Tell me about Holland-America / Rotterdam

[Karen Lynn]

It's been a minute since we have cruised with HA and considering Rotterdam next Feb / Panama Canal/Caribbean
I know most cruise lines aren't what they once were but I have heard a fair amount of buzz (negative) about Holland lately ... I did search the first 5 pages here and nothing jumped out at me so I thought I would ask!!

My thanks 

[colin v]

No news is generally good news. Other than that it’s all subjective and others opinions shouldn’t really matter. What I love you may hate. 

[0106]

I suggest you look at some of the recent LIVE threads.  Here is one from a Panama Canal cruise.

 

 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

It is a great ship and crew 

[NWFloriday]

I sailed the Rotterdam in March 2024 on a 9 day Southern Caribbean cruise. I also sailed the Rotterdam on an 11 day Southern Caribbean cruise January 2023. I feel like my January 2023 cruise was better overall. For this recent cruise, the MDR service was hit or miss and so we opted to skip it several nights. The Lido buffet carpets were and window sills were the dirtiest I've ever seen and stayed dirty the entire time. Table service in the Lido was mostly a miss and there seemed to be a staff shortage. I would prefer it if HAL transitioned to self-serve for all complimentary beverages. Along with a shortage of staff there was a shortage of spoons in the Lido. The entertainment was mostly a miss for us, especially the X-rated comedian in the main theatre at 7:30pm. The best show was the steel drum band. The casino was way too smoky on this last cruise and the smoke smell carried up the stairs. Our room stewards were fabulous and the laundry service was excellent. Food overall was good. I think if you get a good price on the cruise and you don't have high expectations you will enjoy your vacation overall. 

[Niagarawine]

Best ship I have ever been on in 15 cruises. 

[kirkc]

We had a great cruise on Rotterdam last November. Only complaint, and it’s a design flaw, is the stairway from the casino down to the area near Billboard. It acts as a smoke funnel and really pollutes the air near the music venues.