3 Issues Driving Holland America Cruisers Crazy This Year

[@RTD3]

My wife and I are in our 60's, no kids, and HAL has been our favorite line for over 20 years. We have 3 HAL cruises booked over the next year and will continue to sail with HAL whenever possible. Gary is spot-on about the kid situation which is why we avoid cruising around/on major holidays and we avoid short (less than 10 day) cruises now. Well behaved kids are not an issue but, unfortunately, we are now living in the age of the out-of-control brat and the parents are 100% to blame for that.

[@CherylNash]

Yep, parents are off doing their own thing and let their kids run wild. We have taken over a half dozen HAL cruises, but have switched to Viking and Oceania. We used to love the string quartets and Lincoln Center. The excrutiatingly loud, tasteless music they tout now doesn't even really have talented singers and dancers. My high school students were MUCH better. What are they thinking? They are degrading the line to the masses and just becoming another mediocre party animal cruise line. What a degradation of one of THE most prestigious and historic cruise lines!

[@CruisingtheAfterLife]

Each and every one of us older folks who complain how bad the parents are these days just remember... YOU raised these parents! So blame your frickin' selves! 😅

[@neets458]

@@CruisingtheAfterLife We have raised them with the RIGHT tools, but it was up to them to decide how to use those tools.

[@willkendallpro]

The loss of live classical music onboard is tragic. It seems like the move to larger ships would justify having more variety onboard, not less.

[@worldedit96]

Wait what?? They removed that? That is the special thing about Holland America. The live classical music of various themes around the ship.

[@susanfain4973]

On my last cruise I was so saddened by the lack of classical music. I had been looking forward it to so much and then nothing. Bad decision.

[@pammillerhoward7785]

Exactly! On our Transatlantic on Nieuw Statendam back home to US, we were really, appalled that, though they still advertise Lincoln Center Stage, they couldn't even bring a classical quartet or duo onboard. There is NO excuse for this. I think they have lost their way. Us over 70's may be dying off, but there are more people joining the over 50 demographic every day. When people take grandkids once a year, they might choose another line but for their 3-4+ times a year, they want peace quiet and no flowboards or climbing walls.

[@rallegra]

Yes! I’m bummed out about that. The three music venues are all rock and pop music.

[@eileendiaz4835]

I really enjoyed the Lincoln Center Stage but that was prepandemic feb 2020 just before all shut down and have not sailed Hal since instead celebrity and ncl

[@mikeinnyc8559]

Glad you raised these issues, Gary. I suppose that we had been happy enough with HAL until we booked our sixth cruise with them from San Diego to Hawaii just over a year ago. We previously made trips on their ships in the Caribbean, Europe and Australia-New Zealand, but the Konigsdam was seriously overcrowded and guest services seemed completely indifferent, or perhaps just overwhelmed. Port stays were cancelled or shortened in several cases making the seventeen day voyage seem even longer. Oh, and they took that time to announce cancellation of their Lincoln Center program. We haven't put HAL into any more of our plans.

[@sunsetrescue7112]

We sailed with Celebrity to Alaska the first week of September, 2 years ago and NEVER seen a single child. I think TIMING IS KEY. I am pretty sure this was because many schools had started by then.

[@elisaastorino2881]

Timing and itinerary. My first cruise was to Bermuda in May, on Celebrity, and there were very few children. The ones that were on board were pretty well behaved at least.

[@schhnan]

Yes, i have purposely scheduled Alaska sept 8, 2025….school is IN SESSION~

[@Sam-M7]

Sounds beautiful!

[@JCF072344]

Lincoln Center Stage was well-attended and a quality program. Eliminating that is a huge mistake. The main theater shows were lackluster, dancers interacting with a computer screen.

[@danncantley9755]

I found the”One Step Dance Company” shows to be a bit much.

[@bherenow]

Yes, the Lincoln Center program was exceptional....we timed our meals so that we never missed one of their performances.

[@Tee55118]

Classical music afficianados don't drink. I need a drink to get through a ridiculous LED disco display. HAL would go bankrupt and disappear, given insufficient liquor sales. No, it's not Seabourn etc.

[@LargoViewer]

I'm a 56 year old solo who went on my first HAL cruise in December and fell in love with this cruise line. One of the biggest draws for me was the Rolling Stone Lounge, BB King blues and Billboard Onboard. If there is no Rolling Stone, I would pick a different ship. I was completely comfortable with the demographics, there were all ages and some kids, but not a lot of kids. This was a 7 day Caribbean in December. I've learned to avoid cruising during spring break, especially a 7-day. Met many solos, some have become friends, and I've booked the same cruise for this December and planning to book a longer Christmas cruise for 2025. I wish HAL would come back to Tampa, that is my only complaint. ☺

[@EquusIV]

As noted, HAL has removed BB Kings from all but its 3 largest ships. This continues a trend of HAL gradually reducing live music performances and will inevitably mean we choose other cruise lines in future. On those smaller ships, HAL gets the Rolling Stone rock band to try and play the BB King genres like R&B , Pop, and Motown which the Rolling Stone band is laughably bad at.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@EquusIV then the bands they have are laughably bad. Anybody that can play classic rock can play blues, it's literally the foundation of every piece of classic rock ever written and some of it is even straight up covering blues tune in a rock style.

[@oopsydaisy40]

My husband and I met on the Prinsendam and got married on her a few years later. We have over 700 days on board HAL and used to love it. Then they started with the changes. The dance hosts disappeared, the excellent dance bands in the Ocean Bar and the Crows Nest were discontinued. The theatre became a ghost town. The on deck barbecues were long gone, and the piano bar where you could hang out and sing along was replaced by the dueling pianos. The new music walk played music so loud that a friend’s hearing aid alerted him that he was damaging his ears. The serving staff seemed to be far fewer than they used to be so tables in the Lido were constantly dirty and there was nowhere to sit. Club Orange promises a lot but you still have to wait, sometimes up to half an hour, to be seated. They got rid of the wonderful cold soups in the dining room that everyone loved, among many other favorites. No more unlimited lobster on gala nights. It seems to be that everything used to be great and then they ruined it. It makes me sad. 15 years ago I said one day I would live full time on their ships when I retired. Now, nope. Such a shame.

[@sewistnotsewer]

They got rid of the cold soups?! I'm boarding Eurodam to Alaska next week and had really been looking forward to them. I'm also super bummed that they got rid of BB King's. This will be my 7th HAL cruise and my boyfriend's first cruise ever, and I had been bragging about BB's since we booked the cruise a year ago.

