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I sailed this exact cruise on the Rotterdam in October and loved it. I too feared that 12 days would be too long, but it wasn’t. I found it fun and relaxing. I’m 54 and felt the ship experience is what you make it. I enjoyed dancing in the BB King Blues club in the evening. The food was truly the highlight. I did not have a bad meal anywhere on the ship! Thanks for your review!
The BB King Blues club, the Billboard music and the other, sound like the perfect mix of music and entertainment. Having exciting ports by day, and the music venues by night, are two important options I look for. It sounds like the Rotterdam has an increasingly bigger selection, to keep you entertained. I'll be booking that cruise, and heading to the Panana Canal, for the 1st time. Thank you for both confirming what a ideal cruise this is.
My husband and I did a 14 cruise on the Rotterdam through the Panama Canal. We loved it. It was bittersweet for me as it was a bucket list item for him. The crew was so caring and made it a pleasure to sail with them.
You've given a fair review of the Rotterdam. We've sailed on it as well as all of the other ships in the current HAL fleet as well as most of those in the retired fleet. As for us, 12 days is a short cruise and we just returned from a 22 day South America cruise which was preceded by a 73 day Grand South America cruise. Both were on smaller HAL ships and we loved both of them. For us, it really doesn't matter which ship we're on as its the itinerary that's #1. You hit the proverbial nail on the head when you said that cruising on the Rotterdam was for those who like a traditional feel and don't need the waterslides, etc.
I have my first cruise ever in Novemeber with Celebrity in retreat. Your videos have been an absolute blessing. You deserve the TH-cam gold plaquard! 🎉
We were on the Rotterdam last june on a 7 day Norwegian Fjords cruise (we took a picture together!😊), and absolutely loved the Orange Club restaurant. They knew our names, it was a quite and relaxed place to eat. We booked the Orange Club extra, as we were in a inside cabin, but was worth the money.
We have booked a veranda cabin on the New Amsterdam for October. It's 23 days with 13 ports including the full transit of the Panama Canal. We have watched just about every video you have done. I've purchased the Ultimate Cruise Planner and I absolutely LOVE it!!! I have used it so much already. I know it is early to be doing so much but this is going to be the best planned cruise we have ever done. Plannin is so much fun! It is for our 50th anniversary so it is quite special! Thank you Ilana for all these videos. I've learned so much that my head can hardly hold it all! Thank goodness for post it notes and notebook paper!!! By the way this is cruise #12 for us. Debbie
I can’t believe your 12 day cruise is over already!!! Yes, I would love to see additional footage you have on this sailing, including the specialty restaurant, was it Cafe Orange? Did they offer a speciality package for the restaurants you’ll selected? I’m excited just thinking of sailing for 12 days one year, plus being retired, and in that average age group, it’s a cruise for me!!!! 🛳️🛳️
I was on that cruise, too. The Have It All package was 1/2 off, so was then $50/day [now half off is $55] and included basic wifi, $200 shore excursion credit and two specialty dining experiences in addition to the beverage package. It was a cool deal!
I am scheduled for a Panama cruise with HA in April, would like to know info on your clothing choices. Also please talk about club orange and spa packages. Love your channel. Always great info
Would love to see a video on Club Orange! Not a whole lot of information out there on it. Have heard that it’s the private dining venue for suite guests but also that you can buy in limited quantity through your cruise agent.
I primarily cruise Princess but feel that Holland is right up my alley. The Panama Canal cruise is definitely on my radar so your video is perfect timing. Thank you!
@user-dave73 We were among the last paying passengers on board the Rotterdam VI in March 2020 when our cruise was cut short because of the world wide COVID outbreak. We were also among the first paying passengers on the Rotterdam VII on her maiden voyage from Amsterdam to Ft Lauderdale in October 2021. That was not supposed to be the maiden voyage, but because of COVID (again) no public voyages were booked for Rotterdam until the repositioning cruise from The Netherlands to Florida. And because of the travel restrictions, only US Citizen passengers were allowed to sail... a 2600+ passenger capacity ship with approximately 950 passengers on board - what a dream cruise for my wife and me. And the Music Walk was outstanding!
I will be on this exact same cruise ship on 12/8/2024 (12 days Panama Canal). I'm traveling solo and cannot wait until this Sunday. The only other itineraries I have done on Holland America have been two separate cruises on the Oosterdam from Barcelona to Venice (Trieste), and the other one from Athens to Egypt and Istanbul, and a few Turkish ports. I do prefer the 10-12 day cruises over the 7 day cruises. I am never disappointed with HAL. I am only 48, typically traveling solo or with friends. So I skew a little younger when you look at the demographic. The Panama cruise will hit Curacao instead of Aruba and is slated for Montego Bay as well.
