After looking into various cruise lines, my husband and I agreed on Holland America as it seemed to offer accomodation more to our high standards and this being our very first cruise, seemed like a large enough boat that we did not feel too confined onboard or in our room. We booked a balcony room which was more than large enough to satisfy our needs. I must say we were both suitably impressed with the quality and service. The rooms were always maintained to a high standard, staff were friendly and helpful and there was always documentation available on a daily basis to inform us of the many activities available. We booked this cruise for a total R&R - and we achieved just that. All of our shore excursions were as described and very interesting and informative. We basically went on a tour at every port and while a few of our destinations were not as we had perceived them to be, we were impressed with the standard of the the tour groups that were chartered. We were really swept away with our tour in Lautoka on a boat called Oolala. What a FANTASTIC day! All transfers were very professional, dining catered to most tastes and many interesting people were to be found no matter where you turned. The Oosterdam is luxury - while we are aware all boats have their faults we would highly recommend others travel on this fantastic ship! It was a true holiday! Will CERTAINLY be cruising HAL again.