Holland America Nieuw Statendam Veranda Cabin Review, Tour & Tips

This Holland America balcony cruise cabin surprised us in so many ways! Did it live up to it's 4.5* reviews on Cruise Critic? We review a HAL Nieuw Statendam veranda cabin & share the cruise cabin tips & tricks you need to know.
In this video we share a look at a balcony cabin on Holland America's pinnacle class cruise ships, as well as an inside cabin, so you can compare. You'll see the cabin bathroom, balcony, storage & get a few cruise tips along the way. I also share why I think this is the best standard balcony cabin on a premium cruise line.
If you're thinking of booking a Holland America cruise for the first time, this video about cruise ship cabins is for you. Cruise tips and advice for anyone planning a cruise vacation.
We were hosted by HAL on this cruise press trip. All opinions are our own.
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusic

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

[@elainebeckler8131]

Our 7th Holland America cruise was on The Rotterdam, what a beautiful ship. The art work was an exceptional surprise! We love cruising on those Dam ships and are looking forward to our next Transatlantic crossing on the Zuiderdam in May 2023. Tonight’s video surprised me with the under bed drawer! Who knew? Not me!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol, right? Other passengers told me 😂

[@rh4267]

We have been on the Pinnacle class ships 3 times in the last year and have two more booked for 2023. We love HA and their balcony rooms which we always get. Along with the Music Walk and the Club Orange dining room we are hooked on them. We have a 7 day Caribbean on this ship in Feb and next Oct we have a 15 day transatlantic on the Rotterdam.

[@cassandradotson6435]

Just wanted to let you know I have been binging all of your videos! I am going on my first cruise in March and learning all the tips & tricks I can!

[@cruisingnurse5443]

I am glad you enjoyed HAL. I have only cruised with them and, as I thoroughly enjoy HAL, I probably will always stick with them. I have done a veranda twice and an inside twice. The next 5 cruises booked on HAL are insides. I am truly a HALite!!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds great! We met a few couples who were in inside cabins, and I thought the cabin was quite nice

[@saffloweroyl3663]

Today, I just finished my 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise on the Koningsdam. Thanks so much for this video, now I can show off my lushly & plush solo room. Yes, it was all mine and all glorious.

[@ameliapowell9985]

We are cruising on Statendam in a Veranda room on a 14 day Transatlantic leaving 11/26/23 from Romes port , 4 ports Spain & Portugal then Transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale! Thank you for your “ tour” of the Veranda ! We’ve cruised HAL once before on Alaskan cruise & loved it !

[@DaveM-FFB]

Great videos of your first Holland American experience. Their ships are beautiful and tend to be mid sized, which we prefer. I really like the cabin design. I particularly like the sofa, which is missing in standard Princess balcony cabins. The large balcony is a bonus! Holland seems to have great itineraries and reasonable prices for a premium cruise line. We'll definitely give them a try.

[@LifeWellCruised]

You’re right. The small sofa makes the cabin feel more comfortable:)

[@harlanabraham7772]

How come there are 951 views and only 190 likes? Don't you people like the video? Hit that like button. Were you near the casino? Is it a shower/tub combo? Was this a standard balcony? Love the towel animals. Holland America doesn't sail out of NYC these days. Have sailed once on Holland America. Went to Bermuda on the Veendam. Liked the fact the Veendam could dock at downtown Hamilton. That cruise we didn't go to the Royal Naval Dockyard. The food was very good and the service was excellent.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks and yes, a standard veranda. This didn’t have the bathtub shower combo - I don’t think this is standard on Nieuw Statendam

[@carolynadams1249]

We sailed on Holland America Koningsdam a few years ago, we really enjoyed the ship and balcony. A few months ago we sailed on the Enchanted Princess and later this week we are heading to Fort Lauderdale to connect with the Holland America Rotterdam where we are having an inside cabin, we did it this way to save a little money because we are hoping to do an all inclusive in a few months time, to help us deal with the cold East Coast Canadian winters. I really enjoy your video updates, thank you for sharing.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing your experience, and I’m so glad you enjoy the videos:)

[@deborahworpell9516]

Thank you. I knew I could count on you for an honest review. We are looking at April 2025, 14 days, Canary Islands/Morocco , Rotterdam round trip. This would be our first Holland America cruise. My sister in law is wary as she went on an Alaskan tour with them in 2005 and was not impressed. I will show her this video.

