THE GOOD: Very efficient at embarking and disembarking passengers smoothly. Smiley, welcoming and attentive staff. Very clean and comfortable stateroom. Good entertainment (we watched the dancers). Several choices of bars and lounges, all with excellent service. Pretty good food.
NOT SO GOOD: I couldn't help compare this ship with the one I sailed on 20 years ago. It was nothing like as luxurious. The opulent art and sculptures are gone. The decor, once tasteful, is pedestrian. The colour schemes horrible. The cuisine, once out of this world, is ho-hum. No ice sculptures. No Baked Alaska. No movie house. No jazz pianists in the lounges. No afternoon Dutch tea. No midnight chocolate extravaganza.
I think I know what happened. Cruise passengers were once refined, cultured and discriminating. Now they are not. People from all walks of life come to party, gamble, drink and overeat. Because of the changing demographics and lowering of standards, Holland America has eliminated the niceties. What an awful shame!
Cabin was very clean and comfortable. The staff were accommodating with a special request. The bed linens were lovely. Bathroom was adequately stocked.