umpire500

It's been a few years since our last cruise on Holland, and it may very well have been our last. For reference, the cruise date was March 17, 10 days to ABC islands with other ports.

It appears that Holland, and rightfully so, has embarked on a campaign to reduce food waist. In the Lido restaurant they now dispense the food rather than allow self serve. Great idea. Some Holland ships are testing the idea of charging for an additional entree in the main dining room. Bad idea. They don't seem to care about the dietary needs of those desiring no sugar added desserts. Bad idea. No sugar free dessert on the chocolate parade featured on the 9th evening of the cruuse. Bad decision. But most appalling of all was the extra charge for a second entree in a specialty restaurant where we had already paid $25 pp for dinner.

Overall, the food and service were just ok, but the shows were not. They have cut back to where there were no singers, only dancers for the production shows. The was only 2 production shows with encore performances in the last two nights. There was four shows, a comedian, ventriloquist, magician and singer, that were basically average. The music walk was ok.

Reading this review, one might ask why would this be your last cruise on Holland. well here's why.

Holland used to be just a little better than the competition. In my opinion they have lowered themselves to meet a lower expectation. They are using the spirit airlines approach of nickel and diming themselves to profitability.  They used to distinguish themselves by making their mostly repeat customers feel special. That's no longer true. 

I can sail on Royal or Norwegian or any of the other average cruise lines of I want average. That was not my expectations.

Currently booked on Koningsdam. Not part of the test. Awful idea. Could be my last cruise on Holland.