Q&A: The Real Truth About Holland America's Rotterdam (2024)

[@PNW_Elite]

Honestly can't stress this enough as a couple in their mid 30s with no kids this was the best vacation experience my wife and I have had. We are not clubbers but we want good food, drinks, and service. The Step One Dance Company both of their shows were amazing, Humanity definitely has a broader appeal but if you like dance both shows are amazing. The biggest hidden gem is Game Night and the hosts of all the activities were very engaging. Is there an overabundance of things to do? No, but I never felt bored. In the end for a couple of any age who wants to relax, enjoy quality entertainment, have great food and service I would do this again in a heart beat.

[@AddyandTerry]

We couldn’t agree more 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@BGCAMO-h3d]

Well said! I agree whole heartedly 🎉🎉

[@jrp1144]

"Welcome to a ship that looks like a ship." Perfect. We've done 5 transatlantic cruises with HAL. And while we like to have fun, my counsel to the ship is, "Just give me a quiet place, a good book, an adult beverage, and don't bother me." That's exactly what HAL enables me to do! Thanks for your review!

[@SeeItWithC]

Addy on that scooter in the thumbnail is egregious! 🤣😂🤣

[@cydneystephen2814]

Ikr. Where did she get a scooter? 😂😂😂

[@AddyandTerry]

😂😂😂😂

[@kathrynl6606]

I just love your enthusiasm and honesty about cruising . You are both fun and charming … thank you for your perspective

[@AddyandTerry]

Awww 🥰 thank you!

[@cydneystephen2814]

Holland is on the list. My turn up days are turning down 😂. Good food, good drink, relax relate release. Sounds good to me. A ship that still looks like a ship 🙌🏼🤗. Thanks for sharing and speedy recovery.

[@AddyandTerry]

We feel ya

[@Seabee_Camper]

My wife and I appreciate that Holland America puts a lot of effort into the shore excursions and local culture. We did an Alaska cruise a couple of years ago and Holland had opportunities that no other cruise line offered. Food? 10 out of 10. Service? Every member of the crew met us with a smile, and made sure we had what we needed. We're going out again on a Panama Canal cruise in November. After cruising on Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, and Norwegian, we've settled on Holland as our primary cruise line. Great video! Thanks.

[@AddyandTerry]

We completely agree 🤩

[@georgeb777]

I find that Holland America offers excellent quality in a more traditional cruise absent water parks and 6000 guests. Wonderful experience.

[@AddyandTerry]

Absolutely 💯

[@katdavid8406]

My husband and I are millennials (36 + 38) with no kids. We love Holland America. We’ve done other cruise lines (carnival and royal) and we love what those cruise lines has to offer but sometimes we just want to relax and enjoy good food and that’s where Holland comes into play.

[@AddyandTerry]

Thanks for sharing!! Exactly 💯

[@consolo862]

I’ve been on 2 holland America cruises so far. Nieuw Amsterdam was absolutely wonderful. Service, food etc was outstanding . The Oosterdam in Greece the food was good, but service was lacking. I’m going on Rotterdam in early November. Your review gives me great hopes for my next cruise. Your reviews and enthusiasm is so great I subscribed and can’t wait to see more! I’ve been on 15 cruises at this point, trying different lines. I love Disney IF you have kids with you, great-niece with me. But solo HAL is the best, Princess comes in second. Thanks so much!

[@AddyandTerry]

Aww thank you so much 😊 we are glad you find it helpful

[@gennesamann4323]

Agree! Amsterdam was phenomenal service and the food was second to none! Incredible staff that made it their personal quest to make your experience the best! My favorite ship!!!

