Cruise Ship Reviews : Holland America Line Reviews
wd5fqx saw things this way:
Ship was very clean and employees very helpful and efficient., June 14, 2013
Reviewer: wd5fqx
Pros: Ship public areas, cabin and dining room were excellent
Cons: Entertainment was mediocre
Date of cruise: June 2, 2013
Departure port: Seattle
Region visited: Alaska
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 5035
Good for children: Yes
Check-in and check-out was the most efficient of any cruise line I have traveled on and was very rapid. All personnel was very friendly and efficient. Our dining room server was the best with a wonderful personality, excellent memory and was so kind and attentive to my 8-year-old grandson. Really appreciated the HAL children's program and my grandson was very happy to spend time with other children his age. He loved swimming every day in the heated pool and playing ping pong on the deck. Entertainment was disappointing but everything else was great.
Pat Woods saw things this way:
We enjoyed our third HAL cruise and will return, August 18, 2012
Reviewer: Pat Woods
Pros: Fabulous food in Vista (main), Pinnacle, LeCirque dining rooms
Cons: Veranda cabin was a bit smaller than expected
Date of cruise: May 14, 2023
Departure port: Seattle
Region visited: Alaska
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: VC 5178
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
Alaska: See the Great Land from a great ship By Pat Woods To celebrate our anniversary, husband Rob and I took a 7-day Alaska cruise on Holland Americas ms Oosterdam. We enjoyed seeing Gods natural wonders from a safe and comfortable ship --giant glaciers, abundant wildlife, majestic peaks and luscious rainforests. Embarking in Seattle on a sunny Sunday, we saw Mt. Rainier from the ships stern pool. After attending the lifeboat drill and Catholic Mass, we enjoyed a five-course dinner with other guests from Los Angeles and Dallas. After dinner, we listened to the Adagio Strings quartet play selections by Mozart, Bach and Schubert in the Explorers Caf. Other guests played Bingo, watched a comedy show, gambled in the casino, sang along in the piano bar and danced. A sea day highlight was Tracy Arm, a scenic fjord with steep granite walls carpeted in green Sitka spruce striped by long cascades of whitewater. Within a one-hour time span, we had rain, snow, hail and momentary sunshine. Some guests watched the scenery indoors from the forward observation deck. We donned warm jackets to experience the glacier on an outdoor deck. During the brief hail storm we ducked into the Lido buffet for hot tea. Fabulous food We ate most meals in the bi-level Vista dining room. As You Wish dining enabled us to eat with pleasant, friendly people from around the U.S. and Canada. The Pinnacle Grill ($10 lunch, $25 dinner) provides elegant china, stemware and linens for a romantic dinner for two or a special group celebration. Dinner at the Pinnacle Grill is table side food theater at its finest. Servers lace lobster bisque with aged cognac, flamb entrees and desserts such as Baked Alaska. Creative chefs go beyond simply preparing mouth-watering dishes. They create food artistry. One night during each cruise, the Pinnacle Grill transforms into the legendary Le Cirque of New York City, ranked among the worlds best restaurants ($39 dinner, $59 dinner and wine pairing). For our Le Cirque dinner, we had delightful lobster salad and butternut squash with huckleberry soup. Lucia, our efficient and attentive server, sliced Robs chateaubriand table side. My seared Alaskan black cod was prepared with a red wine reduction. For dessert, I chose a decadent napoleon with fresh berries, while Rob ordered his favorite, crme brulee. On-board activities Built in 2003, the Oosterdam caters to a wide range of interests. To work off calories, we hit the fitness center and walked around the promenade deck. Other guests took digital computer or cooking classes, attended art auctions, played trivia or cards, visited the spa, took afternoon tea and socialized in lounges. More active guests played basketball and volleyball. Throughout the voyage, we heard few complaints from fellow passengers. As expected, outdoor temperatures in Alaska were cool in mid-Mayranging from the high 40s to low 60s. You won't need a pricey wardrobe to experience Alaska's laid-back, friendly ambiance. Wear sturdy shoes and dress in removable layers. Dozens of ships ply Alaska waters between May and September. Details: www.hollandamrica.com or 1- 877-932-4259. End Writer bio: Pat Woods is widely-published Arizona cruise writer.
