We sailed a 3 week cruise from Rome to Athens. We booked a signature suite for 3 passengers (mom, dad and teenaged daughter). Pros: Staff was amazing - shout out to Trena and Swito (MDR), Gede and Carlos (room stewards), the amazing laundry team, and my 3 favorite bartenders at the Sea View Bat - Christian, ROM and Michael. Itinerary was fantastic. This sailing was originally scheduled to visit Alexandria (Cairo) but due to current events, this was canceled about 90 days prior to sailing. Extra day each in Santorini and Kusadasi (Turkey) were adeed instead. Shows were much better than most of the prior reviews I read. The singers and dancers (12) were energetic, talented and the productions were much better than I expected. Cons: Stateroom - awful smell emanating from the bathroom. Despite multiple attempts, this was never remedied. It permeates the entire cabin. Aside from the smell, the cabin was quite comfortable for the 3 of the us. The extra large bathroom w two sinks and 2 showers (one a jacuzzi tub) were great. Food - I was really disappointed, especially since the reviews were so positive. The MDR cycles the menu every 4-5 days, which is OK on a shorter sailing but really made for mundane fare for 3 weeks. The menu was OK, but there really were no regional inspired dishes. Food was served hot and was very consistent- I’d give taste and quality 3.5 stars on a scale of 5. Wine List - while the ship did have a nice wine list, not all were available by the glass. This list was quite limited. And with the HIA package, you have a max of $16 for beverages and bottles of wine not offered by the glass are at the list price. I drank a nice Malbec or a prosecco most of the trip, but would have been nice if more wines were available by the glass to take advantage of the package more. Photo Shop - photo staff were great, not pushy, and took nice photos. However, no photos are included in HIA (unlike Princess). I purchased a 10 photo package for $200, and on the last night we sorted through all the photos to pick our top 10. The photo area was a madhouse, and it took about an hour to get our photos. Also note, you only get digital prints for the photos you buy. They really need to offer a digital only package as well. In the end, a LOT o photos are thrown in the trash. Seems like they could do better on the pricing for this compared to other comparable lines. Kids Club - well it’s HAL so expectations were low. Activities for teens were pretty much non-existent, but to be fair, there weren’t that many kids of the ship. The itinerary was so strenuous that this wasn’t a major let down. I have cruised most of the major lines, and in all, HAL is on par with those (RCCL, NCL, for example). Th Oosterdam is quite old (built 2003) and slated for a major refurbishment in 2027. Not a moment too soon, I’d say. The bars, public areas, as well kept, but dated. General activities for sea days were lacking. A LOT of sales related events (Spa, jewelry, art, wellness) all with a sales pitch c but limited activities like Trivia (may be once a day?), game show style events, etc. I did use the spa for nail services (Isabel was excellent) and a salt scrub massage which was heaven (Daisy was wonderful). In all, it was a great trip - we saw so many awesome countries and islands! We selected HAL due the the itinerary, not the ship, and on that they did not disappoint. When we cruise again, will definitely be looking for a newer vessel, one with a few more dining options (Canaletto was awful, but the pinnacle Grill was great!) and lot more venues and activities. I don’t need a mega ship, but I felt that Oosterdam was more like transportation than “sea resort”. Last notes - the ship is easy to navigate. HIA is.must have if you don’t want to be nickeled and dimed for everything you do. Rhe lounge venues and activities after 9 were pretty limited. Piano bar was OK, Rolling Stone was fun but some early every night. The buffet was mostly the same every day, and seating was usually a challenge. We ate bfast and lunch here and it suited us fine. It is an older crowd - if you’re looking for a party boat or even one with a lot to do, this is not the ship for you. If you looking for good service, decent food, and a relaxing ship with a great itinerary, you should consider Oosterdam. I hope this review touches the points for anyone researching their next trip.

Cabin 7000Q was a great ocean view choice. The size, shape, storage, daylight were all above average. We felt no more rocking in that stateroom then anywhere else on the ship. Yes we had to do some additional walking, but given all the good food the walks were welcome. The only negative was the fact that there was a shower curtain, instead of a glass shower door, which meant we had to be careful while showered in order to keep the floor dry. However extra towels were never a problem and the attentive stewards kept us well supplied. Entertainment is one of the reasons we choose Holland America and this trip, despite the lack of BB Kings didn't disappoint. The Stage shows, wirh singers and great dancers provided first rate live shows. The illusionist was a welcome surprise and finally the enthusiastic and talwnted piano bar musician kept us all involved.

Was great with great ports. Dinning room food and service was great. Lido deck food very good but service was lacking more with those serving food then with those waiting tables. The cruise director was sooooo good. He really set a great tone. The rooms and cabin attestants wonderful. loved the casino size and casino staff they really cared. Most of the staff made sure your time on the ship was enjoyable they always wanted to help. Again the only staff that did not care was the food service staff on Lido. Specialty dinning was great. would go to them again. The tour director knew his stuff had some much great info on each port and knew how to spread the word. If the ship had been in better shape it would of been the perfect cruise. The only down side was the ship is showing age and lots of wear and tear.