CNSJ

Had service twice a day on last three cruises in 2022, but we put our service please sign when we needed it (after swimming mid day showers etc.). Cabin was spotless.

Agree that HAL can do more. I am willing to pay 10-20% more for experts and a cultural immersion. Not sure who else may be. My original point on clean, safe, and service is that other lines don't have same level of service... and that as Netherlands registered ships, they are safe. Having spent a few decades in the Nav, I believe that Hal's maintenance is better than I have seen on other lines.

Mary- Your point on focusing on Travelers seems to be spot on. We travel to see places, eat foods, and meet people. Learn about other cultures. I think that diverse itineraries are the key. That can help HAL differentiate themselves from other cruise lines. Perhaps it means a smaller HAL. We shall see. I think the market is big enough for 10-11 ships. The "exotic/unique" itineraries like Voyage of the Vikings tend to sell out quickly......

I (we) just reached 4 star Mariner on last cruise, so to many of you I am still a HAL newbie, but I thought I might comment on the non-stop bashing of Holland America. Yes, things change over time. Even in the short ten years we have been regular cruisers, I have seen change. Some good, some not so good. My DW and I just retired and are around 60. While little things like chocolates every night, slippers (most of us don't wear), and a well dressed man ringing dinner chimes may be important to many, I try to focus on the things that are most important (at least to me). In these areas I think HAL has done very well, and continues to do well. I try to keep in mind that the cruise industry just went through the once in a hundred years' shock with COVID. I am confident that HAL does surveys and just just cut things willy nilly. For those that complain about a charge for a second entree in the Pinnacle, I ask....What would your favorite restaurant at home do if you asked for two steaks? Don't charge me more for my cruise because you want two appetizers and two nice steaks at dinner. To me, clean, safe ships with great service are the reasons I have sailed with HAL on 10 of my last 13 cruises. I have sailed on R-class, Vista Class, Signature, Pinnacle Class. Each has benefits over the others depending on what you are looking for. I think Signature is the best overall due to the Promenade being more walkable. Otherwise Pinnacle class wins hands down. I'll focus on what's gotten better in the past ten years for a minute (at least in my opinion): Much better Stateroom TV with on demand movies, interactive info, menus, and access to your account. Pinnacle class ships with many more dining options and better venues for music events. Room service still included for breakfast and most times (and you can order off MDR menu) - Celebrity and others charge for Room Service now all day. The Navigator app - Love it or hate it... its better than not having an App A slightly younger passenger demographic is a good thing. Great ship's officers that still interact with passengers. Hal is more eco-friendly (less plastic and paper) Great itineraries continue (and 2024 looks great in this area) Onboard credit for shareholders and military/first responders Cruises are still a great value. I was in South Florida recently and looked at my restaurant receipts for lousy meals, including the "mandatory 20% gratuities added to all checks...." I was shocked to see what I was paying before and after cruise. I want to focus again on CLEAN, SAFE ships and GREAT SERVICE. We did two Royal Caribbean Cruises mixed in our first five HAL cruises - all on similar sized ships (Jewel of the Seas) to HALs ships. Cruise prices for a Balcony Cabin are similar in most cases based on my review. My DW would rather not cruise than go on Royal Caribbean again. The passenger to public space areas on HAL always feels better. Just my two cents..... I am very Happy with HAL. Nothing is perfect, but CLEAN, SAFE SHIPS with GREAT SERVICE is what matters to us. Keep Cruising. See you out there in 2023!

I have exclusively booked Open Seating with HAL on ten cruises over the past eight years. I book a table each night in advance (before sailing) when possible for around 5:30-6:00 PM. While I could book the early fixed dining (we book cruises well in advance) - Using Open Seating allows me to adjust the reservation based on port departure times. I'll book a later table when we are in port until early evening or later. I have never had to wait for a table as a result. We don't always get the same table, but when I get a waiter I particularly enjoy, I ask to be seated at same table for the next night. I always be sure to cancel my reservation at least an hour before if for some reason we will dine in Lido or in the room.

You can also combine several FCDs to vastly reduce any deposit required. Its always good to have a few FCDs in your back pocket. Better to book onboard of course!

Yes....We do pay for it, its not complimentary! Will be 4 star after this trip. No more HIA. Discounts on fancy coffee (for DW) specialty dining, and wine packages make it totally not worth it.....

On Rotterdam today , with HIA Package. Using part of the Shorex Credit for an upcoming stop in Amber Cove to snorkel. That excursion was just cancelled due to forecast weather tomorrow. Options were to book another excursion or simply loose the credit as its non-refundable. So..... I asked, what it this had been the last port and there were no other opportunities. The answer was the credit is non-refundable, not even against your onboard expenses. Even if port visit is cancelled, no compensation. I am sure it's in the fine print.... just passing this on to fellow cruisers. Second time on new Rotterdam. Nice ship.

Best coffee on the ship in my opinion is served in the Pinnacle Grill after dinner.

Thanks Gail & Marty. See you in Eastern Med in October.

I recently completed a long cruise on the Westerdam and had some post cruise travel that led to me taking too long to submit my post cruise feedback using the provided survey tool. I did not want to rush it, and then the survey said it was expired. I tried survey help but no response. What is the best way to recognize "by name" back to Holland America Corporate that particular crew members did a great job? I was able to thank them onboard with extra gratuity before the cruise ended, but I understand that by name mentions help them out. Looking for best method that will count! Thanks in Advance!

36 day transpacific should put us to 4 star after 15 years of cruising.... Look forward to free laundry and the 50% discounts on wine packages, coffees, and speciality dining. As light drinkers this will mean I don't need to buy HIA packages. It would be nice if HAL gave us all a (let's just say....) 20 credit bump to make up for the cruises we booked but they had to cancel due to COVID. Good will goes a long way.

Yes, Pinnacle ships have given up some of the grandeur of the promenade. I am a promenade deck walker. Roy, You are correct that Rotterdam has a different lifeboat configuration, but it does not change the walking space on promenade deck in most situations. I sailed her in Feb and spoke to one of the ship's officers who was inspecting maintenance on the boats. He showed me how the davit design was different, and used hydraulic davits that allowed the lifeboats and tenders to be retracted inward for the Panama Canal. Only then would the promenade deck have a slightly reduced walk path. Im a geek about ship design, and found it interesting. The stored hydraulics he mentioned could cycle the boats several times even if power was lost. Steve

We sailed Noordam in August southbound from Whittier to Vancouver. No glass doors (even the neptune suite) - but all was in great shape and recently upgraded. Carpets and furnishings are new and the ship is very nice! I especially like the new dining room chairs..... Enjoy your trip on Noordam!

The staterooms had new carpet, furniture, TVs and bathroom vanities. All very nice.

Just off Noordsam. She is in great shape. Carpets and furniture all new. Very nice chairs in Pinnacle and MDR. Entertainment is standard HAL.....

Just back from Alaska in a Neptune on Noordam. I would suggest two verandahs that connect. That gets you everyone in a traditional bed and two bathrooms. You might be able to save a few bucks with an inside across the hall from a verandah.....

Thank you for a very well prepared and posted review. We sail on Westerdam in October from Seattle. Looking forward to it! I do hope the have bananas back by then!

Just received the "masks required indoors...." email. I am booked on the mid-August southbound sailing Whittier to Vancouver. Not what I wanted to hear. I know many people wish they would maintain masks required, but I have a feeling the vast majority are done with COVID.