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Worse than other cruise lines by
Eugene D from Philadelphia Sailing date: Oct 2008Definitely caters to a certain audience. The repeat Holland America cruisers we spoke to, were happy with the trip. We were in for a bit of culture shock.
* Under no circumstances should it be considered acceptable for smoke to permeate the staterooms of non-smoking passengers. Because they allow smoking anywhere on the ship -- there isn't even a single floor/deck set aside for non-smokers -- cigarette smoke is felt as soon as you step on board the ship.
* Except for the pizza and taco bars, there was almost no "off-hours" food service -- lunch hours were strictly 12 - 1:30, and afternoons or > 9pm it was hard to find any edible snacks. The last day's breakfast is over by 8am, even though the last group disembarks at 10:15am.
* Entertainment was limited (karaoke was contest-only; theatrical shows were revue/variety only). Food lacked variety -- no tropical fruit or various smoked fish for breakfast, like on Princess. Not enough dancing -- actually, no dance classes at all. No karaoke, except for the contest which you must enter on the first night, and there's more verbal abuse of the contestants (a la american idol) than there is actual singing. No real cover bands like Norwegian; would be nice to have some reggae to get into the spirit. Instead they try to be classy with a string quartet before dinner, which gets boring, and anyway they were flat / out of tune.
* The sauna/spa is a joke, it's tiny compared to other cruise lines, I think the "real" sauna is not free and part of the spa package (not like princess).
* Food is definitely not any better than other cruise lines, though the "loyal customers" swear by it, and adore the head chef, it's not that imaginative or memorable. Lamb and escargot were good though.  
Collapse List of Ports
Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico
Grand Turk Island
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island)
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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  Superb experience - elegant ship. by
Bruce from Little Falls, NJ Sailing date: May 2006Pros: Excellent services. My wife and I were treated like queen/king during the trip. We highly recommend Holland America to all the friends. Entertainment & Activities
14 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
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Ship Review by
Loretta from Cincinnati, Ohio Sailing date: Mar 2007State room had a bad odor, the food was overcooked and very salty, the gentleman that was in charge of our cabin was wonderful!!
Collapse List of Ports
Grand Turk Island
If you don't snorkel or scuba, there is nothing to do except go to margaritaville.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island)
San Juan, Puerto Rico
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Most excellent! by
Sherry from USA Sailing date: Mar 2007Pros: Square feet per passenger. Only HAL - would never sail with another line again. Service, security, food, entertainment for exceeds other lines I've sailed with. Entertainment & Activities
Collapse List of Ports
Grand Turk IslandTraveling with my elderly mother, easy access to shopping for her.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island)San Juan is beutiful, can't go without stopping at the cristo cathedral.
Relaxing, safe, best vacation value there is.
Don't Miss: Streets of San Juan, Cristo cathedral, day at half moon cay. San Juan, Puerto Rico
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Ship Review by
Chris from USA Sailing date: Feb 2007
Entertainment & Activities
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Great service! We did not like the fact by
Cheryl from Wichita, Kansas, USA Sailing date: Mar 2006Pros: The pool and the food. We had a great time. We would go again if we see a time and location we would like to go. Entertainment & Activities
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
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Nothing to complain about. by
Tanner from Bedford, PA Sailing date: Jul 2006Pros: Ambience. Good cruise, our choice of aft cabins was excellent, great views from veranda. Good weather helped. Entertainment & Activities
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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We prefer a larger ship, at 2100 people, by
Kathy from Gilbert, AZ Sailing date: Dec 2006Pros: Spa, specialty restaurant and midnight extravaganza. We had a nice time, always do, as we are a family and all went together. However, Holland America is for a much older crowd and not in that sophisticated way, just a bit dreary in atmosphere. Entertainment & Activities
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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A Real Vacation. by
Beth from Charlotte, NC Sailing date: Oct 2006Pros: The variety of activites and the attention to detail each one had. This cruise was so wonderful, becuase our only worry was whether we'd eat first or just go to the pool. The ports of call were all very unique. We did 4 in a week, which kept everyday very special. The value of this trip was worht 3 times what we paid. I would recommend a Holland America Cruise to people of all ages adn agendas. It was great! Entertainment & ActivitiesActivities: There was something for everyone. I liked the gym and the location. It looks out in front of the ship.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Great overall trip. by
Karen from Westchester County, NY Sailing date: Apr 2006Pros: It's hard to pick one--the ship was physically very lovely, and the staff was very friendly and attentive. My husband, son, and I had a wonderful time. The ship was not too big, and it had a luxurious feel, but it wasn't stuffy. The food was generall very good, but rarely outstanding. The ports were all very enjoyable. Entertainment & ActivitiesActivities: Fitness center had a nice view. Pool area was nice, and it had a retractable roof.
Entertainment: Great magician and comic--dancers were just okay. 2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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