[@Desjardins50]

@@sewistnotsewerdon’t think they got rid of BB King. Just Lincoln Centre Stage.

[@paulreiche2746]

​@@Desjardins50Getting rid of either is a deal breaker for me.

[@MrMel0001]

I miss the shipboard newssheets, BBQs and chocolate nites plus all the good to great theater entertainment. The Entertainment HOA have now for the most part sucks.

[@a.leehilliard4716]

Agree with everything you say.

[@craigo2142]

One of my major reasons to sail HAL was Lincoln Center. It was such a nice thing to do during the afternoon on sea days. And, children on cruises aren't my favorite.

[@kays749]

My husband is gutted by the end of Lincoln Center. The venue was always packed, and I don't fully understand why HAL ditched them. Still, HAL is a better fit for us than Princess (where we started out) and we have two cruises booked for next year.

[@PamalaClift]

I totally agree. The ONLY reason I booked Holland both for Alaska and Hawaii thinking I could enjoy the classical music. They stopped it but I could not get a refund. A total crap thing for me.

[@Desjardins50]

It’s Lincoln Centre Stage who did not want to renew their contracts wit HAL. Not the other way around.

[@timwolfers7880]

My wife and I cruise primarily for the interesting ports, so entertainment is secondary for us. Our recent cruise had a good comedian, so we did enjoy her 2 shows. The only change that bothered us a bit is the much higher costs for dining. Pinnacle charge went up 100%, and there are now several extra charge food items on the dining room menu. As far as kids go, don't cruise in late December if it bothers you. Also avoiding low cost trips like the carribbean will ensure low kid numbers.

[@TheJm129]

I stopped cruising with HAL when, about 15 years ago, our cabin lost air conditioning the second afternoon of a 7 day cruise in hot and humid Mexico. Allegedly there were no open cabins to move us to, and for our "inconvenience" we received a plate of snacks and a floor fan. Only after writing HAL post cruise, all they would do is give us a very limited 10% off a future non holiday cruise. Totally unacceptable so adios HAL!

[@BTimmer]

You have presented a very fair analysis of HAL. We gave over 850 days on HAL and love them for the wonderful itineraries. However we have shifted our recent cruising experience to Princess and have thoroughly enjoyed two ships. We have two future bookings on both Hal and Princess and are onboard the Majestic Princess finishing a repositioning cruise from Australia to Seattle. The Eurodam joined us in Victoria last night along with the Bliss.

[@camlacasse3760]

I am a SILVER member of HAL. Feel so fortunate that I cruised 10 to 15 years ago when CARNIVAL wasn't running the show for greed and not passenger comfort or enjoyment.

[@greengrands]

As a longtime HAL cruiser, I am no longer using Holland. I miss the Lincoln center, Nature videos accompanied by the orchestra, and production shows. Now there is no live orchestra, no production shows, and only a dance troupe and assorted comedians and single acts. The Hard Rock and Billboard Music Lounge doesn’t really appeal to most older cruisers, which are HALs bread and butter. Even with my status in HAL, I am now going Princess, which still has a ship’s orchestra and production shows.

[@skycaptain3344]

There are tradeoffs. I’ve sailed Princess, and the food was inferior to HAL, the balcony rooms lacked couches, and the production shows were just as uninspired/boring.

[@ElizaLou75]

I really liked the Lincoln Center Stage, but also loved BB Kings. It was jammed every night, all ages.

[@JBM425]

You have to remember that the “entry level” to “old age” (60+) cruisers are smack dab in the middle of the HA demographic, and they grew up listening to the kind of music you hear in the Hard Rock and Billboard lounges.

[@larrybudsock6507]

The music venues definitely appeal to older cruisers, like myself.

[@carolwhitney3773]

I've cruised many times with Holland but am looking elsewhere now. First it was the elimination of America's Test Kitchen, now Lincoln Center Stage, and the dueling pianos seem to be down to one piano. It's just not the same for me.

[@idmbadvisoryltd3205]

Hi 485 days HALcruiser here. I have to agree with your comments. A few things I don't like but broadly still a massive fan. Just did a 31 night South America cruise and saw maybe 4 kids. That is pretty much my experience on all our cruises... BUT we rarely cruise during school vacations. Love your videos by the way.

[@jamess5154]

It used to be that based on our mood we could pick the line. Sometimes we wanted to do a "walker' laid back cruise we would do HAL. If we wanted better dining and quiet bars we would do Celebrity. And if we wanted good lounge entertainment we would do Princess (love Crooners). Now it seems like all the main cruise lines are trying to get full of kids. loud music. slower service and worse food.

[@camlacasse3760]

Greed - Carnival ownership.

[@davidwelty9763]

We found nothing to do on Holland America during the day except trivia, bingo, and sales/marketing events.

[@carolynnmathisen8754]

There have been many changes, not for the better. The Eurodam has always been my favorite ship. I’ve sailed almost all the ships and so miss the Veendam which used to go to Bermuda. I’m not sure who decided to ditch the Lincoln Center. Not a good idea

[@CruisingTipsDotCom]

Doing my first HAL sailing next year and I have to say, I'm sorry to hear about the reduction of classical live music. I don't absolutely hate jukebox musicals, but I can find those on any of the mainstream cruise lines (ie Carnival's Playlist Productions).

[@dmac3316]

Thanks for the video. I really like the HAL ships. I agree about timing trips to be far from traditional holiday times if you want fewer kids on board. And your regional point is accurate too. We were on Princess last year at Easter from Long Beach and it seemed like the whole ship was large groups of extended multigenerational families from all over the western USA. Good trip but I don’t think I’ll be booking one at a holiday time like that again.

[@richardlo4867]

I enjoyed Lincoln Center Stage alot, and it's a shame there is now a void in both entertainment programming and on most ships entertainment space. Whatever transition HAL is going through it's taking too long to execute. As for Grand Dutch Cafe, on many ships there's space for at least a mini version of it if HAL wanted to offer it. For instance, on the Westerdam there is a cafe counter not used on Deck 3 which could be converted into a Mini Dutch Cafe with cold treats and even beer offerings. At the least 1900 passengers don't all have to go to the Crow's Nest for premium coffee.

[@paulg9667]

HAL lost my business a few years ago. Kept giving them a second, third, and fourth try, and finally got fed up. The extra $7 charge for an appetizer along with a soup in the Pinnacle Grill did it for me.