[@laurenschenck5355]

OMG! Such a beautiful balcony cabin love that ❤️💚🎄💚🎅🏻❤️🎅🏻💚🎄💚🎅🏻❤️❤️💚🎄💚❤️❤️🛳️🛳️❤️🎅🏻💚🎄🎄💚🎅🏻❤️🛳️🛳️🛳️❤️🎅🏻💚🎄🎄💚❤️❤️🛳️❤️❤️🎅🏻💚💚🎄🎄💚❤️🛳️🛳️❤️🎅🏻💚💚🎅🏻❤️

[@LifeWellCruised]

It really is! Thanks Lauren

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised of course 😀😀

[@colone00]

Excellent review. We (my wife and myself) always enjoy your reports and reviews: a lot of intelligent information, formal and serious. When ever possible comments on back to back cruises; we recently did one on the same ship and was our mistake; next time we will do it on different ships in order to enjoy differents shows.

[@kimtodd9712]

I am considering this ship for a January 2024 cruise. I was struck by how clean the glass was on your balcony in this video!

[@laurenschenck5355]

SO EXCITED!!! 🎄🎅🏻💚🎅🏻🎄🎄🎄💚💚🛳️🛳️❤️🎄💚💚💚🎄❤️🎄💚💚🎄🎄🛳️🛳️❤️🎄💚💚🎅🏻❤️❤️🎄🎅🏻🎅🏻💚🎅🏻❤️❤️🎅🏻💚🎅🏻🛳️🛳️🛳️

[@glfarwell]

Lana, we sailed on this ship around Iceland, 24 days, in August this year. Wonderful trip! Because I know the North Atlantic can be rough at times, we chose an Oceanview. So we were on the Main Deck level and our AAA agent gal got us family cabin. Except for the balcony that we definitely didn't miss with 60 Degree highs. We had almost identical cabin, but bigger and more. We had a full couch and another hanging wardrobe, but more, an additional bathroom! Large shower and sink only, but we enjoyed it! Our steward showed us the under the bed drawers, and took the best care of us. We couldn't go outside, but we had a great view. This was cruising for less, LOVE HAL!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That really sounds amazing!!

[@wilmahelm8235]

I was reading “A Guide on How not to Get Murdered in a Quaint English Village” (very funny) on last HAL cruise and the room steward posed the towel animals with the book and made it the center of little scenes decorating the room. We have had these balcony cabins and they are our favorites.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Haha love it!

[@sfremgen]

I have sailed on Holland America 4 times now, on Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. My next cruise with them is a transatlantic repositioning cruise on the Oosterdam. Our last cruise was in Alaska in a Neptune Suite. I highly recommend a Neptune once in a while. HAL has done an outstanding job for us all around. :)

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing

[@CruisingEngineer]

Looking at Eurodam, eastern Caribbean 2024. For a first-timer on HAL (we've sailed NCL, Celebrity, and Disney), Signature Suite vs. Neptune? Is Have-it-All worth it (we enjoy wine, bourbon, and cognac but are not big cocktail drinkers)? Thank you.

[@bones1492]

@@CruisingEngineer tough decision on have it all … will you be doing shore excursions for the free 2 ?, you’ll have to upgrade the Wi-Fi to premium if you really want usable service … even then spotty. Speciality dining your thing ? Bottom line : IF you will be having more than 3 drinks a day PER PERSON (speciality tea/coffee, alcohol), then get the have it all. Drinks add up VERY quickly, surprisingly so ! Look for onboard credits when you book - I’ve seen $200 and $400. EURODAM is a no frills ship, classic Holland America experience. If all you need is a few lounges, pool time, plenty of relaxing time, and an occasional violin, you’ll be satisfied. (Edited: mine was a 10 day cruise over this Thanksgiving on Eurodam.)

