We chose this cruise because the price seemed a bargain and we were interested in trying another cruise line. Before sailing we had read reviews, a lot of them mentioning that Holland America has dropped the ball when it comes to providing interesting day and evening activities. The writers mentioned that they had boring times on board. We decided that we would try the cruise line and go with an open mind. Sadly, however, we found the negative reviews to be mainly spot on. We are a couple in our late 60’s and early 70’s and have been on 30 cruises. We’ve sailed Celebrity, Princess, Azamara and Royal Caribbean and can say that we were never bored on any of them. This cruise had music venues but this type of entertainment on the other lines is side entertainment, not the main attraction. The theatre, which by the way lacked in interesting and attractive decor, was under used. There were two dance shows with projected images on the walls and then three comedians. The other times the theatre was used for an evening movie and a lecture read from a script with a slide show behind. Again, these activities would not be the main featured entertainment on other cruise ship lines. There were very few day activities, mostly either scheduled sales pitches and notices as to when certain desks were open such as for excursions and future cruise sign up. We were disappointed to see the list each day of the very few of activities run by the cruise activity staff ( the director and his only one assistant). On all of the other lines that we have cruised, we always have a difficult time trying to squeeze in all of the events that happen each day. It would have been nice to have things to do to get interaction with other passengers and the cruise staff.

On the positive side, the cabin was nice with good service from our cabin steward. Upon entering the cabin, there are a lot of doors in the entrance area. There is the bathroom door across from closet doors that open out so you have to be careful not to get hit by any when two people are in that area. The buffet was a problem getting food unless you didn‘t mind at most times having to wait in long lines to be served food by the staff. It was strange that the staff served some foods but other foods you served yourself. The hours that the buffet was open, were not always convenient and didn‘t make sense.

We were with 12 other friends on this cruise and sadly, the consensus of everyone was that this was a disappointing cruise. No one is planning on sailing with Holland America again. Read more