[@billcook4768]

I can’t wait to see traditional HAL cruiser’s faces if they announce that Lincoln Center’s replacement is the Wiggles :)

[@cactusjackNV]

This is very much within the realm of possibilities.

[@stormythelowcountrykitty7147]

Truth

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

It seems all these cruise liners are turning into massive amusement parks. Who needs screaming brats , crying babies and hyperactive kids running around.

[@heatherqualy9143]

I’m well over 50, and love classical music. But if they announced The Wiggles onboard? You can bet your booty I would be right in front of the stage Rock-A-Bye-ing my sweet bear! Have you heard their music? It’s absolutely joy-inducing. 😂

[@RTD3]

😂🤣

[@williamthurmond4940]

We cruise HAL repositioning cruises, none shorter than 3 weeks. Very few kids, many sea days and far-flung port calls. The loss of Lincoln Center Stage saddens me. However the jazz/pop trio that plays most evenings in the Ocean bar meets our light entertainment needs.

[@christineE9301]

We were sad to see the end of Lincoln Center Stage. I prefer the rock band to the blues band and really enjoyed the dueling pianos. I think changes are inevitable and they are starting to shift to end of baby boom and Gen X trends, hens more 80/90s rather than 60/70s.

[@seemoreseascruises3791]

Excellent video, Gary! I have seen exactly the same issues on HAL over the last few years. I was very disappointed on the Eurodam when Lincoln Center Stage was removed and felt that the dance company shows were boring. I was very glad to hear the announcement of the new shows being rolled out with singers and dancers again. Most recently, we enjoyed Pinnacle Class, Rotterdam where I think the dedicated Music Walk venues have a better layout than Signature Class. I am also curious how guests are going to feel about the redesign of BB Kings into Rolling Stone Lounge. I saw that change on a tour of the Nieuw Amsterdam.

[@nursecathy123cat]

Sorry to hear they ended the Lincoln Center performances.

[@jackiegriffiths7958]

I have sailed twice with Holland America, a 14 day Norway (low key but great itinerary and good food/service) and a 7 day Alaska last year on the Koningsdam. I found my last sailing boring with a serious lack of entertainment. Even our 70+ year old parents found it lacking in entertainment, boring and not lively enough. We spoke to people who were getting off the ship on embarkation day and they said they were bored but we hoped they were just hard to please but nope, sadly they were correct. We also found the cafe and counter serve food areas just were not open long enough. We had the drinks package and I struggled to find a place to get an early morning or late night cup of good coffee or snack. I wish the Dutch Cafe was open 24 hrs or a similar venue was available somewhere on the ship. The dining room service was also really chaotic but slow at the same time. Afternoon tea which we enjoyed previously was an absolute disaster. I am thinking they may have had lots of new staff but it seemed very disorganized. The cruise itself was just a huge disappointment. On top of that I came home with Covid. The one saving grace was our cabin attendants who were very kind and attentive. I injured my shoulder prior to cruise and requested ice for an ice pack one day and they always insured I had ice available after that and asked how I was and if I needed anything when they saw me.

[@danncantley9755]

I experienced all the points you mentioned. We are four-star Mariners and we are done with HAL. They are alienating their bread and butter customers.

[@lauriestrong9972]

What some consider boring, others experience as relaxing 😎

[@jackiegriffiths7958]

​@@lauriestrong9972I have sailed HAL before and found them relaxing...this last time was just boring. I am going to give them another try in Europe which is a port heavy itinerary but unless the service and entertainment is much improved from my latest cruise I will be sailing the other lines when looking for anything but a floating hotel.

[@fluffytail6355]

@@lauriestrong9972true but EVERYONE can find a place to relax on a cruise. For people who like to do things or who are active, there should be more options.

[@julieh3553]

Good video, Gary. I do want to comment about the "kids" aspect. I feel that HAL's movement to be more kid-friendly is not "new" and think HAL has been working towards this for a while (Kids sail free promo is not new; we took advantage of that over a decade ago). I think the multi-generational market is a sweet spot that HAL should exploit. In full disclosure, our first cruise was in 2010 on the Nieuw Amsterdam with our then 13-year old son (who picked the cruise because he thought the kids club looked cool:-). We had a blast and became fans of cruising and HAL. You gave great advice for folks who want to avoid the crowds of kids (longer cruises, not on school holidays, go on lines without a kids club). Glad you had a great group cruise on the Eurodam!

[@fluffytail6355]

I wish HAL would stay out of the multigenerational space. RCL and Princess are already options in the space for Alaska travel. Someone needs to maintain focus on the adult cruisers who are active and like to do more than cards or bingo or pickle ball. This is the new gap in cruising when others cater to families!

[@richardrees1]

Just back from Westerdam round Japan. less than a dozen kids on board, mainly seniors like us. Great cruise - crew looked after us very well. I too am missing Lincoln Center - it was a big point of differentiation. Rolling Stone lounge was great - went every evening it was open. Dualling pianos in Billboard now down to one and I thought was very mediocre. Two of the Japan enrichment talks were left to the last day at sea which seemed the wrong way round. We'll likely be back on HAL but I guess they are trying to recoup some of the costs of Covid and are cutting at the margins. I think they'd be better taking a longer view but as long as they are filling the ships....

[@xavierm3415]

"differentiation" very good point When I heard about the "Lincoln Center" on this channel, I thought to myself to keep a note on this cruise line.

[@Benvolio1]

The newer bigger ships on HAL don’t have a proper Promenade deck where you could always sit on deck chairs. What a shame - one of the favourite things we liked to do. Bad design decision.

[@RJ-mz3co]

My wife agrees. We will do smaller ships like the Eurodam now.

[@Ambientmopar]

🛳🛳🛳In my opinion, all lines should stop kkds sail for free.🛳🛳🛳

[@brunogabrione8639]

I’m done with HAL and switching to Cunard after dozens of cruises with them, the scrapping of LCS was one reason but trying to become a family focused line is another; nothing spoils the ambience faster than this

[@tpiety]

The move to eliminate Lincoln Center just gutted me. It was the main reason I chose HAL.

[@monkeyb1820]

based on cruise critic, it sounds like they are sporadically adding back basically identical classical musicians to some ships. We very recently got of Nieuw Amsterdam, the last 5 nights of repositioning from FLL to Vancouver, and there was none of this on our cruise.

[@joycehayes9756]

Totally agree. I had a long chat with our Cruise Director about this, and wrote to the line afterwards. It is not going to change anything, of course, but we have booked with other cruise lines.

