We choose this cruise to get our first taste of HAL, which line has longer cruises in which we have an interest. The result was mixed. Many wonderful extras in service, lovely promendade deck with relaxing deck chairs, a great music deck with duel pianos playing a variety of music, classical music site, and a fantastic rock and roll soul band at BB Kings.

3 PM tea with finger sandwhiches was a pleasant easy way to meet and talk to guests. Overall both in the dining room (which was the rather typical SLOW service) and Lido buffet the food had variety and great taste. Note though, at the buffet you do NOT serve yourself, they serve you, which does slow the line down. Music in open areas was soft and nice.

The big negative was the evening offerings on the mainstage. A presentation on the Caribbean, a comedian who was so-so(maybe a bad night) a magician who was fun, but whose show is "small", a movie, then two dance shows. The Dance shows were interesting but after awhile start to look the same. Really missed the large music, singing, and dancing shows. Read more