albingirl

They play alot of ping pong on that ship. It's almost annoying up on deck 10 near the lounges.

Plus, to add, libraries are more than places to display best sellers. I've yet to find a best seller lately that came close to great reading.

This is a step in the right direction. I really liked the full libraries on the older ships, though, with plenty of seating, as others have said. I travel with a fully loaded kindle but always love a paper book for a change. The odd claims that people were stealing them is pure garbage, I am sure. Widespread theft on Holland America is a real stretch.

Glad you are writing about this cruise. Many thanks and hoping you have a fabulous cruise!

And not everyone follows directions. We've sat, waiting, for people to show up, late, to the location they are supposed to join others. It can feel like forever. I don't know why they do this? Enjoying a late breakfast? It's inconenient and a time waster for everyone waiting for them to arrive. Pet peeve, sorry.

I have no problem on transatlantic cruises on HAL. Rotterdam is larger than Maasdam and Veendam and we sailed across with them, so I would expect a fine sailing with Rotterdam. And the itinerary!

I just booked a European cruise. The port stays are long and even overnight in some places. Much better for the traveler who wants to immerse themselves in the visits.

Those are enjoyable ports and not unusual. I wish we could stay longer at Half Moon. It does seem pathetically short.

There are plenty of options available. It's good to ask your waitstaff for suggestions, as well. Many of them come from meatless and dairyfree cultures.

The quality of music on the ships is debatable. I would love to see some live music by the pool every day, and the music in the Ocean Bar is sadly missing. I've never had a cabin that is disturbed by the sound of music, and I wish there was more music, not less.

Doesn't matter. Generally the staff tries very hard to stay out of confrontation.

Doubt anyone cares, really.

Florida is different. People bring their dogs to outside dining venues. It's crazy.

I have dressy flip flops. Very comfortable.

Great upgrade. I have yet to experience that, even in my dreams. But I will hasten to add that I am happy for you. Good review. Well done

Such a nice and detailed review...you are just great. Thank you!

With all due respect, I have tried that avenue and found it to be a fail. Either the representatives didn't know what they were doing, had no knowledge of the ships, and it was very costly to cancel. Getting information from them was tedious and I just found that, unless you are dealing with the same individual each time who has great knowledge of Holland America, it was not going to be a positive experience. Glad for you that it works.

It's worth noting that it is good to book through a PCC sometimes because if you want to make any changes, you can get help easier than going through the main drill. I've had several PCCs in the past two years since there were layoffs and so on but I'm good with the one I use now. If you aren't happy, just call and make the change. It's your money honey.

I think it's obvious that's what I do on the ship. I don't take water off the ship ordinarily. I will buy local.

Bon voyage and all the seasons blessings for a healthy and happy cruise!!!

You can make a sash, like the girl scouts sash, and wear the pins around your neighborhood, and on the ship next time you cruise. But, seriously, I have no idea where my pins are and even if I've ever received them.

None. That's the fun of it all. I gave up a long time ago. It's all twisted logic from Seattle anyway.

No wife beater shirts. Kind of a drag. My new hobby is reading tatoos. I can't keep up.

No, not yet. It has happened at church and other local events. It's like politics. I wish some people would keep their opinions to themselves. Like, nobody really cares how fired up you are about things.

I just grab a glass in lido, fill it with ice and water, and go. No water bottle here.