We are sailing on Rotterdam's sister ship, the Koningsdam in February on a 35-day Hawaii/South Pacific/Marquesas Island cruise. This will be our longest cruise but love the itinerary so felt we had to do it. Having been dedicated Celebrity cruisers, we felt in our last 3 cruises, the food was lacking in quality and choice. HAL's food reviews and the Music Walk were determining factors for us. I'm assuming that this cruise will attract the older demographic, but although we're in our 70s, we love to dance, enjoy great food & see the world. We've purchased the Have It All package so will enjoy 3 specialty dining venues and added Rudi's Sel de Mer. Thank you so much for yet another great review!
You won't be disappointed with HAL or the length! I have your exact cruise on my radar for the future. Not so much the Hawaii portion as I've been all over the islands with friends and family, but getting to the south pacific. That is so exciting!
We are 5star mariners with Holland America and have sailed on 3 different Rotterdam shps. Rotterdam 5.6 and your reviewed newest 7. In 2022 we visited the Rotterdam 5 hotel/museum. Wow that really brought back memories of the cruises past. I would recommend a visit when in Rotterdam. We have not tried Club Orange and would like you to provide more information on the experience. Especially the venue because it seems to have a fishbowl atmosphere with the placement on the new ships. Thank you for your informative videos. I enjoy them all.
Good or bad Holland America is the only cruise line that we have used. We just completed our 20th cruise with them, and it just so happened to be on the Rotterdam. We love the pinnacle class ships, especially with a separate Club Orange. At first I didn't think that I would enjoy being in the "fishbowl", but we absolutely love it. The services is impeccable, and the food is delicious. We like the fact that we don't have to wait in a line to get our meal, as we witnessed many times while going down the stairs by the MDR. So, in my opinion, I really think that club orange is worth every penny. Another little perk is not having to get a tender ticket. You just show up at the tender line and they let you in. Anyway, we absolutely love Holland America. Maybe, just maybe someday we will try something else..
Longest cruise I’ve done is 21 days with HAL when I was in my early twenties - it would be considered one of their older ships now. I loooved it. Some of the entertainment “restarted” after 14 days, but there was always something else to do and it was great just relaxing instead of rushing to watch show after show.
Yes, please, more information on the Orange Club and the Orange Party. We will be sailing HAL Eurodam in April. It's probably too late to book the O Club this time but maybe next cruise.
I was on this cruise, as well. It was my first time in Costa Rica so I have nothing to compare. I was impressed with their non-smoking environment. Our guide told us that public smoking yielded 7 days in jail. I viewed the Panama Canal from the Crow's Nest. It was wonderful. I was disappointed that we couldn't disembark the ship for the excursion at Gatun Lake, but safety was a priority with the demonstrations in Colon. I absolutely loved the downtime of all those sea days.
Did river cruise in Jamaica. I found the excrsion to be aggressive with demanding tips. Some man insisted on helping us on the raft and then demanded a tip. Man who did the tour would not raft until we let this man "help" us. This was not needed as we were young. When we return, a group of young men were told they needed to give more than $25 for a tip. The man would not get out of their face. Now I understand why cruisers don't want to get off in Jamaica. It is a beautiful island though.
Just got off the Rotterdam on an excursion to the ABC islands. Had a wonderful, relaxed time and enjoyed most of the cruise. We were wowed by Curacao and very disappointed by Aruba. The food on the ship was excellent, the best dining room food I've had on a cruise ship. We did wish for more activities through the day that weren't directed toward the cruise line's pocket books, but we met so many new friends it provided us the opportunity to meet up for drinks and conversation. And the Crow's Nest is wonderful!
Great video - so glad for the details because it's a bucket list item for me, too! I also had a chuckle at your husband and son posing in a funny way in front of the lighthouse - glad to know I am not the only one doing that stuff!
Yes! Would love to hear more about Club Orange! We are Celebrity cruisers, but the Holland cruiseline looks like it might be more up our alley as we are foodies and would enjoy a less crowded ship like the Rotterdam. Thank you! 🥰
I was on the inaugural Rotterdam cruise in October 2021. It was a transatlantic cruise from Amsterdam to Ft Lauderdale. I loved the ship and especially the music walk. HAL is my favorite cruise line. Your review was right on point. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and a little older crowd.
My husband and I just got off the Rotterdam 3 days ago. 7 days with our adult children. We get a Veranda and the ‘Have it All’ and feel it’s fine. No club Orange. The Dining Room food is amazing and the room service is free. We book our specialty dining and excursions before we go so no need for ‘priority’ anything. I don’t think the perks of Club Orange are worth the cost. Love HAL! 4th cruise with them. 🎉
Yes pretty please do a video focused on your experience with Club Orange. I have yet to find any real first person content and I am very curious. Thanks!
