New to Holland America--help!

[sailsalot]

Hi,

I'm considering a Holland America cruise, after cruising mostly with Cunard. I scanned through the message board, but didn't find anything that really answered my fairly general question. I'm hoping someone can give me a broad overview of what it's like to cruise on Holland America. I'm in my mid-thirties. I enjoy the formalities of cruising on Cunard, but I've also enjoyed the lighter atmosphere on a Carnival cruise. For Holland America, what is it most known for? Also, are the staff mostly European? I'm sure the activities are the typical cruise activities. Is there anything that makes Holland America stand out that other cruise lines don't have? Thanks so much for your input. I'm eager to learn about a new cruise line!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have sailed on the Cunard Countess, Cunard Princes, and QE 2 (the later being formal or semi-formal every evening - no casual evenings in the upper category).

We have sailed on HAL for quite a few years and quite a few cruises. We love the friendliness of the Phillipino and Indonesian crew. The only place where you might encounter European staff (romanian & Hungarians) will be in the Pinnacle Grill but some of the ships have begun to phase them out when their contracts are up.

We love the smaller ships - no mega ships like RCI.

The cabins are larger than most in the cruise industry.

The attmosphere for the most part is sedate.

[sailsalot]

Thanks Krazy Kruizers, for your info. I'm surprised that there are so few European staff, since it's a "European" ship. Usually the entertainment and social staff are European, even on other cruises. Is the dining set-up the same as other cruise lines, with two seatings? Also, it seems like the Veendam goes out of the closest port to us, Tampa. Do you have any insights into that particular ship and its service, amenities, and activities on board? Thanks!

[wander]

In my 10+ HAL cruise experience, the Dancer/Singer troops are usually from the United States. (The actual "entertainers" from almost any country.) Many of the "cruise staff" have been as well, with all of them from English speaking countries. (On HAL "cruise staff" run the shipboard activities such as Trivia, shuffleboard, Bingo, MC evening shows, etc.)

Most of the officers tend to be from European countries plus the US, and there are some from Southeast Asia. Historically, most of the Captains and highest ranking officers have been from the Netherlands.

Holland America is actually based in Seattle, Washington, and has been for many, many years. Someone else would have to give you more history than that.

Hope this helps.

[sailsalot]

Thanks Wander. That does clear up my misconception that it was a "european" ship because of "Holland" being in its name.

[jhannah]

We have enjoyed our Holland America cruises very much. The crew is always working hard to please. The artwork and fresh flowers throughout the ship give it a touch of class that's a notch above other lines, IMO. As KK mentioned, the cabins on HAL ships tend to be a bit larger than industry standard ... and that's really a plus in my book. No complaints with food or entertainment. I think you should definitely give HAL a try.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Haven't been on the Veendam yet.

Will be on her Nov 26 - a long time from now.

[RuthC]

If you like the atmosphere on Cunard you should feel at home on HAL. It is a relaxed, but elegant atmosphere---especially on the non-Vista class ships. There are fresh flowers everywhere, and real cloth towels in the public restrooms.
The stewards will learn your name, drink preference, and cabin number by the time you return to that lounge! You will be greeted by a smile (and frequently by name) as you wander about the ship.

The Veendam is one of the original S-class ships; that class is smaller than all but the Prinsendam. It is a nice size to get around, with the public areas set up so you will spend much of the day on one deck, and much of the evening on another. The biggest drawback on this class of ship is the lack of a mid-ship staircase/elevator bank; there's a lot of backtracking to get around.
This class of ship has a real Piano Bar---not just a Piano Lounge:) :) . They are my favorites. :)