Staterooms were indeed spacious. We even had a walk-in closet. Still, it got tight when we unfolded the couch to turn it into Bianca’s a bed. The ship is not as luxurious and grand as the NCL ships we sailed on before. There is no interior atrium, no ‘wow’ effect. It is also older; launched in 1988. The stateroom- and dining room furniture showed some wear but everything was clean, nice and well maintained. We quickly felt comfortable.
The ship has all the usual amenities: a couple small shops, a small movie theater, a specialty restaurant aside from the regular restaurant and the buffet, a theater with a stage for live performances, a casino, a library, a bar/café, a spa, two pools, Jacuzzis, and a number of other public open spaces and rooms.
The library impressed us, it was large for this size ship and had a great selection, even foreign books and a free book exchange.
The average age of the passengers was probably around 55. We saw two babies, a couple of 3-4 year olds, a few kids in Bianca’s age and also some teenagers. The crew was from Indonesia and the Philippines and was younger - in their twenties. The officers were from the Netherlands.
Thinks that impressed us: No waiting, no lines ever. Many quiet and even empty spots on the ship. Super-friendly, helpful, courteous crew.
Waiters remembering our names and what drinks we preferred. Excellent food presentation, often very good taste too.
Our 14day cruise is one of the shortest trips this ship does. After we got back to Ft. Lauderdale it embarked on a 68 day voyage to Antarctica.
The ship has the most repeat-customers of any Holland America ship. But this may have to do with the longer trips and higher average ages of the passengers.
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