We have sailed on the Rotterdam for 21 days and loved it. We are going to the Panama canal in February and to Norway for two cruise to the Fjords in May/June. Both will be on the Rotterdam. We love it.
We will be on this ship in April for 22 days from Fort Lauderdale to British Columbia Canada. It's on of my bucket list trips for years. Thanks for your heads up info.
Beautifully informative as always, Ilana. You've become one of my touchstone cruise-info channels. I am going to ask a question which might seem silly, but I find this strange: Why do people want lounge chairs by the pool, facing in? Wouldn't it be nicer to be somewhere you can look out over the water?
You (Ilana and Ashleys) both raise good points. I've never been one to watch people, which is probably why that reason didn't occur to me. Thank you, for the explanations and for (grabby hands) the water-watching lounges!
We cruised the Rotterdam in Norway in 2023 and will be back on it in late Mar/early April 2023 for Southern Caribbean. Love this ship and HAL crew takes the best care of their passengers.....
Great video! I was on this ship in November 2023. Only thing I would add is it was the BEST THERMAL SPA I've experienced at sea. Better than Celebrity, Princess and Carnival. Very relaxing, highly recommend!
Going on Beyond in March, with excursions (small group-10) by Celebrity in Cartagena and Panama. Should we feel comfortable taking since there is a travel advisory from the US?
Sailed 16 days on the Koningsdam, Vancouver to Hawaii. Activities there were great related to Hawaii. Very few things to do on the way back. Worst buffet at sea for us….had to go so early to get a seat at the buffet. My husband ate breakfast at the deli every morning. The live music was great but the shows in the theatre were not good. We enjoyed all the trivia, especially the happy hour music trivia.
My husband and I sailed on Rotterdam this past September to Norway and LOVED our cruise. We also did Club Orange and thought it really elevated our experience and have agreed that we will always do Club Orange. We also had an aft view cabin and truly felt it was something we would continue to do as well. It made sailing in the fjords absolutely amazing AND we saw the Northern Lights on that cruise as well. I honestly don't know how we will ever top that experience. We agree that the food in Club Orange was so good that we did not need to do any specialty restaurants and were even slightly disappointed by the two specialty restaurants compared to the food in Club Orange. We are booked for a Mediterranean cruise on Oosterdam Sept 2025 and I am hoping the experience will be just as good but I know it is a Vista Class ship so we will have to see.
We have over 200 sea days with HAL. A repositioning from Athens is coming next fall followed by Antartica next winter. Older clientele but well travelled. HAL offers long itineraries like 50 + days South Pacific, did it twice. Service is wonderful.
I would love to see a video on Club Orange. We are on the Rotterdam to the Panama Canal in February and added Club Orange. I used it to upgrade my obstructed verandah cabin to a regular verandah and saved some money. Love your channel. Thanks.
My husband and I went on the Panama cruise last year. Seeing your video brought back great memories. We love to sail on Holland America because the ships are not too big, but provides all the cruising amenities we need. On our cruise they deleted Cartagena but gave some ship board credits in exchange for. Loved your video!!
Excellent video! Your presentation was excellent, and I really liked the content. I sailed on the Rotterdam in November 2022 (Southern Caribbean), and was very impressed. The ship was wonderful. The crew and officers were gracious, helpful and professional. The food was amazing, as was the entertainment. I would highly recommend all cruisers try HAL and one of the Pinnacle Class ships. Thanks again for your video.
It was nice to meet you on the excursion in Jamaica! I loved the raft. It was one of my highlights. In Costa Rica, my Aunt Teri and I went to the rain forest. It was amazing. Loved all the music. My husband and I are thinking about an Alaskan cruise with Holland in summer.
LOVE Old Town, yes Carthaginian the vendors can be "pushy". Saw that you never EVER pull out big amounts of cash, small bills separate. Been Costa Rico twice, really do like it, mostly because it's not built up and commercialized. We've done a partial transit as well as a reposition from Seattle to Miami. Would love to reverse that. "Journey" cruises are so laid back and relaxing.
We sailed a three week cruise on the Rotterdam in 2023 to the Baltics and Norwegian fjords. Great cruise/itinerary and the Rotterdam was the perfect ship for this itinerary.
Thanks Ilana. Really enjoyed this video. I had heard multiple times from other cruisers that the passengers on HA were snotty. Into old world posh. Thanks!
We sailed on the Rotterdam to the southern Caribbean in February of 2023 and again in December to eastern caribbean. The cruise was very nice. I miss the Lincoln Center Live music which we had in the Feb cruise but not in recent one.
