This was a Canada/New England itinerary and the sailing was our very first with Holland America. We have previously cruised with Royal, NCL, Princess, and Carnival. My husband and I took this cruise with our children, ages 16 and 19, and my parents joined us as well. We ate our meals in the Main Dining Room at a table for 6 each evening, and we were not disappointed. From appetizers such as various salads, soups and a variety of seafood starters, to main meals including lamb shank, beef wellington, and a wonderful array of seafood and fish dishes, the dinner service and dishes did not disappoint. There was something to please everyone's palate each night. Most of our breakfasts were also in the main dining room for breakfast. Again, we thought this to be a good variety for everyone. The ship, although smaller in size and older than what we have sailed on past cruises, is showing some signs of age, however has been well maintained for the most part. Attention to detail was given in terms of friendly and attentive service from all staff, including the laundry staff, room stewards, bartenders, and dining servers. Our interior room, located on deck 1 port side, served our needs. We had enough storage for our clothes for the 10 day sailing, and were promptly provided with extra hangers upon request. Pool areas, public spaces and entertainment venues were clean. The entertainment on the ship was fantastic, from the onboard entertainment cast who put on some great shows, to the Dam band, to the Breton Thunder band brought onboard, we thoroughly enjoyed the music and productions.

Ship was in excellent condition for its' age. A US Navy ship was moored along side us in St John's Nfld and it was covered in rust and scrape marks on the hull. Service was excellent as always. As an experienced HAL cruiser we know the foods HAL has difficulty with and avoid those (liver being one). Pork was tough and a little overcooked, Crab Louie was rip off for $12.00 up charge. Three pieces of romaine, one half a hard boiled egg, two spears of asparagus and maybe 1/4 cup of crab salad (with lots of celery and mayonnaise). Weakest point this voyage were the breads variety (lacking) and the muffins and pastries (dry, tasteless). Service was excellent as always and two beverage servers in MDR the fastest and most accurate of many. Dam Band way too loud for cocktails in Ocean's Bar and guitarist not to our liking.

The cruise was wonderful! Got to see so many interesting places. Food, as usual, was great. Never could get into the dining room....always booked unless you wanted to eat at 8pm. My room was not that cool so I had to get a fan...which the ship was happy to provide. Most of the port were exciting...Iceland was beautiful, Greenland was cold and sleeting but the tender got us there safely even though it was rainy and windy. The icebergs were awesome! Getting up close to the ice bergs was the only excursion that was canceled (due to the weather). The room stewards were very accommodating and very eager to help in any way. Most days we had breakfast in the room. The menu is limited but it save us from having to get dressed early and go up to the buffet. Everyone of the staff was polite and very helpful.