[@cathybailey6760]

You guys are so cute! I’ve just started to look at Hollander America Lines to see what they have to offer. Thanks for the all the information. you both really enjoyed your cruise so much that it has really sparked my interest. Your videos are entertaining, informative, real and well done. I’ll be following you! Canada

[@AddyandTerry]

Awww thanks so much 🤗🤗

[@chazcov08]

Back in 2016, we cruised on the HAL Eurodam on the inaugural sailing of The 80s Cruise. They were SO not prepared for us. We literally drank the boat dry. They ran out of almost every alcohol. Friends of mine were drinking sh*t they never heard of on that boat. When we finally reached San Juan, they had to restock from another HAL boat that was also docked in PR. It was nuts. That was the first and last year that they did the 80s Cruise from that cruise line. Since then, they've moved to Celebrity and now it's on Royal Caribbean. Now they include the drink package as a perk for booking the cruise, but that first year, it wasn't included. People PAID for all that alcohol and STILL drank that Holland America ship dry! Thanks for being such a fun couple. We're really enjoying your videos, and we've just subscribed. Keep up the good fun!

[@AddyandTerry]

Wow 🤯 that sounds like a good time was had.

[@laureljaneg]

I’ve been on several chartered music cruises on Holland America this specifically the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise and also the big easy cruise. The staff on the Legendary cruises always has a good time dancing along with the bands.

[@glimpsev]

How funny. We were on the same cruise as you. It would have been fun to meet you. You are absolutely right about the food on HAL. We have done 14 cruises with them and we think the food is amazing and the best of the premium lines. We explain it this way: If the Main Dining Room was a restaurant in our city, it would be our go-to place. So glad you had a great experience! And you were right about the show -- that particular cruise had no production shows, but the following week (for the transatlantic crossing) there would have been Step One Dancers.

[@AddyandTerry]

So cool! Small world 🌎 we still have yet to do a transatlantic sailing

[@MarilynB-MariLuv]

HAPPY MOM'S ADDY ..BE WELL

[@MyCruisingFamily]

Thanks for the in-depth feedback on Holland America Line's Rotterdam! I can definitely see us sailing HAL!

[@AddyandTerry]

It’s so nice 😊

[@Mrsbambiblack1]

Love Holland America. ❤️

[@amandajoyce8742]

OMG I love you two! I've watched a bunch of cruise reviews and I feel no connection to those people lol, but you two are so much fun! Thanks, I'll watch more!

[@AddyandTerry]

Thank you so much 😊

[@lamarsimmons7273]

Hello Addy & Terry! I was on Holland for the first time for a Jazz cruise and it was the best cruise food I’ve had!! I couldn’t believe how flavorful everything was!! I most definitely recommend Holland America

[@AddyandTerry]

Right?! Never disappointed us with the food onboard.

[@coleenbrennen487]

What a great video . I live in Australia and just booked my first Holland America cruise . Doing the transatlantic in October 2026 from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale! Got an amazing deal for a balcony cabin that included the Have it All package.

[@AddyandTerry]

Glad it was helpful! That sounds like a GREAT cruise

[@norayancey4282]

So glad you loved HAL! Love the food and music. We do find it sad that they used to have adult pool party games. We have video of some fun times. Wish they would bring it back.

[@AddyandTerry]

Oh wow. 🤯

[@guadelupeantonisia-con2616]

We have sailed HAL Nieuw Statendam for the first time this August. I understand Rotterdam is almost the same. We are hooked, food is the best, buffet excellent choices. HAL is good for long cruises, we did 21 days to Iceland / Greenland. We were glad that entertainmaint stopped early, we went to bed early anyway to be up early for excursions or just experiencing the landscape in the mornings. The days in between we relaxed on deck 10. We booked two cruises on board for 2026. I enjoyed your video, it was relaxed, informative and yet funny. 😊

[@AddyandTerry]

Thank you so much 😊 we are looking at some of those longer itineraries for future cruises too 🫶🏽

[@KenHill33]

I can't wait to get on Holland again, thanks for sharing 🤎🥂

[@AddyandTerry]

Any time! 🤗

[@roslynbarnett5416]

I loved this vlog. You guys always give us great information.

[@AddyandTerry]

Thanks so much!🤩

[@berthawilliams6718]

Thank you for an excellent recap!!

