Holland America woos you with exceptional, port intensive itineraries, mid sized ships, excellent hotel service and the promise of sophisticated enrichment. They succeeded in fulfilling our expectations on the first three but failed on the fourth. If you considered this cruise as a floating hotel you would be happy enough. We were satisfied with the dining , it is fresh and well prepared. The hotel staff is excellent. The cabin was large enough to be comfortable for two for a long journey. The bathroom is spacious by cruise ship standards. It is too bad the ship was in dire need of refurbishing and this did affect the ventilation system which was moldy.

If you rely on the ship board experience for your bliss you may be disappointed. I don't understand what HAL is thinking. They offer their premier Vikings journey on this sad, worn out ship then they put a novice incompetent Cruise Director in charge of a 38 day journey. Is there a word for uneducating a person? If so that is what the enrichment program attempted to do. Much of the evening entertainment was good but did cater to the elderly.

We thoroughly enjoyed every port we visited and were pleased with every shore excursion we booked. We chose to ignore the failings during our vacation and enjoyed our trip. Read more