Hi Ilana, we are booked on the Rotterdam for a 14 day Norwegian Fjords cruise in late May. We can’t wait to experience HAL. We primarily sail with Princess, but couldn’t find a similar itinerary, so we’re trying HAL. My best friend is currently on the Rotterdam, doing a Southern Caribbean cruise. She’s reporting on how beautiful the ship is, how enjoyable the entertainment on the music walk has been, and that the food is excellent. We previously did a partial Panama Canal cruise thru the historic locks a year ago on the Island Princess. A wonderful cruise, very restful for 10 nights. The itinerary was very similar to your trip, and we also was disappointed in our Costa Rico port visit. Oh boy are you right about the vendors in Cartagena, you’ve gotta be awake visiting that city. Thanks for your videos, I never miss one.🥰
Thank you for this video. We haven't cruised on the Rotterdam yet but hope to in the near future. I am looking forward to your Club Orange video. We have booked with Club Orange for all of our cruises, and I look forward to hearing your perspective.
I love cruising HAL and enjoyed an 11-day partial transit of the Panama Canal on the Zuiderdam in 2018. I would be interested in hearing more about Club Orange in an upcoming video. Thanks again, Ilana, for another wonderful video!
I’m on the Rotterdam in March for 21 days and looking forward to it. Late November i did a 9 day on the Rotterdam and I LOVE everything about it. I have cruised with many other cruise lines, but HA is my favourite.
Just disembarked Rotterdam 2 days ago, 9 night sailing. Absolutely gorgeous ship, amazing service, loved the food. It was our first sailing with Holland America and it will also be our last. The reason: the lack of activities. We are mid 40s couple that is totally fine with a relaxed atmosphere. We don’t mind trivia, enrichment talks & the older crowd one bit. Not looking for water slides, roller coasters, etc. Unfortunately 90% of “activities” were shopping events, casino, spa events, religious services, paper folding, alcohol tasting. Thankfully the band @ BB Kings saved us! We will be headed back to Celebrity where we can have the pros of a Holland sailing but with a little more to do.
We loved the Club Orange dining room.we were on Rotterdam as well. The staff were wonderful. We Idid the 14 day Norwegian Fjord cruise back in September, so got to know them. Club Orange absolutely worth it.
Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/
Yes, please do a complete episode on Club Orange. I'm particularly interested in purchasing it separately, not through a suite.
Perfect thanks
Me too!
Would love to see one as well !!!
You said that house hunters line just as I was taking a sip of coffee... i almost ruined my phone 😂😂😂
We've been on the Rotterdam 4 times. The only ship that we have repeated. We love that ship. Our Grandkids love it also!
I sailed this exact cruise on the Rotterdam in October and loved it. I too feared that 12 days would be too long, but it wasn’t. I found it fun and relaxing. I’m 54 and felt the ship experience is what you make it. I enjoyed dancing in the BB King Blues club in the evening. The food was truly the highlight. I did not have a bad meal anywhere on the ship! Thanks for your review!
Thanks for sharing!
oooh that sounds perfect for my husband n i😊
The BB King Blues club, the Billboard music and the other, sound like the perfect mix of music and entertainment. Having exciting ports by day, and the music venues by night, are two important options I look for. It sounds like the Rotterdam has an increasingly bigger selection, to keep you entertained. I'll be booking that cruise, and heading to the Panana Canal, for the 1st time. Thank you for both confirming what a ideal cruise this is.
My husband and I did a 14 cruise on the Rotterdam through the Panama Canal. We loved it. It was bittersweet for me as it was a bucket list item for him. The crew was so caring and made it a pleasure to sail with them.
You've given a fair review of the Rotterdam. We've sailed on it as well as all of the other ships in the current HAL fleet as well as most of those in the retired fleet. As for us, 12 days is a short cruise and we just returned from a 22 day South America cruise which was preceded by a 73 day Grand South America cruise. Both were on smaller HAL ships and we loved both of them. For us, it really doesn't matter which ship we're on as its the itinerary that's #1. You hit the proverbial nail on the head when you said that cruising on the Rotterdam was for those who like a traditional feel and don't need the waterslides, etc.
I have my first cruise ever in Novemeber with Celebrity in retreat.
Your videos have been an absolute blessing. You deserve the TH-cam gold plaquard! 🎉
Yes, please do a video on Club Orange.
Yes, interested in hearing more about Club Orange.
We are on our first cruise going through Panama right now. Really enjoying it. It is rather hot however.
Yes, we'd love to see a video on Club Orange. Thanks.
I love longer cruises, you just get settled before you have to disembark on shorter cruises.
