I am one cruise away from 5-star mariner status, so I consider myself an experienced Holland America 'expert' level passenger, lol. Starting with the convenience of sailing in and out of Fort Lauderdale (I live in Florida) the entire cruise was a real treat. The embark was a breeze, going by HAL shuttle bus from airport to cruise terminal, then right through security and right onto the ship.

I was in a Signature Suite, which was spacious beyond necessity and had many lighting options, good temperature control, two-sink vanity, two desk areas, full sofa, big flat-screen, lots of places to plug things in. Midship was convenient to everything, and although I was in the suite adjacent to the glass elevator, (cabin #5093) I never heard a sound from it. The balcony was more narrow than most, because of the location the lifeboats directly under, although there was room for two reclining chairs, two ottomans , and a good sized table. Robes and slippers provided, and there was twice-daily 'turn-down-and-tidy-up service.

I had a terrific table for two on the upper level main dining room, and had dinner there every evening, which after the first evening, only took one hour from appetizer to dessert. Breakfasts and lunches were always a treat in the Lido with such an enormous selection of foods, my favorite being the fresh sushi served daily. Read more