[@ashleymyrrh1756]

@@joycehayes9756 Cruise Directors whom I've spoken to about changes to Lincoln Centre Stage on my last two cruises were rather dismissive. They pointed to some form of classical music performance at the World Stage but were unable to advise the programme or the type of classical repertoire to be performed. I fear it might all be cheesy and commercial, like a Saturday night variety programme. It's mind boggling how HAL doesn't understand that the concerts by Lincoln Centre Stage is what makes HAL special.

[@dees3179]

Yeah, that’s the thing about classical music. Fans tend to be very picky. It’s not interchangeable. And the musicians need to be absolutely excellent otherwise people won’t go back for more. It’s difficult to deliver. You can’t just hire a random person who plays the violin, bung some sheet music down in front of them and call it good.

[@ashleymyrrh1756]

I would disagree. We’re not talking connoisseurs. I think it comes down to what you prioritise, and HAL has chosen not to prioritise this type of music.

[@Smokeyham]

We enjoyed our cruise to Alaska with HAL a few years back, but the changes you mention are not positive ones from our perspective. We really enjoyed the smaller Oceania ships and those sound like a better fit. We really enjoyed the HAL Club Orange benefits and would highly recommend that if you are going on HAL.

[@fluffytail6355]

I don’t think the benefits justify the price….

[@roxanneonthemove4187]

When we started cruising, Holland America was priced a little higher than some of the other cruise lines going to the same places, which tends to have families go to other cruise lines, also there is not as many activities for the younger set to do, some sports areas and club HAL though I have yet to see kids in that space. I like HAL’s atmosphere, most of the time I am looking at what destination the cruise ship is going to and what can I see when in port and love the down time when on the ship. The more low key atmosphere is great when you just want to relax.

[@TinaLee2042]

We gave Holland another chance (last cruise with them was 2015) on the Rotterdam and, sadly, we won’t be back. We’re pretty much set on fewer cruises and paying Viking’s prices.

[@marshas9255]

My husband and I are both 75 and felt our Viking cruise to the Arctic circle was way over priced and under exciting. We saw the northern lights, but were bored out of our skulls nightly with only Torshaven open after 9:00PM. Sometimes a single acoustic guitar, Nothing else was open on the entire ship. Really, I;m not that thrilled to have free washers and dryers so I can pretend I’m at home. Give me a full service, filled with entertainment cruise and I’ll enjoy being around children if I put my mind to it.

[@gennesamann4323]

I call the Rotterdam, the rottendam

[@rationalthought846]

Excellent review and I agree with most of your points. Last year I tried Holland for the first time specifically because I was interested in Lincoln Center and I expected a smaller ship premium experience over my normal RC experience. After I got onboard I found out they had eliminated Lincoln Center. I like the destinations Holland America goes to, and like the idea of smaller ships, but I would not prioritize Holland over others in the future. They had a lot of generic music and dance shows on our cruise and after a few days it was monotonous. BB King was good but after 2 days it also was boring. RC ships give a better premium experience, have more varied entertainment and dazzling ships. Club Orange and the Neptune lounge are not very premium, and they have fewer specialty restaurants- and now no Lincoln Center. Holland did have a better library than RC but that was the only area that was better. I should be the market for Holland but they are going for another demographic. I might as well stick with Viking or RC.

[@skycaptain3344]

As a late 20s millennial, I was really disappointed to see Lincoln Center stage end - don’t have to be old to enjoy it. HAL’s production shows are uninspired/dull. BB Kings is obnoxiously loud. The main thing that’s keeping me coming back is the food and service. If they cut the food at all, I’m done.

[@rungee1335]

We just disembarked the Westerdam transpacific today and was so disappointed. We are frequent cruisers and before this cruise HAL was our favorite cruise line. Now I don’t think we will ever sail with them again even though we are near the 4 star level. Everything we had liked about HAL is now gone. Our main interest - live entertainment was cut back dramatically compared to the past and compared to Princess which we just sailed before this cruise. No Lincoln Center Stage, no 7 piece live band or singers) which Princess still has) on production shows or to back up guest headliners (only recorded soundtrack), no dueling piano (reduced to single player 2 months ago). Rolling stone band was good but was very repetitive, especially for a longer cruise. Instead of real shows the Step Dance company performed modern dance to a recorded soundtrack (often to a mostly empty audience). They no longer have a separate Port Guide position with presentations and desk hours to assist non excursion guests, no America’s test kitchen daily cooking demos, no orchids on tables in lido, etc, etc, etc. Also the food quality in the main dining room has greatly declined and the lido food choices were the same every day for 16 days. We were very sad to see the toll of budget cuts on a cruise line we use to love. I just hope the executives realize their errors before it is too late.

[@happytraveller2122]

Heavens. My first HAL westerdam is coming up 🤷‍♀️

[@Hawkeye2001]

I have a 24-day HAL cruise this summer: Boston - Canada - Greenland - Iceland - Boston. This cruise will push me to the 4-star level. I love their smaller ships, and the more destination intensive themes. Thank You for the updates and your insights.

[@richardlocke7264]

Never cruise over a holiday! Made that mistake 20 years ago, we took a Celebrity Cruise over Christmas, kids ran amok parents had no control.

[@Jodster223]

The problem is if you are a teacher, you can only travel at those times

[@elisaastorino2881]

You mean parents chose not to execute any control. On my last cruise on a different line, I was across the hall from a noisy family - the parents let the children run loose, all over the ship and at all hours. I'd hear them stampeding back in the middle of the night. The parents obviously wanted to have some private time and felt like they had a whole ship full of babysitters.

[@elisaastorino2881]

​@@Jodster223one of many reasons why I'm out of that profession

[@rubyclark7698]

I love Holland America! I would be considered an older cruiser (mid 60s) and love the music. I like the changes being made. I love seeing children on board and learning manners. I will definitely stay with HAL.

[@elisaastorino2881]

The trouble is that they DON'T learn manners. Parents let them run amok.

[@SlavGuns]

@@elisaastorino2881I have been bothered more often by rude Adults than I have children. =). It’s not fair to paint every child the same, and keep in mind, you are still dealing with a premium cruise line, not carnival or MSC. In any case, don’t want kids? Book your own cruise or go on an 18+ cruise. The typical HAL customer was dying off…. And why HAL has been cutting programs….. so they need to broaden their cruise base…. Especially after Virgin came out with their cruises, which basically means any person who wants kids free cruise no can also have a more lively place to be. Put it this way, opening up to more people, is what will let you keep cruising HAL.

