I have been enthusiastically selling Holland America's ships for almost five years, and I have to admit that my high opinion of them was based on a few two night inaugurals here and there.  Clients continued to rave about HAL's food, service and overall performance over the years, and I was determined to take a personal cruise to see exactly how they handle themselves when the travel agent and incentive communities are not scrutinizing their every move under a microscope.  I am happy to say, Holland America Line came through with flying colors - and here's why: 

 

The 1440-passenger Zaandam is small in comparison to much of the mass and premium market.  She is so comfortable and user friendly.  Nothing is ever far or out of reach, and you get to know the ship intimately in the first day.  Her decor is pleasing and warm - nothing glitzy or brassy.  Her public rooms are spacious and inviting, with wonderful entertainment in each spot.  Most everyone will feel at ease on the Zaandam.   

 

The cabins are large by anyone's standards, measuring just under 200 square feet.  All of the outside cabin bathrooms have shower/tub combinations, which is rare in the industry. The closet and drawer space was more than enough for a family of four - even in Alaska, where you have to pack twice the clothes you need for the Caribbean.  Each cabin has a large couch, cocktail table and a desk - so you can almost pretend you were upgraded to a suite if you want...  :)  Of course the ship does have two full decks of balcony cabins (mini-suites), including 28 full suites and one penthouse. 

 

The two-level Rotterdam dining room offers traditional main and late seatings.  Food and service were certainly well above average.  The staff is genuinely friendly and accommodating.  If you need a break from the schedule, you have three choices:  The Marco Polo restaurant accepts reservations for an elegant evening of delicious Italian fare.  The food and ambiance are absolutely wonderful.  There is no charge and no gratuity requirement to eat there, however, you can only get in once during your cruise.  If you want flexibility in terms of attire and hours, the Lido offers a dinner buffet nightly.  The choices are limited, but the quality is excellent.  Lastly, as on all ships, there is 24-hour room service if you need a quite night alone. 

 

One of the best spaces on the vessel is the covered pool and lido area.  Here, you can swim in a heated, fresh-water pool, enjoy a drink at the bar, and dine "al fresco" with food from the Lido restaurant and various food stations set up on deck.  Particularly on our Alaskan cruise, it was a sure fire winner!    

 

The entertainment was surprisingly good.  I say "surprisingly" because I am always skeptical when it comes to this subject.  I felt the quality and the variety was superior to many products in this category.  The production shows were clever and quick-paced.  The name entertainers varied from magician to banjo player to comedian - with something for everyone.  And I must say that the cruise staff was particularly wonderful and enthusiastic.  They made sure that everyone had a good time. 

 

I won't go through each public room and every activity, however, there are definitely things that set this cruise line apart from the others in the mass/premium market.  To name a few....each night before dinner, there are complimentary hot hors d'oeuvres in every lounge.  As you exit the Rotterdam dining room after dinner, a costumed bell boy stands at the exit offering dried fruit, fresh fruit and mints.  Coffee drinks (cappuccino, espresso, latte, etc.) are complimentary at all times.  Mini bags of fresh popcorn are offered to passengers as they enter the Wajang Theater to watch current movies.   

 

Each guest receives a Holland America logoed tote bag in their stateroom on the second night of the cruise.  Upon request, each cabin will receive a fresh fruit plate daily.  Their "no tipping required" policy allows for incentive groups to pay $49 per person instead of the $72 most other cruise lines are charging for gratuities.  And since gratuities are not expected or required from FIT passengers, the staff seems to work twice as hard to earn them.  You will be greeted and smiled at by every staff member on this ship when you walk down the hall - not just by your own cabin steward.  It is easy to feel at home immediately, and it is apparent why Holland America's repeat factor is so high.  Once your incentive group has cruised on Holland America, it will be difficult to send them elsewhere.  In this very competitive environment, it is the little things that count....those extras that you don't expect, but are thrilled to get.  Congratulations to Holland America for a job well done!