We were on the Rotterdam last june on a 7 day Norwegian Fjords cruise (we took a picture together!😊), and absolutely loved the Orange Club restaurant. They knew our names, it was a quite and relaxed place to eat. We booked the Orange Club extra, as we were in a inside cabin, but was worth the money.
We have booked a veranda cabin on the New Amsterdam for October. It's 23 days with 13 ports including the full transit of the Panama Canal. We have watched just about every video you have done. I've purchased the Ultimate Cruise Planner and I absolutely LOVE it!!! I have used it so much already. I know it is early to be doing so much but this is going to be the best planned cruise we have ever done. Plannin is so much fun! It is for our 50th anniversary so it is quite special! Thank you Ilana for all these videos. I've learned so much that my head can hardly hold it all! Thank goodness for post it notes and notebook paper!!! By the way this is cruise #12 for us. Debbie
Happy anniversary Debbie! Thanks for your lovely comments & for your purchase. So glad the LWC Ultimate Cruise Planner has been helpful! :)
I can’t believe your 12 day cruise is over already!!! Yes, I would love to see additional footage you have on this sailing, including the specialty restaurant, was it Cafe Orange? Did they offer a speciality package for the restaurants you’ll selected? I’m excited just thinking of sailing for 12 days one year, plus being retired, and in that average age group, it’s a cruise for me!!!! 🛳️🛳️
I was on that cruise, too. The Have It All package was 1/2 off, so was then $50/day [now half off is $55] and included basic wifi, $200 shore excursion credit and two specialty dining experiences in addition to the beverage package. It was a cool deal!
I am scheduled for a Panama cruise with HA in April, would like to know info on your clothing choices. Also please talk about club orange and spa packages. Love your channel. Always great info
Ilana would you please do some videos on pre cruise hotels in Florida? We would really appreciate it. Thank you.
I second this request!
Excellent video. We really do need to consider HAL. The Panama Canal cruise looks great and the food also looks scrumptious. I love your dress.
Would love to see a video on Club Orange! Not a whole lot of information out there on it. Have heard that it’s the private dining venue for suite guests but also that you can buy in limited quantity through your cruise agent.
I think I want to go on Holland America, it looks fabulous... thank you !!!
Please do a video on Club Orange. I would love to know if this is worth it!
As a kid from 1 1/2 to 6 I grew up in Cartagena, Colombia. Enjoy watching your videos.
I primarily cruise Princess but feel that Holland is right up my alley. The Panama Canal cruise is definitely on my radar so your video is perfect timing. Thank you!
@user-dave73
We were among the last paying passengers on board the Rotterdam VI in March 2020 when our cruise was cut short because of the world wide COVID outbreak. We were also among the first paying passengers on the Rotterdam VII on her maiden voyage from Amsterdam to Ft Lauderdale in October 2021. That was not supposed to be the maiden voyage, but because of COVID (again) no public voyages were booked for Rotterdam until the repositioning cruise from The Netherlands to Florida. And because of the travel restrictions, only US Citizen passengers were allowed to sail... a 2600+ passenger capacity ship with approximately 950 passengers on board - what a dream cruise for my wife and me. And the Music Walk was outstanding!
Interested in the club orange and really want to see a video on it. Thank you.
Very cool video! HAL looks like a fun time. Thanks for sharing, I love your videos. And yes, please do a video of Club Orange!
I will be on this exact same cruise ship on 12/8/2024 (12 days Panama Canal). I'm traveling solo and cannot wait until this Sunday. The only other itineraries I have done on Holland America have been two separate cruises on the Oosterdam from Barcelona to Venice (Trieste), and the other one from Athens to Egypt and Istanbul, and a few Turkish ports. I do prefer the 10-12 day cruises over the 7 day cruises. I am never disappointed with HAL. I am only 48, typically traveling solo or with friends. So I skew a little younger when you look at the demographic.
The Panama cruise will hit Curacao instead of Aruba and is slated for Montego Bay as well.
We are sailing on Rotterdam's sister ship, the Koningsdam in February on a 35-day Hawaii/South Pacific/Marquesas Island cruise. This will be our longest cruise but love the itinerary so felt we had to do it. Having been dedicated Celebrity cruisers, we felt in our last 3 cruises, the food was lacking in quality and choice. HAL's food reviews and the Music Walk were determining factors for us. I'm assuming that this cruise will attract the older demographic, but although we're in our 70s, we love to dance, enjoy great food & see the world. We've purchased the Have It All package so will enjoy 3 specialty dining venues and added Rudi's Sel de Mer. Thank you so much for yet another great review!
You won't be disappointed with HAL or the length! I have your exact cruise on my radar for the future. Not so much the Hawaii portion as I've been all over the islands with friends and family, but getting to the south pacific. That is so exciting!