[@eminbc]

Just returned from H.A. Zaandam to Alaska & back. Wonderful food, entertainment and service. A mix of ages and a few families onboard but younger toddler screeching in dining room not pleasant. Guys, if 'dressy' night in d.r. can you not at least wear a button shirt instead of t-shirt? My first oceanliner experience one to remember.

[@elisaastorino2881]

That reminds me of a christening where my sister and brother in law were the godparents to one of a set of twins. He was in a suit and she wore a very tasteful dress but the others were not to be believed. Even the one grandfather thought that his "good jeans" and a clean t-shirt were appropriate. 🙄

[@judithgottlieb2605]

I have been on Holland America twice. My first trip was to the Panama Canal in 2018. In February 2023 I went to Singapore and Indonesia. The Indonesia cruise was just great because of the outings to Indonesia and Bali. At the time the evening entertainment was not good. But I did enjoy the classical music events. I am glad to hear the entertainment is better.

[@ElElAitch]

My wife and I were also disappointed by HAL (and we are 4-star mariners and we have always sailed in HAL's Neptune suites). The nickle-and-diming is one reason. Another is cutbacks. The worst was waiting hours on end for room service to pick up our dirty dishes, despite several calls from us and even from the Neptune Lounge concierge.That's hardly a luxury experience. The loss of Lincoln Center was especially grievous. That seemed a slap in the face of a signifcant segment of their previous customers. As I noted in a review of our recent cruise on the Koningsdam, I found it ironic that a ship that names decks after "Beethoven," "Brahms," "Schubert," and "Gershwin" will not play music by any of these composers. Bottom line: we just booked a cruise on Viking Ocean.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Agree, it is a very odd choice they made. Hopefully they will rethink... I am on Viking Ocean in June and looking forward to updating my coverage of them

[@aircal737]

I love your videos because you remain unemotional and on subject. It is unfortunate that in a few areas Holland America has lost its focus. Seems sometimes they are trying to be everything to everyone, which, of course is impossible. On our last two cruises, which were back to back we wondered what had happened to Lincoln Center stage. Now, through your video we realize that it has been canceled by the line which is a shame. Back to you, you do an excellent job and thank you so very much.

[@ritasenergyherbs3650]

thank you. Taking our first cruise ever on HA next week to Alaska. I have been hearing about the changes to the music offerings and I hope we are not too disappointed. We love blues and classical music - sad HA let that contract go. Also glad to be an empty nester and honestly, I hope there are few little ones. There are plenty of cruise options for families with kids. I have to wonder, before we depart, if it will be our first and last.

[@briannickerson6858]

The three newest ships’ worst change, in my opinion, is what they did with outside promenade deck. The tenders were dropped onto the promenade deck, which obliterates the view and too narrow for deck chairs. We loved going on Eurodam our last cruise and having a much better and more passenger-friendly promenade deck.

[@therealshellywymer]

We sailed on the Eurodam to Alaska 2 years ago, and we're going again on the August 31st sailing. I was so disappointed to find out the BB King blues lounge is no longer on the ship.

[@tina-joyherrick3622]

I thought it was still available? We were told it would be when we travel in 2025....sigh.

[@texasboy5117]

We stopped using HA as of last year. It always seemed that the public areas were jammed full of people all the time. Finding a place to sit was very hard to do. We moved our business to Viking.

[@ElizaLou75]

I found this too. They were dedicating lots of crew to the "upgrade" areas, like the cabanas, meanwhile lots of lines and waiting for drinks at the bar for the regular folks. I suspect this is not solely a HAL issue, but I found it annoying.

[@marshas9255]

Thanks for the always informative video. We don’t mind well mannered children and expect our 10 year old grandson to behave in the MDR next summer when we take him on his first cruise to New England and the Maritimes. What we do mind is the loss of Lincoln Center, and now the Billboard Onboard lounge only has one piano. Pretty frail offering we heard on the transatlantic voyage early April on Nieuw Statendam. But enough complaining, most of the entertainment is first rate, the food and service are always excellent, the wine choices varied, and we order doubles to avoid any gripes about the strength of the drinks. Oh, did i mention the beds and pillows are comfy, the bath products are luxury quality, and we are already booked for three more cruises this year. We are trying our first long (53 night) cruise from Seattle to Japan and back, passing through Alaska and Hawaii. I predict we are going to have a wonderful time. I’m not sure any cruise line could do more for us, nor be more for such a variety of cruisers as we’ve seen onboard lately. Keep the good videos coming.

[@pauldean78]

Helpful video as ever, Gary. My heart sank when I watched it. We booked our third Holland America cruise on board our previous voyage, almost a year ago. Now, three months before departure, HAL has cancelled one of the more interesting and unusual ports on the itinerary, which they they can do of course without compensation as they pointed out emphatically. But it transpires that the underlying reason which led to the dropped port has been apparent for many years; yet they waited till final payments had been made to announce it. Sadly, this just makes it feel like a deception given this isn't an itinerary change arising from a late or unexpected operational or weather event.

[@camlacasse3760]

Carnival owned and operated - that is the change for greed.

[@GuruChaz]

I went on an Alaskan cruise on the Eurodam in 2018 and had a wonderful time as a 53 year old. I loved how they have afternoon tea at 3 pm. It was a welcome change from other cruise companies I had used. I had a wonderful time with my sister and brother in law. It was special. Please don’t turn it into Carnival.

[@JudyNunes]

No, No, No. Please don't try to get kids on board. HAL is one of the few cruise ships for adults. I love my grandkids, but not on my HAL cruises. I love the sedate, upscale ambiance of HAL When I travel with my grandkids, I go on one of the other lines, that are under the same umbrella co. PLEASE...... Don't ruin a good thing.

[@kcody5646]

If you dont want kids go on the two week to hawaii….omg, very much older staid quiet no activity trip….never again lol

[@kikky811]

HAL is not adults only cruise.If you cruise when school is out, expect kids. Sorry! I understand if you choose long, during the school sailings, you should see very few kids, so go then. There are also adults only cruise lines.

[@a.e.7988]

Go to Vegas! 21+😮

[@nas4apps]

Our family kids love HAL ships, they, relatively, feel like ships!! Lots of good kid stuff, the kids don't play bridge, but that type of activity is still around. And the pool areas are so much more fun when there are kids around!

[@100citron]

Hate smelly, crying, noisy little brats.

