Best Of Both Worlds…For Smokers And None Smokers !!!!!!
I’ve recently had a very good chat with one of my passengers that has just come back off the MS Noordam with Holland America.
For those of you who have not already picked up on this most fantastic and comprehensive review on the above mentioned cruise… allow me to enlighten you!…
But first of all, let me introduce you to Mrs Howse, with whom I have built up a most recent and valuable rapport !!
Mrs Howse had chosen Holland America over Princess Cruises mainly because of their new regulations over recent smoking policy’s.
Furthermore the personal touch offered by Holland America was found to be a most exceptional experience over other cruise liners she has sailed with!
And believe me! Mrs Howse has over ten years cruise experience!
Please read and “ENJOY”
We have cruised 30+ times but this was our first experience of Holland America. So here are a few tips for the new cruisers to Holland America.I love doing my research and on this occasion it was well worth it. Firstly I logged onto Holland America site on facebook and joined their rollcall for our cruise. I was great getting to know people beforehand and also having discussion and tips from other cruisers. We arranged to me the first sea day in the bar to put names to faces. More to follow…
We flew Alitalia, very basic flight. Their idea of onboard meal was a packet of biscuits! We were met at Rome airport by Holland America and transferred to the ship. Embarkation was very fast.
We went to our Suite Superior) and were very impressed by the size of the room. Huge, comfortable bed. The best nights sleep I have ever had on a ship. 5 wardrobes and lots of drawers for storage, which enabled me to keep the room looking tidy. Sofa and table, and large balcony with 2 wicker chairs for lounging and a teak table and chairs for eating at. The bathroom had both a bath and a separate shower, double basin and storage. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel were provided in large dispensers Elemis make).
We went to the fire drill on deck, and was immediately greeted by someone that I had been speaking to on facebook, as she recognised my picture!
That night we went to the bar and was surprised to find that they have happy hours! Second drink for $1, and well worth it.
When we went to the informal facebook meeting, an area of the lounge had been set aside for us by Holland America. They also provided us with free drink and canapés. About 5 officers also attended. It was a lovely way to put names to faces, and friendships made. the passengers were mainly American, Canadian and Australian.
The ship also arranged for a private party for us all one evening on the Terrace, again with free drinks and canapés. Again officers attended, as well as the Captain!
As mentioned, we have cruised with sister lines, so beforehand I contacted Holland America and joined their loyalty scheme as you are eligible to join if you have cruised with a sister company. This meant that later in the cruise we could go to the Captains lunch, again good food and wine.
Entertainment on the ship was lacking in the evenings, but because we had made friends, we extended our evening meals had made our own entertainment. The theatre shows were good, but at bad times. 2nd sitting started at 8.30, and the show at 10! The best venue was the piano bar, good entertainment and fun.
We had breakfast every morning on our balcony, as the menu was not just continental style but offered omelettes etc and this was sufficient for us. And lovely being able to enjoy the views.
On the last evening we all enjoyed the Pinnacle Grill, and it was well worth the cost, and a fantastic experience .
I like the attention to detail provided by Holland America. In Santorini, there was due to be 16 ships in, so at the last minute they swapped Athens & Santorini around, and by doing so, there was only 3 other ships in! They cared about us. Also, the crockery/cutlery was all logged and classy. No plastic chairs, and the outside seating was all teak.
Dress code, was more laid back than say P&O. Formal nights a suit is sufficient. But I had the full formal dresses and didn’t feel out of place.
Loved the Chocolate extravaganza late one evening. female heaven!
Sorry, but we are smokers. At present you are allowed to smoke in your cabin and balcony, although we just smoked on the balcony and not in the room. But this is being amended to just the balcony in Jan 2012. The are plenty of smoking areas on the ship, and currently you are allowed to smoke inside at the sports bar, by the casino, and at the outside bars! Areas are clearly marked, and large enough to accommodate the large amount of smokers onboard, without disturbing the non smokers.
Finally, disembarkation. You are allowed to stay in your cabin until your colour is called, so no hanging around in areas. Again very efficient.
We were transported back to Rome airport and arrived at about 10am. Our flight was at 5.30 pm! So plan your flights accordingly as once off the ship you are left on your own!
Overall, I enjoyed the experience and would cruise Holland America again
I would like to say a “Big Thank You” to Mrs Howse for taking the time and writing this brilliant review and most of all for sharing her tips with us all.
This is the sort of information that is needed on our website to help other passengers make decisions in which sort of cruise liner they want to book for their holiday.
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About Me
My name is Michelle Fennelly and I have over 28 years of experience in the travel industry and cruising is my passion. I have worked for Cruise.co.uk for the last 6yrs which I absolutely love, before then I have worked for Air200 – Airtours / MyTravel – Tomas Cook. I…
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Thanks Michelle, for the lovely compliments, but you have made me feel really ancient! I have been cruising for the last 10 years and done about 30+ in that time! I’m not that old …really:)