Holland America's Eurodam Cruise Ship Review

[@sailawaymag]

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[@Tom-pw2ni]

This is a perfect description of the HAL experience! People of all ages love a calm relaxed environment with good food and service, not just older people. I first cruised on HAL almost 30 years ago and they have really done an amazing job of keeping the same atmosphere aboard their larger ships:)

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks Tom! HAL is defiantly one of our favourite cruise liens, the music, food and service is just out of this world! 🤩

[@LookAwayMarkAtkins]

Y'all are to be commended. What an exceptionally well done and informative video.

[@sailawaymag]

Thank you so much Mark! It’s hard work but we’d never change it! 😄

[@sarahslater2582]

Alright I'm sold. Booked last minute Eurodam to Alaska.

[@sailawaymag]

YES!!! Trust us you won’t regret it! 😅 What ports will you be visiting?! 😊

[@UberManTampa]

@@sarahslater2582 I did too

[@tomhart6962]

Thanks for the review. Sailing for the third time on the Eurodam in January. Older demographic which makes us feel younger!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I sailed the Rotterdam of 1959 as a child and I'm grateful for it. Of course, it was different than today's HAL but today's HAL still maintains some spirit of a traditional cruise. Music and music lounges with dancing are essential for my cruise experience. There's Classical music, jazz, rock, and other music on HAL and venues for it and that makes for a successful ship design as long as it has the other essentials of deck space layering and amenities, now multiple restaurant venues with specialty restaurants, spa/grooming, show lounge with some high tech, and excellent staterooms with a good amount having balconies. This ship seems to have all of that. Put in a great HAL crew and management and those are the ingredients to a HAL experience. I agree with the reviewers in that the ships are flashy with belly flops or rock climbing walls. But they are entertaining in providing a variety of spaces and music and things to do for a traditional-minded cruiser.

[@sodiumlights]

Another cracking, beautifully shot video. It's classy to the point of being a promotional ad! Certainly seems like a ship to relax on.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your lovely comment! She's a very relaxing ship, we loved it! She ticket all the boxes with the exception of WIFI - but that's not the end of the world! All the best :)

[@sodiumlights]

@@sailawaymag internet is something I'm not interested in when I'm away. By the way, booked my 1st cruise yesterday. It would have been for September this year if it weren't for some jammy sod pinching it before delayed putting in my card details!I So I booked going to Amsterdam. Then realised it would be docked for most of the trip, and that it wasn't the QM2. Now it's going be oceanview single Hamburg 2024, £250 cheaper. But sadly not in that cool KB cabin. The upshot is I've enough time to buy a penguin suit. And figure out sly methods to bring on board vodka;) It's ironic that your video triggered my curiosity into taking the trip. And Ritzy Travel Guide (lhe cracks me up). So, Besos xo

[@sailawaymag]

Let us know what method you find out for the drinks! 😉 Also it’s amazing to hear we managed to help trigger you into this cruise! If there’s anything we can help with please just let us know, as that’s what we’re here for!! ❤️🛳️

[@sodiumlights]

@@sailawaymag haha, will do, cheers again chaps.

[@starr.w.874]

Had the BEST cruise ever had on a gorgeous ship. We enjoyed the services we received from the staff. Yes, I would recommend this ship.

[@ginitaprofitt4065]

Thank you! We are sailing on Eurodam in 2025. We sailed her when she was 2 years old. Fabulous!

[@chuckmeadows1581]

Excellent video and review. I really enjoyed your presentation. Thanks for sharing.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks Chuck, that’s very kind!

[@beverley6312]

Absolutely loved eurodam. One of my favourite cruise ships ever ❤

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching Beverley and sharing your opinion. Glad we think alike :)

[@stevewilson6390]

Great review! We're thinking of changing over from Celebrity cruises and this looks right up our street. Ha! I'm 64.

[@dogthewalker8071]

Top notch video. Thanks.

