I recently spent two weeks aboard Holland America Line’s MS Oosterdam. The ship, part of the Vista class of ships, was built in 2003. It has a capacity of 1,964 guests — though I must assume that is based on two people per stateroom as our sailing had nearly 2,200 … Read more
I received an offer for a free Ocean View Room through the casino department at Holland America for a number of cruises. A friend and I decided to book a two week itinerary through the Mediterranean on the Oosterdam, one of Holland America’s older (and smaller) ships. I was able … Read more
Today Virgin Voyages sent out a teaser email for their new ship, the Brilliant Lady. In the email was the animation above along with the following text: We’ve been keeping a secret, and it’s almost time to let you in on it. Something Brilliant is coming — trust us, you’ll … Read more
Holland America’s first Pinnacle Class ship, Koningsdam, set sail in 2016, followed by Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. The three ships are nearly identical. I booked a six night cruise on the Koningsdam out of San Diego in a Guaranteed Verandah stateroom. I then added Club Orange to my booking which … Read more
This year I branched off into a new form of travel: cruises. After promising never to go on a cruise after COVID-19, I found myself trying out Virgin Voyages and fell in love. I took four total cruises this year and already have more planned for 2024. This meant less … Read more
This summer I took three cruises. Each was the same length (7 days) and each was on a different cruise line in a different part of the world. Each cruise had four ports and two sea days. On each ship I booked a balcony stateroom. Three Cruises The first cruise … Read more
New to Virgin Voyages? Get a free $150 Bar Tab (beverage credit) for your first cruise when you sign up with this link: https://share.virginvoyages.com/alanwaite In April, I sailed Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and reviewed the fantastic entertainment aboard that ship. With the launch of Virgin’s third ship, Resilient Lady, a whole new … Read more
I am currently on my second cruise with Virgin Voyages as a single sailor. Are you thinking of taking a Virgin Voyage as a party of one? Here are my thoughts and tips for you to consider. New to Virgin Voyages? Get a free $150 Bar Tab (beverage credit) for your … Read more
Athens is the third home port for Virgin Voyages, with the Resilient Lady sailing out of Piraeus starting with her maiden voyage in April 2023. I sailed on the Greek Glow itinerary in August 2023. Below is my experience with embarkation. New to Virgin Voyages? Get a free $150 Bar Tab … Read more
Eidfjord Hike for Cruise Passengers Eidfjord is a beautiful port for cruises in Norway. The town itself is quite small (but there is a grocery store). If you don’t want to do an excursion and instead just explore the area on your own, you are in luck. There is a … Read more
Holland America’s Club Orange Explained Club Orange is a paid add on for Holland America Line cruises. It is completely separate from their Mariner Society loyalty program which rewards return passengers. Club Orange can be purchased by anyone whether it is your first cruise or 100th cruise. Cost Club Orange … Read more
Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam Entertainment Review Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, part of the Pinnacle class of ships, offers entertainment options focused on music and dance. This is exemplified with their “Music Walk” on Deck 2 that includes three music venues and the World Stage theater. You can also see … Read more
Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam Dining Review I just completed a seven day cruise on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam; one of the ships in their largest Pinnacle Class. The ship has four specialty dining restaurants (that cost) extra; however I only tried one during my trip. I did try out … Read more
HAL Nieuw Statendam Verandah Stateroom Review Not all staterooms on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam are created equal. Recently I stayed in one of the unique rooms that is better than most for a few reason. This is my experience in a unique room on a cruise to the Norwegian … Read more
Norwegian Spirit Bars and Entertainment The Norwegian Spirit is a smaller ship but it packs a lot of fun public spaces into the small size. There are plenty of spaces to grab a drink, listen to music, exercise or catch a show. Bars You won’t find yourself thirsty on any … Read more