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Cruising with HolLAND by
A Traveler from San Antonio, TX Sailing date: Sep 2008Pros: Clean, comfortable, smiling helpful staff, food was OK and plentiful. Cons: Types of activities offered, both excursions and on-board, were not as enjoyable as I would have liked. The ship was beautiful, comfortable and well run. The rooms were a good size, and the public places were beautiful. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe specialty restaurants were excellent, with delicious, well prepared and served beautifully. The dinners in the Rembrant Room were not very comfortable, crowded and LONG (waited until half way through dinner to get a glass of iced tea.) After the first time there, we ate in the Lido cafeteria, which was usually more comfortable. Stateroom QualityComfortable, clean, good size, very comfortable beds, temp easily controlled--over all excellent value. Ship Staff QualityRoom steward was thorough, concerned with our comfort, always accessible. We felt our belongings were safe in his hands. All the staff (with the exception of one staff member in the casino) were pleasant, smiling, always concerned with our comfort and providing our needs. The made you feel like it was a true pleasure to make our stay excellent. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe average age of the guests was about 70 yo. The activities reflected that, and there was little or nothing to do for guests who wanted something that required anything but a sedate walk. I would have liked more instructional programs, things about the areas we were going to visit (besides the shopping opportunities!) and the opportunity to MOVE.  
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Boston, MassachusettsWent on a tour that had little or no historical content. Saw Harvard, but would rather have seen sites connected with our American heritage. Glad we had the afternoon to explore on our own, but there wasn't much direction provided about where everything of interest was and how to get there.
Newport, Rhode IslandReally enjoyed visiting the American castles. It was interesting and well done.
Ville Saguenay, Quebec Although visiting the closed down pulp mill was interesting, driving over two hours to get there and two hours back for a 15 minute visit (no time to explore area on own) and a so-so lunch was not value added. The guide was personable, but didn't tell us very much.
Halifax, Nova ScotiaIf there is a rating lower than one, I'd use it on this visit. Went to the Bay of Fundy and Reversing Falls. Spent 4 HOURS on a bus and minutes at the sites. Lunch in the local restaurant was awful. Crammed cheek to cheek into long tables, stale biscuit, canned drink (warm), greasy cookies and no menu options. We were rushed through the meal in 15 minutes and rushed out so they could seat the next busful. And the bathroom--dirty, way too small for the number of people, long lines and the smell was memorable. The whole experience was pretty much a waste of money and time.
Quebec City, QuebecAbsolutely the best experience of the whole trip. The excursion guide was extremely knowledgeable about local customs and history. He made the one hour bus ride fly by with his patter of interesting information. The stop at the St. Anne Canyon was the best--able to walk about in the beautiful setting, see the falls, get some exercise and didn't feel at all rushed. The rest of the time to visit this beautiful and interesting city was not enough. We could have spent the whole vacation there and not been bored or run out of things to do.
Sydney, Nova ScotiaFirst interesting experience to the wine country. The tour guide, although not the somanlie that was advertised, was interesting, had activities planned and very knowledgeable about the area. The winery tours were great.
Don't Miss: Wineries. Saint John, New BrunswickWaste of time. Nothing very interesting to do. Although a pretty port, could have passed this one up without much loss.
78 out of 93 people found this review helpful.
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  Our fabulous cruise by
Dorothy M. from New Jersey Sailing date: Oct 2008Pros: Excellent cruise organization, brand new ship Cons: None We just got back from Eurodam- 3 night Bahamas cruise and we were really impressed. Excellent service, the food was outstanding. The shows were great. Beautiful silk room, pools, spas and saunas. Our stateroom was very cozy, clean with a lot of storage area.
We really like the way this ship is designed, beautiful restaurants, bars and library. Ship Quality
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27 out of 30 people found this review helpful.
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An overall good time by
JCC from Connecticut Sailing date: Jan 2011Pros: Great snorkeling and good food. Cons: Nightlife was almost non-existant. We had a great time, and I would recommend the cruise, but only to certain people. Be warned, if you are under 50 and looking for a party, this is not for you.
The service was great, the food was very good and we made some good friends. We booked Holland America based on their reputation for service and the lack of young children. We got exactly what we were looking, but maybe overshot our goal! The average age on our cruise was probably about 70 and the entertainment/nightlife was geared toward that age group. The bars (there are a lot) were nearly always empty and the pools close by 10 making it awkward to hang out after a late dinner. Ship QualityEurodam is a large ship, but not a mega-ship. It was roomy, but had a more intimate feel. It was very clean and well appointed. The pools were small, but there were always chaises available even on the at-sea days. The dining room had a lot of engine vibration. Dining/FoodThe main dining room had very good food and courteous service. Open seating was definitely the way to go. As we met people, it gave us the opportunity to have dinner together. Tamarind (the Asian specialty restaurant) was fantastic. The food was delicious and the staff was best on the ship. Stateroom QualityWe had a veranda suite which was very spacious and spotless. The housekeeping attendants were awesome. Ship Staff QualityThe staff was great. They got to know us and were friendly, courteous, and truly wanted to help. Out of all the staff I had interactions with, I only found two who did not meet my expectations. My expectations can be quite high. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe excursions were good with some of the best snorkeling we have ever done, but as I said, the nightlife was dull.
