Review for 16 Day Caribbean Holiday Cruise - Prinsendam - December 18, 2016 - January

Folks,

I don't always take the time to complete reviews, but I wanted to pay it forward because there wasn't many on the Prinsendam and especially for the Holiday cruise. Background: My Mom Brother and myself (Ages 44 - 87) went on the cruise. My Mom and I are 3 Star Mariners and my Brother is a 2 Star Mariner. We have cruised extensively on HAL, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL and Azamara. Since my Dad passed away and my sister and her family moved out of town and don't typically come home for Christmas, the holiday's haven't been the same. Typically my Mom and I cruise in early December, we were originally looking at a HAL 7 Day Tropical Cruise on the Eurodam our of FLL on 12/10/2016. When my brother got wind that my Mom and I were thinking of going a cruise, he suggest why don't the three of us go away from Christmas instead. I had enough vacation day's between using what remained of 2016 and a fresh allotment for 2017 from work so I was game. This would be the first Christmas that we were away from home. We decided on the 16 day because it included both Christmas and New Years. The itinerary was appealing because it visited a few islands we hadn't been to before and especially St. Bart's. St. Bart's has always been a place on my bucket list. The thought of not having to decorate for Christmas, shopping or cooking was also very appealing. I'll admit as we got closer to Christmas it felt weird not decorating a tree or all the other normal holiday activities. We are not fond of organized ship sponsored shore excursions and primarily do our own thing. On a Caribbean Cruise we primarily visit beaches but due make the exception to take a snorkeling excursion. We are not really into historical sites and museums. I do like to go on excursions to view wild life such as whales or birds. We normally eat breakfast in the main dinning room as well as dinner. Exceptions being when we eat breakfast at the Lido if it's an early day at port. Lunch is either at the Lido, Dive In, Pizza, Room Service or grab something to eat off the ship. Typically once a cruise we eat at the Canaletto and Pinnacle. So here we go.

Our Original plan was to travel to EWR (Newark) the morning of our flight. Due to predicted snow/rain/ice we decided to book at room near EWR and arrive the night before our flight. This was a good move because when we woke up Saturday morning in Newark there was already about 4 inches of snow/ice on the ground and the roads were horrible. Our original plan was to park the car at Long Term Economy Parking at EWR but since we arrived the night before we parked the car at The Parking Spot next to the Holiday Inn Newark Airport which was the hotel we stayed at. The parking ended up being less expensive and the shuttle brought us back to our car from the airport terminal when we arrived back. We took the hotel shuttle to the airport the day we left. We ate dinner and breakfast at the Holiday Inn. Despite booking the room last minute the rate was reasonable and the price of food/quality was what one would expect. The hotel is among parking lots so there are not other restaurants or shops to walk to. We were just looking to have a bite to eat and get to bed in order to get up for our mid-morning flight so this hotel worked perfectly.

Saturday, December 17, 2016 - Travel from NY/NJ to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We flew direct from EWR to FLL via Jet Blue. Our flight was delayed multiple times due to the weather. For a period of time the airport was on ground stop. This is the reason we always fly down at least one day in advance. When we finally got down to FLL we took a taxi to the hotel. We stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton on 17th Street. Have stayed there multiple times. We like the location because it is close to the port, shopping, and restaurants. Would stay there again. The complimentary breakfast is adequate and no complaints. Stay was free on HH Points. Since we arrived later than we expected we decided to just eat dinner at the hotel restaurant. It was adequate.