[@CruisingEngineer]

@@bones1492 Thank you, Bones. Yes, shore excursions. Yes, specialty coffees/ wine with lunch & dinner/evening shows and night club. Wi-Fi !?!? I just need occasional communication with the house/dog sitter. Do you have any thoughts on the stateroom categories?

[@bones1492]

@@CruisingEngineer You could go w the included wi-fi with the “have it all.” If it doesn’t meet your needs , you could upgrade on board for the Premium level (think streaming.). Not an expert on Stateroom categories. But my balcony room came w a sofa … handy a few times. Some balconies don’t have the sofa. I have done unobstructed ocean views in the past - solo traveler. I have never done Suites. Lots of resources out there. Start w cruise critic. I think there’s a website that rates staterooms on ships. I don’t know the website.

[@melodyweaver5104]

So glad that you loved our ship! -Melody W., General Reservations Agent

[@kenphy]

We have sailed on Holland 17 times! And we have the next three booked. (Addicted, huh!). We love it

[@sandranoyd9576]

DD and I sailed on the Volendam & the Statendam, both inside (roomy) cabins! The entire crew were awesome and all remembered our names! It was a Cruise/land tour of 21 days. We are still so pleased of doing it. We took multiple excursions and caught a 31# salmon which was sent home frozen. One of our two most memorable trips!!

[@2ysur2ysib]

We would love to do this on a fishing excursion!! Which fishing excursion did you book, and how did you ship it, please? Taking home a catch would make my hubby over-the-moon happy!! We’ve shipped some salmon catches in Vancouver back home with us via our airplane, but curious how that works on a cruise?

[@sandranoyd9576]

@@2ysur2ysib the fishing excursion was in Ketchikan. We got a heads up from a couple days before from a couple who had been on it. They said to ask for Jim. They said he didn’t go the same way the other boats went. Everyone on their trip caught fish . We asked to be picked for his boat. There were 4 of us; me, my daughter, as well as a friend we met at the beginning of our trip. There was also a gentleman whose wife heard us talking, and she told him to go with us. First thing you have to pay and fill out a fishing license; then off we went. Jim provided the paperwork. The rod closest to me had some action, so I grabbed it. If you fish you know you have to give him some line and then raise the rod to hook him good. In the meantime the gentleman was on the other sid & he was seeing some action. Jim was over by him helping. Well, my salmon was running on me & I shouted to Jim that it was running. You hove to let them run & then reel them back in. Till he’s too tired to run. My hands cramped. & I gave the pole to my daughter. We got him along side & Jim used a huge net & a spear to get him on board. While he was doing that Lois hooked a good size salmon. When we got back to shore, we filled out the paperwork to have them process & freeze the fish…then it gets frozen & sent to your home. Of course we all tipped Jim, but son of a gun when he started his engine it blew up. We all felt sorry for him cause he makes his summer money fishing, & I can’t remember what he does in the winter. Alaska is not kind! I hope that answers your questions. Obviously Lois & I fished beforehand. He took us to the right spot, but you have to hook him & let him run a bit, Jim couldn’t do all that….that was our job!

[@2ysur2ysib]

@@sandranoyd9576 Ok, thanks for responding! My dad, brother, husband, and brother-in-law would probably be the ones to go and they’re all experienced fisherman, including deep-sea fishing. I don’t go on those trips after having tried twice; I get deadly sick. We ladies would do a different excursion because I don’t think any of the women will want to go. except my sister might. We just like eating them, lol. So to get it straight, it was in Ketchikan and you booked through the cruise line? I wonder if Jim fixed his boat? 🤔

[@sandranoyd9576]

@@2ysur2ysib We had a cruise tour. 2 cruises and land portion. The cruises were on Holland America…. Not full 7 days on each. Anchorage at the end & cruise back. Anchorage was 78 degrees that day. It was booked through “ Your man tours” & was advertised on the radio, in the Dallas area. Don’t know about that tour group or how Jim recovered.

[@sandranoyd9576]

This was in 2001, pr my daughter!

