We have taken 10 cruises with Holland America Line, and up to this cruise we have been very happy with them. On this cruise we found the main objective was to pare service and activities and maximise sales. The food particularly was well below the standard previously experienced, especially the formal dining. Stops in port were short, none were a full day. The last straw was on disembarkation at Fort Lauderdale where we had booked a half day tour including transfer to the airport and we were left behind due to delays at immigration, and it took several weeks to obtain a refund. We will be thinking carefully about cruising with Holland America again.
Excellent holiday. Good ports and excursions, but we were lucky with good weather. Entertainment good, the singers and dancers now enhanced by digital props and offers a new experience. Staff all very good, especially with our 8 year old grandson. Only negative was that our 2 cabins were under the galley/ dining room area and there was some noise above during the night when staff were working, but Holland America moved one cabin when availability was available, although there was no space to move the group of three in the other cabin.
This was an excellent winter cruise with not too many days at sea. We took the trip through the Panama Canal which was interesting but a bit like watching paint dry. The road trip was long due to volume of traffic and the time on the small boat was a bit tedious as we were long times between the locks due again in the main to volume of traffic on the canal. It was a very long day and we were late getting back to the ship. Having said that we had no problems on board and we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise
We enjoyed this cruise. Bad weather prevented us visiting Prince Edward Island, which was out of the control of the ship's company. The problems that ocurred when we were due to depart Newport were handled well. Best of all, the sail into New York harbour was magnificent.
The ship was in good repair and service excellent, as was the food. There was a very bad outbreak of nova virus which was handled very well by all crew from the Captain down. We enjoyed the sailing through the Panama Canal but found tours on board ship very expensive and both Colon and Puerto Limon a disappointment.
