Nieuw Statendam 1/7 to 1/14

[skrufy]

This was my wife and I first Holland America cruise. We have been a loyal Carnival cruiser. The flight to FLL went without incident. We arrived at our motel around 6pm. We ordered in and then went to bed, we had been up since 1:30am. Next morning we shuttled over to Port Everglades. Caught first look at the ship, very impressive. This is my general impression of the ship. It’s classy, beautiful, clean. The staff was great. The entertainment was really good. The band in the BB King dance Club was fabulous, as was the entertainment in the Billboard Club and the other rock and roll club. Food was delicious at all the venues. The Grand Dutch Cafe has good coffee and free snacks. Our ports were Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, and HMC. Have been to these ports many times so we just wandered around the ports. The 7 days went by to fast, for the last few years we have done only 10 to 14 day cruises. All good things come to an end, its disembarkation day, which went smoothly, off the ship by 8:30am. Caught a cab to our Hotel, we stayed over one day, planned to wander around Ft Lauderdale but it rained  all day This is where the chaos began. Monday we were up very early to catch a flight home. No problems until we landed, exited the plane in Tampa to catch our flight to Chicago. As soon as we reached the gate for our connection an announcement was made, all flights to Chicago have been cancelled until Wednesday. Scrambled for a two night stay. That evening an e-mail from Southwest now booked us for a 7am flight the next morning. Up early again. Arrived at FLL, again our flight was cancelled. Back to the hotel. Thinking’s have not quite settled down. My wife was pulled off our booking and placed her solo for Wednesday. I had to now get me on the same flight. All worked for Wednesday with the great help from the Southwest representatives. Finally got on a flight home with a few minor delays along the way. Finally home after another 11 hours of traveling.  Last thing I’ll say, is we loved Holland America and will defiantly sail them again.

 

Edited January 18 by skrufy
Addition

[Sea42]

I'm so glad you enjoyed your cruise but boy what an awful way to end a nice trip! Glad that you made it home eventually!

[skrufy]

41 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

I'm so glad you enjoyed your cruise but boy what an awful way to end a nice trip! Glad that you made it home eventually!

 

41 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

I'm so glad you enjoyed your cruise but boy what an awful way to end a nice trip! Glad that you made it home eventually!

Hi neighbor, we are here in Rockford. Was really frustrated for two days.