Yes, would luv to see a video on Club Orange. We are sailing on our 1st Holland cruise to Alaska in 2025. 🚢🚢
We are 5star mariners with Holland America and have sailed on 3 different Rotterdam shps. Rotterdam 5.6 and your reviewed newest 7. In 2022 we visited the Rotterdam 5 hotel/museum. Wow that really brought back memories of the cruises past.
I would recommend a visit when in Rotterdam.
We have not tried Club Orange and would like you to provide more information on the experience. Especially the venue because it seems to have a fishbowl atmosphere with the placement on the new ships. Thank you for your informative videos. I enjoy them all.
Good or bad Holland America is the only cruise line that we have used. We just completed our 20th cruise with them, and it just so happened to be on the Rotterdam.
We love the pinnacle class ships, especially with a separate Club Orange. At first I didn't think that I would enjoy being in the "fishbowl", but we absolutely love it. The services is impeccable, and the food is delicious. We like the fact that we don't have to wait in a line to get our meal, as we witnessed many times while going down the stairs by the MDR.
So, in my opinion, I really think that club orange is worth every penny.
Another little perk is not having to get a tender ticket. You just show up at the tender line and they let you in.
Anyway, we absolutely love Holland America. Maybe, just maybe someday we will try something else..
A review on Club Orange would be great. I have been debating paying the extra cost and would love to know your option!
I’m 57 & would love to do this cruise.
Thank you for this informative video. I will be cruising on the Rotterdam in 19 days to the ABC islands.
Did that trip on the Rotterdam last year. Had a great time. Loved Bb Kings
Just looking at that huge queue to get on the ship was just as well it wasn't raining.
Longest cruise I’ve done is 21 days with HAL when I was in my early twenties - it would be considered one of their older ships now. I loooved it. Some of the entertainment “restarted” after 14 days, but there was always something else to do and it was great just relaxing instead of rushing to watch show after show.
Yes, please, more information on the Orange Club and the Orange Party. We will be sailing HAL Eurodam in April. It's probably too late to book the O Club this time but maybe next cruise.
Thank you for your review of the cruise, it is very helpful for us first timers on Holland America.
I was on this cruise, as well. It was my first time in Costa Rica so I have nothing to compare. I was impressed with their non-smoking environment. Our guide told us that public smoking yielded 7 days in jail. I viewed the Panama Canal from the Crow's Nest. It was wonderful. I was disappointed that we couldn't disembark the ship for the excursion at Gatun Lake, but safety was a priority with the demonstrations in Colon. I absolutely loved the downtime of all those sea days.
We have the same sailing in November and also booked Club Orange. We enjoy your videos and hopefully you'll do one Specifically for Club Orange.
I would love to see and hear more about the Orange restaurant.
Did river cruise in Jamaica. I found the excrsion to be aggressive with demanding tips. Some man insisted on helping us on the raft and then demanded a tip. Man who did the tour would not raft until we let this man "help" us. This was not needed as we were young. When we return, a group of young men were told they needed to give more than $25 for a tip. The man would not get out of their face. Now I understand why cruisers don't want to get off in Jamaica. It is a beautiful island though.
Just got off the Rotterdam on an excursion to the ABC islands. Had a wonderful, relaxed time and enjoyed most of the cruise. We were wowed by Curacao and very disappointed by Aruba. The food on the ship was excellent, the best dining room food I've had on a cruise ship. We did wish for more activities through the day that weren't directed toward the cruise line's pocket books, but we met so many new friends it provided us the opportunity to meet up for drinks and conversation. And the Crow's Nest is wonderful!
Great video - so glad for the details because it's a bucket list item for me, too! I also had a chuckle at your husband and son posing in a funny way in front of the lighthouse - glad to know I am not the only one doing that stuff!
Yes! Would love to hear more about Club Orange! We are Celebrity cruisers, but the Holland cruiseline looks like it might be more up our alley as we are foodies and would enjoy a less crowded ship like the Rotterdam. Thank you! 🥰
Same! Would love to learn more about Club Orange
I was on the inaugural Rotterdam cruise in October 2021. It was a transatlantic cruise from Amsterdam to Ft Lauderdale. I loved the ship and especially the music walk. HAL is my favorite cruise line. Your review was right on point. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and a little older crowd.
My husband and I just got off the Rotterdam 3 days ago. 7 days with our adult children. We get a Veranda and the ‘Have it All’ and feel it’s fine. No club Orange. The Dining Room food is amazing and the room service is free. We book our specialty dining and excursions before we go so no need for ‘priority’ anything. I don’t think the perks of Club Orange are worth the cost. Love HAL! 4th cruise with them. 🎉
Yes, do one in Orange benefit.
Yes please! A video on Club Orange would be great!
