Thank you so much. Finally, a review that doesn't go on and on just about food and staterooms. People do pay attention to music venues and places to dance and meet and mingle and I'm so happy to see one of my favorite lines deliver a meet and mingle ship that cares about varied lounges and music when they designed it. Too bad Celebrity didn't when they designed the disppointing for me Edge class of ships. Plus, this looks and feels like a HAL ship. The whole atmosphere inside is HAL and couldn't be any other ship. They do have excellent food and service and such and they do tend to remember your name and preferences, especially if you frequent an area. And that's key to me, what area(s) do you frequent? It's not the same for everyone. For me, music lounges are it. And you point that out. So, yes, in 2023 people very much enjoy lounges and someone should tell Celebrity that so they design their post-Edge class properly. Also, the library on this ship is superb. I think one of the reasons why the service was so great is HAL isn't introducing a ton of new ships and they've recently sold their Statendam class so they have trained personnel to put on all their ships.
From a crew perspective, HAL treated us like absolute gems. The leadership comes from the top down and I am forever grateful for my days with HAL. My journey took me to Princess, and now to Windstar but my time with HAL will always be remembered most fondly indeed.
We have sailed the Eurodam, Koningsdam and Noordam twice and as seniors enjoyed all of them because of their great food, music and service. We will again be on the newer Rotterdam this Fall, which also has the Dutch Café with our favorites and are sure we will enjoy it. We have sailed on the Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess and only like the last one. Carnival was the worst, repetitive bad food and too many noisy drunks on it, R.C. with too many screaming unruly kids.
We only went on Holland on a whim because it was the cheapest option, and we’re pleasantly surprised! We thought we were too young for it, but we really liked the EXC talks, food, music, Theater, and service. Staff were super friendly and didn’t seem as stressed. The theater was great and the shows like BBC Earth and In Concert were so cool. The Explorer’s Lounge and Library were a huge highlight as well. It gives people the chance to learn and engross themselves in the destinations and not just the ship. I also like that they have a bigger emphasis on sustainability. The only con is the toilet in the staterooms. It’s hard to fit if you’re tall.
We will be taking this ship on a transatlantic cruise in October from Rottadam to Ft. Lauderdale. So looking forward to this cruise and your look at the ship has me even more excited.
I almost exclusively cruise with HAL now. I've been on RC, Norwegian & Princess too. I have done many Princess cruises, but that has changed. Since the restart, I have not been getting the offers I used to through the Players Club & from onboard spending. Conversely, HAL has sent me terrific deals through their Players club for onboard spending.( Some free fare sailings) I enjoy longer cruises, and HAL has great itineraries too. I was recently on the Konningsdam, so with the addition of the Rolling Stone bar, the music walk was terrific. Off to the Eurodam next week followed by the Emerald Princess!
I just checked our 3 cruises we have with HAL we have upcoming. As luck would have it we are on the Rotterdam all 3 trips. So your video is absolutely perfect for us to look at this ship. We have sailed with HAL before, but never on this class of ship.
Always enjoyed HA. I also have a framed advert from way back advertising SS Rotterdam, around the world in 80 days, sail a happy ship. Definately need to give this one a go!
Great vlog, thank you! We are considering booking a Transatlantic cruise with HAL. Any plans to cover such a journey? Keen to see what its like on board, with more sea days v ports. Thanks 😊
We have cruised with HA three times; to Alaska, to the Panama Canal, and on the Med. Three great trips, three great ships, good food, good drinks, and good entertainment and good shore excursions. We have also cruise with Cunard (2x) and Celebrity (1x). We are an older couple as were a lot of fellow pass on HA, Cunard had a mix of more middle agers, Celebrity was definitely a younger crowd. We felt that in every aspect, HA did a better job than the other two, considering that one trip was on the QE2, this is saying much.
we did a new years cruise on Koningsdam when it was around a year or two old. Similar assessment as yours. Really good food, I liked the entertainment. I always bring a book for when there is relaxing down time (so I'm not one to ever gripe that a cruise line didn't sing and dance enough for me). But also their tv/movie choices in the room were way better than any other cruise we've done. I always hit the gym, it was good but I do recall that due to some slightly flawed design, the muggy ocean air could get into the gym more easily than other cruises I've done, leading to profuse sweating quickly. But it was still a good gym. The cruise was probably full, but never felt too crowded. And over holiday times, there are many families with kids that are teens/twenties. I think the typical geriatric cruiser (who can cruise any time) instead goes during non-peak times, when kids are typically in school. We're looking into Rotterdam for upcoming new years. We normally do NCL/Carnival, but HAL fit our schedule and the price was pretty decent, it was a pleasant surprise.