[@chrishalstead-v5f]

I’m taking the Eurodam through the Panama Canal in 2024. Thank you for this wonderful ship tour. This will be my third HAL cruise on their DAM ships. I love Holland America.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching, and for your kind comment! As we said in our video, choosing Eurodam as the ship to sail through the Panama Canal is a choice we do not regret! Hope you have a fabulous time :)

[@cliffgniliaw9642]

You’ve converted us! HAL was always at the bottom of our lists but after hearing you rave about it, plus the packages they offer, I think this might be our cruise for next year!

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching, Cliff! Holland America ships are certainly worth a plane flight! Eurodam ticked pretty much every box, with the exception of WIFI - but lets face it, that really isn't the end of the world when on holiday is it :)

[@jeremy1350]

Hello Dan and Jay, this is the second Eurodam video you have posted. And just like your first offering, she got exemplary high marks !! Some interesting points of mention, your extensive cruise history, gives you both, experience points when comparing apples to oranges to pears !!! Holland America - Princess - Cunard. Each of them have their finer points (i.e. Afternoon tea) for example. Like I said on my earlier comment, I think Holland America has earned repeat cruises in the future for you both. Your presentations are always informative, but also very enjoyable. Eurodam really knocked your socks off !!

[@sailawaymag]

Hey Jeremy, thank you so much for your kind words! We can’t recommend HAL and Eurodam more highly, we hope people will watch this and think… yes, let’s give HAL a try, as they really do have a lot to offer ☺️

[@sailawaymag]

We’ve been shortlisted for the WAVE AWARDS 2023 for “Favourite Travel Influencer”. If you love our videos, please show your appreciation by giving us your vote using the link below! There’s also a FREE CRUISE available - Best of luck 🤞🏻❤ www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2023-vote-now

[@glfarwell]

We are looking forward to sailing the Koningsdam around Hawaii this January/February. We have sailed on the Nieuw Statendam many times and have enjoyed The Music Walk. Unfortunately Lincoln Center Stage is no more. Much missed. We really like the size, the service, the entertainment and the crew of HAL ships. The food is always Spot On. Always a great experience!

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

I was on HAL’s Volendam for 81 days late last year and often ate a salad for lunch. I enjoyed the fresh vegetables, especially cucumbers and onions, and other toppings including bleu cheese with balsamic vinegar dressing. I sometimes added the mushroom burger from the Dive In or a quesadilla from the buffet. Delicious! I’m booked to travel on the Eurodam for the first time for an Eastern Caribbean cruise in March 2024.

[@jasonfreeman1963]

I am going take the EURODAM to Alaska in August so this is great

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching Jason! Eurodam is a great ship, and ticks the box in all areas (accept WIFI). Hope you have a great time :)

[@ginitaprofitt4065]

Don’t miss trying their pea soup… it is outstanding!11

[@denniscostabile4264]

Every Holland America Ship is like a fine Hotel. Superb food and accommodations, with a staff this is friendly. You wil notice the attention to staff friendly as soon as you walk on the ship!

[@user-oo3uj5ku9r]

Traveling on the Eurodam to Alaska soon! Cannot wait, I loved the Zuiderdam, Rotterdam (both the older one and newer one), & the Koningsdam.

[@sailawaymag]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! We love HAL as well and can’t wait for our next cruise onboard one ☺️

[@JerseyRV]

We sailed to Alaska four years ago on Eurodam. Our first HAL cruise. The ship, service and attention to detail were exemplary. You will have a most wonderful trip. Enjoy!

[@wastenotwantnot6754]

So glad for this review. We're sailing on Koningsdam in November to the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez, 10 days. We hear good things about HAL.