[@michellelaitinen2527]

We have sailed on Zuiderdam and on Eurodam. We really loved the music aspect on both. Such a treat. Staff was wonderful. Both times we were very fortunate to have aft balconies. We will sail with Holland again. Food, great!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very nice! I love the aft cabins

[@druegillis1744]

We have sailed on the Nieuw Statendam twice. Once on a B2B in the eastern Med and home on a TA. Then last year on a Caribbean 7 day. Both times were AWESOME! The NS has been the best ship of all our cruises. Well-designed, clean ❤and well crewed. The food was wonderful, the wait staff competent and just a pleasurable experience. If you love music, this ship will blow you away. Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. Kings, Rolling Stones Rock, Billboard Onboard, Dueling Pianos and a show every night. The ship is medium sized, not too big or small. Just right.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great to hear your experience!

[@andreas4268]

Hi Illana, love Hal ships and just returned from a sail on the nieuw Statendam. The storage space is amazing and we lacked nothing in our cabin. I also enjoy the shower which is nice sized. Our cabin steward and his assistant were fabulous! Very attentive to our requests and remembered our names and asked how our days were going on a regular basis. Lovely cruise line. 😊

[@geofschwer1625]

We've never sailed on Holland-American, but that will change in October when we'll be on the Nieuw Statendam for an 11-day cruise to the Mediterranean. We have a balcony room on Deck 7, so I really appreciated your video. We can't wait!

[@kimkearney7639]

I've cruised HAL 4 times- Eurodam, Oosterdam, Zuiderdam in Caribbean and Panama Canal and the Westerdam for 26 days Pacific crossing and visiting Asia. We book Oceanview staterooms and have always been pleased with the space. Thanks for the info on the Nieuw Statendam...sailing away on her in 11 days! Can't wait!😀

[@kerrymcmahon4568]

Looking forward to a cruise on the Nieuw Statendam next month. I always find something helpful in your videos. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@guyphilbert598]

OMG I was just docked next to that ship in Jamaican and then anchored near her in Grand Cayman. We were on the Carnival Horizon. My wife and I noted how dismal that ship looked and how devoid of life it seemed to be. We vowed we'd NEVER sail on Holland America. Glad you had a great time.

[@DavidGQTravel]

When I first started cruising, always cruised interior room. After I did a balcony, never went back to interior. My last cruise on Prima, I was in the Haven Suite. Now, I am not so sure about balcony anymore 😂

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol, it’s way to easy to get spoiled 😂

[@kf8478]

Wow, how was the haven? We are going on NCL and booked a spa balcony? Have you tried one of these? Haven, aka worth the extra $. Thanks

[@marissak3100]

I've been lucky and have done Balcony and one with a window. Couldn't do an Interior cabin, love balcony view and fresh air.

[@DavidGQTravel]

@@kf8478 I have tried the spa suite but not with NCL. But you will love the Spa on Prima. I went there every day 😍

[@iloveanimals1662]

Very similar to Cunard

[@rjsams001]

I'm ailing on the Nieuw Statendam in August 2023. Thanks for this great video!

[@ShortCircuitMom]

We just returned from a transatlantic cruise and I took one of those pop-up hampers. I loved it! It helped to keep our cabin neat and it was easy to take my laundry to the laundry room to wash. I am so glad you recommended this.

[@djennings6800]

What ship. Not any of the HAL ones have DIY laundry

[@susiemoss7874]

Just booked nieuw statendam for eastern Caribbean Feb 15 2025 !!! First cruise with holland america

[@bones1492]

Loved the little wand flexible reading lights on bed …I used them every night !

[@suewolf3279]

I already have three cruises booked for next year, but after seeing two of your videos regarding Holland America I think I'm ready to try it.

[@JulieWallis1963]

Four is the magic number 😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

Hope you enjoy it :)

[@Carlosmanmanman]

I just want you to know that since my wife binged your videos she has gone crazy. Literally she has done every single one of your hacks😂😂😂

[@kathyquinn5222]

We have sailed HAL and on Nieuw Statendam. We love sailing them.

[@ChooCruisesSOLO]

Thank you for sharing this video. I have not sailed on this ship before but I am planning to sail this ship in May. I enjoyed your review very much because I always get a balcony and I love Holland America. I’m going to watch your other video about the Nieuw Statendam.