I was on the Rotterdam in December and have 2 HAL cruises booked for later this year (transatlantic and panama canal). HAL has the best casino offers! I paid for my 1st cruise, and have never paid again (except taxes & port fees). Got a free signature suite for 2 people on an 11 day Mediterranean cruise last oct. How could I even consider another line when they're sooooo good to me?
Thanks for this info! My local casino just sent me an offer for a free cruise on Holland. Was wondering if there was a casino since I didn’t see one on this video. Also wondering what the “free” cruise includes? Do we pay for drinks food etc?
@@miguelitocunsuelo7200 my offers vary. It most likely means a free cabin, which includes food except for specialty dining. Unless the offer specifies you get free drinks, on board credit or some other perk, I would assume they're not included.
Are excursions still mandatory in group or you can go on your own? and if you have credits where can you spend them? thanks a lot wonderful video and review
Glad you had a very good cruise. We will be on her this coming February for a BVI cruise. Curious why no mention of the Retreat area? I’ve heard great things about this ship within a ship concept. Thx
Taking 3rd HAL cruise to Alaska in Sept 2022 on the Eurodam. Booked a Neptune suite this time to celebrate anniversary. Love HAL, but to be honest never sailed on any other line except HAL unless you count hitching rides on US Navy ships!
All I can say is….WOW!!! Our last cruise was January, 2020 on Regal Princess (loved seeing her in background!) our next one (after 7 cancels 😠) will be on HAL Rotterdam in October. Will be Trans Atlantic out of Rotterdam. And will be our first HAL experience. I’ve already been excited beyond description, but your video has increased the level 10,000%. Thank you!! We will spend much time in the B.B. King Blues Bar and (weather permitting) the aft pool. And also catching up on reading and resurrecting our chess game. How would you describe the demographics of those that were aboard with you? I have a preconceived notion based on zero facts. Once again, so excited. Though lovely (socially required adjective) fiancée is very well traveled, this will be my first time across the pond. Thank you for a brilliant, honest and thorough presentation.
What about excursions? My husband uses a mobility scooter on board. Very few excursions were available for him on Celebrity where we have done our last five cruises. We ended up staying on the ship in many port’s because there was nothing he could do.
Thank you for a great review of the Rotterdam. We were a bit unsure whether to sail on this for a future sailing to the Fjords but now going to book. We are looking at cabin 5117 (large balcony )but unsure if it will be noisy due to its proximity to lifts and stairs. I don’t suppose you know if it would be ok? Keep up the great work.
Glad you enjoyed the video. We can’t specifically to the sound in that cabin, but we have stayed in numerous cabins only a few doors down from elevators on several ships and have never had a noise issue.
Glad you enjoyed the review. The clientele was a mix. We would say a bit more on the older side, but there were pockets of cruisers our age range (25-45). Very few families, with mostly couples. Let us know if you have more questions.
Thanks for the great video!! We will soon be on the Rotterdam and will be excited to try the Half Moon Bar!! We would suspect they are changing 'Blend' on other ships of this class to Half Moon Cay. When we were on the Nieuw Statendam a few weeks ago we noticed 'Blend' was shut down and never open - so this must the the plan moving forward. Thanks again and we look forward to vlogging the Rotterdam in another month!! 😃
This ship looks absolutely fabulous!! I'm a live music lover as well and that is important to me on a too 😁! Everything looks beautiful with great attention to detail. I love a beautiful contemporary looking ship. Thanks a lot DB for making my cruise bucket list bigger🤣 I've done Carnival, Ncl and Royal. Now I want to try Holland, Celebrity and Princess. Which of the lines is Holland America comparable too?
Glad to widen your horizons. We think you will enjoy HAL. It is similar to Celebrity, with Celebrity being a tad more upscale. But, food is comparable, and we enjoyed the live music more on HAL. The Celebrity entertainment, especially on Edge Class, is a bit better. Let us know what you book.
I booked the Norwegian Prima yesterday!!! I'm doing a 5 night Bermuda from Ny🛳😊 I have 3 cruises booked right now. Oasis in May, Carnival Celebration's inaugural in November (1st holiday cruise) and now the Prima for my big 55 next March!!
