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Wow ! First experince of HAl and not dissapointed
 
Reviewed By: Brown / Rothwell, Pontyclun on 15th Jan 2010
Cruise Line: Holland America Cruises Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: MS Statendam Sailed: December, 2009
Destination: Panama Canal Age: 56-65
Cabin: Outside
Judith and Keith ,South Wales - ms Statendam 28 day cruise Fort Lauderdale/ Carribean/Panana Canal/Mexico Riviera.

Having been on many cruises over the past 9 years, we decided on the ms 'Statendam ' for 28 days over Christmas and the New Year with an attractive itinerary and the promise of 'premium' cruising with HAL.
We were certainly not dissapointed with almost everying being superb, in our opinion. Despite the vessel being 16 years old, she was in excellent condition and just the right size for us as we do not want large cruise ships. The cabin (they now call them Staterooms !) was always clean and well presented with a position amidships to avoid sea movements. Fresh fruit and bathroom items were readily available. The highpoint was the food and service especially in the Rotterdam Upper dining area. We prefer and therefore requested a table for two for the evening meal at 1745 hours and this was made available , unlike every other cruise line we have used in the past.
Indeed this request was always granted at breakfast and lunch too , when required, and this made a tremendous welcome difference to our chosen holiday. We like to dine together on holiday amd HAL granted us this request , without exception. THANK YOU HAL
The staff on board, especially in the Rotterdam, were exceptional and really made our holiday.
We enjoyed 28 days and nights of relaxation with plenty of space everwhere although the ship was full. We much prefered the outdoor pool and area at the stern of the Statandam , finding the pool and area amidships to be clostrophobic.

Plenty of sunbeds were always available and the pool never crowded.. There was a selection of very nice people on board from lots of nationalitises with not a football shirt to be seen.. The Captains/Officers were jovial and informative whilst the senior Hotel managment always had time for a quick chat.
We would thoroughly recommend Holland America Line and will find it very difficult to choose or risk anyone else to cruise with in the future after this delightful experience in their hands. . Our grateful thanks also goes to Lesley of The Cruise Specialists in Scotland for her tremendous help and pleasant disposition. Well done everyone !


Quality of Food5
Upper Rotterdam most evenings plus Lido sometimes for breakfast and lunch. Pinnacle for their Sommelier Evening which was a delight !
Entertainment3
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
Edwin and Fiddy in the Rotterdam. Tremendous pair. Roger and Charles in Pinnacle Restuarant
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activitiesn/a
Cabins5
Overall Rating5
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Comment by Hornby, Rhyl (26 May 10 01:23) about this REVIEW
Glad to see this glowing review, as we're booked on the MS Statendam for a 14 night Panama Canal cruise next January to celebrate my 50th. We actually transit the canal on my birthday, which will make it even more special. It will be our first with HAL, after years of sailing with RCI, so we look forward to the change.
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Hawkins, Congleton (20 May 10 22:44) about this REVIEW
Hi it was good to read your review as we've only done one other HAL cruise before and that was on one of their larger the Eurodam which we loved. I was a bit concerned about going on a smaller and older ship and we've only just booked a 14 day cruise on this ship around Hawaii next year. After reading your review I'm feeling a lot better about us going on an older ship. We were never worried about using HAL again after wonderful service on our last cruise this March. Thanks again Heidi Hawkins
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