Yes pretty please do a video focused on your experience with Club Orange. I have yet to find any real first person content and I am very curious. Thanks!
Great video Ilana!
Great video Ilana! Always appreciate your commentary.
Rotterdam was my very first cruise ship in Jan 2022. It is absolutely lovely.
We have sailed on the Rotterdam for 21 days and loved it. We are going to the Panama canal in February and to Norway for two cruise to the Fjords in May/June. Both will be on the Rotterdam. We love it.
We were on this same trip. We had 21 days in total and enjoy every day of it. We even seen ourselfs in this film
We will be on this ship in April for 22 days from Fort Lauderdale to British Columbia Canada. It's on of my bucket list trips for years. Thanks for your heads up info.
Beautifully informative as always, Ilana. You've become one of my touchstone cruise-info channels.
I am going to ask a question which might seem silly, but I find this strange: Why do people want lounge chairs by the pool, facing in? Wouldn't it be nicer to be somewhere you can look out over the water?
lol that’s true. I think there must be a mix of what people like
I think some like to people watch more so than look at the water view. I prefer the beautiful water view myself.
You (Ilana and Ashleys) both raise good points.
I've never been one to watch people, which is probably why that reason didn't occur to me.
Thank you, for the explanations and for (grabby hands) the water-watching lounges!
I want to see that Club Orange video! Please and thank you. 👍
We cruised the Rotterdam in Norway in 2023 and will be back on it in late Mar/early April 2023 for Southern Caribbean. Love this ship and HAL crew takes the best care of their passengers.....
I’m 39 with adult children and this sounds wonderful
Yes, I’d love to see a video on Club Orange. 😊😊
Yes please. A video on Club Orange would be helpful.
I’d appreciate seeing a video about club orange. Thanks!
Great video! I was on this ship in November 2023. Only thing I would add is it was the BEST THERMAL SPA I've experienced at sea. Better than Celebrity, Princess and Carnival. Very relaxing, highly recommend!
Going on Beyond in March, with excursions (small group-10) by Celebrity in Cartagena and Panama. Should we feel comfortable taking since there is a travel advisory from the US?
The ship won’t go to any area that isn’t safe (port), in my opinion. Of course you have to decide for up
Sailed 16 days on the Koningsdam, Vancouver to Hawaii. Activities there were great related to Hawaii. Very few things to do on the way back. Worst buffet at sea for us….had to go so early to get a seat at the buffet. My husband ate breakfast at the deli every morning. The live music was great but the shows in the theatre were not good. We enjoyed all the trivia, especially the happy hour music trivia.
I just love your Channel! Please let me know what itinerary is this. Thank you!
All those restaurants and food looks absolutely breathtaking and delicious! 🛳️🎉🩵🩵🩵🛳️🛳️🎉🩵🎉🛳️🛳️🛳️🎉🩵🩵🩵🛳️🛳️🛳️🎉🩵🩵🩵🛳️🛳️🎉🩵🩵🎉🛳️🛳️🛳️🎉🩵🎉🛳️🛳️🎉🩵🩵🩵🎉🛳️🛳️🎉🩵🩵🎉🛳️🩵
My husband and I sailed on Rotterdam this past September to Norway and LOVED our cruise. We also did Club Orange and thought it really elevated our experience and have agreed that we will always do Club Orange. We also had an aft view cabin and truly felt it was something we would continue to do as well. It made sailing in the fjords absolutely amazing AND we saw the Northern Lights on that cruise as well. I honestly don't know how we will ever top that experience. We agree that the food in Club Orange was so good that we did not need to do any specialty restaurants and were even slightly disappointed by the two specialty restaurants compared to the food in Club Orange. We are booked for a Mediterranean cruise on Oosterdam Sept 2025 and I am hoping the experience will be just as good but I know it is a Vista Class ship so we will have to see.
I have and love that dress from your previous recommendation!
We have over 200 sea days with HAL. A repositioning from Athens is coming next fall followed by Antartica next winter. Older clientele but well travelled. HAL offers long itineraries like 50 + days South Pacific, did it twice. Service is wonderful.
I would love to see a video on Club Orange. We are on the Rotterdam to the Panama Canal in February and added Club Orange. I used it to upgrade my obstructed verandah cabin to a regular verandah and saved some money. Love your channel. Thanks.
My husband and I went on the Panama cruise last year. Seeing your video brought back great memories. We love to sail on Holland America because the ships are not too big, but provides all the cruising amenities we need. On our cruise they deleted Cartagena but gave some ship board credits in exchange for. Loved your video!!
Love your videos! And I’d very much like to see a full video on Club Orange!!