[@johnsandweg6260]

We have an upcoming 31 day cruise on the Holland Anmerica Oossterdam next March going around South America, through the Panama Canal and ending up in Ft. Lauderdale. First time on HAL. Also we booked the aft corner cabin with a wrap-around balcony. This is the first time in an aft cabin and am really looking forward to it. Have enjoyed both of your videos on Holland America very much (as well as all the others). Keep up the good work on your channel and congrats on 100k+ subscribers.

[@toclwilson]

Thank you for your channel. We are cruising for our 1st time with Holland America on the Eurodam for an eleven day Panama...We enjoy your channel.

[@2ysur2ysib]

I really enjoyed watching some of your videos and have learned a thing or two, for sure! I REALLY love the lighter color scheme in HA, as I’ve found some cruise lines’ colors oppressively dark for such a small space! Learning about that extra storage is a great tip!!

[@maries7058]

I found the underbed storage the hard way (I hit my foot while unpacking) LOL. We didn't get towel animals or chocolates, I wish I'd seen this video 2 weeks ago, I would have liked the chocolates 😋. We did have a fabulous time and loved the ship and crew.🛳

[@bobthepome]

Did an Alaska cruise on the Koningsdam this last June (first cruise on HAL) and, like you, really enjoyed the Verandah cabin. Actually got upgraded to a Spa Verandah which I think has the same layout with a few extra amenities. Liked the HAL cruise so much have actually now booked two more. One on the Zaandam (HAL smallest ship) Boston to Montreal next summer in an Oceanview cabin, and on the Rotterdam for a Panama Canal cruise January 2024 in an Aft Verandah.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Wow! Sounds great

[@tduck828]

I went through Panama canal on Rotterdam several years ago. Such a cool cruise!

[@CruisingEngineer]

We're planning our first cruise on the Eurodam in 2024. Looking at the classes of suites and staterooms available on HAL are impressive. Your blog has given me a better idea of the verandah stateroom accommodations.

[@juliaanderson2144]

You will love the Eurodam. It has probably been refurbished since I was on it in 2010, but it was a nice ship overall. One thing I love about HAL is the Crow's Nest and Explorations Cafe. Just a wonderful spot to watch the ocean, read a book, meet people and relax. Have a great time : )

[@CruisingEngineer]

@Julia Anderson Thank you! Can't wait to be on the ship. Yes, the Crow's Nest and Cafe are always highlighted by bloggers that have cruised on Eurodam.

[@amybradley5821]

Love, love the Neptune suites! Take a look at them

[@catherinethecarnivorern8333]

I’ve been on HAL for a 7 day Caribbean cruise a few years ago. Going to alaska this summer, both ships Eurodam. Doing a Neptune suite and can’t wait!

[@bones1492]

Great point to mention about the balcony door. There would be no easy way to prop it open (heavy pressure to open). I’m wondering if they do this on purpose ?! Also, ladies probably do this .. but men maybe not. The HAL body wash was harsh on my skin over 10 days … MAY want to use the supplied lotion after showering.

[@g.belanger8302]

Good timing! We're booked on the Nieuw Statendam next Feb and have an extended balcony veranda cabin on deck 4. It will be our first time on HAL, after many cruises on Princess and Celebrity. Glad to hear you liked it. Decor really looks like it fits our taste.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That sounds fabulous!

[@michellestevens2454]

You will love the extra large balcony. We had one on the Konigsdam and was twice as big as the standard balconies.

[@g.belanger8302]

@@michellestevens2454 Thanks! I know those cabins are directly above common area deck, so am slightly concerned about noise. How was it for you? We are at the back over the MDR.

[@wastenotwantnot6754]

Hello from Los Angeles, California. We recently got back from a 10 day HAL Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez cruise on Koningsdam. We loved it!. It looks identical, except we opted for an aft facing cabin with our Orange Club upgrade. It had amazing views, but a bit loud. We were right over the wake. I think we'll take a regular cabin next time with a C O. upgrade. We received a casino offer for up to 14 days in an interior cabin. We'll most likely choose a Greece, Adriatic, and Italy cruise in the fall on Niew Statendam. I think she's a bit newer, right? Otherwise, it's the same size, I believe. I can't wait to see and hear your reviews. Thanks so much.