Stats1 saw things this way:
Our cabin was dirty on arrival and did not get any better, December 15, 2011
Reviewer: Stats1
Pros: Casino was ok the the manager there was very helpful
Cons: Poor service, dirty, too many sales pitches and inconveniences
Date of cruise: December 4, 2023
Departure port: San Diego
Region visited: Mexico
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 5123
This was our 4th cruise, 1st with HA. Never again. Our luggage was ripped apart and they suggested it was the airline's fault. I informed them that the wheels worked fine when I wheeled it to their bus at the airport. They gave us $11.00 so our first day in port we had to shop for luggage and drag it back to the ship.The suitcase cost $120 and they did not offer/provide a taxi. A wasted day. We needed a extension cord for my husbands CPAP machine and they were informed of this months ago. Although we boarded the ship at noon, this was not installed till 8 PM. They were also told ahead of time that my husband required a extra large housecoat. This arrived on Day 2 afternoon. The cabin was dirty on arrival and even though we complained it was not cleaned until the last morning when I was on the deck resting and my husband on the bed. They wanted to wash (hose down) the deck and clean the room and were very insistent when we said "no we were resting". They were concerned that the ship had to be ready for the next cruise. The "class" of cruising was not provided at all. I would rate this cruise with a 3 star motel. They reserved seating for staff next to the food line and we had to carry food to the front of the ship. On the final day they turned off the speakers in the cabins (to not disturb those not disembarking) so we could not hear our call to disembark unless we blocked our door open. Many times we had to assist an elderly or disabled person (we are not young ourselves) as staff was not willing to help. Dress codes were non-existent, people came to meals on the Lido deck in housecoats! Not at all pleased with this cruise.
stuttmr saw things this way:
Great experience; first time cruising on Holland America, December 16, 2010
Reviewer: stuttmr
Pros: The food was excellent
Cons: The drinking glasses were too small
Date of cruise: December 4, 2010
Departure port: San Diego
Region visited: Mexico
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 5077
The cruise was excellent, first time cruising on HAL and first time cruising out of San Diego. Embarking and disembarking were the easiest we've ever had. The cabin was very nice and room stewards were very helpful, in fact, everyone was very friendly and helpful. We have cruised other lines before but liked this the best so far, will definitely cruise on HAL again.
darosaali1 saw things this way:
Fabulous value, great service, loads of fun., July 1, 2010
Reviewer: darosaali1
Pros: Value.
Cons: Internet access was very pricey.
Date of cruise: March 1, 2023
Departure port: San Diego
Region visited: Mexico
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 6144
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
The 1,916-passenger Oosterdam was launched seven summers ago. Here and there, the ship is showing its age ? upholstery that?s a bit worn, a bathtub that needs re-caulking, a patch of stained carpet. But there?s plenty to like about the ship: ?It?s our third time on the Oosterdam,? said Robert Zamora from Phoenix. ?We love it. We?ve done a lot of cruising and this is the best ? we always come back to Holland America.? ?It?s the service, the cleanliness and the excellent food,? said Christina Zamora. ?It?s the extra touches ? down to the littlest detail." The mostly Indonesian crew of 800 keeps the ship spotless. ?My room attendant is in when I?m out ? and out when I?m in ? and the room is kept immaculate,? said Robert Evans from Cathedral City. Even veterans of five-star luxury liners were smitten: ?I have a suite on this ship for the same price I paid for a standard cabin on Crystal,? said William Lippens from Camano Island in Washington State. ?Two bits of advice, though: Avoid cabins under the Lido deck. When they?re moving chairs and tables around, I can hear it ? even with earplugs in. ?And, the balcony. It?s worth whatever the premium is to be able to sit out there. Also, it