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Grand Turk IslandNever left the cruise center, but the snorkeling excursion was awesome, and the beach to the south was beautiful and we had it to ourselves. -Avoid the one to the north which was very crowded.
Don't Miss: Ultimate Snorkelling Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island)Beautiful beach
San Juan, Puerto RicoDidn't take any excursions, but Old San Juan seemed dirty with little to do.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Don't Miss: Great snorkeling via catamaran to St. John 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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beautiful ship by
christina l from ny Sailing date: Oct 2008Pros: ammenities on board- the spa Cons: service was terrible inexperienced service crew the ship was beautiful, brand new, lots of fun things to do. However it was quite obvious the crew was also new. the service was terrible, had to look for someone to get me a drink while sitting around the pool!
Spa was gorgeous! Ship Quality
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Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island)unreal it is so beautiful!
Don't Miss: just lay down and relax, the water is unbelievable! Nassau, Bahamasnot much time in port. I have been here before so I choose to shop rather than beach it for the day
Don't Miss: straw market- a real experience! 10 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Of 4 courses this was the worst! by
Steven W from Fairland,IN Sailing date: Oct 2010Pros: The Fitness Center & Spa Facilities Cons: The Stateroom no airconditioning all week. Also the smoking situation. This was my 4th cruise with Holland America. I cruised on the Ryndam, Maasdam, Zuiderdam, and now the Eurodam. I was impressed with all ships except for the Eurodam! Not impressed with the management team on this ship at all! Ship QualityStateroom very small & stuffy! Dining/Food
Stateroom QualityNo A/C all week long! Notified cabin steward 3 times. He stated he was trying but to no avail! Ship Staff QualityThe cabin steward did the best he could with the hand he had been dealt! The front desk wasn't to helpful on this cruise! Entertainment & Activities
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Great suite, fantastic food and service by
Roger & Darla R. from United States Sailing date: Feb 2010Pros: Our Suite and Service Cons: Rough, rocking, ride...worst I have ever been on...I've cruised over 15 times!! We loved the cruise overall...we went to the Eastern Carribean in February 2010. Our suite was large, beautifully appointed, spotless and I truly loved the dressing room outside of the bathroom. The dining rooms were beautiful and our food was excellent. The entire staff was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Our only con was the fact that this was the roughest cruise we have ever endured...especially the last night when we apparently "dragged" the anchor all the way back to FL and arrived 7 hours behind schedule. It was extremely uncomfortable and was certainly not the most pleasant way to end our trip. Ship Quality
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Stateroom QualitySuite was outstanding but didn't love the location. Ship Staff Quality
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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A Wonderful Cruise by
Leslie D. from Harrison City, PA Sailing date: Mar 2010Pros: The Stateroom balcony Cons: The food at the cookout on half moon bay The ship was very beautiful and the decor was up to date and it just made you feel confortable. We loved it. Ship QualityThe ship was beautiful, the decor and the layout was great and also extremely clean
and everything on the ship was very accessibility. Dining/FoodThe food was delicious on the ship and the specialty restaurant was great but make sure you get your reservation in early. We only got in because of a cancellation. Book the first day of the cruise. Stateroom QualityClean as can be, we loved the balcony and the bed was very confortable and we were on the 8th floor, the view was beautiful. Ship Staff QualityThe Ship Staff was wonderful, so friendly and always wanted to meke sure you had everything. The room steward was great and so friendly. The waiters, we could not say enough they wanted to please.
Entertainment & ActivitiesWe went to all the shows, they were wonderful, all talented performers. The Comedy Show was the best.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Most Relaxing Cruise Yet! by
A Traveler from Rexburg, Idaho Sailing date: Apr 2010Pros: The Spa Pass bought on the first day Cons: Always the same, I don't like eating with other people I don't know. This trip was during Easter, and Spring Break it had over 400 children. This was not a big thing to me because I love children. There were many old people bothered by kids. They need to book away for school breaks. Ship Quality
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Excellent Cruise! by
A Traveler from Bloomington, IN Sailing date: Mar 2012Pros: Great food Cons: Not attracted show That was a great cruise for the place you go and the food you eat. But the show on ship not really attract young people. Ship Quality
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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A very enjoyable vacation by
A Traveler from North Georgia Sailing date: Mar 2012Pros: Great cabn and food service Cons: Tour guide of the island of Grand Turk was hard to understand and tour consisted of nothing but seeing a hurricane ravaged island. Great crew in all departments who make you feel very much at home. Ship QualityImmaculately clean and very similar to other Holland America ships on which we have sailed. Dining/FoodGreat food overall. However, the Caesar salad was not very good on day 1 of the cruise and only slightly better on day 6 of the cruise Stateroom QualityBest cabin we have ever had with the best cabin stewards. Ship Staff QualityMiles of smiles from all crew members. Entertainment & ActivitiesGreat variety of programs. We especially enjoyed the Chef's optional cooking school. 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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