[@terrymattingly6843]

On the Westerdam right now in Alaska. Disappointed about loss of classical music. The fine jazz trio in the Ocean Bar is receiving little promotion - which is sad. Jazz with a pianist who could also play classical works would be an effective compromise. The nature talks - very Alaska - are quite good.

[@in954]

I recently sailed on the Nieuw Statendam after more than 15 years of sailing on the older ships and did not like the ship. It feels crowded because HAL stretched the ship to add more passengers compared to the older classes but did not substantially enlarge the dining or entertainment venues. Every place on the ship from the Lido buffet to the World Stage feels overcrowded and it is slow to move around the ship with the parade of wheelchairs and walkers.

[@alex9621]

I did two 15 day cruises on Nieuw Statendam that were fully booked and it never felt too crowded except when HAL kept people waiting for no reason before tendering or passport control. Every other minute aboard was completely fine

[@richardlo4867]

Ouch....but true. I actually think the Lido walkways and seating spaces on the newest ships are more narrow than the previous ships.

[@bradh3139]

We took a Trans Atlantic cruise on HAL Rotterdam a couple of years ago. I just saw one sweet toddler aboard (who made friends with everybody she met). The quiet was certainly enjoyable, but we’ve been on plenty of cruises that were more family-focused, and have never been “bothered” by little humans

[@consolo862]

Totally agree. I love seeing/watching little humans have fun. But, not the kid soup in the swimming pools the other lines have.

[@jp171756]

The end of the Lincoln Center partnership is very disappointing to me. It was to me one of the highlights for cruising with them.

[@leanneclark5744]

I have a kid (13) who has been cruising Holland America with me for 5 years. He is very well behaved and is aware of the people around him. I don’t even like to see a lot of kids while cruising and that’s why I love HAL. But I also love that I can bring my extremely well mannered, door-holding young man on a more sophisticated cruise and he often tends to collect new “grammies” on the trips we go on. Perhaps there should be a limit to kids but to ban them completely does everyone a disservice I believe as older folks help kids grow and younger kids help older folks stay young. Someone looked at my son and told him on the Zaandam last Christmas that he “wasn’t supposed to be on the ship.” What a sad way for older people to forget that they were once young as well. I think the majority of the kids I’ve encountered on HAL cruises have been raised more mature in general.

[@clairec3504]

Don’t let 1 self entitled idiot ruin your plans!

[@kathyoliva6966]

Loved my recent HAL 22 day repositioning cruise! April so only saw maybe 10 children, all very well behaved. Enjoyed the entertainment; liked Dutch cafe; LOVED the observation deck with barista made coffee (enjoyed daily); LOVED the many Hawaiian ambassadors that educated and entertained daily. Have 4 more HAL cruises booked; all on Koningsdam as I live in the Pacific Northwest and especially appreciate the Vancouver BC embarkation location or San Diego (easy flight for me).

[@fluffytail6355]

Cruises longer than 7 days are rarely loaded with kids - especially from September to June (except for Christmas and Easter) when they’re in school

[@Razjoy]

My parents are definitely upset that the Lincoln Center Stage has been closed. This was the main reason to use HAL. May be looking at some other lines now.

[@kimber4350]

The writing has been on the wall for HAL ever since they started offering "kids sail free." I think the most frustrating thing is that HAL has very few provisions for kids, other than the kids club, so now all these kids are all over the place.

[@fluffytail6355]

I was on the Koningsdam ship tour yesterday and concur. Even as a mid-50’s aged cruiser, it seems there’s not much to do except for fitness and spa during the day. Saw a kids club but no other activities for them so either they need to eliminate trying to attract families (which they won’t since multigenerational cruising is their new focus) or add activities that keep them away from adults who don’t want kids on their cruise!

[@fluffytail6355]

I was on the Koningsdam ship tour yesterday and concur. Even as a mid-50’s aged cruiser, it seems there’s not much to do except for fitness and spa during the day. Saw a kids club but no other activities for them so either they need to eliminate trying to attract families (which they won’t since multigenerational cruising is their new focus) or add activities that keep them away from adults who don’t want kids on their cruise!

[@MarioIPCam-hz7zu]

I just came from the HAL Rotterdam and things are getting on my nerves. Most cocktails used to be included in the Signature Beverage Package. Now popular choices are a surcharge. Not by much but you can reckon between 1 and 2 dollar. Moreover, the Fresh orange juice during breakfast in the Main Dining room is OUTSIDE your package. Any! I have Elite at the moment and was charged for it two times. “This was changed last month” or some BS like that. Your “have it all” is more like HIA* (additional charges required).

[@ecaroldales7687]

We’re reluctantly trying HAL one more time, mainly to use up some credits left over from a disastrous Covid-studded voyage last year on Koningsdam. Lincoln Center concerts were initially the main draw to HAL for us. However, but classical music was conspicuous only by its complete absence on that trip. If there isn’t at least some vestige of its return on out Rotterdam Transatlantic crossing this fall, we’re history.

[@Honolulu-Blue]

Thanks for sharing this video. My one and only trip on HAL was on the Rotterdam VI five years ago. It was all right, but I'm not rushing to get back on them. My view, then and now, is that there are other cruise lines with things I'd rather try, so it might be a while before I get back on HAL.

[@desteptul777]

The most shocking fact about Holland America I found in a 2 weeks cruise on New Statendam: My Time Dinning has the worst service, quality we found on any other Dinning Rooms in other lines. In the first week of the cruise we ate 4 times with My Time Dinning: it took around 40 mins to have our food orders taken, 30 min to have some drinks at the table, the food was not so great in quality, etc. When we switched to Fixed Time Dinning the quality, speed of service and everything else improved a lot. It was a very different experience!

[@joywebster2678]

Dining

[@davidkearn5563]

We enjoy HAL, however this is a game-changer for us. We try to cruise when school is in session. Love kids, but not on vacay.

[@fluffytail6355]

I used to think I didn’t like kids. Turns out it’s parents - especially those who don’t parent - are the ones I don’t like.

[@beamoniz6805]

We made the mistake and cruised over Thanksgiving. Most of the children were well behaved but because they could cruise free the ship was beyond full. There isn't a real place for all those kids so they had filled the crows nest playing games etc. You couldn't find a place to sit. They actually scheduled that area at night for the teens. If they do this then they need to find areas for activities that are for kids and not in the Crows Nest/Explorers Cafe.

[@FenderMinerals]

I sail HAL almost exclusively but I only sail their long, epic journeys and those have a full slate of classic entertainment and enrichment. If you sail 7-10 cruises you might as well look around. One exception to that rule is they do Alaska very well.