makes the cabin so light and airy.? Holland America ships tend to attract an older demographic. But that doesn?t mean the ship isn?t child friendly. ?The crowd is more on the elderly side, but I love that with my kids,? said San Diegan Susan deWit who was cruising with her husband Bruce and their three children: Stephen, 3; Vincent, 2 and 10-month-old Cecilia. ?With five of us taking a vacation together, airfare alone would have equaled almost the price of the cruise,? said Bruce deWit. ?Plus, this has been easier than other vacations,? Susan added. ?Everything is here ? and they?re taking care of us. They brought in a Pack ?n? Play for the baby ? and it?s always made up with a fresh sheet. They always leave finger foods in the room for the children. Somebody else is doing the cooking, the cleaning and the laundry. Laundry service is free for those in veranda suites. ?When the kids are taking naps, we sit on the balcony together,? she said. ?In two years we?ll be able to drop them all off at the HAL Club and get a little time on our own.? Added dad: ?The hardest part of our cruise will be telling the children on the day we leave that they can?t go to the pool.? Club HAL, Holland?s kids club, is for children 3 and older who are potty trained. The Loft is for 13-17 year olds. ?Club Hal is cool,? said Vicoria Voucolo, 7, from Fairmont, Minn. ?My parents let me out of the room to come here all the time. There?s lots of nice kids here to make friends. Now I have a friend from Oregon, one from California, one from Canada. We get to play Wii. It?s awesome.? Grace Carrington, 13, from Atlanta, was happy to vouch for The Loft: ?It?s really fun,? she avowed. Carrington joined her friend, Caroline Russell, and Caroline?s parents, on the cruise. ?We?ve been on five cruises,? said Caroline. ?This is our second time on this one ? and it?s by far my favorite. The ice cream is awesome; I had six scoops today. ?And visiting Mexico is so much fun,? she added. ?We went parasailing today in Puerto Vallarta; dad arranged it at the beach. Tomorrow we?re going zip lining in Cabo San Lucas; he booked it online.? Before calling in ports, the ship?s travel guide, Pauline Standish, summarized local history and attractions. She also provided info that could help cruisers get a taste of each destination without spending a bundle: ?All beaches in Mexico are public,? Standish told cruisers who gathered in the Queen?s Lounge on the morning before the Oosterdam docked in Mazatlan. She provided info on how to hop a local bus into town ? saving on cab fare. And provided fair warning: ?You?re going to run into time-share sellers. They?ll be offering lots of things for free ? free lunch, free gifts, free tours. You?ll pay with your time ? two to four hours of it.? Several passengers ignored the warning ? and at least one couple bought a time share. The ship sells a wide range of shore excursions ? from high-energy to laid back. Cruisers could opt for everything from sightseeing by bus to surfing lessons. They could snorkel, scuba dive, horseback ride, learn to make salsa ? or salsa dance. ?I went swimming with dolphins today -- and it was awe inspiring,? said Bonnie Renfro from Albuquerque, heading back to the ship in Puerto Vallarta. ?From the time I was a little kid seeing the Flipper show, I always wondered what it would be like to swim with them. The texture of their skin ? it?s so tough, yet so smooth, so wonderfully suited to gliding through the water. I was amazed by their physical power and grace ? and by the fact that they really seemed to love having their bellies scratched.? Many excursions can be booked independently -- usually at some savings. But not always. (On a previous cruise, when the ship anchored in Cabo San Lucas, I rented a car and drove to Todos Santos for the day. With lunch in town, I spent about $150. This time, I let somebody else do the driving, point out the sights and arrange lunch in Todos Santos. I had a couple of hours of free time in Todos Santos ? and the outing cost me only $74. There's plenty to do aboard ship: The 951-feet-long Oosterdam has indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools, plus an adults-only aft pool. There?s a small movie theater (popcorn provided), a full-service spa (with bargain prices