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

[@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!

[@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 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@user-cy8bu3cq1n]

Well said! I agree whole heartedly 🎉🎉

[@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!

[@SeeItWithC]

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

[@cydneystephen2814]

Ikr. Where did she get a scooter? 😂😂😂

[@AddyandTerry]

😂😂😂😂

[@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 😊

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Mrsbambiblack1]

Love Holland America. ❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@foghead59]

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

[@Cruisegirl1968]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

Exactly 💯💯

[@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. 🤯

[@berthawilliams6718]

Thank you for an excellent recap!!

[@AddyandTerry]

Aww thanks 😊

[@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 🤗

[@roslynbarnett5416]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

Thanks so much!🤩

[@KenHill33]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

Any time! 🤗

[@MarilynB-MariLuv]

HAPPY MOM'S ADDY ..BE WELL

[@quecreations3244]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@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!

[@MsJonesy]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

Thanks 😊

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@user-gy4mt2yv2v]

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

[@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 👍🏾

[@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!

[@autobotdiva9268]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

We could see that 😊

[@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?

[@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

[@cutnpaper6831]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

No problem 😌

[@leonandterridreamvacations]

Great recap!!!!

[@AddyandTerry]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sir.Hashalot]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

Aww thanks 😊

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 😂😂😂😂

[@user-hy8zj1qj3u]

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

[@AddyandTerry]

Yay! Something to look forward to

[@user-dq8pw5ce9h]

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 😍

[@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 🥰

[@hverrett9212]

Addy you'll be off that scooter in no time

[@AddyandTerry]

😂😂😂

[@myolewis7118]

Hey Addy and Terry.

[@AddyandTerry]

Hey 👋🏾

[@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 🤗

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@odysseyfights1215]

Sounds like a Virgin Voyage cruise

[@AddyandTerry]

😂😂

[@lynnwinters7600]

Did I miss the price

[@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.