We have never cruised on Holland America before so I thought I would give them a try. We have been on NCL, Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and MSC over the last ten years.
We left Halifax on April 1 for a direct flight to Fort Lauderdale on Air Transat. The flight was on time and as uncomfortable as expected. We had booked La Quinta Inn and Suites for the night before the cruise. Nice hotel but I was not impressed with their free breakfast compared to other hotels we have used. We booked a shuttle to get to the port and arrived at the ship around 10:15 AM.
Now the problems began. Their sign in the waiting room said that boarding would start at 10:30. We were in group two so I expected to be on the ship by 11 AM. Instead they announced that there were still over 200 passengers still onboard. In the end we did not get aboard until 12:30.
Good storage. Lots of closets and drawers under the bed. The bathroom is very small but there is a bathtub. It is only about four feet long. Includes shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Balcony was small but normal for these days. Chairs were wicker and one was small with a low back and not comfortable. This was a noisy cabin. One deck below the aft pool area. At 10:30 PM and 5:30 AM they were moving all the chairs and loungers.
Very busy port now.
We booked a clam shell for shade. Beach is gorgeous. Too bad there is not a pier. Never like to tender. Wasn't impressed with the lunch barbeque. Rented a floating mat for $11.00 US for the day.
Went to an all-inclusive resort for the day. Beautiful place. Still had to tender in from the ship.
Never been here before. Odd to have to visit Customs officers on the ship. Nice area. Needed to go further into the town to find the deals. Didn't go to the beaches. Maybe next time.