on the days we visited ports) and a well-equipped fitness center (most fitness classes cost extra.) There are usually free digital workshops offered ? but the ship?s ?techspert? missed our sailing. Internet access costs extra ? and is pricey, anywhere from 40 cents to 75 cents per minute ? depending on how many minutes you opt to buy. Free cooking demonstrations are offered at the Culinary Arts Center. One of the most popular spots on our cruise was the Atrium Bar where a series of free ?mixology? classes taught cruisers how to make the ship?s signature cocktails ? and sampling all those drinks cost $12.50. There?s a large theater featuring snazzy twice-nightly Vegas-style shows, three nightclubs for dancing, a popular piano bar and a smoky casino with slot machines and table games. The sports bar is the only cocktail lounge that allows smoking. Cruisers can shop at several retail shops; they can buy designer coffee and check their email at computer terminals set up at the Explorations Cafe. Food aboard ship was generally very good ? and there were myriad opportunities to partake: The main dining room offers menu choices and wait service at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cruisers can opt for assigned tables at 5:45 or 8 p.m. seatings ? or choose ?open seating any time between 5:15 and 9 p.m. The Lido deck restaurant always has open seating, with buffet options at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Still hungry? There?s afternoon tea, a poolside grill open from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. There?s an ice cream bar, a designer coffee bar and two speciality restaurants. On several evenings there are themed food fests: 9-10:30 p.m. versions of the old midnight buffet. And of course, there?s room service. Canaletto, an Italian restaurant, is a quiet option for dinner; you?ll need reservations, but meals are free. Dining at the upscale reservations-only Pinnacle Grill costs $20 extra at dinner, $10 at lunch ? but is worth the splurge at least once during the cruise. ?One of my passions in life is dining and good wine,? said Terry Arca, a Seattle restaurateur, who dined several times at Pinnacle Grill. ?I love the full-on presentation. These guys do it superb. It?s really a gourmet experience: steak Diane, lobster, pesto sauce to die for, perfect sashimi.? The bottom line: To be sure, extra charges ? everything from fees for internet access to shore excursions, massages and cocktails ? can add a significant sum to any cruiser?s tab. Holland automatically adds a daily ?hotel service charge? to each cruiser?s billing statement to cover tipping. Cruisers can ask to have the $11-per-day charge removed ? but most are happy to pay and many slip a little extra to their room steward or others who have been especially helpful. ?Do the math,? said Susan Chiles. ?You can?t beat the price. Where else can you get a weeklong vacation ? including meals and entertainment -- for so little? I just booked another cruise and will be taking my nephews. They?re teenagers; they eat.?
Oosterdam reviews
Average customer rating:
3.88 / 5
3.88 / 5Average Rating based on 5 Reviews:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
3.80
3.80
3.20
3.80
4.50
3.80
3.33
4.67
4.20
3.80
3.20
3.80
4.50
3.80
3.33
4.67
4.20
wd5fqx saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
4
5
2
4
4
5
4
5
5
2
4
4
5
4
5
Ship was very clean and employees very helpful and efficient., June 14, 2013
Reviewer: wd5fqx
Pros: Ship public areas, cabin and dining room were excellent
Cons: Entertainment was mediocre
Date of cruise: June 2, 2013
Departure port: Seattle
Region visited: Alaska
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 5035
Good for children: Yes
Check-in and check-out was the most efficient of any cruise line I have traveled on and was very rapid. All personnel was very friendly and efficient. Our dining room server was the best with a wonderful personality, excellent memory and was so kind and attentive to my 8-year-old grandson. Really appreciated the HAL children's program and my grandson was very happy to spend time with other children his age. He loved swimming every day in the heated pool and playing ping pong on the deck. Entertainment was disappointing but everything else was great.
