Maureenxx

For most of us, it's not that we object so much to Oprah (I often watched her shows) and I give her a lot of credit for how far she has come and the good things she has done. The objection to this venture is that we see all the cutbacks in ships staff, the loss of so many little extra nice touches we used to enjoy on HA, the cutbacks in food quality, etc. etc. and we feel like the money they are spending on these "experiences" should be used more wisely.

Enjoying your reports so much. I'll be cruising to the area this summer and your information on what to see and do and how to get round will come in handy. Don't suppose I'll ever be on a WC; that must be really exciting. Again, thanks for the reports and know that so many enjoy reading them.

Holland America should stick to providing great cruises and services that their loyal customers have come to appreciate instead of the cutbacks and eliminations and "changes" . Maybe the changes need to be in the executives in Seattle. Stop spending money on "great new ideas" . We would rather have nice libraries, real movie theaters, promenades with deck chairs, and lots of spaces to relax and watch the sea. Cruises are for relaxation and a chance to see new places. We don't go out to sea for all that other stuff.

Holland America should stick to providing good services on good cruises. Stop the cutbacks and elimination of those things your loyal customers enjoy. We don't want all the fancy new ideas. What an irony to feature BOOK CLUBS and eliminate LIBRARIES. Maybe we need new leaders in Seattle.

Do any other HAL ship have inside muster drill like the K'dam? It seems much easier.

Because this ship is much larger than other HAL ships, distances to the dining room, theater, etc. are much greater. This makes those who can't walk long distances need help. Just another reason why the K'dam is TOO BIG,

We've had veranda cabins in the forward section of Amsterdam on 2 cruises and were never bothered by noise. We also are early to bed. As stated before, all the verandas on Amsterdam are good.

Has anyone done the Sydney Opera House excursions, especially to performances. We heard there were LOTS OF STAIRS to climb. We are mobile but wonder about climbing the stairs. Any comments? Also was it worth it to attend the show.

Really hope Seattle will get the message. I want an individually made sandwich because I don't like a lot of extra stuff I won't eat on it. Also want choice of bread; toasted not toasted. I never had to wait in a long line to get a sandwich even at the busiest lunch time. PLEASE DONT DO AWAY WITH FRESHLY MADE SANDWICHES!!

Any updates to info for this cruise? We did it a few years ago and loved it. Would go again.

Hampton Inn highly recommended. Good breakfast, reasonable rates, nice rooms, and the best staff. And shuttle guy will take you most anywhere and pick you up. But you can walk to the ship if you wish.

Suggest you go to the HA Roll Call Board for that Amsterdam cruise. Lots of folks there going on independent tours. Even if you can't join their tours, you should be able to get some good info.