[@sailawaymag]

Oh how amazing we’re sure you’ll have an AMAZING time onboard! Drop us a message after your Cruise as we’d love to know your thoughts ☺️

[@dragonfly3714]

Thank you very much. I have a visitation from long life friends living in Santa Barbara. I lived there 40 years ago. I hate flying so this was very inspiring. Greetings from Norway

[@richardg8651]

Well filmed video and pretty well agree with all your observations and feel it offers exceptional value . I love HAL but strongly dislike extra charge items in the MDR . Glad you complimented the Dive-In a believe it's the best pool-side restaurant of all the cruise lines . We loved our poolside cabana. Tremendous ! I'm 0 for 2 at the Tamarind restaurant . My next cruise is the QE Cunard this summer . Very much looking forward to rewatching your video on this ship.

[@sailawaymag]

Thank you so much Richard! HAL is defiantly one of our favourites ☺️ Oh how exciting for your upcoming Cunard cruise! What ports will you be visiting?! 😃

[@johnbook9881]

Great video!! We just booked an Alaskan cruise on the Eurodam for next year. This will be our second cruise on this ship and the third with HAL in the last five years. Totally agree with your assessment.

[@stevenblack7928]

nice review

[@sailawaymag]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@mgweir3252]

Very nice review. I am looking forward to our cruise to Alaska on Eurodam this May.

[@r.coleman5675]

Less than 3 weeks - will be on Eurodam!! Great video- Thank you🎉

[@garybechard9741]

Thanks for this video. We’ll be taking our 3rd cruise with HAL in April aboard the Eurodam. Glad it’s as good as the Maasdam and the Oosterdam were.

[@curtiswaagner]

I have missed my Holland America cruises. Have been Cruising with Royal and have spent 150 nights on Royal but they have truly lost their luster and feels more like a Carnival and this video reinvigorated my interest in Holland again. Defiantly looking at a Panama Canal cruise

[@Hawkeye2001]

I'm up to 4 star with HAL. I wouldn't have gotten this far in the loyalty program without being satisfied with the service on-board. We just got home from a 24-day cruise, from Boston to Greenland & Iceland, and I have a 10-day Carribean cruise on the Eurodam. We sailed on her on a previous 15-day repositioning adventure.

[@mikeb2777]

Sailed the Rotterdam in 2022. Outstanding food (try the pea soup) and loved the Music Walk. Will repeat soon.

[@Francine-gc2re]

Great video! I sailed on Nieuw Amsterdam in 2021 and was so impressed with their food service, including the salads!! I am actually going on Eurodam in April 2024 and can't wait!! I also have a cruise this fall, but on Princess, and am nervous as I have read the quality has decreased all around. I will find out soon enough.

[@ClaireEC]

Hey Dan & Jay, I’m a new subscriber to your channel and couldn’t agree with you more re Holland America Line, they’re our favourite in the premium cruise line category. It’s just a shame they don’t base a ship out of the UK for the Summer season. Thank you for such a through review

[@sailawaymag]

Hey Claire, thank you so much for watching, commenting and subscribing!! We wish HAL had one based in the UK, but when we spoke to HAL on a press trip, they said the UK ports are oversaturated with other cruise lines, therefore had no plans to put one in Southampton any time soon 😫 have you got any cruises planned for this year or next?! ☺️

[@ClaireEC]

@@sailawaymag I guess that makes sense but it’s still a shame. We don’t cruise with P&O anymore, Princess aren’t really our bag either and we don’t enjoy Cunard’s expensive drinks prices! 😂 We tried Azamara in May and had a wonderful experience too, considerably better than Viking last year, so good in fact we’ve booked another Azamara for next year 🤩 However we’re on the hunt for another HAL cruise just waiting for the right itinerary and affordable flights, as we fancy either Alaska or Asia. Thanks again for your great review, I’m going to delve into your back catalogue now!