[@JohnMercerJr]

i have been binge watching several videos since Jan 2024 once i booked by first cruise with Holland American Eurdam Alaska cruise. yours was the best. a few exception was going local by buying visitng local shops etc. I wish you had pointers on the locals resturants shops etc. No buying foreign products but local products. also, i used Inspiration tours group because of the Speakers sponsoring their the cruise or had reserve room. what i am asking is what to expect on cruise ships with various speakers enticing people to join them on a cruise with them? for example I am going a cruise with David Jeremiah Alaska cruise in July 2024 and Dave Ramsey Caribbean cruise in March 2025. what do i need to be expecting, conference at sea, inport, specail times? Just what. Just curious. Oh i haven't a program of events, maybe i will once in embark the ship. Your awesome, you keep my attention and my wife and went out a bought metal magnetic hooks. she loves them. We stepped out in faith for our first cruise and even book our second cruise before our sailing experience, all because of our videos. again thank you. John and Dorothy in Arkansas

[@katrinaphilippi5390]

Thanks for the info. We are about to go on the Nieuw Statemdam next week.

[@ryanvargus9456]

Good video! Just remember to tip your cabin attendant accordingly if you are asking for 2 daily cabin services. Nothing is really for free so please be generous with your tipping.

[@nancybond586]

I’m going to be sailing to Alaska next September on this ship. So I really enjoyed your tour.

[@robbyg1219]

We just came off the worst cruise, NCL Breakaway, and I had to laugh at the room comparisons! Sailed HAL to Panama canal and loved the fabulous balcony and spacious room that dwarfed NCL. For a premium line HAL is great, glad you enjoyed them and stay away from NCL!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Oh no! We sailed on Breakaway a few years ago and enjoyed it. Although I like the little pleasures on HAL

[@dagmarleuenberger-swift8646]

Thanks Ilana, really helpful tips. We are booked on a back to back leaving Vancouver on Oct 1 on the Noordam to San Diego (7Day) and then on to Sydney Australia.(35 day) We have sailed 4 times on the Westerdam so we appreciate the couch and the extra storage. Your information is really helpful..still looking for those magnetic metal hooks. 😊🇨🇦

[@darlenefortin433]

We will be travelling on it n october

[@briannickerson6858]

Another storage area is possibly the ottoman or cube table in front of the sofa. It is on other HAL ships but I don’t recall if it was that way on Koningsdam. The sofa may open to a bed. If not, there might be storage drawer under the cushion. We have sailed Holland America numerous times and never had issue with storage. Even the older ships that are no longer in service with HAL. As I recall, the newer HAL ships require you to put the cabin key card in a slot inside in order to use interior lighting. A work-around is use any other card you have and leave it in the slot permanently.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Oh yes you’re right. We did keep an extra hotel card :)

[@michellestevens2454]

I love HAL! The beds and the food are wonderful.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Agree :)

[@altheaallen3972]

Going on the Mercy Me cruise in January!!! On the Nieuw Statendam

[@sheilakauvar5499]

Irony! Just off Rotterdam 11 day in cabin 6172. Almost exactly same position as yours! Loved the location too. Shower was great (and huge) and balcony was fine (but the chairs were not that comfortable without added padding). The ship was sparkling clean all over. However, no chocolates till last night and no towel animals for us! HAL is my favorite line but I do miss many of the old cruise traditions that have been lost. I have to get used to a new normal!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@bones1492]

Sheila, I sailed several times on HAL up to 2012 … and now again in 2022. I AGREE I miss the old traditional HAL … but STILL a wonderful experience.

[@sheilakauvar5499]

@@bones1492 this was my 6th HAL cruise.