Sunday, December 18, 2016 - Embark Ship

After eating the complimentary breakfast and gathering our luggage and checking out of the hotel, we took a taxi from hotel to the port. Embarkation was fast and early. We arrived around 11am and they started letting people on to the ship around 11:30am. We enjoyed the Mariner Lunch in the La Fontaine Dinning Room. We booked a Category AA Vista Suite on the Upper Promenade Deck (9th floor). Between October and December we received multiple up sell offers for both Signature Suites and Neptune Suites. We passed due to the high prices per person. I was hoping Santa and the upgrade fairy will make a visit but sadly that didn't happen. Rumor had it that many of the officers had family visiting for this holiday cruise and the familiar members were put in the open Neptune Suites. Dinning Arrangements: We prefer to sit by ourselves and not with others. Over the years, we have had our share of dud dinning seat mates. The stories I could tell. We don't often get to spend time just the 3 of us to be together so we like to sit by ourselves. We like to do anytime dinning but on HAL it's really not anytime. You either have to make reservation between 5:15 - 6:00pm or after 8pm. If you show up from 6-8pm you need to be prepared to wait. This is one area that I really would like to see HAL improve on. They can learn a lot from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and NCL. There dinning options truly are eat when you want to eat. Because of the holiday's we didn't want to have to deal with the hassle of making reservations every 3 day's or face waiting to dine. So we signed up for table for 3 for early dinning which turned out to be 5:30pm. It was full, we were put on the waitlist, but we eventually did end up with a table for 3. As for dress code, my dinning experience isn't diminished by what other's wear and visa versa, but I'll comply with it. However, I wouldn't be dismayed if it became more casual. I really have enjoyed our cruises on Carnival and NCL where we could wear dressy shorts to dinner. That's my comments on the dress code and I'll leave the discussion to another day and another thread. We found 5:30pm was really early to eat and would have preferred eating between 6pm and 7pm. We felt like we didn't have much time to relax after returning to the ship after a busy day. It felt like we were always rushing to get ready for dinner. Another area where I believe HAL needs to improve is the Mandatory Passenger Safety Emergency Drill. HAL's clientele is heavily weighted towards Seniors. Yet HAL holds the drill out on the open deck in the sun and heat. Other lines like Princess and NCL have moved the drill into the dinning rooms and show rooms allowing passenger to sit down for the drill. There is no reason HAL can't do this as well. It was so hot I thought some of the elderly were going to pass out from the heat and standing so long. After tonight's dinner hour, in the atrium they had a Christmas Tree Lightening Ceremony with carols, cookies, and hot chocolate. It even snowed! Around the Christmas Tree was a Gingerbread House Village. All three of us were worn out from the last few day's of travel and headed to bed after the Tree Lightening Ceremony. In the Lido throughout the cruise up until Christmas they had various Christmas Cookies. They also had Candy Canes that were still available until the last sea day.

Monday, December 19, 2016 - Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

All of us have been to the private island multiple times. We always get a clam shell rental and enjoy the buffet lunch and beach. I personally love it here and always keep my fingers crossed that we won't miss this stop and usually can't sleep the night before worrying we won't make it. Love walking on the beach and hanging out in the water. Always amazed that on HAL ships the beach and cabanas are almost always deserted and when on Carnival ships it's super crowded and all the cabanas are sold out. I would love to do a cabana sometime it's just hard to justify the price when we spend most of the time in the water or walking on the beach. This was the first time we have shared the beach with another HAL ship (Veendam), but we didn't find it crowded. I believe many people on both ships didn't bother getting off. There was no wait for a tender either going to or returning from the island.

Evening Entertainment: Don Bryan with Noseworthy and friends - Master Ventriloquist

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - Sea Day

Today during the lunch hour we had some excitement. The horns blew for an emergency (fire). The Captain kept us all updated and no actions was required from passengers. Seems the pie baker left a pie in the oven to long and it burnt. Today was the first of 3 Gala nights

Evening Entertainment - Stage and Screen by the Prinsendam Singers and Dancers

Wednesday, December 21, 2016 - Sea Day

Evening Entertainment - Vincenzo Gentile - Violin Maestro

Thursday, December 22, 2016 - Gustavia, Saint Bart's

This was our first visit to St. Bart's for all of us. No wait for tender either going to shore or returning. We walked around the town and enjoyed some gelato. We had plans to visit a beach but the cost of a taxi was $85 each way so we declined. We were also concerned about prices of chairs/umbrella at the beach and the need to get euro's. We decided to head back to the ship and decided this would be a great day to enjoy lunch at the Pinnacle. It wasn't crowded only 3 table were full including us. So no issue with getting a last minute reservation.