[@sailawaymag]

Yea P&O have defiantly dropped in our opinion, if you watch any of our recent P&O videos you’ll see why! 😂 and Cunard drinks (we couldn’t agree more!). We did Azamara Onward last month and loved it! That’s the never video we’re working on right now 😅 Thank you so much for following us on our journeys, if you ever need any help, tips or advise please just let us know! ☺️

[@bobcarr5497]

We are looking to cruise to the Caribbean in 2025 either April or October and have never sailed Holland America. We recently sailed Celebrity Equinox in 2023 and we have a 11 night cruise on Celebrity Ascent in April of 2026. I must say I have already reached out to my TA about Holland and I looked at Caribbean cruises for 2025 and the Eurodam is what's available. After watching your detailed information and experience on this ship from 2023 I'm sold. I have personally wanted to give Holland a try and our age of 58 in 2025 we would appreciate the Holland experience I'm sure. Thank you so much.

[@carriecrain9608]

I’m very excited for our Alaskan Cruise in May.

[@icedteamama176]

What a wonderful review! I might try HAL this December. We usually sail on RCL large ships. I want to feel young amongst the older crowds. 😅

[@PolishAndPoly]

I just booked a cruise on this ship and I'm heading straight to the salad bar on embarkation day 🤣 this will be my first ever premium sailing! So excited.

[@sailawaymag]

Haha your going to absolutely love it!! Let us know what you think when onboard! ☺️

[@nicomak3533]

Having cruised both Eurodam and Celebrity Beyond, both excellent and informative videos, which would you recommend? We're (45 & 44) looking to take my parents (68 & 71) on a cruise for their 50th anniversary next December.

[@robertcroft8241]

Just got back to UK from a Cruise on Eurodam from Miami. The cabins are great and the Staff are a delight. I shall not be going again for two reasons. Food quality is poor at the buffets and dining room. The "Dive In" Burger bar is however superb. If you like to be Blasted everywhere with PoundShop Muzak on a loop, this is for you. There are loudspeakers every few feet and impossible to avoid. Dancing Queen comes round every quarter hour followed by a cover version of a Tina Turner song. Over and Over.

[@dansrules]

Amazing as always, goes with out saying! One question do they offer midnight buffets on here?

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching! I'm afraid not, very little food is available late at night. However, Room Service is available 24 hours a day, and is free of charge!

[@nancystanley8828]

They do have a nightly buffet in the Lido Buffet area from 1030-1130. One side of the buffet is open with a decent amount of selections, although not a grand buffet, along with the usual coffee, tea and deserts. You would see some of the performers there eating after their shows and the ships officers, and they would happily chat with cruisers.

[@RichardUllman-y1x]

Is there any draft (draught) beer on Eurodam? Any trivia competitions? Is the classical chamber music still available at Lincoln Center? Or anywhere else on board? Thanks.

[@sailawaymag]

We have made it through to the FINAL 8 of the WAVE AWARDS 2023! If you love our videos, and fancy your chance of WINNING a Riviera river cruise, please give us your vote here : www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2023-vote-now

[@JoniSare]

Hello, I have odd question: in this lead image what is the vertical dark area midway on the ship? It looks to be 4 stories tall. Like a big tall door. Thank you

[@sailawaymag]

Hey sorry for the late reply! That is the glass lift (elevator) ☺️

[@jlawrence0181]

We will be on a 10 day Caribbean cruise on the Eurodam in January 2024. and a 14 day in Alaska on the Niew Amsterdam. We just cancelled a 7 day cruise on Celebrity as the 14 day cruise on HAL was very similar in price. Add in the AARP and Carnival Shareholder benefits, it is beginning to look like a 14 day cruise for the price of 7 days. We were on the Konigsdam in December 2022. The entertainment was second to none; the MDR was excellent, but understaffed. The New York pizza was decent but at night, if they ran out of food, you were out of luck.

[@chicagomike]

Thank you, very beautiful. I am going on a cruise soon in June to Alaska. Leaves from Seattle. Been before on a cruise to Alaska.

[@tomhart6962]

Two things. The library is well stocked for those that don't choose to be active. For the active, it's the only cruise line that forbids running around the loop that encircles the ship.