[@idaliagonzalez7945]

I was on the MSC latest ship and it was the same. Wonderful room. Glad you enjoyed it

[@LifeWellCruised]

That sounds great!! Thanks for watching

[@lynnleipold2617]

You didn’t by any chance see a Vista suite, did you? We have one booked on the NS in October’23. This will be our first cruise on HAL. Thanks for doing such a great job. So helpful!

[@debisantikian6718]

Hi llana😊. Very nice cabin, might have to try HALsometime👍🏼thank you, great video !!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wchee3790]

Thanks for sharing this video! Love all the tips about the cabin. I have an upcoming cruise booked with HAL and I will be staying at a Veranda cabin on the 6th deck as well! 😄

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome! Glad it was helpful!

[@wchee3790]

@@LifeWellCruised May I have your suggestions on when will be a good time to leave cash tips for the cabin crews? Also, should I leave a cash tip for the restaurant servers?

[@ghjcmo]

I'm enjoying seeing the HAL love. :)

[@daughteroftheking9392]

You did a great job

[@piathompson3882]

We sailed on Koningsdam. The cabin was spacious (inside) so no complaints. We just prefer the entertainment on other cruise lines better; not a fan of live music or comedians who don’t have a routine but just mock audience members, so we probably wouldn’t go on HAL again.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I totally understand. Personally I feel like this is an area I’d like to see have more options

[@bones1492]

HAL Eurodam Thanksgiving - 2 different comedians incorporated and focused on f@rt jokes into their routine … I guess that’s what they are teaching in comedy school now. I walked ….

[@piathompson3882]

One thing I liked was the little foot rest for shaving legs on the shower. I’d never seen that before.

[@sweetcaroline1125]

I love Holland America...the best.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@djennings6800]

Forget the 2x daily steward, the pillow chocolates, the towel animals. All gone/cutback. We sailed Dec and again Mar 2023. Guess somebody had a secret stash of chocolates for you. lol

[@justlyndy6614]

You can ask for twice a day service. We just got off NS in February and got chocolates one night and towel animals a few days as well. We also sailed last September '23 with the optional 2nd turn down, one night with chocolates on our pillows, and 3 days where we came back to towel animals on the Eurodam. Not sure why you didn't get the same service. We are beginner cruisers with no status whatsoever.

[@djennings6800]

4*, also got off back to back 7d feb - mar 11. With over 30 cabins per steward, we don't even have them come daily. Just order extra towels day 1, and see you every few. No ice in bucket needed either. They have enough work to do as HAL piles on more work for them.

[@Ophaelya]

I've never clicked FASTER ON ANY OTHER VIDEO

[@LifeWellCruised]

Lol thanks

[@Philippa-]

I think I would definitely like Holland America . Shame they don’t visit U K

[@johnnolan5579]

I've been on multiple cruise lines but I like Holland America rooms the best, and the shower is a dream compared to Princess and that awful shower curtain and small balcony.

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

Very nice cabin!

[@LifeWellCruised]

It definitely is a nice one for a standard veranda

[@manonsinclairladyofblairad9675]

@@LifeWellCruised yesterday I booked a 12-night cruise in June 2024 in the Canary islands and got a J1 suite with large balcony on RC for $6300! I checked today and it's $720 more than yesterday! I'm quite happy with that. 😊

[@ErikaEmody]

hi, Illana - do you recall if the 2 pools were more salty or more fresh? (like when they take the sea water and desalinate it). - Thanks! Erika

[@laurenschenck5355]

Good afternoon llana hope you had a great day xoxo 😘 🎄❤️🎅🏻💚💚🎄🎄❤️🎅🏻💚🎅🏻🎄🛳️🛳️🛳️🎄🎅🏻💚💚🎅🏻🎄🛳️🎄🎄🎅🏻💚💚🎅🏻🎄🛳️🛳️🎄🎅🏻💚💚💚❤️🎄🛳️🎄❤️🎅🏻❤️

[@LifeWellCruised]

You too!!

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised thanks 😊

[@lynnleipold2617]

Thanks!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much for your super thanks!! I appreciate it :)

[@jeannequinn6349]

Great video! I was wondering if you have ever stayed in a obstructed view Verandah? We are sailing on the Nieuw Statendam on a transatlantic in April and are considering getting one. Thank you!

