Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Ship: Statendam
Date of Cruise: May 8 - May 15, 2003

San Diego to Vancouver on the Holland America Statendam
By: Brian Lashchuk
Bdadylash@aol.com

I went on the Statendam on May 8 for the three day transition cruise from San Diego to Vancouver. This was my 2nd time on the Statendam and 3rd time on Holland America.

The Statendam was an awesome ship. There were many places to stand and hide from people. I loved how you could stand in the front of the ship as you left port. The ship had nice flowers all over the place. The ship was a nice size -- not too big and not too small. I don't like the new big ships that the other cruise lines have now.

The Statendam had free espresso, cafe latte and cappuccino many times during the day at the Java Cafe with awesome cookies. They also had many movies to watch in the movie theater - HAL offers free popcorn and cookies. The food was good. The Buffet was good, but needs just a few more items to pick from. The Dining room food was a definite decline from the last time I went on her. The food was good, but it seems that all their good food you used to get is going in their new pay restaurant that cost $20. You just had the basic steaks for dinner with Prime Rib twice. If I'm going to pay $20 to eat at a restaurant, I want like a huge 50 ounce steak. You pay so much for a cruise the food should be all free. Like I said the food was good but not like it used to be. The portions of the food are starting to shrink. Holland America is not a five star cruise line anymore. I say it's with Princess and Royal Caribbean now. Overall its a great ship with great hard workers, but it's not like it used to be. However, if you go on this ship you will have a great time. I did.

Brian Lashchuk
Bdadylash@aol.com

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