Hol am did a great job, just as you found. We found the canal info presention in the crows nest a highlight of the trip
please make a short w the ICE SKATER WHO VLOGS ON ROYAL JORDA. BAUTH😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thanks for the great report. We are booked on Rotterdam in May. Alwats enjoy your videos.
Really appreciate your informative vlogs! Looking forward to one about the Orange Club!
Excellent video! Your presentation was excellent, and I really liked the content. I sailed on the Rotterdam in November 2022 (Southern Caribbean), and was very impressed. The ship was wonderful. The crew and officers were gracious, helpful and professional. The food was amazing, as was the entertainment. I would highly recommend all cruisers try HAL and one of the Pinnacle Class ships. Thanks again for your video.
Great review Ilana!!! I’m excited going next January 🥰
I was looking forward for you to post this review. Thank you! Love your channel 🛳️
It was nice to meet you on the excursion in Jamaica! I loved the raft. It was one of my highlights. In Costa Rica, my Aunt Teri and I went to the rain forest. It was amazing. Loved all the music. My husband and I are thinking about an Alaskan cruise with Holland in summer.
LOVE Old Town, yes Carthaginian the vendors can be "pushy". Saw that you never EVER pull out big amounts of cash, small bills separate. Been Costa Rico twice, really do like it, mostly because it's not built up and commercialized. We've done a partial transit as well as a reposition from Seattle to Miami. Would love to reverse that. "Journey" cruises are so laid back and relaxing.
We sailed a three week cruise on the Rotterdam in 2023 to the Baltics and Norwegian fjords. Great cruise/itinerary and the Rotterdam was the perfect ship for this itinerary.
Yes please do a video on Club Orange!😊
Would love to see a Club Orange video.
Yes please! Going on HAL next week and paid for club orange . Love to hear your opinion 🎉
Thanks Ilana. Really enjoyed this video. I had heard multiple times from other cruisers that the passengers on HA were snotty. Into old world posh. Thanks!
We sailed on the Rotterdam to the southern Caribbean in February of 2023 and again in December to eastern caribbean. The cruise was very nice. I miss the Lincoln Center Live music which we had in the Feb cruise but not in recent one.
Hi Ilana, we are booked on the Rotterdam for a 14 day Norwegian Fjords cruise in late May. We can’t wait to experience HAL. We primarily sail with Princess, but couldn’t find a similar itinerary, so we’re trying HAL. My best friend is currently on the Rotterdam, doing a Southern Caribbean cruise. She’s reporting on how beautiful the ship is, how enjoyable the entertainment on the music walk has been, and that the food is excellent. We previously did a partial Panama Canal cruise thru the historic locks a year ago on the Island Princess. A wonderful cruise, very restful for 10 nights. The itinerary was very similar to your trip, and we also was disappointed in our Costa Rico port visit. Oh boy are you right about the vendors in Cartagena, you’ve gotta be awake visiting that city. Thanks for your videos, I never miss one.🥰
Good job! I love the Rotterdam and so glad you had a good time. I’ve sailed in many Rotterdam ships. I’m off on the Eurodam on Saturday.
Thank you for this video. We haven't cruised on the Rotterdam yet but hope to in the near future. I am looking forward to your Club Orange video. We have booked with Club Orange for all of our cruises, and I look forward to hearing your perspective.
Thank you for the perspectives on the Rotterdam. We're booked on it from Rotterdam to Norway in July and this has us primed and ready to go!
Enjoy!!
You really went all in on this one 😉. Good for you and happy new year to you and your family!
I love cruising HAL and enjoyed an 11-day partial transit of the Panama Canal on the Zuiderdam in 2018. I would be interested in hearing more about Club Orange in an upcoming video. Thanks again, Ilana, for another wonderful video!
I’m on the Rotterdam in March for 21 days and looking forward to it. Late November i did a 9 day on the Rotterdam and I LOVE everything about it. I have cruised with many other cruise lines, but HA is my favourite.
I have been on this beautiful ship! Loved it as well.
Just disembarked Rotterdam 2 days ago, 9 night sailing. Absolutely gorgeous ship, amazing service, loved the food. It was our first sailing with Holland America and it will also be our last. The reason: the lack of activities. We are mid 40s couple that is totally fine with a relaxed atmosphere. We don’t mind trivia, enrichment talks & the older crowd one bit. Not looking for water slides, roller coasters, etc. Unfortunately 90% of “activities” were shopping events, casino, spa events, religious services, paper folding, alcohol tasting. Thankfully the band @ BB Kings saved us! We will be headed back to Celebrity where we can have the pros of a Holland sailing but with a little more to do.
We loved the Club Orange dining room.we were on Rotterdam as well. The staff were wonderful. We Idid the 14 day Norwegian Fjord cruise back in September, so got to know them. Club Orange absolutely worth it.