[@AddyandTerry]

Aww thanks 😊

[@Cruisegirl1968]

I will definitely look into Holland! I can party like a rock star on other ships later

[@AddyandTerry]

Exactly 💯💯

[@cutnpaper6831]

thanks for the overview, I have to give them a try

[@AddyandTerry]

No problem 😌

[@MsJonesy]

Great tips! Holland America sounds like it’s worth a try.

[@AddyandTerry]

Thanks 😊

[@que_creations]

Enjoyed the video! Great info, and Holland America is definitely on my list.

[@AddyandTerry]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@michellem.7327]

I love your channel! I haven’t cruised HAL in over 15 years so this was all very useful information and entertaining to listen to. This time will be bringing my kiddo so we will see how that goes.

[@AddyandTerry]

Glad it was helpful! Let us know if your kiddo enjoys.

[@JanuaryStJames]

Hi Addy! I hope you're feeding better. Hi Terry! Very informative vlog, and I will look into sailing with Holland America, I'm senior now😢, and this is my speed. 😂😂

[@AddyandTerry]

Sounds great! We plan to sail HAL more too

[@ycamiller]

Great review. I will consider this cruise line in the future. I think it would be great for a solo cruise.

[@AddyandTerry]

Yup. Perfect for solos 👍🏾

[@foghead59]

We’ve sailed 6 times different ships always had amazing food. The Pinnacle never disappoints.

[@GloriaHayes-l9n]

Sailed the Rotterdam. Food was fantastic! Loved Pinnacle, also Rudi’s Don’t Forget the gelato💕

[@AddyandTerry]

Next time! We never got to try the gelato

[@Beachdudeca]

Can not beat the Food quality, and great entertainment if you crave live music

[@AddyandTerry]

Absolutely 💯

[@vanjan8177]

Thank you, I am from the Netherlands, Rotterdam. I am will be cruising, for the first time with my son (10); 21 days. I choose HAL for quality time and because we are foodies.

[@AddyandTerry]

Oh how awesome. Thanks for watching and enjoy your cruise!

[@carolynnmathisen8754]

I’m a loyal mariner and haven’t sailed other lines lately. My personal favorite currently is the Eurodam since they sold the Veendam. Always very clean, amazing staff, and good food. If you want to avoid kids, go on sailings during school. My preference is to ALWAYS choose my own cabin so I can avoid noisy cabins and never get in my way on my veranda. My personal oasis for morning coffee, quiet reading and fresh air.

[@AddyandTerry]

Very good tips 🤗

[@gmariedorsey]

Dave Koz jazz cruise 2025 will be held on this boat. Very excited about your comments and we are looking forward to it. Dave always fills the ship with jazz music the entire time you’re on even the piped in music is jazz so the entertainment will be off the chain so I’m looking forward to it. We went on his very first jazz cruise and it was with Holland and it was excellent!!! Thank you for your review.

[@AddyandTerry]

Absolutely 💯 the Jazz cruise is chartered though so it will be a little bit different than a regular sailing but I am sure that the food and service will be great 😊

[@Sir.Hashalot]

Luv you guys ! Hope to meet you on a cruise someday... Keep up with the great content !

[@AddyandTerry]

Aww thanks 😊

[@Charles-qj4cs]

This year will be my second cruise aboard Holland America. Both cruises aboard the Westerdam. I booked this second cruise on Holland America is due to the great cruise I had last year. The food is unbeatable. The excursions wee great. Save for one in Juneau. I have no regrets. This second cruise is to do some of the things I missed last year. I will be celebrating my 75th birthday on this cruise.

[@AddyandTerry]

Oh wow 🤩 blessings to celebrating your birthday in style

[@leonandterridreamvacations]

Great recap!!!!

[@AddyandTerry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Leochick718]

😂 Love Love you guys. Thanks for your review. I booked Holland & trying decide to go or not. I'm a Carnival girl about to make the leap to Holland thanks to you guys. Wishing you both more continued success.