I do as well. I feel like the ship is contemporary yet traditional at the same time. Princess and Celebrity are comparable but I don't like the Edge class Celebrity ships for music/lounges. Solstice class is better for that. Princess, any ship is good for that.
We only did shore excursions in one port of call, Grand Turk. At both Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay we just walked around/laid on the beach. We had to cancel our tour in St. Thomas due to change in arrival time. We did really enjoy the tour in Grand Turk.
Very good review. I heard what I wanted to hear, so to say. The room and bathroom really look very very good. I mean, I saw the review from Mr. Gary and TravelwithUs from Cunard's Queen's Grill and my God, that bathroom was awful, even more so considering the crazy money you pay for those suites ... HAL ships have very nice interiors, the colours and materials used are very pleasant. Only critique for this ship and the others from the Vista-class is that rear part (the stern). My God, it looks ghastly, it's literally a box. In my vision, the Disney Wish looks the most beautiful and QM2, at least from the exterior.
Was on Rotterdam 21 days in December . Am in agreement with you. Beautiful ship and staff. Rebekah was amazing and most present Cruise Director ever! Could have lived in the library. What an amazing selection and beautifully arranged. Had already seen Humanity twice on Konigsdam and went twice in December. Beautiful!! Going back on in 3 weeks and again in November. Cannot wait!!
My experience last month will be my last HAL voyage. The bean counters have taken over this brand. Tender to half moon cay was an hour wait each way..They cut down all the trees so you need to purchase shade. read the print on the drink package and look for false billings.. Watch out for less than a shot on said drinks
Your review was substantive and enhanced by good photography. It was far more useful than the reviews of most other UA-camrs. However, I can‘t believe that you kept referring to your wife as “the wife.“
Holland America is my most favorite Cruise Line. Unfortunately, I can't afford it. My cruises on HAL have been memorable. I wish they offered the same discounts as RCL...I don't think HAL can be topped.
Holland America has great deals. If you get the “Have it all”, it really makes it competitive. Also, if you gamble at all, their casino offers are better than any other line, IMO.
That's not as easy a question as it seems. Celebrity used to have fancier food, but that's changed somewhat. Celebrity has more specialty restaurants and I think nickel and dimes more. Celebrity's Edge class ships are different than their Mllennium and Solstice class ships. The Edge has done away with most music lounges, library, card room, forward observation lounge and seems to have far more retreat only areas than does HAL. Celebrity is somewhat more active. Both are premium but Celebrity seems to want to change to get a younger crowd and I think that's compromising their product. Younger and select is fine but not just younger. HAL is comparable but has a longer history that shows in many ways.
I can go solo to Alaska 7 days in an Oceanview room on Koningsdam for $1,267 CAD, (0% single supplement). BUT, I can go solo to Alaska 8 days in an inside room on Carnival Spirit for $488 CAD, (0% single supplement). Here's the thing. I am a pensioner, money is limited and my interests are simple. I eat, drink and enjoy live music. All day and sometimes all night. literally nothing else. Is the Koningsdam really worth 2.6 times more?
We sailed HAL pre pandemic and of all the cruise lines we have tried, we were most disappointed with Holland’s entertainment in general. The Nieuw Statendam ,which we sailed in 2019, contained 3 different musical venues in one area with rotating shifts . It was impossible to get a seat and people were crowded in the central walkway. By day three we avoided it altogether. It’s really not fair to judge this venue during this time as every inch of the ship, from pool to theatre, is at a low capacity. And speaking of the theatre, it was in my opinion below par to Royal Caribbean, which offers top-notch broadway style musicals instead of the disjointed singing and dancing of all Carnival owned ships. The wonderful service you received in the main dining room should be expected in a ship that’s only at 50% capacity. Had this review come out during normal times it would have been quite different I’m afraid. Anyway that’s just my observation.
Just got off of the Rotterdam. The buffet was horrible, cold food, repetitive and disorganized. If it wasn't for the Dutch Cafe and the Pinnacle Grill we would have starved.
As said on the review, food and service are hit or miss on the big cruise lines. Not to excuse them, and sorry this was the case with your sailing. IMO, so are other things like entertainment/entertainers as they rotate from ship to ship.
Have you cruised with Holland America Line? Let us know your reviews.
