johnb24
March 13th, 2008, 08:49 PM
We arrived at the Oosterdam pier in San Diego at 1:30 for our Mexican Riviera Cruise 3/1-3/8 and with only a minutes wait passed through security to present our express passports to the Holland America agent. No wait, no lines, and we were on the ship in five minutes. We booked a SZ suite guarantee three months ago and were assigned to cabin 6058 at check in . Unlike Celebrity or Princess, Holland America did not notify us before our boarding as to which cabin we would be assigned. The suite was spacious, stylish, and comfortable and included a full bath with jet tub, separate shower and twin sinks, as well as a roomy balcony with table, chairs, two lounge chairs and foot rests. Included was a flat screen TV and a DVD player with access to free DVD’s. Great suite in the forward section of the ship. The overall look of the ship is new and with the extensive art collection - an ipod tour is available- and elaborate display of fresh flowers the Osterdam has a unique and attractive décor and fittings. Yes there are some bizarre bar stools and chairs in some lounges and bars and the color scheme is not understated but overall it works.
Service on Holland America was exceptional. Our room steward was unobtrusive, professional, and followed through on all our requests in a timely order. Wait staff, bar tenders, pool attendants were always efficient and friendly. However, the Spa staff over sell and some times misrepresent prices. In an effort to sell a weekly pass to the therapy pool and spa for 150 dollars we were told no daily passes were available until we asked to speak to the manager and then informed we could purchase daily passes. The pool was worth the daily charge and provided a quiet and relaxed alternative to more active places.
Holland America has started anytime dinning for those who like more freedom from traditional dinning times. This worked well for us and we did not wait to be seated if we were willing to be seated with others. The food in both the restaurant and buffet was well prepared and provide variety. Over the week we enjoyed Duck Breast, Veal Chop, Prime Rib, Lamb Shank, Shrimp, Lobster, Steak. All the usual specialty stations - pizza, burgers, deli, stir fry, ethnic choices are include at lunch and breakfast. We found food comparable to Celebrity in quality and presentation. Holland America has the best Ice cream and it is available all afternoon. The Wine Card for us was the bargain of the cruise. For 41 dollars ten glasses of wine can be chosen in all public bars , lounges, and dining areas. The choice is limited but the wine was enjoyable. Many drinks in fancy glasses were over priced but that is common on all ships. We purchased tours through the ship in each port and enjoyed them. Whale watching in Cabo was spectacular - many whales in the bay this time of year and the boat brought us close to them. In Mazatlan we toured the estuary of Stone Island and rode along one of the most beautiful palm fringed beaches in the world to a great Mexican lunch and in Puerta Vallerta we booked the Overview and enjoyed it. The weather was cooler than expected - no swimming- but great for touring.
Celebrity and Princess have a greater variety and more extensive hours of entertainment than Holland America - but the entertainment was OK. Lots of newly released movies, a serious String Quartet, very good Broadway review, passable house band, specialty party nights. There were too many announcements over the PA for Bingo, Art Auctions, Sales in the Shops, Casino Specials - but these are entertainment for some people . Fellow passengers were for the most part from the West Coast, older or in family groups. As far as I know there were no screaming teenagers running through the halls, drunk college students doing back flips into the hot tubs, or unruly senior citizens running down people in the buffet line. People seemed to enjoy eating , drinking, dancing, conversation with friends, listening to 50’s music in the Piano bar, eating, playing cards, laying out in the sun, eating.
At disembarkation Passengers were encouraged to stay in their cabins until called - a very relaxed end to a good cruise. This particular cruise was deeply discounted over the weeks before sailing and to our minds was excellent value and good fun.
Service on Holland America was exceptional. Our room steward was unobtrusive, professional, and followed through on all our requests in a timely order. Wait staff, bar tenders, pool attendants were always efficient and friendly. However, the Spa staff over sell and some times misrepresent prices. In an effort to sell a weekly pass to the therapy pool and spa for 150 dollars we were told no daily passes were available until we asked to speak to the manager and then informed we could purchase daily passes. The pool was worth the daily charge and provided a quiet and relaxed alternative to more active places.
Holland America has started anytime dinning for those who like more freedom from traditional dinning times. This worked well for us and we did not wait to be seated if we were willing to be seated with others. The food in both the restaurant and buffet was well prepared and provide variety. Over the week we enjoyed Duck Breast, Veal Chop, Prime Rib, Lamb Shank, Shrimp, Lobster, Steak. All the usual specialty stations - pizza, burgers, deli, stir fry, ethnic choices are include at lunch and breakfast. We found food comparable to Celebrity in quality and presentation. Holland America has the best Ice cream and it is available all afternoon. The Wine Card for us was the bargain of the cruise. For 41 dollars ten glasses of wine can be chosen in all public bars , lounges, and dining areas. The choice is limited but the wine was enjoyable. Many drinks in fancy glasses were over priced but that is common on all ships. We purchased tours through the ship in each port and enjoyed them. Whale watching in Cabo was spectacular - many whales in the bay this time of year and the boat brought us close to them. In Mazatlan we toured the estuary of Stone Island and rode along one of the most beautiful palm fringed beaches in the world to a great Mexican lunch and in Puerta Vallerta we booked the Overview and enjoyed it. The weather was cooler than expected - no swimming- but great for touring.
Celebrity and Princess have a greater variety and more extensive hours of entertainment than Holland America - but the entertainment was OK. Lots of newly released movies, a serious String Quartet, very good Broadway review, passable house band, specialty party nights. There were too many announcements over the PA for Bingo, Art Auctions, Sales in the Shops, Casino Specials - but these are entertainment for some people . Fellow passengers were for the most part from the West Coast, older or in family groups. As far as I know there were no screaming teenagers running through the halls, drunk college students doing back flips into the hot tubs, or unruly senior citizens running down people in the buffet line. People seemed to enjoy eating , drinking, dancing, conversation with friends, listening to 50’s music in the Piano bar, eating, playing cards, laying out in the sun, eating.
At disembarkation Passengers were encouraged to stay in their cabins until called - a very relaxed end to a good cruise. This particular cruise was deeply discounted over the weeks before sailing and to our minds was excellent value and good fun.