[@AddyandTerry]

Awww thank you. Definitely give it a shot

[@jlawrence0181]

Few comments: 1) If you avoid school holidays, there are less than 20 kids on the ship. 2) BB King is only available on the larger ships. 3) The ship dies at 11:30 pm with the closure of the buffet. It is a GREAT time to head to customer service as there is never a line (and the employees are so happy to talk to you). 3) On my last Eurodam cruise, we booked a guaranteed INSIDE cabin, which we were assigned. However, they moved us to a great oceanview cabin on the 1st deck the day before the cruise. 4) We are budget cruisers. If you are willing to sail older ships, there are great deals on Celebrity, Princess, and HAL if you choose the right weeks. The best deals I have been booking are on our favorite ship - the Regal Princess - out of Galveston.

[@jlawrence0181]

We started with COSTA. And that is the reason why we did not cruise from 1989 until 2019. We were not a fan.

[@AddyandTerry]

Wow 😮 thanks so much for the tips!

[@AddyandTerry]

Our first cruise ever was on costa. We haven’t been back but only cause they haven’t really been in the US.

[@edwardstrand165]

#TeamReplay... I really enjoyed your views on the Holland America cruise. I love it... VALUE for my hard earned $$$

[@AddyandTerry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kikky811]

You guys are hilarious 🤣. Loved the review. We are booked on HAL Rotterdam for Christmas 2024, we are right around the age 40 mark with a 15 yo, and a bit unsure if our kid will meet others his age. He is active but on the cruises doesn’t necessarily need water slides etc. Mainly because it’s all very hectic on the holiday/new years sailings & these are the ones we can go on lately. He is a foodie and loves the sports court & going to the teen club. We have mainly sailed Disney & Royal plus 1 Carnival. Carnival was not for us, it was too crowded everywhere (NYE sailing). So we want to do something more relaxing for Christmas 2024 & it’s between Rotterdam & Sun Princess!

[@AddyandTerry]

Great 😊 I think he would enjoy Rotterdam. There might be more teens onboard for NYE

[@kikky811]

@@AddyandTerry The sailing is actually over Christmas holidays this time but same idea. I think we’ll all love it & as long as they open the teen club my kid should be good!

[@consolo862]

@@kikky811 he we enjoy it without the kid soup in pools etc. he will love food and the down time after a long semester! He will have other teens his age to have fun with, maybe not as many as other lines but they find each other and have a ball.

[@ramonal2205]

sailed on the Noordam to Alaska with HAL, food was fantastic. Also loved the green house spa

[@AddyandTerry]

We want to try an Alaska cruise on HAL

[@ramonal2205]

@@AddyandTerry highly recommend, we did the cruise tour, included anchorage, denali and Fairbanks

[@adampolak2210]

In regard to the lack of a dance club type format; HAL did attempt that on the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam in the Northern Lights dance club back in the 2006-2012 era. It was located on deck 2 midship near the casino. But because HAL itineraries are so port intensive (can confirm having been on seven of their Mediterranean 12-14 day itineraries) that club would be dead by midnight because everybody has to be up and ready for the port in the mornings. The Northern Lights club was abandoned and the space transitioned into the Gallery Bar, a beautiful space combining some truly spectacular art pieces and elegant seating. HAL are by far my favourite line, I’m a solo cruiser and usually one of the youngest on the ship. Food wise I give them a consistent 9-10/10 for every cruise I’ve done and every ship I’ve been on (Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, Oosterdam, & Nieuw Statendam). Admittedly I’ve only sailed on Princess in between some of my HAL cruises and their food is a solid 5/10 at best compared to HAL. HAL usually do have a production on the main stage so it’s a bit of mystery why the singers and dancers weren’t on board. The last cruise before a repositioning can definitely see a bit of a flux in staff and crew as they transition for the season. Too bad, since usually the main stage shows are spectacular with the 270° screens!

[@AddyandTerry]

Wow 🤩 thanks for sharing!!

