New to Holland America

michaeldlanders · September 16, 2004

Have cruised before with RCI and Celebrity, but now going on Holland America. On Oosterdam 1-2-05, and looking for any hints to make the cruise great. What is the earliest time that boarding can begin? Also, is the specialty restaurant worth the service charge or just stick with the dinning room? And any other comments about the ship or the line... Thanks

KeithnRita · September 17, 2004

michaeldlanders

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We have sailed on six "dam" ships, but not the Oosterdam. We will be on the Zaandam when your cruise starts. As far as boarding times, usually around noon. We have never tried the specialty restaurant--maybe we will on our cruise.

As far as our experience on HAL it has been nothing but great. The ships seem to have more space per passenger and the service has always been outstanding. The food has always been very good. Also, we have never encountered the chair hogs like some of the other lines we have cruised. Everybody has their favorites on everything from cars to cruise lines, and HAL happens to be our favorite! alt text

Tamara · September 18, 2004

I sailed on the Volendaam to Alaska last May. They were really trying to push the specialty restaurant but it seemed empty most nights. The food in the dining room was a bit iffy but didn't hear anything about the food in the special dining room.