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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: chris melanson
Email: mom@coolnet.net
Age: 38
Occupation: homemaker
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: Holland-Maasdam
SailingDate: march 18,2001
Itinerary: western carribbean
Cabin: 515
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Mar 2001
Time: 08:52:31
Remote Name: 18-103.002.popsite.net
Remote User:
Comments
Let me start by saying that this was the BEST cruise experience we ever had! We booked on short notice
using Holland America's 5-day Flash sale on the internet. We found a great price and wound up getting
two cabins (one for me and my husband one for our 2 kids). We decided the kids were getting their own
cabin when we figured out that it was only a difference of 130.00 between having them as 3rd or 4th
person in our cabin and getting them their own inside. I was initially concerned because we only had
guaranteed catagories and did not want to be too far away from the kids cabin. I told the Holland America
rep that instead of moving one cabin up a deck or two, it was more important to try to keep us in close
proximity. This was not a problem and after booking less than 3 weeks before sailing, they put us right
across the hall from each other. Holland America was also very helpful when I expressed concerns about
the number of kids on the ship (I was under the mistaken impression that they did not cater to families). All
in all a great pre-cruise experience.
Since we live in Philadelphia, we booked our own air with AIRTRAN. It is half the price of any other airline
and they offer upgrades to business class for 25 dollars (when available). We left a day ahead of time
(just in case) and stayed at the Comfort Suites in Fort Lauderdale. There was nothing comfortable or
sweet about the Comfort Suites and I would not reccomend it. They had free shuttle service to the cruise
terminal but you had to make a reservation. We were supposed to go at 12:30 but we found out that they
were already a hour behind at 1100 and it was getting worse. So we called a cab and made our way to the
ship. When we got to the pier it could not have been smoother. We arrived about noon and there was no
one in line. We got an embarkation number (4) and had our choice of Holland America representives to
choose from. Check in took no more than 5 minutes. We sat down and met several of the other
passengers as a String Quartet (well one guy did have an accordian) played. Soft drinks were available
(complimentary) and the spa people were handing out coupons and making appointments while we waited.
We waited maybe an hour when we got called onto the ship. We were met onboard by a white gloved
attendant who showed us to our suprisingly spacious cabin. By coincidence we found out that our family
doctor was staying just a few doors down from us. Our luggage arrived five minutes after we did(a new
world's record) so after we unpacked a little we made our way up to the Lido for lunch. It was fantastic.
Holland America has the best buffet food. After lunch we explored the ship and made our way back to the
cabin for the life boat drill. The life boat drill was quick and thorough. Then the kids and I made our way to
the lido deck for the sail away. It was great and festive. We then went to register them for Club Hal.
My kids (12 & 13) loved the club. My daughter was always up there. When we registered they gave them
lanyans with pouches attached for their room keys (holland america has seperate key and bording cards-I
didn't think I would like it but it worked out wonderfully with the kids, no unexpected kid charges). They
have a teen disco and a nice computer room. There is no internet access in the kids computer area
(which is a good thing) and it is open from 9am to 11pm. Most of the kids participated in the activities and
had a great time. The teenagers really seemed to enjoy each others company. Because it was a small
ship it was easy to keep track of the kids, and most of the time you didn't even realize they were aboard. A
couple of nights my husband and I had dinner alone (a wonderful surprise) because our kids made other
plans to dine in the lido.
Speaking of food, it was fantastic. They had a wide variety of items and they were spectacularly
presented. The service was fantastic. We not only met our head waiter Alex (he worked hard too) but he
made a point of visiting with us every night. Our wine stewart (Sena) was wonderful and knowledgable. I
can't say enough about everyone. Our assistant waiter Ridwan was fantastic too. The last night he
presented us with copies of the menus and everyone signed them. What a nice rememberance.
The entertainment in the show lounge was fantastic. They shows were great. Even the one singer we
didn't care for (not our taste) put on a good show. The comedian Don Sherman was the best. We have
never laughed so hard (not even seeing George Carlin live). His whole act was about cruising and it was
hysterical. I think a few people wet their pants.. They had his video on sale in the gift shop and we were
one of many who bought it. My kids enjoyed the great magician the best because he made it snow in the
theatre. You have to see that to believe it. The crew shows were fantastic especially the one put on by the
Indonesian crew. I was amazed at how talented they were. Our cruise director Susan Wood was great too.
She was very funny but very classy. They did their version of the Liars Club with her, one of the officers,
Jim the Bingo King, and the Shore excursion guy. Absolutely hilarious.
And now a word on the front desk staff. I have previouly found them rude and condescending. Not this
time. They were as sweet and helpful as anyone else on the ship. Nothing was too much trouble. My
husband who is a computer network engineer asked for a tour of their computer area and Cecil was glad
to show him. Very courteous and very professional and just plain fun.
The most memorable experiences that we had were in two of the lounges. First the Ocean Bar. My
husband and I liked to sit in there and listen to the band and have a few drinks. We also met a few nice
people in there. The bar staff was fantastic! Criselda, Eddgar, Chrisima and the others spoke to us by
name and made us feel welcome. The one night our daughter dropped by and Edgar did magic tricks for
her.One night I recieved a handmade rose and another night my husband and I recieved lovebirds with
our names on them signed by everyone. We recieved the same kind of warmth and service there. Daniel
and Mary Jane were wonderful. At the end of the cruise we recieved a Dutch hat from both of the bars with
a beautiful drawing and signed by everyone. A nice touch. It made us feel that we were welcome.
We only did one shore excursion. In Cozumel we went to Playa de Sol which was a big beach party. I think
the kids enjoyed it more than we did. The winds were too bad to tender into Grand Cayman (a minor
dissappointment) and we didn't bother to get off in Jamaca. Their private island is the best I have been to.
It was clean and well thought out. The water was great and the food was good too. The tram car back and
forth to the dining pavillion was a nice touch. Holland knows how to move people. They are very organized
and their tender service was well run.
As with all good things, the cruise had to come to an end. Disembarkation was smooth as glass. Again
Holland was very organized. We left the ship sadly. I tried to talk my husband into another week. Although
not possible right now, he says it is Holland America for us from now on.
Our flight did not leave until Monday so we checked in to the Embassy Suites. A big improvement over the
Comfort Suites. They came and picked us up for free, they let us check in early (10am). They had a great
pool. The kids had a great time. All their rooms are two room suites so if you are traveling with kids you
can have some privacy. There are compliementary cocktails from 530-730 and a free made to order
breakfast buffet. It is also convient to many resturants. We tried a place a half a block away call Durty
Harry's. We had a great meal for a little price. Crab legs were 5.95 a pound! It is a bar type atmosphere
but there were many families in there.
This was our best cruise yet, I cannot say enough about it. Holland America is making an attempt to
appeal to a younger clientele. I don't think (and they shouldn't) they would become the party ships that
Carnival and even Royal Carribbean have become. For an elegant but not too fussy experience go
Holand.
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