As a rule, I do not write cruise opinions, nor do I speak an excessive amount of concerning the ships we have been on. I assume it’s important to actually separate the Caribbean cruises from the opposite varieties. They appear to be in a category by themselves (you’ll be able to determine if that is good or unhealthy).
Once we cruised, we selected the journeys based mostly on the itinerary and they’re often removed from the Caribbean. I want smaller, extra informal ships and the chance to have uncommon experiences (like flying to a different nation for a particular expertise like a tour of the Valley of the Kings in Egypt). No masquerade events, pool video games or midnight buffets for us.
Since we dwell in Miami, it is simple to go on a Caribbean cruise. Different elements turn into essential, equivalent to leisure choices on board or seeing an revolutionary new function on board. We determined to take this journey Holland America (HAL) Rotterdam, due to the brand new leisure idea of the Music Stroll line, which incorporates locations: BB Kings Blues & Motown, Rolling Stone Membership and Billboard twin pianos taking part in prime 100 and Broadway hits. In addition they have a string quartet with a artistic program, in addition to exhibits with dancers, singers and comedians. The dancers have been one of the best I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship (or anyplace, for that matter) and carried out a collection of distinctive, themed exhibits. It was nice to see the varied music venues packed late into the night time with enthusiastic followers of all ages. I believe Holland America could also be making an attempt to decrease the typical age of their passengers, and this idea undoubtedly helps (though the walkers have been nonetheless stacked in entrance of the primary eating space).
The eating choices have been excellent and we loved them. Total, the ship’s atmosphere, specialty eating places, artistic meals choices and glorious night leisure made the journey very satisfying.
For all of the foodies on the cruise: we loved dinners on the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletta, the Asian-inspired Tamarind, and the great French/seafood restaurant – Rudi’s Sel de Mar. The Dutch Cafe, in addition to NY Deli by the pool and Dive’s eating places supplied glorious informal menus. Should you tire of the gastronomic and musical choices, you’ll be able to all the time spend time in one of many final remaining fantastic libraries at sea.
Kudos to HAL.