Thank you so much. Finally, a review that doesn't go on and on just about food and staterooms. People do pay attention to music venues and places to dance and meet and mingle and I'm so happy to see one of my favorite lines deliver a meet and mingle ship that cares about varied lounges and music when they designed it. Too bad Celebrity didn't when they designed the disppointing for me Edge class of ships. Plus, this looks and feels like a HAL ship. The whole atmosphere inside is HAL and couldn't be any other ship. They do have excellent food and service and such and they do tend to remember your name and preferences, especially if you frequent an area. And that's key to me, what area(s) do you frequent? It's not the same for everyone. For me, music lounges are it. And you point that out. So, yes, in 2023 people very much enjoy lounges and someone should tell Celebrity that so they design their post-Edge class properly. Also, the library on this ship is superb. I think one of the reasons why the service was so great is HAL isn't introducing a ton of new ships and they've recently sold their Statendam class so they have trained personnel to put on all their ships.
Glad you enjoyed the review. When is your next cruise?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 On a cruising break but always keeping up with what is going on in the industry.
From a crew perspective, HAL treated us like absolute gems. The leadership comes from the top down and I am forever grateful for my days with HAL. My journey took me to Princess, and now to Windstar but my time with HAL will always be remembered most fondly indeed.
We have sailed the Eurodam, Koningsdam and Noordam twice and as seniors enjoyed all of them because of their great food, music and service. We will again be on the newer Rotterdam this Fall, which also has the Dutch Café with our favorites and are sure we will enjoy it. We have sailed on the Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess and only like the last one. Carnival was the worst, repetitive bad food and too many noisy drunks on it, R.C. with too many screaming unruly kids.
Have a great cruise.
We only went on Holland on a whim because it was the cheapest option, and we’re pleasantly surprised! We thought we were too young for it, but we really liked the EXC talks, food, music, Theater, and service.
Staff were super friendly and didn’t seem as stressed.
The theater was great and the shows like BBC Earth and In Concert were so cool.
The Explorer’s Lounge and Library were a huge highlight as well. It gives people the chance to learn and engross themselves in the destinations and not just the ship.
I also like that they have a bigger emphasis on sustainability.
The only con is the toilet in the staterooms. It’s hard to fit if you’re tall.
Yes, HAL Rotterdam was not what we expected. We really had a great cruise. Sounds like you did too.
Sea view pool on any Holland America ship is for day drinkers and fun!
Your video did not disappoint and it also surpassed my expectations. I look forward to viewing more of your videos.
Thanks for the blog! Finally getting to sail Norwegian Fjords in September!
We are booked on the Rotterdam in June 2023 to the Fjords. Nice to get acquainted with her. Thanks for posting.
Have a great cruise.
Thank you. Comprehensive and objective. I look forward to experiencing this ship soon.
Wow! Thank you for your comprehensive and appreciative overview and tour...excellent. God bless you.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the review.
We will be taking this ship on a transatlantic cruise in October from Rottadam to Ft. Lauderdale. So looking forward to this cruise and your look at the ship has me even more excited.
We will be on her March 27! We were on the Statendam in December! Love HAL.
We sail on the Rotterham the end of February...Can't wait!
Have a great trp!
Got an 11 day cruise booked on the Rotterdam for 2023. Can’t wait!!!
I love the Rotterdam! Ive been on over 60 cruises with several different lines and It’s my favorite ship. It is a beautiful ship!!
She is a beautiful ship!
We did the Panama Canal with HAL before 2020 and will be leaving to cruise on Rotterdam soon. Looking forward to it. Thanks for the review!
Have a great cruise.
Great review. Nice timing, good pictures. Didn't get bogged down, move right along. Going on Rotterdam in March 2022
Thanks for the positive feedback. We try to make our reviews more about the ship, than us. Have a great cruise next month!
I almost exclusively cruise with HAL now. I've been on RC, Norwegian & Princess too. I have done many Princess cruises, but that has changed. Since the restart, I have not been getting the offers I used to through the Players Club & from onboard spending. Conversely, HAL has sent me terrific deals through their Players club for onboard spending.( Some free fare sailings) I enjoy longer cruises, and HAL has great itineraries too. I was recently on the Konningsdam, so with the addition of the Rolling Stone bar, the music walk was terrific. Off to the Eurodam next week followed by the Emerald Princess!
Thanks for the feedback. HAL does offer some great deals.
