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Holland America Line

MS Statendam

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Michael Burton
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: August 4, 2002
Itinerary: Alaska-Northbound

I am so jealous of the other reviews that I have read. My travel agent booked me on Statendam for all the reasons people have listed. Unfortunately we never made it out of the Vancouver Straits and service was horrible for some and as best as possible for others. My experience was of uncaring staff and broken promises while others had great staff to assist them in a difficult situation for all. Holland America Line offer to make up for cancelled cruise and problems is very poor.

Areas were fine, but didn't get much chance to use them.

First meal was wonderful as it was before generator blew up! But after that we had cold meals, buffet with average food and little choice, and little service. Some crew really tried and I appreciate their efforts, but many just disappeared or did as little as they could. No room service, yet waiters sitting around smoking as 80 year old passengers had to carry trays back to their room. We had an hour wait in line for some meals due to the few stations open. No sit down meals..

Cabin was one of the suites, which is very nice in size and appointment. But again service was a problem, as an example, the bath robe that was supposed to be in the room was asked for three times and never delivered. My room was not cleaned or made up on the second day/night. Others received excellent service from their staff.

Much was cancelled, but what was done was excellent!

Many activities cancelled, cruise staff really tried to do as much as they could. Added trips and tours into Vancouver. They were super heroes in a rough situation! In leaving the ship had to handle own luggage as porters were not available from cruise line, tough on some of the older passengers. Check out and getting off the ship was not handled well. Took until 3:45 A.M. for me to finally get baggage tags and information sheet. Had to get up at 6:00 A.M. to be ready to leave ship at 7:00 A.M.+

Passengers were of mixed age and handled the situation well.