[@MatthewMehren]

I've only experienced dining on Konningsdam and Zaandam, but meals on both were always great. Tried the Pinnacle Grill on both also. The food was just like you enjoyed. I think we need to book cruises on alllllllll of their ships just to check - for science, I mean. 🤔

[@AddyandTerry]

I agree. Purely scientific testing

[@dorisfisher5041]

We just got back from an Alaskan cruise on Holland Nieuw Amsterdam, it was Amazing!! Super clean, great staff and the best food ever! 10+++

[@AddyandTerry]

Sounds great!

[@AnnnnnaQ]

Excellent review! Thank you for being honest..this is why you're in my top 5 that I go to for opinions in cruising. Do you think the wifi was so fast because many of the elders on the ship dont utilize the wifi?

[@AddyandTerry]

I don’t know. Didn’t think about that but it’s really good internet!

[@sylvialucas7755]

Agree food 10

[@phillipmiller1247]

Over 40 years I have taken many cruises on 12 different cruise lines. Of all "contemporary" and "premium" lines Holland America has done the best job in maintaining the quality and value of cruising. The dumbing down of food quality has become a major problem in cruising. Year by year, cruise lines are using cheaper and cheaper cuts of meat, frozen when brought on board, cooked enmasse as early as mid-afternoon, and prepared by cooks who have very limited if any true cooking skill. Menus have changed, placing a greater emphasis on pasta and less emphasis on more substantial entrees. All of these changes result in savings for the cruise line, but a serious drop in the quality of what is served. Holland America is not immune to cost-cutting measures, but still puts a quality product on the table. The Holland America MDR is not 6 star level, but the Pinnacle Grill and Rudy's Sel de Mer absolutely are. One of the 5 best meals I've ever had was the Chef's Table on Eurodam.

[@AddyandTerry]

Very well said 🤗

[@gennesamann4323]

We love long cruises! We usually do 2-4 weeks. Airfare is just too expensive to do multiple short cruises in my opinion.

[@NancyCovington-k3r]

Have been on four different ships with Holland America and food excellent on all of them.

[@AddyandTerry]

Yay! Something to look forward to

[@myolewis7118]

Hey Addy and Terry.

[@AddyandTerry]

Hey 👋🏾

[@DINMIR1973]

thank you for the uploads.. funny and positive energy. We sailed Amsterdam FLL last october on ms Rotterdam. 9 Seadays in a row bcs missed port in Ponta Delagada. Our first sailing never Carnival :) Being Dutch staying Duch. Next is our Hawaii sailing in jan 2025. Join us...

[@AddyandTerry]

That is awesome!

[@joanroberson8481]

Did they have karaoke? We love watching!

[@AddyandTerry]

I don’t recall seeing any karaoke 😩

[@joanroberson8481]

@@AddyandTerry We always go on RC but have been thinking of trying something different!

[@TrippingTexans]

This is giving Princess vibes, which we love. I wonder if the lack of price gouging is due to not having the maintenance and personal necessary to take care of the bells and whistles of the newer megaships. Because I feel the same way about Princess' pricing.

[@AddyandTerry]

They could be it and yes, definitely princess vibes but without the ballroom dancing lol

[@TrippingTexans]

@@AddyandTerry 😂😂😂😂

[@hverrett9212]

Addy you'll be off that scooter in no time

[@AddyandTerry]

😂😂😂

[@brianmccarthy1322]

The New York Deli is the best kept secret. Yep they do pizza and sandwiches and salads and even desserts BUT in the morning they have cereal and omelets and bacon and eggs and coffee and orange juice. And you will probably have the place to yourself. The lido is great but the Deli is our morning spot.

[@AddyandTerry]

Good to know 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@faithmoore7520]

Do they have beef back?

[@waynemd123]

We were just on a HA cruise to Alaska. We had a great time. We have only have sailed Princess before. I would say the decor on HA is just as good and more tasteful. We had a verandah and it was better laid out than a similar room on Princess. More spacious bathroom. In terms of entertainment, if you are a music lover then an HA cruise is for you. I would say the quality and artistry is superior. However if your preference is musical theatre then you will be disappointed. Food was very very good. Maybe Princess is slightly better. It was close. On the buffet, the food was served to you and is probably more hygienic as opposed to having a free for all. Also less food wastage.