[@FraserAtSea]

Really nice little room!

[@thatonegirl570]

love this!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching:)

[@lukejohnson5195]

They even have a bottle opener, 2 red wine glasses, 2 narrow wine glasses, and two hard liquor glasses. We brought one bottle of wine for each adult person and drank it in the room. We were not charged corkage fee.

[@lynnleipold2617]

That sounds like an idea. Thanks!

[@lindastover9541]

Great video 👍

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@lynnthiery2846]

My mom, sister and I are going on a Caribbean cruise in Feb. 2023 on the NS. We are in an obstructed view cabin, deck 4. I’m interested in how bad the balcony is obstructed.

[@christalarmstrong300]

Did each side of the bed have charging plugs?

[@artvandelay409]

A question about another topic Ilana...why are many of the shore excursions offered by the cruise lines so short? I know they want to ensure you arrive back on time but in many cases you arrive back 4-5 hours prior to departure. This is one of the main reasons we rarely book a ship excursion. There are times we want to spend more than 3 or 4 hours at a beach....especially when we have all day to relax at that port. Maybe I'm a cynic but I always thought it was because the cruise ship doesn't want you off the ship for extended periods of time because you're not spending money onboard the ship (alcohol purchases, boutique stores on board, etc). What are your thoughts on this Ilana?

[@stephaniehardesty9687]

This is our first HA cruise we booked an interior for three does anyone know how the bedding is laid out to sleep three

[@debbiejohnson8640]

Holland is the best cruise line.

[@suecrowley7490]

This really doesn’t have a lot to do with this video, but do we need to pack our own beach towels for the pool and excursions?

[@randymcgill7981]

Funny other HAL cruisers on a Pinnacle class ship claim cabin 4156 is the absolute best cabin on the ship

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

We only cruised once and stayed in an inside cabin

[@digitalchaupal]

Hi Iliana...I really love your videos and I am just wondering for a long time that are you interested in Hiring a video editor ?

[@LifeWellCruised]

No I’m not looking for an editor, thanks

[@foursheetswind1]

well explained...tho' other than chocolates and storage above the coach, i saw no difference between most cruise lines, premium or not

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching! We’ve had balcony cabins that did not have sitting areas, that had very limited storage and shallow balconies :)

[@foursheetswind1]

@@LifeWellCruised i never have, but i have only been on 8 cruises and all with rcl

[@user-hk3xv1hn2j]

Which is your favorite pinnacle class ship?

[@noahhanson7469]

Lol 10 min ago ig im early

[@dorischwaiger6643]

Wow, I really think you should get a clue as to what a luxury cruise ship really is. Maybe discover Regent, Oceania or Seabourn

[@LifeWellCruised]

This isn’t a luxury cruise, so I can’t compare apples to oranges

[@fluffytail6355]

NONE of this is “secret” storage. I ALWAYS put my suitcases under the bed. Even beginner cruises know that. This woman isn’t too bright and talks a lot for the content she delivers.

[@laurenschenck5355]

Llana are you planning on taking time off from KZbin after the holidays just wondering? You deserve some time off for a few weeks after working so hard this year ❤️💚🎅🏻🎅🏻💚❤️🎄🎄🎄❤️🎅🏻🎅🏻💚❤️🛳️❤️❤️💚🎅🏻🎅🏻🎄🛳️🛳️🎄❤️💚🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎄🛳️🎄❤️💚🎅🏻🎅🏻💚🎄🎄❤️❤️🎄

[@LifeWellCruised]

We’ll be away yes, but still uploading. Trying to make a plan. What about you? Taking some vacation?

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised how fun just relaxing with my family and etc 😀

[@laurenschenck5355]

I am definitely getting this cabin on this premium crusie line! 🎄❤️💚❤️🎄🎅🏻🎅🏻🎄❤️💚💚🎄🎅🏻🛳️🎅🏻🎅🏻❤️💚💚❤️🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🛳️🎅🏻🎄❤️💚💚🎄🎅🏻🛳️🛳️🎅🏻🎄❤️💚❤️🎅🏻🛳️