The Panama canal crossing was a once in a life time experience. It was educational, as well as so very interesting. Holland America is great about offering lots of information so you can be well prepared for all the things you will see and encounter on the cruise. It was great to travel with other family members and be able to have a side by side balcony suite so we could go back and forth between rooms without going into the hallway. The food was exceptionally good and the staff on the ship were unbelievably great. They did everything they could possibly do to make the cruise special, and it was all done with a smile. The entertainment was really good and we could always find something going on in the evening that we really enjoyed. The only 2 complaints I had are probably typical of most cruise ships, and whether it can be improved upon is debatable. But here goes - firstly, the Internet is slow, and if they could speed it up, and make it more affordable, it would be better for those who want to continue to do some business, or stay in touch with family, while on board. And secondly, this ship allowed smoking in the casino, and in the Crow's Nest lounge, which made it hard for people who are sensitive, to use these rooms. I don't remember that happening on the Westerdam, so maybe it is something exclusive to the Amsterdam. Anyway, these complaints are minor compared to the wonderful time that we had onboard, and everything else was exceptional. The ports of call, even though perhaps not the safest countries to visit, were made so safe by the security that Holland America insisted from the countries, that we never had any qualms about stopping there and going ashore. The Nicaragua police even stopped the locals from riding their bikes near the cruise patrons, to prevent any kind of mishap. Security was evident everywhere in Guatemala, and Mexico, as well, and we felt very comfortable going out and exploring the surrounding areas that were specified safe for us. It was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend Expedia CrusieShip Centers, Holland America was great, and I would not hesitate to recommend that cruise line to anyone.

This was a 3 night cruise and the crew were clearly getting ready for the next 67 days sailing and winding up the Alaska season. We didn't receive any information about debarkation, but then being experienced cruisers we just got up early, had a nice breakfast, grabbed our suitcase and walked directly off - easy, but if I was a new cruiser, I might have slept right in, or panicked and ran off at 6 a.m.! We were anytime dining and had no problem ever getting a seat. The first night, because we arrived about 45 minutes after the first set time dining started they took us up to the set dining area and we ordered our meal. We didn't take a long time, but because most had a 45 minute start on us the dining room was emptying out and the crew was cleaning up for the next set time diners to arrive. The other frustration that I experienced on this cruise and a similar HAL short cruise in May, is when the ship is in port late (Victoria til 11:30 p.m.), we get back on the ship after a fun long day and we're HUNGRY. There is absolutely nothing to eat on the ship - anywhere. Nothing! Room service - yeah, after my long day, having a shower, putting on some decent clothes, a bit of makeup, showing up on deck, and I'm told I need to go sit in my room and order room service with a 60 minute wait! That's really bizarre and I wouldn't have believed it if it didn't happen 2 different times. I think it's between about 8:30 and 11 that there is NO NO NO food anywhere, except the long wait room service. But other than these issues, it was fun, short & sweet. Love cruising up the fjord out of Pt Alberni, and always love Victoria.

the experience was good but its just too rushed. Housekeeping was too rushed to clean the rooms. Room service was poor and was charged for every calls which is suppose to be a necessity. For 4 people in the room there should be extra pillows, towels and the bunk bed was not taken down and we were charged for all those calls. I asked for a breakfast room service because there was an order form there but it never came. Otherwise it was a good experience. Thank you for your instructions. Luz

Over all the experience was pleasant however we found the notice to disembark commencing at about 7:00 am was extremely annoying. It was repeated every few minutes and has left us unsettled as to whether we would want to experience this on a longer cruise.

The Activities Staff were fun and worked hard to make sure everyone has a good time. The choice of Entertainers was a variety, something for everyone, and first class in all genres (Dancers, Singers, Comedians, Ventriloquist, Xylophone, and the HAL Orchestra). The Movies selection for this cruise left something to be desired. We would like to have had showings of this year's Academy Award picks, for example. Also the movies shown on closed circuit TV were dull, with possible exception of Calendar Girls. Thanks to HAL for piping in the Royal Wedding on the big screen in the theatre.

dealing with crew who were always helpful and friendly Always clean in the central areas and cabins Hard to say we were always keeping busy. Trip was best before the children arrived at San Diego. Any future trip would depend on the youngsters being at school

Our agent did and excellant job in organizing our flights, hotel, shore excursions, and even got us an upgrade to a Deluxe Veranda Suite. We are very impressed !!

The staff on board were very good, everything very organised. They made your time on board very pleasant although you have to check your statement, once we were over charged, another was for something we didn't have, but it was cleared up with no problem. The hotel choices and/or info before boarding a cruise could be be better. Hotel was okay but not recommendable, the front desk staff couldn't answer general questions and didn't choose to help or find out.

The best thing was the service in the restaurant, bars, very friendly and efficient all the time. The most memorable was the Panama Canal and the information that was given to us during the day as we sailed thru it. Improvement could be made with the stateroom attendant. There was liquid soap in the shower but no soap bar at the sink. On the 3rd day of our cruise I had to ask for a bar of soap. Because of travelling with my dad we needed the beds separated. I had to call call 3 times to ask them to do so. The attendants changed a few times during the cruise so we never got to know ours. All were very friendly and the above was not a big deal but I compare to Celebrity and the service there was better.