[@brandonprescott5753]

Last year , my wife and I cruised on HAL for an Alaska cruise. We chose HAL because of the itinerary which met our needs. Compared to other cruise lines, we found the level of service pretty poor and will not cruise with them again. Now looking forward to Cunard cruise on the Queen Anne later this year.

[@nicholasglisonn836]

Sailed on the Westerdam last month. Miss the classical music.

[@tomsullivan3290]

We did HAL in 2019 to Alaska and loved it. Going on Nieuw Statendam in june for northern european trip cant wait.

[@joycehayes9756]

We have cruised with HAL many times and really enjoy their reasonably sized ships. We did a Thanksgiving cruise with them last year, but never felt we had been invaded by children even though there were quite a few on board. The rest of the time we travel outside school vacations so it is unusual to see any children on board. My husband is disappointed that the Lincoln Center music has been discontinued, but we love the Rock Room and BB King's. My pet peeve is the reintroduction of smoking in the casino (supposedly by popular demand, I believe) as the smell permeates the deck below, usually where the music walk is. Why can't they put doors at the entrances to the casino to stop that happening??

[@jturie]

I wonder if it is just getting harder to find classical music artists who are willing to work cruise ships? I am not a fan of classical music, but on my NIeuw Statendam cruise a couple of years ago the Lincoln Center performances were absolutely packed.

[@lokicooper4690]

The thing that is good about the smaller ships, is that it allows passage into places the large ships can’t go. I’m going on the Zaandam to Alaska next month, and am looking forward to Glacier Bay. My friends and I will also be getting off at Tracy Arm to take a smaller vessel excursion up the Tracy Arm fjord. I will be curious to see how many kids will be on board as we are going while the younger ones should still be in school.

[@jonansok7304]

My wife and I went on the S.S. Rotterdam back in 1994. Would love to try the new M.S. Rotterdam. Looks like a wonderful ship.

[@gwcrispi]

Timely for us as my wife is planning a Ireland/Iceland cruise on Holland America next year.

[@mhaskard6517]

We did the Alaska cruise last year 2023 on HAL and had a great time. We had a suite which was just below the access to the Neptune lounge and didn't give us Orange Club access. So we just paid the extra for Orange Club access plus the few extra perks and thought it was worth it. I always like when they say you get a room upgrade, but what it really means you get a category upgrade within your room type from Verandah Stateroom type C to Type B, I guess if you were type A then you would get a room type upgrade???? And there was a great mix of demographics and maybe 10% children since it was out of school holidays and it was the Alaska cruise. Club Orange for men have to wear long pants, I had tailored shorts on the first cruise night and was informed long pants were necessary from the 2ns day. Anyway what men wore were their old daggy paints, old t-shirts and old jumpers. It was like an old persons home with people wearing their tired old clothes. Food in the Orange Club was excellent with the menu changing 30% daily.

[@nicls2882]

So glad to hear they are changing up the world stage again. I went on a 7day in February and 4 of those days were dance shows. I don't mind one or two, but four out of seven? Way too much dance. Personally I love the addition of the Rolling Stone Lounge, it was amazing. The cruises I've been on have never had many kids and the ones I've seen were pretty good for their ages. Looking forward to maybe booking a 4-day next year with my Kiddo.

[@scotiasplace]

Happy to hear new shows are coming to the main stage.

[@JohnCarroll-s3j]

My problem with them is the tipping. We did have tips included in our pricing, but every wait staff would look at you if you did not give them something extra. In the main dining room, at the pool deck, and at specialty restuarants. I don’t think we saw our cabin steward but once on a seven day cruise. The room was clean, and we did give a good tip to him at the end. Also, when in the main dining room, they would rush you. You order everything at the beginning of the meal so we were done in 20 to 30 minutes usually. It was not that relaxing and enjoyable. Even in the specialty restaurants.

[@bherenow]

The last time we cruised on HAL, we had a balcony, but no mini-fridge. They rented us one that fit awkwardly under the desk, taking up all our foot space. It wasn't the $28 we minded, it was the nickel-and-dime mentality behind us that has kept us from rebooking on HAL.

[@billsnyder1021]

We took a HAL Thanksgiving cruise in Caribbean. Most kids we have ever seen. Also miss Lincoln Center and now ending BB King. Still love HAL, but dont like changes

[@elisaastorino2881]

No holiday is safe any more. I sailed NCL over last Thanksgiving and it was the same. And that was to Bermuda, which isn't exactly a cheap family friendly destination.

[@feingarden]

Hi, Gary, quick question. At 7:30 in this video is a clip of the band on the Oosterdam on a South American cruise. Can you tell me when that particular clip was shot? There's a small chance that the group of orange shirts on the far side of the dance floor is the group I was travelling with around that time. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

[@mgweir3252]

We literally just got off the Eurodam yesterday after a one week trip to Alaska. There were a handful of kids. I didn't notice any activities directed towards kids. We had a great time. Tons of activities and entertainment. My wife already wants to do another Alaska cruise.

[@fluffytail6355]

You travelled in shoulder season while kids are still in school, therefore you’ll see fewer of them but I can assure you from June to August, the ship will be full of them despite the line not catering to them other than a kids’ club.

[@petshopgirl39]

We re sailing HAL to Alaska in mid September. Our first HAL cruise and looking forward to it. The kids should be in school then!

[@fluffytail6355]

Smart move! ❤

[@ajudygarlandfan3019]

Hoping to book a cruise soon, but what the cruise lines are doing is driving me into the arms of Saga cruises, and HAL has now been crossed off my list of lines to look at.

[@davidbassani3135]

My husband and I are looking to book a Mediterranean cruise next summer. We historically liked HA because it was mostly adults. You have convinced me to spend a little more money and book it on Viking where I am guaranteed no kids.. Thank you!

[@jobee1]

As seniors are continually tossed aside by these big cruise lines for Day Care cruises we have found a few private yachts doing small group cruises coming down in prices and able to go to smaller islands large cruise ships aren’t allowed so I guess it all works out.

[@nigelcartwright5986]

Regarding the suite only dining and access areas, I'm pleased that HAL doesn't do this. Elitism should be the 8th deadly sin.

