aswamper

Ruth: I have had plumbing problems and that is a legitimate complaint, but to say there were not any fresh flowers on the ship or that the Vista Menu only had seafood is a downright lie!

Dumb question - how do you know the complaints were downright lies?

1 He complained that there were no real flowers on the ship! Every table has fresh flowers.

2. He complained that the menu in the Vista Dining Room only had seafood on the menu. The offer a New York Strip Steak every night as an alternative. The other two I don't remember but I do remember them being false accusations about that particular cruise.

One of his complaints was that the carpet near one of the elevators was separating at the seam

Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 14 days or longer

US $ 250

€ 200

£ 150

A$ 250

Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 7 to 13 days

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€ 75

£ 60

A$ 100

Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 days or less

US $ 50

€ 40

£ 30

A$ 50

The benefit is applicable on sailings through July 31, 2015 aboard the brands listed below. Certain restrictions apply. Applications to receive these benefits should be made at least two weeks prior to cruise departure date.

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We have sailed the Zuiderdam four times as recently as January. Wonderful Crew! Ship was in fine shape. I read a negative review of one of our cruises one time. Most of the complaints were downright lies or trivial. Just go and enjoy. If you want to find things wrong you can but you will ruin your cruise!

Your mother seems a little young for a Holland America cruise, but it is a great cruise line to experience your first cruise. If she wants to travel I would suggest an 11 day Panama Canal Cruise or one of the Southern Cruises that takes you to a larger selection of islands. At 65 and mobile any of the HAL Ships should be fine. The Hydro Pool/Thermal Suites are very relaxing(not on the small ships as stated above) We like the Zuiderdam and are cruising in November on the Noordam. Enjoy