Evening Entertainment - Spencer Robson - Song Impersonator. We didn't enjoy this show and neither did many others. A lot of people walked out of the show, but we hung with it hoping it would get better, but it never did.

Friday, December 23, 2016 - Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I

First time to Tortola for all three of us. I'll admit it my Mom and I collect those cheesy charms from Diamonds International, so we needed to remember to pick up our charm here to add to our bracelets. Getting close to having almost all the charms. If the bracelet was real gold we would be rich! We took a taxi to Cane Garden Bay where we rented chairs and umbrella. The ride to the beach was exciting and a little scary at times. The beach was nice, but I would try another one if we ever went back.

Evening Entertainment - Concerto by the Prisendam Singers and Dancers

Saturday, December 24, 2016 - St. John, Antigua - Christmas Eve

We have been to Antigua multiple times. We always go to Dickinson Bay for the beach. Starting going here before Sandals and it amazes me each time we go back how much more Sandals has taken over the beach purchasing up beach bars. Can't remember all the names of the places that used to be, but it's sad they are gone. Dickinson is a nice beach for swimming and the sand is amazingly soft for those who like to walk the beach. Can't beat spending Christmas Eve on a beach in the Caribbean. We rented chairs and umbrella at the Coconut Grove Restaurant/Hotel. I would diffidently go back here it was nice and the chairs were padded and comfy. The food was reasonable and tasty. Today we saw our first rainbow of the trip. This evening was Christmas Eve and a Gala Optional night. Not many people dressed up including us. The dinner menu was special with holiday dishes from around the world. Enjoyed a Yule Log for desert. In my opinion, Christmas Eve Dinner was more elaborate then the Christmas Dinner. During dinner Carolers (Prinsendam Singers) sang a few Christmas Songs. It was a nice touch. Sadly during the dinner hour the Captain informed us that there was a medical emergency on board at that we would be slowing down so that a Tug Boat from Antigua could come out to the ship and take the sick person off. Hopefully that person is doing better now. Tonight they had the Sounds of Christmas Concert, it was beautify done. After the concert they had a World Buffet. It was both hor d'oeuvres and pastries/deserts. Throughout the cruise ship were displays of Chocolate Santa's of various sizes made by the chefs on board. At the World Buffet they started handing out some of the Santa's to the women and children and I was lucky enough to get one. My Mom declined one so that other could get one. Didn't feel it was right to take two for the same family. I'm happy to stay it survived the plane trip home and at some point we will enjoy this tasty treat.

Sunday, December 25, 2016 - Sea Day - Christmas Day

I really hoped Santa would be able to find us on the cruise ship and he did! Before we left, I purchased a small artificial tree at Michael's Craft Store I also purchased a small strand of lights and miniature ornaments. It was nice having the tree in our room and we lit it at night. It was weird seeing it in the room, it would hit me, oh yeah, it's Christmas. The ship was nicely decorated for the holiday with trees in the main areas, wreathes and a big display of gingerbread houses. This morning while we were eating breakfast were treated to a beautiful Christmas rainbow. We were even able to see both ends. I think it's probably the first time we have seen a rainbow on Christmas. Wish I had my camera but it was back in our stateroom. My Mom and I attended the Christmas Morning Festivities in the Show Room. There was egg nog, Christmas Carols and Jolly Old Saint Nick himself showed up. Before Santa's arrival they showed a cute video of Santa and his elf's arriving on the Prisendam and visiting various spots around the ship such as the Ice Cream Bar at the Lido, the spa, casino, and drinking Strawberry Daiquiri's by the pool. There were probably about 10 children on the ship and Santa called each of them by name and gave them a gift. It was really a nice touch. Today was the second of 3 Gal Nights.