Pat Woods saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
5
4
5
4
5
5
5
5
4
5
4
5
5
5
5
We enjoyed our third HAL cruise and will return, August 18, 2012
Reviewer: Pat Woods
Pros: Fabulous food in Vista (main), Pinnacle, LeCirque dining rooms
Cons: Veranda cabin was a bit smaller than expected
Date of cruise: May 14, 2023
Departure port: Seattle
Region visited: Alaska
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: VC 5178
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
Alaska: See the Great Land from a great ship By Pat Woods To celebrate our anniversary, husband Rob and I took a 7-day Alaska cruise on Holland Americas ms Oosterdam. We enjoyed seeing Gods natural wonders from a safe and comfortable ship --giant glaciers, abundant wildlife, majestic peaks and luscious rainforests. Embarking in Seattle on a sunny Sunday, we saw Mt. Rainier from the ships stern pool. After attending the lifeboat drill and Catholic Mass, we enjoyed a five-course dinner with other guests from Los Angeles and Dallas. After dinner, we listened to the Adagio Strings quartet play selections by Mozart, Bach and Schubert in the Explorers Caf. Other guests played Bingo, watched a comedy show, gambled in the casino, sang along in the piano bar and danced. A sea day highlight was Tracy Arm, a scenic fjord with steep granite walls carpeted in green Sitka spruce striped by long cascades of whitewater. Within a one-hour time span, we had rain, snow, hail and momentary sunshine. Some guests watched the scenery indoors from the forward observation deck. We donned warm jackets to experience the glacier on an outdoor deck. During the brief hail storm we ducked into the Lido buffet for hot tea. Fabulous food We ate most meals in the bi-level Vista dining room. As You Wish dining enabled us to eat with pleasant, friendly people from around the U.S. and Canada. The Pinnacle Grill ($10 lunch, $25 dinner) provides elegant china, stemware and linens for a romantic dinner for two or a special group celebration. Dinner at the Pinnacle Grill is table side food theater at its finest. Servers lace lobster bisque with aged cognac, flamb entrees and desserts such as Baked Alaska. Creative chefs go beyond simply preparing mouth-watering dishes. They create food artistry. One night during each cruise, the Pinnacle Grill transforms into the legendary Le Cirque of New York City, ranked among the worlds best restaurants ($39 dinner, $59 dinner and wine pairing). For our Le Cirque dinner, we had delightful lobster salad and butternut squash with huckleberry soup. Lucia, our efficient and attentive server, sliced Robs chateaubriand table side. My seared Alaskan black cod was prepared with a red wine reduction. For dessert, I chose a decadent napoleon with fresh berries, while Rob ordered his favorite, crme brulee. On-board activities Built in 2003, the Oosterdam caters to a wide range of interests. To work off calories, we hit the fitness center and walked around the promenade deck. Other guests took digital computer or cooking classes, attended art auctions, played trivia or cards, visited the spa, took afternoon tea and socialized in lounges. More active guests played basketball and volleyball. Throughout the voyage, we heard few complaints from fellow passengers. As expected, outdoor temperatures in Alaska were cool in mid-Mayranging from the high 40s to low 60s. You won't need a pricey wardrobe to experience Alaska's laid-back, friendly ambiance. Wear sturdy shoes and dress in removable layers. Dozens of ships ply Alaska waters between May and September. Details: www.hollandamrica.com or 1- 877-932-4259. End Writer bio: Pat Woods is widely-published Arizona cruise writer.
Stats1 saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
Our cabin was dirty on arrival and did not get any better, December 15, 2011
Reviewer: Stats1
Pros: Casino was ok the the manager there was very helpful
Cons: Poor service, dirty, too many sales pitches and inconveniences
Date of cruise: December 4, 2023
Departure port: San Diego
Region visited: Mexico
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 5123
This was our 4th cruise, 1st with HA. Never again. Our luggage was ripped apart and they suggested it was the airline's fault. I informed them that the wheels worked fine when I wheeled it to their bus at the airport. They gave us $11.00 so our first day in port we had to shop for luggage and drag it back to the ship.The suitcase cost $120 and they did not offer/provide a taxi. A wasted day. We needed a extension cord for my husbands CPAP machine and they were informed of this months ago. Although we boarded the ship at noon, this was not installed till 8 PM. They were also told ahead of time that my husband required a extra large housecoat. This arrived on Day 2 afternoon. The cabin was dirty on arrival and even though we complained it was not cleaned until the last morning when I was on the deck resting and my husband on the bed. They wanted to wash (hose down) the deck and clean the room and were very insistent when we said "no we were resting". They were concerned that the ship had to be ready for the next cruise. The "class" of cruising was not provided at all. I would rate this cruise with a 3 star motel. They reserved seating for staff next to the food line and we had to carry food to the front of the ship. On the final day they turned off the speakers in the cabins (to not disturb those not disembarking) so we could not hear our call to disembark unless we blocked our door open. Many times we had to assist an elderly or disabled person (we are not young ourselves) as staff was not willing to help. Dress codes were non-existent, people came to meals on the Lido deck in housecoats! Not at all pleased with this cruise.
stuttmr saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
4
4
3
4
5
4
5
5
4
3
4
5
4
5
5
Great experience; first time cruising on Holland America, December 16, 2010
Reviewer: stuttmr
Pros: The food was excellent
Cons: The drinking glasses were too small
Date of cruise: December 4, 2010
Departure port: San Diego
Region visited: Mexico
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 5077
The cruise was excellent, first time cruising on HAL and first time cruising out of San Diego. Embarking and disembarking were the easiest we've ever had. The cabin was very nice and room stewards were very helpful, in fact, everyone was very friendly and helpful. We have cruised other lines before but liked this the best so far, will definitely cruise on HAL again.
darosaali1 saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
5
4
5
5
4
4
4
4
5
4
5
5
4
4
4
4
5
Fabulous value, great service, loads of fun., July 1, 2010
Reviewer: darosaali1
Pros: Value.
