Rotterdam/ Canada

We are thinking of sailing the Rotterdam next June between Montreal and Boston.
We have sailed over 30 cruises but never HAL. We have been Celebrity people but recent cruises on them have been a "let down". My wife and I are are mid 40's and our 17 and 15 year old sons will also be sailing with us.(they are veteran cruisers also). What should we expect from the food and service in the dining room.? I understand the ship will not have many teens but I think there should be some on board. Any thoughts???(we have done Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda, Mexico many times and this iten would be new for us)?

As a Holland America alumni and Celebrity Captains Club member, I can assure you of a delightful experience. I havent done that sea route yet either, but have done all the stops by land and am hoping the prices come down on the sea route. Food is just as good on HAL and the service is better. Presentation isn't quite as fancy. As to the kids, June or later says more kids on board, but if it's the 10 day version, that says an older crowd. All the canadian ports are very interesting for the whole family.

I've done 3 Celebrity cruises and 4 Holland America, including 2 on the Rotterdam VI. I found Celebrity's food to be superior, but H/A's was pretty good, too. Entertainment and service was better on H/A. I sailed on the Mercury and Galaxy when they were quite new, so maybe the crew hadn't settled in yet. I didn't care for H/A's "open seating" at breakfast and lunch. I prefered my own table with wait staff that knew me and my preferences. Your boys will enjoy Rotterdam's movie theater with free hot popcorn every night.

We LOVE cruising with HAL. We have been on over 20 cruises and numerous cruise lines. (I also like Princess and RCCI). My last two cruises were on the HAL Noordam -- old ship, not lots of amenities, but.... great food and service. Our Rome to Lisbon cruise in Nov, 2000 was the start of many of the crew's contract. We again were on her in May, 2001 from Istanbul to Rome - (Greek Isles version, not the Holy Land version). Believe it or not, the dining crew spotted our 'familiar' faces, remembered our names and stories, and of course remembered our dining room habits.

We are looking forward to our HAL Rotterdam VI cruise to Canada on 8/3/2002 and back-to-back 8/10/2002 TransAtlantic to Harwich, England. We have been on the 'old' Rotterdam 3 times. I remember when the waiters served 'white glove' service and 'family style' to empty plates. (not pre-prepared/pre-plated dinners). The 'old' Rotterdam was our FAVORITE SHIP. We are really looking forward to our cruise on the NEW ROTTERDAM and hope to find her as 'stately and majestic'.

Although HAL has a reputation for attracting an 'older' crowd, I think the Canada adventure will attract many ages of children. It is an excellent (safe) itinerary and our neighbors in Canada have a lot to offer. I would rank this as an EXCELLENT cruise to bring children.

Slotl