Evening Entertainment - Dance with the Prinsendam Singers and Dancers

Monday, December 26, 2016 - Scarborough and Tobago

This was the first visit for all three of us. Early this morning, we saw multiple rainbows including a double rainbow before our arrival in Tobago. Once we arrived the weather was beautiful all day. We took a taxi to Pigeon Point Beach. We rented chairs, but no umbrella. There was plenty of shade and I don't even remember them being offered. We enjoyed our day there but as the day grew it did become crowded. Many locals were on holiday and two cruise ships in town made for a busy day at the beach. Tonight we enjoyed the Canaletto.

Evening Entertainment - Piano A Deux - Piano Duo

Tuesday, December 27, 2016 - Kingstown, St. Vincent

This was the first visit for all three of us. All businesses and shops were closed due to third day of Christmas Holiday. Wished the ship had told us because we would have taken a shore excursion. We basically got off the ship and back on within an hour. Everyone did the same thing as us. Lot's of disappointed people. We made the best of it and treat the day as a sea day and relaxed around the pool and took a much needed nap.

Evening Entertainment - Chris Bliss (Comedy) and Piano A Deux

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 - Bridgetown, Barbados

We have been to Barbados multiple times. Previously done an excursion around the whole island sightseeing and visit to where the green monkeys can be seen. Since then the other times we have gone to The Boatyard on Carlisle Day. Enjoy the day at the beach with chairs, umbrellas, and one drink included for the entry fee. They now also offer boat trip to see the turtles in the entrance fee. Food and additional drinks available for extra cost. This is the second time we have ordered the Flying Fish Fingers for lunch and they are quite tasty. Had to stop at the shops in the port on the way back to purchase Vanilla and Cinnamon. We always purchases spices at this port.

Evening Entertainment - Sessions with the Prinsendam Singers Only - No dancers

Thursday, December 29, 2016 - Castries, Saint Lucia

We have been to Saint Lucia multiple times. This was going to be a short day with all aboard time at 2:30. Having done many excursions here before and the beaches are not that great compared to other islands we would be visiting, no snorkeling excursions available this trip and limit time in port, we decided just to hang around the port and look in the shops and then get back on the ship and enjoy the pools and hot tubs. Good day to relax and take it easy. No rushing around today to get ready and worrying about making it back to the ship on time. I mentioned previously, we don't normally like to take ship sponsored excursion. This was a place I considered taking a snorkeling excursion but none were available. I noticed that there weren't the normal amount of excursions for each island and many of the more active excursions like snorkeling, kayaking, hiking weren't offered. I don't know if it had to do with the small capacity of the Prinsendam. I was disappointed because I would have considered snorkeling excursions on more of the islands but there weren't many offered. We saw a rainbow during sail away. Disappointed that we didn't sail by the Pitons during the afternoon sailway.

Evening Entertainment - David Pengelly (Ukele/Singer). I think I have seen his act on every HAL cruise ship we have been on. Same act/jokes. Tonight was also the Filipino Crew Show but unfortunately we didn't attend due to the late hour

Friday, December 30, 2016 - Sint Maarten/Saint Martin

We have been to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin multiple times. What is there not to love about an island that is made up of two countries with gorgeous beaches and beautiful water. Besides Half Moon Cay and Bermuda this is my most favorite islands. I could stay here forever. We always head off for the day to Orient Beach by taxi and we rent chairs and umbrella at the Kakao Beach Bar and Restaurant. While a little on the pricey side, we think they have the nicest and most comfortable chairs. We always go to the Kakao. The food and drinks are also good and it's located about in the middle of Orient Beach. I enjoy walking both up and down the beach so it's nice to be centrally located. One thing that disappointed me was that due to the holiday week it seems all the bar's and restaurant's on the beach rent out the first row of chairs for those staying on the island for the week. So even though we arrived just before 9am we had to sit in the second row looking at all the empty seats. We left around 2pm and there were still empty seats in the first row. Bad system and made for a lot of unhappy chair renters. After we returned from the beach we did some shopping in the stores located right inside the port gates. Always have to get chocolates at The Belgian Chocolate Box to take home and for the family taking in my mail, newspapers, and watching my house. Sad to learn from the owner that today was her last day that she had sold her business and that she was moving to the USA. New owners taking over January 1st. Late this evening as we were sailing we were able to see fireworks but not sure what the name of the island/town we were sailing by.