Cons: Internet access was very pricey.
Date of cruise: March 1, 2023
Departure port: San Diego
Region visited: Mexico
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 6144
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
The 1,916-passenger Oosterdam was launched seven summers ago. Here and there, the ship is showing its age ? upholstery that?s a bit worn, a bathtub that needs re-caulking, a patch of stained carpet. But there?s plenty to like about the ship: ?It?s our third time on the Oosterdam,? said Robert Zamora from Phoenix. ?We love it. We?ve done a lot of cruising and this is the best ? we always come back to Holland America.? ?It?s the service, the cleanliness and the excellent food,? said Christina Zamora. ?It?s the extra touches ? down to the littlest detail." The mostly Indonesian crew of 800 keeps the ship spotless. ?My room attendant is in when I?m out ? and out when I?m in ? and the room is kept immaculate,? said Robert Evans from Cathedral City. Even veterans of five-star luxury liners were smitten: ?I have a suite on this ship for the same price I paid for a standard cabin on Crystal,? said William Lippens from Camano Island in Washington State. ?Two bits of advice, though: Avoid cabins under the Lido deck. When they?re moving chairs and tables around, I can hear it ? even with earplugs in. ?And, the balcony. It?s worth whatever the premium is to be able to sit out there. Also, it makes the cabin so light and airy.? Holland America ships tend to attract an older demographic. But that doesn?t mean the ship isn?t child friendly. ?The crowd is more on the elderly side, but I love that with my kids,? said San Diegan Susan deWit who was cruising with her husband Bruce and their three children: Stephen, 3; Vincent, 2 and 10-month-old Cecilia. ?With five of us taking a vacation together, airfare alone would have equaled almost the price of the cruise,? said Bruce deWit. ?Plus, this has been easier than other vacations,? Susan added. ?Everything is here ? and they?re taking care of us. They brought in a Pack ?n? Play for the baby ? and it?s always made up with a fresh sheet. They always leave finger foods in the room for the children. Somebody else is doing the cooking, the cleaning and the laundry. Laundry service is free for those in veranda suites. ?When the kids are taking naps, we sit on the balcony together,? she said. ?In two years we?ll be able to drop them all off at the HAL Club and get a little time on our own.? Added dad: ?The hardest part of our cruise will be telling the children on the day we leave that they can?t go to the pool.? Club HAL, Holland?s kids club, is for children 3 and older who are potty trained. The Loft is for 13-17 year olds. ?Club Hal is cool,? said Vicoria Voucolo, 7, from Fairmont, Minn. ?My parents let me out of the room to come here all the time. There?s lots of nice kids here to make friends. Now I have a friend from Oregon, one from California, one from Canada. We get to play Wii. It?s awesome.? Grace Carrington, 13, from Atlanta, was happy to vouch for The Loft: ?It?s really fun,? she avowed. Carrington joined her friend, Caroline Russell, and Caroline?s parents, on the cruise. ?We?ve been on five cruises,? said Caroline. ?This is our second time on this one ? and it?s by far my favorite. The ice cream is awesome; I had six scoops today. ?And visiting Mexico is so much fun,? she added. ?We went parasailing today in Puerto Vallarta; dad arranged it at the beach. Tomorrow we?re going zip lining in Cabo San Lucas; he booked it online.? Before calling in ports, the ship?s travel guide, Pauline Standish, summarized local history and attractions. She also provided info that could help cruisers get a taste of each destination without spending a bundle: ?All beaches in Mexico are public,? Standish told cruisers who gathered in the Queen?s Lounge on the morning before the Oosterdam docked in Mazatlan. She provided info on how to hop a local bus into town ? saving on cab fare. And provided fair warning: ?You?re going to run into time-share sellers. They?ll be offering lots of things for free ? free lunch, free gifts, free tours. You?ll pay with your time ? two to four hours of it.? Several passengers ignored the warning ? and at least one couple bought a time share. The ship sells a wide range of shore excursions ? from high-energy to laid back. Cruisers could opt for