29-night Black Sea & Ancient Lands Cruise (Roundtrip Athens)
Vacation Offer ID # 417530
Contact a Holland Specialist
1-866-563-1101
Sail Date: 10/10/2010
Length: 29 Nights
Ship: Prinsendam
Price: From $4,999.00
Available Addons: Pre or post cruise hotel stay. Optional roundtrip airfare. Optional shore excursions.
Have you considered adding...?
A pre or post cruise hotel stay - Exclusive complimentary amenities at over 600+ of the world's finest hotels and resorts. Ask about personalized private shore excursions - Contact your cruise specialist for more details!
EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES (per couple):
- $150 Shipboard Credit
- Complimentary Pinnacle Grill Alternative Dining Experience
- Complimentary Champagne & Strawberries
- Complimentary Tray of Canapés
- Complimentary Beverage Card
Itinerary
| Destination | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Athens (Piraeus)Wcities destination guide and download available | 10/10/2010 -- | 10/10/2010 5:00 PM |
| IstanbulWcities destination guide and download available | 10/11/2010 4:00 PM | 10/11/2010 -- |
| IstanbulWcities destination guide and download available | 10/12/2010 -- | 10/12/2010 5:00 PM |
| At Sea | 10/13/2010 -- | 10/13/2010 -- |
| Sochi | 10/14/2010 8:00 AM | 10/14/2010 5:00 PM |
| Batumi | 10/15/2010 8:00 AM | 10/15/2010 5:00 PM |
| Trabzon | 10/16/2010 8:00 AM | 10/16/2010 5:00 PM |
| Sinop | 10/17/2010 8:00 AM | 10/17/2010 5:00 PM |
| Sevastopol | 10/18/2010 8:00 AM | 10/18/2010 3:00 PM |
| At Sea | 10/19/2010 -- | 10/19/2010 -- |
| Kusadasi | 10/20/2010 8:00 AM | 10/20/2010 11:00 PM |
| Mykonos | 10/21/2010 8:00 AM | 10/21/2010 5:00 PM |
| Monemvasia | 10/22/2010 7:00 AM | 10/22/2010 1:00 PM |
| At Sea | 10/23/2010 -- | 10/23/2010 -- |
| Rome (Civitavecchia)Wcities destination guide and download available | 10/24/2010 7:00 AM | 10/24/2010 5:00 PM |
| At Sea | 10/25/2010 -- | 10/25/2010 -- |
| Dubrovnik | 10/26/2010 10:00 AM | 10/26/2010 5:00 PM |
| Corfu | 10/27/2010 8:00 AM | 10/27/2010 5:00 PM |
| Katakolon | 10/28/2010 8:00 AM | 10/28/2010 5:00 PM |
| At Sea | 10/29/2010 -- | 10/29/2010 -- |
| Alexandria (Cairo)Wcities destination guide and download available | 10/30/2010 7:00 AM | 10/30/2010 11:00 PM |
| At Sea | 10/31/2010 -- | 10/31/2010 -- |
| Ashdod | 11/1/2010 7:00 AM | 11/1/2010 11:00 PM |
| Haifa | 11/2/2010 7:00 AM | 11/2/2010 11:00 PM |
| At Sea | 11/3/2010 -- | 11/3/2010 -- |
| Antalya | 11/4/2010 8:00 AM | 11/4/2010 5:00 PM |
| Bodrum | 11/5/2010 9:00 AM | 11/5/2010 6:00 PM |
| Kusadasi | 11/6/2010 7:00 AM | 11/6/2010 -- |
| Kusadasi | 11/7/2010 -- | 11/7/2010 6:00 PM |
| Athens (Piraeus)Wcities destination guide and download available | 11/8/2010 7:00 AM | 11/8/2010 -- |
BC - Deluxe Verandah Outside*
From Price: Call for price Get a Quote
NOTE: Categories marked with an asterisk (*) are not available on the World Cruise Voyages.
M - Standard Inside Stateroom
From Price: $4,999.00 Get a Quote
I - Standard Inside Stateroom
From Price: $5,179.00 Get a Quote
G - Large Outside Stateroom
From Price: $5,399.00 Get a Quote
F - Large Outside Stateroom
From Price: $5,579.00 Get a Quote
C - Large Outside Stateroom
From Price: $5,759.00 Get a Quote
AB - Deluxe Verandah Outside
From Price: $7,699.00 Get a Quote
AA - Deluxe Verandah Outside
From Price: $8,159.00 Get a Quote
A - Deluxe Verandah Outside
From Price: $8,619.00 Get a Quote
R - Single Inside Stateroom*
From Price: $8,699.00 Get a Quote
SY - Superior Verandah Suite
From Price: $10,599.00 Get a Quote
SS - Superior Verandah Suite
From Price: $11,119.00 Get a Quote
29-night cruise, meals, entertainment.
