay was nice as it gave us the opportunity to sleep in and still have some time for some local time in the city .
We wanted to stop in Greenland but there were no tours offered from the ship. The port was small and full of flies. Stopping on a Sunday also meant that all of the shops were closed and made the port a waste of time. The only plus was being able to say that we visited Greenland
We were able to say that we got off the ship in Greenland but there were no tours offered from the ship. The port was small and after a half an hour after visiting the local gift shop, we went back to get on the tender and return to the ship. Again, the only plus was being able to say that we visited Greenland
We did take a previously scheduled tour, but had to disembark the ship so that we could return to south Florida prior to the striking of hurricane Irma.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