We are fans of Norwegian, but we are always open to something different. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I just checked our 3 cruises we have with HAL we have upcoming. As luck would have it we are on the Rotterdam all 3 trips. So your video is absolutely perfect for us to look at this ship. We have sailed with HAL before, but never on this class of ship.
Glad the video was useful.
Always enjoyed HA. I also have a framed advert from way back advertising SS Rotterdam, around the world in 80 days, sail a happy ship. Definately need to give this one a go!
Very cool!
Great vlog, thank you! We are considering booking a Transatlantic cruise with HAL. Any plans to cover such a journey?
Keen to see what its like on board, with more sea days v ports.
Thanks
😊
We have cruised with HA three times; to Alaska, to the Panama Canal, and on the Med. Three great trips, three great ships, good food, good drinks, and good entertainment and good shore excursions. We have also cruise with Cunard (2x) and Celebrity (1x). We are an older couple as were a lot of fellow pass on HA, Cunard had a mix of more middle agers, Celebrity was definitely a younger crowd. We felt that in every aspect, HA did a better job than the other two, considering that one trip was on the QE2, this is saying much.
Thank you for showcasing the Rotterdam, I am booked inn October for the 150th Anniversary Cruise. Who was you Captain?
Problem for us at the aft sea view pool was the smoking and the wind delivering it :(
we did a new years cruise on Koningsdam when it was around a year or two old. Similar assessment as yours. Really good food, I liked the entertainment. I always bring a book for when there is relaxing down time (so I'm not one to ever gripe that a cruise line didn't sing and dance enough for me). But also their tv/movie choices in the room were way better than any other cruise we've done.
I always hit the gym, it was good but I do recall that due to some slightly flawed design, the muggy ocean air could get into the gym more easily than other cruises I've done, leading to profuse sweating quickly. But it was still a good gym.
The cruise was probably full, but never felt too crowded. And over holiday times, there are many families with kids that are teens/twenties. I think the typical geriatric cruiser (who can cruise any time) instead goes during non-peak times, when kids are typically in school. We're looking into Rotterdam for upcoming new years. We normally do NCL/Carnival, but HAL fit our schedule and the price was pretty decent, it was a pleasant surprise.
Thanks for your feedback. Happy cruising.
I was on the Rotterdam in December and have 2 HAL cruises booked for later this year (transatlantic and panama canal). HAL has the best casino offers! I paid for my 1st cruise, and have never paid again (except taxes & port fees). Got a free signature suite for 2 people on an 11 day Mediterranean cruise last oct. How could I even consider another line when they're sooooo good to me?
Good to know. We do not gamble, but this is helpful for those that do on a cruise.
Thanks for this info! My local casino just sent me an offer for a free cruise on Holland. Was wondering if there was a casino since I didn’t see one on this video. Also wondering what the “free” cruise includes? Do we pay for drinks food etc?
@@miguelitocunsuelo7200 my offers vary. It most likely means a free cabin, which includes food except for specialty dining. Unless the offer specifies you get free drinks, on board credit or some other perk, I would assume they're not included.
How much money/time did you have to gamble for that?
We did the Panama trip in January (San Diego to Fort Lauderdale) and loved it. Doing the Rotterdam in November for a Caribbean 11 night trip.
Are excursions still mandatory in group or you can go on your own? and if you have credits where can you spend them? thanks a lot wonderful video and review
Thank you for the tour!
I was wondering if the tv in the room has free movies on demand or if that’s a paid feature?
Love HAL
Glad you had a very good cruise. We will be on her this coming February for a BVI cruise. Curious why no mention of the Retreat area? I’ve heard great things about this ship within a ship concept. Thx
We took a quick look at the retreat and it’s just okay.
Taking 3rd HAL cruise to Alaska in Sept 2022 on the Eurodam. Booked a Neptune suite this time to celebrate anniversary. Love HAL, but to be honest never sailed on any other line except HAL unless you count hitching rides on US Navy ships!
Have a great cruise.
All I can say is….WOW!!!
Our last cruise was January, 2020 on Regal Princess (loved seeing her in background!) our next one (after 7 cancels 😠) will be on HAL Rotterdam in October. Will be Trans Atlantic out of Rotterdam. And will be our first HAL experience.
I’ve already been excited beyond description, but your video has increased the level 10,000%. Thank you!!