Evening Entertainment - Pete Neighbour - Clarinet Player/Jazz musician

Saturday, December 31, 2016 - Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. (New Year's Eve)

I have been to St. John before having taken shore excursions for the day from St. Thomas to go snorkeling at Trunk Bay. This was the first time for my Mom and Brother. We took a taxi to Trunk Bay. We rented chairs. I also snorkeled the trail using my own snorkeling equipment. Sadly it rained on and off throughout the day. The sun never really came out. It was cloudy and overcast all day. Not wait for Tender either going to or from the island. However it was quite rough on our return and we circled quite a few time in the tender before it was safe enough to let passengers off. Tonight's dinner was festive with hats and tiaras being placed on the table. Tonight as the third and final Gala night. We attended the 2017 New Year's Party in the show room it started at 11pm and was well attended. Here they offered complimentary champagne and noise makers. At midnight the oldest passenger on board rang the ship bell 8 times and the youngest member (officer dressed up as Baby New Year) rang it 8 times. Seems it's tradition on cruise ships to ring ship bell 16 times to ring in the New Year. One thing that wasn't well advertised that we missed was Resolution Buffet at 11:30pm - 12:30pm that turned out to be previously called the Desert Extravaganza. We missed it because we didn't realize if was the desert buffet. Heard the attendance was low. Ship didn't do a good job promoting. Almost everyone was still at the New Year's Eve party instead.

Evening Entertainment - Puck (Magician)

Sunday, January 1, 2017 - Sea Day - (New Year's Day)

Saw a rainbow on New Year's morning. Nice way to start of the New Year. Outside the dinning room was an ice sculpture 2017.

Evening Entertainment - Atlantic Crossing - Prisendam Singers and Dancers

Monday, January 2, 2017 - Sea Day

Today holiday decorations around the ship were taken down. It was also the Mariner Society Brunch.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017 - Disembark Ship

Got up early to get ready for the day and had our last breakfast in the main dinning room. Then went back to our room and waited for our number and color to be called to exit the ship. We took a taxi from the port to the airport , we flew from FLL to EWR. Sadly Luggage Direct was not offered for this sailing so we had to pick up our luggage in the warehouse and brining it to the airport ourselves. Also no pre-printed boarding passes so we had to do that at the airport. Really missed the Luggage Direct Program. Sadly our vacation is over. Have you ever noticed how hungry you get on the way home after leaving the ship? Like cranky, stomach churning hungry. All three of us were ravenous so we stopped on our way home at a diner. Now that we are back to reality it's time to do laundry, grocery shopping, responding to the million work e-mails and most importantly TIME TO START PLANNING ANOTHER CRUISE!

General Comments

Service - As always everyone on the crew members were fabulous and went out of their way to make our holiday's and cruise experience wonderful and memorable.

Due to the low number of passengers on board around 600 there was almost never a wait for anything. I'm not found of the lido due to the lines and seating availability. But on this ship there were always open tables and no wait for food. We enjoyed more breakfasts in the Lido than normal because we found the service great and the food hot

Food - Everyone has different likes and dislikes. We thought the food was good and better than other cruises that we have gone. Most of the meals were good to very good. The exception being the fish. Not matter what cruise we have been on the fish is usually dried out. So after having a few fish meals that we so/so, we didn't order fish anymore

Condition of the ship - We didn't have any AC issues in our room but many on board did complain about not having adequate AC in their rooms. The first two day's there was a sewage smell when we sat on our balcony, but luckily it went away after the first two day's

Well that's it folks, I hope you enjoyed reading my review.

Enjoyed reading about your cruise. Thanks for taking the time to write an extensive review.

