Passenger Speaks Out After Nightmare Voyage Aboard Holland America Line Ship
May 17, 2025 – A routine vacation turned into a distressing ordeal for passengers aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship this month, as multiple issues plagued what was meant to be a luxurious getaway. One passenger, who described the experience as “the worst cruise of my life,” is now speaking out in hopes of drawing attention to the ship’s alleged failings.
The troubled voyage began on April 28 aboard the MS Rotterdam, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a 10-day Caribbean itinerary. According to several accounts, passengers experienced repeated disruptions from the outset, including long delays during embarkation, poor communication from the crew, and a series of technical malfunctions aboard the ship.
“Our problems started even before we left port,” said Linda Harris, a retired teacher from Michigan. “We waited nearly four hours in the terminal with no explanation. Once aboard, our luggage was misplaced, and basic amenities in our cabin weren’t working. It felt disorganized and chaotic from the beginning.”
On the second day at sea, passengers reported a sudden loss of air conditioning across several decks, leaving staterooms uncomfortably hot. Despite complaints, Harris said staff were unresponsive or unable to provide clear updates, leaving guests confused and frustrated.
Midway through the voyage, a severe plumbing issue reportedly affected multiple cabins, causing flooding in hallways and restrooms. Some guests claimed the smell of sewage lingered for hours, while others were forced to relocate to common areas temporarily due to unsanitary conditions.
Adding to passenger concerns was the cancellation of two scheduled port stops. The cruise line cited weather and operational challenges, but Harris and others alleged that poor planning contributed to the missed destinations. “We felt trapped at sea with nowhere to go,” she said. “Every day, there was a new problem.”
While some guests acknowledged efforts by the ship’s crew to mitigate discomforts, many expressed disappointment at what they felt was a lack of accountability and transparency from Holland America Line. “There was no sincere apology, no attempt to make things right. It felt like they just wanted to move on,” Harris remarked.
In response to inquiries, Holland America Line issued a brief statement acknowledging “service interruptions” during the sailing and pledged to review operational protocols. “The safety and satisfaction of our guests are top priorities,” the statement read. “We regret any inconvenience caused and are working to ensure a better experience in future voyages.”
As the cruise industry rebounds from years of pandemic-related challenges, passengers like Harris hope their stories will lead to improved standards. “We paid a lot for this trip,” she said. “At the very least, we deserved honesty, comfort, and respect — and we got none of that.”