Ship Overview
Let the intimate ms Prinsendam welcome you aboard. Carrying fewer than 800 guests, Prinsendam offers a very special experience to those who voyage with her. Forty percent of her spacious staterooms feature private verandahs for sunning and relaxing. Additional comfort waits in the spa's warmly sensual aroma-stone therapy. Guests may enjoy the cuisine of the Pacific Northwest in the intimate, reservations-only Pinnacle Grill before attending Broadway-style entertainment in the Queen's Lounge.
Tour the Ship
Queen's Lounge
Pinnacle Grill
Ocean Bar
Lido Restaurant
Lido Pool
La Fontaine Dining Room
Greenhouse Spa
Golf Driving
Explorer's Lounge
Crow's Nest
Atrium
Onboard Art
Onboard Gallery
Explorations Café
Oak Room
Casino
Fitness Center
| Ship Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1988 |
| Year Refurbished | 2005 |
| Year Entered Present Fleet | 2002 |
| Previous Name | Royal Viking Sun |
| Country of Registry | Netherlands |
| Tonnage (GRT) | 38,000 |
| Passengers | 794 |
| Max Passengers | 794 |
| Passenger Decks | 8 |
| Number of Crew | 443 |
| Officers Nationality | Dutch/European |
| Cruise Staff Nationality | Indonesian, Filipino, American |
| Staterooms | |
|---|---|
| Total Staterooms | 0 |
| Suites with balcony | 0 |
| Suites without a balcony | 0 |
| Oceanview without a balcony | 0 |
| Oceanview with balcony | 0 |
| Accommodations inside | 0 |
Select a deck to view the deckplan.
Observation Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Sports Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Lido Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Verandah Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Upper Promenade Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Promenade Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Lower Promenade Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Main Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Dolphin Deck
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Observation Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Sports Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Lido Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Verandah Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Upper Promenade Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Promenade Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Lower Promenade Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Main Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Dolphin Deck - World Cruise
The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.
Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category
have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols
with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.
Stateroom Key
- Deluxe Verandah Outside* - BC
- Standard Inside Stateroom - M
- Standard Inside Stateroom - I
- Large Outside Stateroom - G
- Large Outside Stateroom - F
- Large Outside Stateroom - C
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AB
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - AA
- Deluxe Verandah Outside - A
- Single Inside Stateroom* - R
- Superior Verandah Suite - SY
- Superior Verandah Suite - SS
Activities & Services
- RECLINE under the expansive blue sky. Then refresh yourself with a dip in the pool.
- PAUSE for a quiet moment in the library or Java Café. Or connect with friends back home via e-mail in the Internet Center.
- DINE in elegant style. Rosenthal china, starched linens, silver and fresh flowers fill the La Fontaine Dining Room.
- ENERGIZE yourself with a trip around the jogging track. Or visit the fully equipped gym for a workout.
- BEGIN the perfect evening with a cocktail in one of the lounges. Choose the Crow's Nest for panoramic views of the ocean sunset.
- INDULGE in a cigar and enjoy conversation with new friends in the Oak Room.
Click HERE for information about Holland America's "As You Wish" Dining.
| Tipping Policy | Additonal for all guests. |
| Onboard Ambiance | Elegant |
Reviewer Ratings
5/5Reviewer Scorecard
StaffDining 
Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value The beautiful Amsterdam
Alaska - 7/2009
After hosting a Personal Enrichment Series Food & Wine group for Signature onboard the
She is beautiful and with less than 1400 passengers there was never a space issue.
The ship was very clean and no matter where you looked someone was cleaning something.
I did have a talk with the Hotel Manager and he mentioned that the crew is a very cohesive group and people love to work onboard the ship. I spoke with one waiter who actually is extending his contract. I have never heard that one before. The crew was happy and it really showed when they interacted with the passengers.
I did get an outside cabin. Very spacious and very well taken care of. I was not looking forward to having a connecting door to the neighbors because of the noise. I must say that we never even heard them and they were three teenagers! Sound control is great on the ship.
Beds were phenomenal. Never slept so well on a cruise!! They use pillow top Sealy mattresses.
In the whole week I saw my cabin steward twice, but yet our stateroom was always clean! They do not use any of those housekeeping carts anymore. On other cruises they stand around the hallways at their carts waiting for passengers to leave their staterooms. Not on HAL. I do not know where they hide, but it was a pleasure to walk in the hallways without it being an obstacle course.
The food was very good at the buffet, the restaurant and of course at the Pinnacle Grill. What I liked about the buffet is that it was not self-serve. There were cooks behind the counter serving the food to you. That kept the place much cleaner then when passengers get their own food.
And guess what, the crew actually helped people to their tables if they noticed that the passenger needed help with their plates (unlike some other cruises I have done this year).