[@AddyandTerry]

Great comparison 🥰

[@harveyfreedman7146]

How was the main showroom entertainment?

[@AddyandTerry]

There wasn’t any other production shows on our sailing aside from a group of singers. They only did one show though.

[@laureljaneg]

I have been on five Holland America cruises, so far they have all been chartered music cruises. I’ve been on other cruises as well and I think Holland America’s food is the best. Most recent sailing had one or two misses. I also felt that the food had way too much salt. And my feet swelled up. I will be going on another chartered cruise early in 2025 with them and then finally on a regular Panama Canal cruise in 2026. I really thought that you were gonna give them a bad review that it wasn’t for you.

[@AddyandTerry]

Nope we had a great time 🤗

[@RickDuBose-o8q]

We hope to try Holland America's ROTTERDAM possibly in 2026. The more MATURE the crowd, the better. We are 73, don't like to be around BRATS, BAY BAYS, narcissists, or anyone considered rude, crude, crass, brash, pot smoking, loud, or with a vocabulary based on foul language. We have done multiple cruises on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Celebrity. We have a first time cruise of 14 days slated with Princess, but we are dying to give Holland America a try. Neither newlywed nor nearly dead!!....LOL!!!!.....

[@AddyandTerry]

Love it 😍

[@autobotdiva9268]

HAL probably needs more activites like magic shows or theatre production. nothing extravagant but needed

[@AddyandTerry]

We could see that 😊

[@carlagat1075]

Hi guys, I missed the premiere, I was on the way back from the hospital. I'm ok though.

[@AddyandTerry]

Please be careful

[@carlagat1075]

Thank you, It was a sprained ankle. I'm doing much better.

[@mycrazylife2go]

We’re going out of our comfort zone in 2026 and trying HAL Rotterdam instead of Carnival.

[@AddyandTerry]

I promise you will have a great relaxing cruise

[@mycrazylife2go]

@@AddyandTerry - I always do.

[@timmorris6615]

Could you a video on the Westerdam

[@lynnwinters7600]

Did I miss the price

[@angelanorton9976]

Would you cruise Holland America to Alaska?

[@gillianpeddie2410]

I did, and it was amazing. They have been sailing to Alaska the longest, more than 75 years. Which means you’re guaranteed to see the glaciers at the national park. Only 2 ships a day are allowed in there.

[@angelanorton9976]

@gillianpeddie2410 That’s good to know and I have only cruised to Alaska once on Royal which was my very first cruise and I thought it was amazing.

[@AddyandTerry]

Right!

[@AddyandTerry]

We want to try an Alaska sailing with both HAL and Princess.

[@angelanorton9976]

@@AddyandTerry I would like to try both Holland and Princess. I know my hubby wants to try Holland for the bourbon tasting. He really liked that segment of your Holland series. Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring all of us to cruise more. Addy Happy Mother’s Day and I hope you’re feeling better.

[@odysseyfights1215]

Sounds like a Virgin Voyage cruise

[@AddyandTerry]

😂😂

[@lynnwinters7600]

You guys did a video on a resort in Miami, but you never said the name or price.

[@AddyandTerry]

It was the JW Marriott Turnberry. And it was $250 🤗

[@allensteward2203]

How you guys doing?

[@tiberiajames5997]

Holland America is for retired people. Not meaning age but for anyone who don't need vacation approval.

[@norayancey4282]

We went on our first HAL cruise in our 40’s with a 16 and 17 yr old and they loved it.

[@AddyandTerry]

Yeah our kids would have enjoyed it as teens too. Very laid back 😁

[@AddyandTerry]

That’s what I would say too because of the long itineraries they have.

[@fredrodriguez8372]

You don't find interesting stuff on those ships, because the Dutch r experts at being dull.

[@AddyandTerry]

Not true but they are experts at a relaxing cruise ☺️