[@FraserAtSea]

Loved this video - got my first HAL cruise this year, and SO unsure what to expect. Will need to add the Grill to the list - $39 a head is actually really good value for an onboard steakhouse. Great video, guys!

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks Fraser!! Ohh how exciting what ship are you sailing on?! And yes you MUST try the steakhouse!☺️

[@julieedavie.w8261]

Lovely video put together, would you say the spa would get fully booked once onboard or did they have plenty of spots free mid sailing?

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching, Julie! Usually, we find that spa's book up quite quickly - but this one didn't. Lots of day passes still available well into the cruise. The cruise pass works out better value though!

[@scottmcmillan1662]

i totally agree with your review, HAL is a line people don't think of. I had the same amazing experience on Koningsdam....my only issue is the 15 drink limit

[@sailawaymag]

Hey Scott, thank you so much for watching and commenting! It’s a shame they don’t have any ships based out of the UK, otherwise we’d be sailing with them a lot more! Have you got any cruises planned for this year or next?!

[@scottmcmillan1662]

I have 5 further cruises booked, sadly not with Holland. The solo supplement is just too much although if Holland reduced or scrapped them, I would be loyal to the brand

[@sailawaymag]

Ah it is a shame not many cruise lines offer better deals for solo travellers! However I’m sure your going to have an amazing time on your up coming crusies!! 🎉

[@DevonDumpling70]

Am looking at doing our first cruise. Would HAL be a good choice for novices like us?

[@sailawaymag]

Hey! We would say yes defiantly! HAL offers amazing food, great service and the best music entertainment we’ve ever seen on a ship! Plus has one of the best drinks packages at sea (Have it all package). Where are you thinking of cruising to?! ☺️

[@DevonDumpling70]

@sailaway_with we're not sure, but I think the Med is a good starter. I did price a Marella Cruise, which came out very reasonable, but I can't find anything on the Discovery 2 of any substance to make me decide. Your vlog on the Discovery was excellent, so might look at an itinerary for that. You have really helped in making us want to try a cruise. The question is, which one? 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️😃

[@sailawaymag]

We’re so glad we managed to convince you! Ohh now comes the tricky part there’s so many crusies lines / ships to choose from 😅 if you need any more help let us know and also which one you land on eventually! ☺️

[@DevonDumpling70]

@sailaway_with thank you. We will keep you posted. We are now leaning towards HAL on the oousterdam on an 11 day around the med itinerary. Marella just seem to have too many negative reviews on the same problems. HAL do seem just a little more for our taste and not much difference in the price to be honest. Thanks again for replying 🙂.

[@cruisingwiththe4bs]

No bellyflop comps, slides and rock climbing what ……I am out 😃 although sewing could swing me! Gents as always excellent review, the food looks amzing even the included food, love the traditional interior and I know from talking to you the key to them is service. Great that you covered kids I really not sure ours would be entertained but I am happy with that, these ships really would not want lots kids roaring around. Thanks gents

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching as always, guys! I don't think we would ever crave to sew when on a cruise, but each to their own I guess :)! You guys should save Holland America for a bucket list cruise destination, they're a perfect choice!

[@jayliu15]

I always have the salad bar during lunch. It is so customizeable. Tamarind is awesome but I was disappointed with the Pinnacle Grill on the Ms Koningsdam.

[@starr.w.874]

I was just on this ship about 2-3 weeks ago.

[@CruisingWithChooChoo]

Awesome video! Thank you so much! I have a couple of questions. I travel solo. Do you think that Holland America would be suitable for me? Did you meet any solo travellers? Also, I recently traveled on NCL Star and was appalled that I had to stand in line for 1 1/2 hours during embarkation even though I had purchased Priority Access. How was the security and check in process with HA? Thank you so much!!