Enjoy reading your review also very interesting and we'll written. I have always thought I cruise at holidays would be great. But that will have to wait a while have 10 yr old grandson to enjoy watching Christmas day opening gifts.❤

Thanks for sharing your experience on one of our favorite ships.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to share your review with us :)

A holiday cruise on the Prinsendam would suit me to a T. I would just be worried about the weather.

I do agree I think the food is better on this ship but I know that can change from cruise to cruise.

Sounds like you had a good time overall and so glad that Santa found you :)

Thanks for your review. We enjoy cruising over the Christmas holidays.

We have only been on one HAL cruise (last August) but were so impressed that we will definitely do another sometime in the future. We enjoy the Caribbean very much, so perhaps we will do a HAL Christmas cruise next year!

Thank you for your review.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

600 passengers -- not a profitable cruise. Can't help but wonder if HAL will soon cancel this itinerary.

Thanks for the review!

Thank you for your review.

Thank you for reviewing your Christmas/New Year cruise.

I'm a bit surprised at the Pax count. Being one of the 52 cabins affected by the A/C debacle, I was disappointed that Guest Relations did not offer us other accommodations. Maybe they were all occupied by non-revenue guests. We were told "the ship was full". And I didn't realize that I had missed some of those rainbows, until I read your review.

Glad everyone is enjoying my review.

I heard of a few couples that complained alot were moved cabins. They insisted that they be moved and made a big stink. I think to get action you have to escalate withing the customer service management chain. Don't take no for an answer. I hear there were around 20 empty cabins.

Thankfully we didn't have any issues with our cabin/location.

I really enjoyed your review. We have three 25 year old+ children and have done destination Christmas vacations a couple times. As is the case for many, we have more than we need so putting the expense of gifts into a vacation is nice. Your review made me consider a Christmas cruise. I think I would also want to bring Christmas decorations for the rooms. Were the lights for your tree battery operated? Snorkeling or diving on a tropical reef Christmas morning would be the ultimate Santa gift for us!!! And, having young children on a Christmas cruise would give everyone the enjoyment of the day. Thank you again for your review. Cherie

The island with the fireworks is small island called Saba. Not much tourism there. I was onboard this cruise with you, at the late seating in the smaller dinning room/passage way. Saw the fireworks from the Crows next before dinner.

"this evening as we were sailing we were able to see fireworks but not sure what the name of the island/town we were sailing by."

Glad everyone is enjoying my review.

 

I heard of a few couples that complained alot were moved cabins. They insisted that they be moved and made a big stink. I think to get action you have to escalate withing the customer service management chain. Don't take no for an answer. I hear there were around 20 empty cabins.

Thankfully we didn't have any issues with our cabin/location.

We people that had to be moved. There were multiple issues with our cabin, brown water, no AC, extremely noisy(hear every wave hit the bow).

I was disappointed that it was only after I demanded a meeting with the Hotel Manager and told the front desk clerks to prepare for us to disembarking in St. Barths that anyone did anything. We were moved to a new cabin within 4 hours!!!

I was particularly upset about was the front desk clerks were left to handle angry/upset guests without support. When you have desk clerks taking the temperature of your cabin 4 to 5 times per day and nothing changes, a manager needs to step up and apologize and make their presence know in person!! NEVER EVER saw or met with anyone in a management role on board.

That is a fast way to loose a good customer. How, and in what manner a management team responds to a challenge is just as important as the final resolution.

Thank you for letting me know the island where the fireworks were was Saba.

The Christmas lights were 3AA battery operated. They were mini LED with 3 settings 1. Steady 2. Flash 3. Fade. They were a mix of mini old fashion looking Christmas Bulbs and mini Santa Faces. They were really cute. They also had them with Candy Canes and Gingerbreadmen, but I liked the one's with Santa the best.

Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the review.

There is another post from yesterday where I replied to you and thank you'd for a great review! I sure hope the OP enjoyed it as much as me!

Thank you so much!

Denise:)

Your review was fantastic. Not to mention very comprehensive. Appreciate you answering my questions. Again, thank you.

I'm wondering what you paid to rent chairs on the various islands.