We will spend much time in the B.B. King Blues Bar and (weather permitting) the aft pool. And also catching up on reading and resurrecting our chess game.
How would you describe the demographics of those that were aboard with you? I have a preconceived notion based on zero facts.
Once again, so excited. Though lovely (socially required adjective) fiancée is very well traveled, this will be my first time across the pond.
Thank you for a brilliant, honest and thorough presentation.
Have a great cruise. Glad you found the review helpful!
What about excursions? My husband uses a mobility scooter on board. Very few excursions were available for him on Celebrity where we have done our last five cruises. We ended up staying on the ship in many port’s because there was nothing he could do.
Thank you for a great review of the Rotterdam. We were a bit unsure whether to sail on this for a future sailing to the Fjords but now going to book. We are looking at cabin 5117 (large balcony )but unsure if it will be noisy due to its proximity to lifts and stairs. I don’t suppose you know if it would be ok? Keep up the great work.
Glad you enjoyed the video. We can’t specifically to the sound in that cabin, but we have stayed in numerous cabins only a few doors down from elevators on several ships and have never had a noise issue.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Thank you for your help
Interesting! Beautiful ship! Question: What was the passenger diversity like? Mostly older passengers? Mixed? Thanks for the great review!
Glad you enjoyed the review. The clientele was a mix. We would say a bit more on the older side, but there were pockets of cruisers our age range (25-45). Very few families, with mostly couples. Let us know if you have more questions.
It probably depends on the time of year you go.
Thanks for the great video!! We will soon be on the Rotterdam and will be excited to try the Half Moon Bar!! We would suspect they are changing 'Blend' on other ships of this class to Half Moon Cay. When we were on the Nieuw Statendam a few weeks ago we noticed 'Blend' was shut down and never open - so this must the the plan moving forward. Thanks again and we look forward to vlogging the Rotterdam in another month!! 😃
Have a great cruise. We look forward to seeing your vlogs.
This ship looks absolutely fabulous!! I'm a live music lover as well and that is important to me on a too 😁! Everything looks beautiful with great attention to detail. I love a beautiful contemporary looking ship. Thanks a lot DB for making my cruise bucket list bigger🤣 I've done Carnival, Ncl and Royal. Now I want to try Holland, Celebrity and Princess. Which of the lines is Holland America comparable too?
Glad to widen your horizons. We think you will enjoy HAL. It is similar to Celebrity, with Celebrity being a tad more upscale. But, food is comparable, and we enjoyed the live music more on HAL. The Celebrity entertainment, especially on Edge Class, is a bit better. Let us know what you book.
I booked the Norwegian Prima yesterday!!! I'm doing a 5 night Bermuda from Ny🛳😊 I have 3 cruises booked right now. Oasis in May, Carnival Celebration's inaugural in November (1st holiday cruise) and now the Prima for my big 55 next March!!
I do as well. I feel like the ship is contemporary yet traditional at the same time. Princess and Celebrity are comparable but I don't like the Edge class Celebrity ships for music/lounges. Solstice class is better for that. Princess, any ship is good for that.
How were shore excursions on HAL? Do you have a video about that? I would like to compare the quality and variety to other cruise lines.
We only did shore excursions in one port of call, Grand Turk. At both Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay we just walked around/laid on the beach. We had to cancel our tour in St. Thomas due to change in arrival time. We did really enjoy the tour in Grand Turk.
Loved the rotterdam. We went on a 7 day cruise January 9-15
Very good review. I heard what I wanted to hear, so to say. The room and bathroom really look very very good. I mean, I saw the review from Mr. Gary and TravelwithUs from Cunard's Queen's Grill and my God, that bathroom was awful, even more so considering the crazy money you pay for those suites ... HAL ships have very nice interiors, the colours and materials used are very pleasant. Only critique for this ship and the others from the Vista-class is that rear part (the stern). My God, it looks ghastly, it's literally a box. In my vision, the Disney Wish looks the most beautiful and QM2, at least from the exterior.
Thanks for watching. The cabins were certainly nicer than we expected, especially given we were in a standard balcony room.
Was on Rotterdam 21 days in December . Am in agreement with you. Beautiful ship and staff. Rebekah was amazing and most present Cruise Director ever! Could have lived in the library. What an amazing selection and beautifully arranged. Had already seen Humanity twice on Konigsdam and went twice in December. Beautiful!! Going back on in 3 weeks and again in November. Cannot wait!!