[@sailawaymag]

Hey thank you so much for watching and commenting! HAL has two ships which offer solo cabins, Koningsdam with 12 dedicated cabins with ocean views, and Prinsendan with 3 cabins. We’re so sorry to hear about your NCL experience, for us we didn’t have to wait long to board Eurodam. We simply turned up at our embarkation slot, checked in, went though security, took a number to be called for embarkation, which took about 5/10 minutes max and that was it, very simply and straight forward! Unfortunately we can’t comment on the solo traveler experience that much, however we can honestly say that HAL is one of our favourite cruise lines, great food, fantastic music and amazing service! There is a Facebook group called Cruise for Solos, which we’d recommend joining to find out more about the Solo travers experience, and what type of events they might do onboard HAL ships Hope this helps but please let us know if we can help any more! ☺️

[@CruisingWithChooChoo]

@@sailawaymag Thank you so much! I will definitely try HAL for my next cruise.

[@jaredgibbzie]

I just wanted to note that I went on a 7-day inside passage cruise last week on this ship and had a different experience. The buffet was always packed and finding a table was a struggle, even with only two people there were many times we stood while eating due to the lack of seating. Furthermore, the Lido Market (buffet) does not have much of a rotating menu has lunch and dinner had many of the same items. The breakfast had the exact same food every morning. Also, since they served it to you the lines had a 15-20 min wait to get a plate. The salad bar and dessert were much better than other ships I've been on. The main dining was much better quality and selection, highly recommend skipping the buffet for the main dining. Secondly, the ship had multiple issue with it rocking back and forth to the degree of them shutting down both the hot tubs and swimming pools. This left most of the sea days sitting around in our room waiting for the meals instead of enjoying events to do. The Rolling Stones Lounge was one of the best music venue's I've been on but it only had 2 showings a day, for only 4/7 days of the cruise. This left absoulty nothing to do during the mid-day to afternoon. Lastly, the best part of the cruise was by far the Crows Nest, as the cafe and game room area was the best I've ever seen. But, you can only play so much scrabble, or checker's before you get board, and with nothing else to do on the ship by day 3 we were sitting around.

[@starr.w.874]

I seemed to enjoy the ship more than some of the excursions.

[@UncleHo5]

I hate the salad bowls themselves. They have an awkward shape making tossing the salad a challenge as it have the bad habits of flying out of the bowl because of its shape.😂😂😂 I love the blue cheese dressing and the always available the blue cheese crumbles.

[@kenroberts177]

All cruises are cutting back. The amenities that used to be taken for granted are disappearing. Level of service is outstanding. Entertainment only fair. No more Lincoln center music. Ship is a little old. Overall would return though.

[@tomhart6962]

One more thing. Lincoln Center music is gone.

[@sailawaymag]

It might be now, but not when we’re on it as we went to it most nights! It was fantastic

[@tomhart6962]

@@sailawaymag I will miss it.

[@johndefalque5061]

Beautiful photography-I'm just too poor to ever go on a cruise. Unless they find a cure for autism, it will never happen. Doctors make $500K/yr and as much from their property appreciation, they can book a cruise every year.

[@SteveKxyz]

Cripes! You must have been eating all the time. Externally it looks like P&O's Arcadia...........but obviously knocks it into a cocked hat. Pity they don't sail from UK.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching, Steve! It was tempting to eat nearly all of the time - the food was exceptionally good. Eurodam demonstrated how good a Signature/Vista-class cruise ship can be - it really puts Arcadia to shame. it's a real shame that they don't sail out of UK ports, hopefully they reconsider in the future!

[@LA_Banker]

Worst ever

[@jeffkellyb7712]

You will be happy to know that your biggest niggle has been addressed! HA note has Starlink on their ships. The word is that the Internet service actually works!

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching. Yes, you're right. We recently sailed on Nieuw Amsterdam which had Starlink, and it worked a dream. Hope you had a great time on Eurodam, she's a great ship!