everything from sightseeing by bus to surfing lessons. They could snorkel, scuba dive, horseback ride, learn to make salsa ? or salsa dance. ?I went swimming with dolphins today -- and it was awe inspiring,? said Bonnie Renfro from Albuquerque, heading back to the ship in Puerto Vallarta. ?From the time I was a little kid seeing the Flipper show, I always wondered what it would be like to swim with them. The texture of their skin ? it?s so tough, yet so smooth, so wonderfully suited to gliding through the water. I was amazed by their physical power and grace ? and by the fact that they really seemed to love having their bellies scratched.? Many excursions can be booked independently -- usually at some savings. But not always. (On a previous cruise, when the ship anchored in Cabo San Lucas, I rented a car and drove to Todos Santos for the day. With lunch in town, I spent about $150. This time, I let somebody else do the driving, point out the sights and arrange lunch in Todos Santos. I had a couple of hours of free time in Todos Santos ? and the outing cost me only $74. There's plenty to do aboard ship: The 951-feet-long Oosterdam has indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools, plus an adults-only aft pool. There?s a small movie theater (popcorn provided), a full-service spa (with bargain prices on the days we visited ports) and a well-equipped fitness center (most fitness classes cost extra.) There are usually free digital workshops offered ? but the ship?s ?techspert? missed our sailing. Internet access costs extra ? and is pricey, anywhere from 40 cents to 75 cents per minute ? depending on how many minutes you opt to buy. Free cooking demonstrations are offered at the Culinary Arts Center. One of the most popular spots on our cruise was the Atrium Bar where a series of free ?mixology? classes taught cruisers how to make the ship?s signature cocktails ? and sampling all those drinks cost $12.50. There?s a large theater featuring snazzy twice-nightly Vegas-style shows, three nightclubs for dancing, a popular piano bar and a smoky casino with slot machines and table games. The sports bar is the only cocktail lounge that allows smoking. Cruisers can shop at several retail shops; they can buy designer coffee and check their email at computer terminals set up at the Explorations Cafe. Food aboard ship was generally very good ? and there were myriad opportunities to partake: The main dining room offers menu choices and wait service at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cruisers can opt for assigned tables at 5:45 or 8 p.m. seatings ? or choose ?open seating any time between 5:15 and 9 p.m. The Lido deck restaurant always has open seating, with buffet options at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Still hungry? There?s afternoon tea, a poolside grill open from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. There?s an ice cream bar, a designer coffee bar and two speciality restaurants. On several evenings there are themed food fests: 9-10:30 p.m. versions of the old midnight buffet. And of course, there?s room service. Canaletto, an Italian restaurant, is a quiet option for dinner; you?ll need reservations, but meals are free. Dining at the upscale reservations-only Pinnacle Grill costs $20 extra at dinner, $10 at lunch ? but is worth the splurge at least once during the cruise. ?One of my passions in life is dining and good wine,? said Terry Arca, a Seattle restaurateur, who dined several times at Pinnacle Grill. ?I love the full-on presentation. These guys do it superb. It?s really a gourmet experience: steak Diane, lobster, pesto sauce to die for, perfect sashimi.? The bottom line: To be sure, extra charges ? everything from fees for internet access to shore excursions, massages and cocktails ? can add a significant sum to any cruiser?s tab. Holland automatically adds a daily ?hotel service charge? to each cruiser?s billing statement to cover tipping. Cruisers can ask to have the $11-per-day charge removed ? but most are happy to pay and many slip a little extra to their room steward or others who have been especially helpful. ?Do the math,? said Susan Chiles. ?You can?t beat the price. Where else can you get a weeklong vacation ? including meals and entertainment -- for so little? I just booked another cruise and will be taking my nephews. They?re teenagers; they eat.?