Does the buffet have outdoor seating?
Do you schedule embarcation?
How’s the stability of the ship?
We haven't cruised with HAL yet. We have found their pricing is not competitive with Princess or Celebrity, their main competition.
We love watching movies outside. What movies were playing and was this an option each night? Does HAL have outside pool parties?
I was on The Rotterdam last week and they played a variety of movies. Dirty Dancing was one night, which is my favorite. 😊
They did have a few different movies, plus football playoff games as well on the outdoor movie screen.
Can you leave the ship anytime after docking to make your own way around the islands or do you have to book the ship tours and leave early morning?
Yes, you can leave and explore on your own once the ship is cleared.
Do you wear a wrist band for the extra drinks?
No. They are on your room key card. What ship are you sailing on?
My experience last month will be my last HAL voyage. The bean counters have taken over this brand. Tender to half moon cay was an hour wait each way..They cut down all the trees so you need to purchase shade. read the print on the drink package and look for false billings.. Watch out for less than a shot on said drinks
Your review was substantive and enhanced by good photography. It was far more useful than the reviews of most other UA-camrs. However, I can‘t believe that you kept referring to your wife as “the wife.“
Holland America is my most favorite Cruise Line. Unfortunately, I can't afford it. My cruises on HAL have been memorable. I wish they offered the same discounts as RCL...I don't think HAL can be topped.
Hopefully, you will get back onboard a HAL ship sometime soon. Thanks for watching.
We haven't sailed HAL yet. We've found their pricing no competitive with Celebrity and Princess, their main competition.
Really, interesting. With the new promotions, we would say HAL pricing is on par with those lines.
Holland America has great deals. If you get the “Have it all”, it really makes it competitive. Also, if you gamble at all, their casino offers are better than any other line, IMO.
@@sam11297 I don't go to the casino.
Orange Club is a good upgrade if your not in a suite
How does HAL. compare to Celebrity - our favorite line?
That's not as easy a question as it seems. Celebrity used to have fancier food, but that's changed somewhat. Celebrity has more specialty restaurants and I think nickel and dimes more. Celebrity's Edge class ships are different than their Mllennium and Solstice class ships. The Edge has done away with most music lounges, library, card room, forward observation lounge and seems to have far more retreat only areas than does HAL. Celebrity is somewhat more active. Both are premium but Celebrity seems to want to change to get a younger crowd and I think that's compromising their product. Younger and select is fine but not just younger. HAL is comparable but has a longer history that shows in many ways.
Are ther only old people?
I can go solo to Alaska 7 days in an Oceanview room on Koningsdam for $1,267 CAD, (0% single supplement). BUT, I can go solo to Alaska 8 days in an inside room on Carnival Spirit for $488 CAD, (0% single supplement). Here's the thing. I am a pensioner, money is limited and my interests are simple. I eat, drink and enjoy live music. All day and sometimes all night. literally nothing else. Is the Koningsdam really worth 2.6 times more?
We sailed HAL pre pandemic and of all the cruise lines we have tried, we were most disappointed with Holland’s entertainment in general. The Nieuw Statendam ,which we sailed in 2019, contained 3 different musical venues in one area with rotating shifts . It was impossible to get a seat and people were crowded in the central walkway. By day three we avoided it altogether. It’s really not fair to judge this venue during this time as every inch of the ship, from pool to theatre, is at a low capacity. And speaking of the theatre, it was in my opinion below par to Royal Caribbean, which offers top-notch broadway style musicals instead of the disjointed singing and dancing of all Carnival owned ships.
The wonderful service you received in the main dining room should be expected in a ship that’s only at 50% capacity. Had this review come out during normal times it would have been quite different I’m afraid. Anyway that’s just my observation.
Thanks for your feedback. It will be interesting to see what the ship is like at higher capacity.
It’s just not what I’d call a fun ship so unfortunately I would never try it I prefer high end fun with music and good food
Just got off of the Rotterdam. The buffet was horrible, cold food, repetitive and disorganized. If it wasn't for the Dutch Cafe and the Pinnacle Grill we would have starved.
As said on the review, food and service are hit or miss on the big cruise lines. Not to excuse them, and sorry this was the case with your sailing. IMO, so are other things like entertainment/entertainers as they rotate from ship to ship.
Looks old
oh well, where is the gluten free food , lw sodium . Remember our health is also our future country