I saw no signs of the cruise line trying to save money! HAL is as good as they have always been. And if they are saving money this year it happens behind the screens and does not affect the passengers!
Overall this experience reminded me again why HAL is still my favorite (mass?) premium cruise line!!! The service can't be beat and the whole atmosphere still reminds you that you are cruising and not that you in a big floating hotel.
Oh, and the average age was a lot lower then what most people think it is!!!!
Pros: Crew and atmosphere
Cons: It was only a 7-night cruise
Reviewer Recommended? y
Reviewer Ratings
4/5Reviewer Scorecard
StaffDining Entertainment 
Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value Transatlantic cruising
Venice to New York - 4/2008
Excellent food - Happy staff!
Ship was very well maintained. The crew goes out of their way to assist you in all areas of the ship. Very extensive library and wifi in many areas of the ship, however, a little slow and expensive. Outside deluxe stateroom was comfortable and we made more room to move about by turning the queen bed in to twins.
Pros: Food, Staff, Library, Spa
Cons: No cons
Reviewer Recommended? y
Reviewer Ratings
5/5Reviewer Scorecard
StaffDining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value Never Disappoints
- /
We use Holland America a lot, and the Oosterdam in particular. Even with some technical difficulties aboard, the staff more than compensates for this shortcoming with their willingness to accommodate each guest.
I have sailed on the Oosterdam 4 times in the last 18 months hosting groups. Like all ships, things go wrong from time to time, whether they be mechanical or schedule related. What sets Holland America apart, and the Oosterdam, is the willingness of the crew to step up and do what it takes to make things right.
I find the accommodations to be among the best around. The food has gotten increasingly better over the years, and the service is excellent. I am not an entertainment person, but can say with confidence that the dealers in the casino are very friendly.
We think HAL offers the best bang-for-the-buck in the cruise industry.
Pros: Holland America stands up for their product and do what it takes to make customers happy.
Cons: The ship is in somewhat rough shape, but is due to drydock in April and all of this should be repaired.
Reviewer Recommended? y
Ratings
3/5Reviewer Scorecard
Staff
Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value Baltic Sea
Europe - 6/2008
CABIN -- Balcony
Our daughter's and our cabins were side-by-side. We had the cabin with a shower (no bath) and only one bedside nightstand while our daughter had a bath and two bedside nightstands. Both cabins were the same size and had queen-size beds, etc.
The cabin's bathrooms were nice and new while the non-bathroom areas showed signs of wear. Cabin attendant was also good.
Poor cabin TV service - 19 channels but three out of the seven English-language channels were out-of-service due to a "satellite problem" that never got fixed.
Before boarding, the on-shore HAL personnel mistakenly placed my wife's photo both on her and my shipboard ID cards, which also serves as the cabin key. All passengers, upon returning to the ship from a land tour, had their shipboard ID card scanned to verify that the photo on the card matches the returning passenger. After experiencing a problem, I was able to get a new ID with the proper photo from the ship's front desk.
FOOD
Food was fair and service was slow. This was the poorest of all the eight HAL ships that we've been on.
ENTERTAINMENT
The evening entertainment was poor -- it appeared to be inexperienced. Always had wonderful and professional evening entertainment on HAL ships before.
There were no daytime movies in the ship theater on the three Day-At-Sea days.
CROW'S NEST
The Crow's Nest always smelled heavily of cigarette smoke and the same at all of the other shipboard bars. Never had this problem on any other HAL ship.
TOURS
The day before the Ystad, Sweden, land tour, we received from the shipboard Tour Management a notice that our tour reservations were cancelled. We had previously paid for that tour four months earlier. Later, we found out that there were too many on-board requests for the tour; so all of the afternoon tours were cancelled and they rearranged the tours to be available either in the morning or the afternoon. Once we learned this, we signed up for our original morning tour and later we discovered that they had just charged us for this tour meaning that we were being doubled-charged for this tour. The front desk was able to correct this problem.
Some of the sites to be seen on the land tours were skipped due to HAL tour management permitting handicapped passengers (in wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) to be on these HAL-rated "Strenuous Activity" tours.
The overall quality of the tours were not as good as on the same cruise that we took on the Norwegian Dream eight years earlier.
The onboard tour personnel always place a small tour sticker on your clothing for identification on the tour. One sticker left its glue-like material on my jacket and both the ship's personnel and we were unable to remove it.
HEALTH
Most of the passengers caught a cough and cold on the cruise and we never saw the HAL personnel ever sanitize the numerous stairway handrails on the ship as we had always seen on all other HAL ships we have been on.
OVERALL OPINION
As a longtime Holland America passenger, I could not recommend this ship. This was our ninth Holland America Cruise and our 18th cruise in Asia, Europe, and North, Central, and South America.
Pros: Activities;Cabin;Tours;Staff;Itin;
Cons: Clean;Entertain;Food;
Reviewer Recommended? N
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