[@nancystanley8828]

While normally not a classical music fan, I surprisingly did enjoy it back in 2022 when they played familiar contemporary music and some classics like Queen and the Beach Boys. Very relaxing to sit and have a drink from the nearby bar. Now LCS was the art auction on the Eurodam last year. I did like BB Kings, now the Rolling Stones Rock Room. Their music and performers were very good but way too loud and not enough seats. Many people were congregating in the hall to listen since the music was deafening and not enjoyable to sit in the lounge . Even my 30ish son thought it too loud. HAL should remember who has the time and funds to travel and cater to that age group outside summer and holiday breaks. I also miss the cooking shows and nicer production shows.

[@Benvolio1]

Gary - why did they cancel Lincoln Centre Stage?

[@j.m.7056]

Families with kids don't care about it and they are the clients Carnival wants to attract.

[@haroldestrada2223]

Did a 28 Day Cruise to Asia and 1st time Sailing with HA. I was disappointed especially with the drink package. If you ordered a bottle of water, it counted towards your 15 drink maximum. Never again...

[@davidszakacs6888]

VIKING, folks! No one under 18, no casino, no art sales, no photo sales etc. etc.

[@Carkebe]

This is it. The price point isn't terrible, and I like the inclusions I'd pay big money for on other ships. And yes, no kids! If I wanted to deal with kids, I'd have my own.

[@fluffytail6355]

@@Carkebeyou need waaaaay more likes for your comment

[@johnwatson3616]

Just come off the HAL Eurodam repositioning cruise from FL to Seattle. First time customer to HAL & loved it. However a couple of points I have made to them via feedback: 1. If you are going to call it “Have it all” then it really needs to be have it all. Paying extra for drinks over a certain price, having to pay extra for better internet isn’t have it all in my view. 2. Our second to last stop was Vancouver. 1000 PAX got off, 1000 PAX got on for a one night cruises to Seattle which turned it into a booze cruise. Vibe & dynamic changed horrendously. I absolutely don’t blame the 1 night cruisers, I blame HAL for selling one night. I imagine the $$$ in will be outweighed by the complaints. All in all tho I enjoyed HAL a lot & will defo cruise with them again.

[@fluffytail6355]

Thanks for the heads up about the 1 night cruise to Seattle. I was considering such a trip so I wouldn’t have to take time off work to feel like I had a “getaway” but I really just want to have someone make my bed and enjoy some nice food. I’m not a partier and don’t want to deal with them so now I know to skip this itinerary!

[@shannonchadwick8534]

Just left the Koningsdam this morning. Fantastic trip to Alaska and back to Vancouver. There were kids, but not many. BB King, Piano bar and Billboard was fantastic, we were there every evening. Not into classical music,so a lack of it doesn’t bother us. We were there with a group of 20 people celebrating our wedding anniversary, ages ranging from 10 to 92. We all had a wonderful time. Especially the aurora borealis on the final night. My only complaints: 1) the Navigator app was terrible and 2) they are not good with managing the tables in the main dinning room, we had booked an area for a dinner and were told that they could do it, but when we showed up, they had us all over the place with empty tables in the middle that we couldn’t sit at, but weren’t used. One evening, my husband and I were actually placed at a table of 8, but they didn’t sit anyone with us and there were empty tables for 2 all around. Another time, the server took the drink orders for the men and ignored the women.

[@seattlexb79]

Gary, you're 100% correct about HAL trying to appeal more to families, but like you, we only really see them during school holidays. To avoid the kiddos, we cruise outside of that period (in fact I think we met you one year at the KDam Neptune Lounge or Club Orange a few weeks before Christmas) - we routinely cruise the week BEFORE the Christmas holiday. - They do need to step up their entertainment game, but they've been doing that. Lincoln Stage was always a pretty small venue, but I enjoyed hearing the classical music on the way to dinner - but their stage shows are so lackluster I think I've gone to 5 of them on about 100 days sailed. Re: ship size, I agree with you that their "larger" ships are still quite a bit smaller than their competitors - and we love this.

[@oceanside88]

I was just on nieuw amsterdam to alaska. The total lack of any piano bar was very disappointing. My taste in music swings wildly from punk to reggae but i enjoy a relaxing piano bar & also classical. It was very sad & the lack of music was noticeable. Everything seemed an upsell. On a major side note, the air conditioning was so poorly maintained for the inside & ocean view passenger sections, that i went home with black lung. I'm in recovery & really pissed off. Many aspects of the trip were great, like the food, but for the most part it felt like cattle being herded.

[@JBM425]

I was considering a last-minute booking in Ocan View on Nieuw Amsterdam for July. After reading this, I may have to look at spending more for a balcony cabin.

[@j.m.7056]

​@@JBM425You will enjoy the balcony. Well worth the extra cost.

[@fluffytail6355]

@@JBM425if you’re going to Alaska, get a balcony. That’s not the trip to scrimp on.

[@roberthicks2191]

We’ve been cruising on HAL since 2009. Yes, it’s changed but so have the clientele. Like all cruise lines, HAL is constantly adapting. I miss the Lincoln Center and suspect it probably didn’t monetize well - perhaps not a drinking crowd? We also travelled with our children and parents and found that HAL worked well for inter-generational travel. (Our kids made it to 3-star mariner) However, like most cruise lines, the decorum is very relaxed, maybe too casual now. There was something perhaps extra special for my children getting dressed for dinner. Maybe when the men and boys wore suits to dinner and the ladies and girls dressed up, the evening was more memorable and food more delicious.

[@fluffytail6355]

You could always dress up as a family on other lines and don’t need to expect a line like HAL to become more family oriented. I wish HAL stayed more adult oriented but still needs to add more activities for fitness focused adults - the fitness center and pickle ball activities are too few

[@charlesrichard8601]

We were on Koningsdam Christmas 2023/New Years cruise & I didn't notice 400 kid's but it's a big ship. We have been on Koningsdam 2 other cruises & never really notice kid's very much. We do cruise in Nov. Dec. & Jan. out of San Diego.

[@amandaregis313]

Hubby and I are looking forward to our Boston to Montreal cruise on board the MS Volendam in June. I welcome the news of this East Coast music. I hope we get it, too. While mom was growing up in Montreal, William Langstroth, of Singalong Jubilee, where Anne Murray got her start and eventually married him, during his teen years was constantly showing up at mom's house in hopes of a date. In the 50s, when my dad was posted to Halifax with the RCN, "Uncle Willie" was often a big part of some infamous kitchen parties. Since we're brand new to Holland America, we don't plan on coming with preconceived notions, just ready to enjoy ourselves.

[@gennesamann4323]

Breton thunder was excellent! Loved them!

[@amandaregis313]

@gennesamann4323 We did, too! Despite the choppy waters, they put on a great show.