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Name: Greg Kerlin
Email: gkerlin@ix.netcom.com
Age: 43
Occupation: accountant
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: 4-5-97
Itinerary: western caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 1
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 May 1997
Time: 19:32:08
Remote Name: 204.32.163.195
Remote User:
Comments
Overview
We took this cruise to relax.... and relax we did. We were alittle concerned about HAL's
rep for being a cruiseline
for seniors, and thought that at the sprite young age of 43 would be too young for this
line, but pleasantly found that it
really didnt make a bit of difference. We were in the youngest 30% of the group but that
really turned out to be part
of the appeal. Due to the fact that we went to relax we found the more tranquil atmosphere
to be just what the
doctor ordered.
Our ports of call were Grand Cayman, Guatemala, and cozemel. We did all the
shopping/sightseeing on our own
since the excursions were rather pricey and we're not the tourist type anyway. Guatemala
was a fairly booring stop,
but the major appeal of this port was the trips to the mayan ruins so who's to complain.
We went to the local market,
got attacked by begging children, and had a pretty good time of it anyway. Cozemel was
it's typical glitzy nightlifey
mess, but the water is so pretty.......
The Ship
We chose the nordam because of its age. Being a sailor, I enjoy the teak brass and more
traditional layout, and we
were not dissapointed. This is a truly wonderful ship. A bit dated and smaller than the
glitzy floating disco palaces but
as one other review said - you can lay out on those wide teaked promeade deck in the
wooden lounge chairs and
really get a feel of what it was to take a voyage in days gone by. Our room was a c class
# 236. On the upper
promenade - right out the door and take an early morning stroll. The room was huge,
spotlessly clean, and our
steward perfect. Always there by the appearance of our cabin, but always out of sight.
Since our room was next to
the tasman lounge I was worried about the noise at night, but the soundproofing was
excellent and the only time we
heard anything from our room was when someone went in or out of the lounge. I'd gladly
take the same room again
without a worry.
The food
Dining room food and service was simply excellent. Breakfast needs some work, but I can't
really say one bad thing
about dinners. We had an excellent table for six - window seat with a great view. Great
table mates, even if they all
were old enough to be my parents. The lido food needs alot of work, but the burgers at the
pool were awesome!
The one serious black mark for me and my wife was the coffee. In the dining room it's
fine, but at the lido it's pure
garbage. This typical instant brown slush that should be dumped overboard along with the
coffee maker.
The activites
Shows were great. Were not real broadway critic types mind you, but we still enjoyed the
entertainment completly.
One note though ... you parents should supervise your kids more at the pool. Remember most
people - like me -
take a HAL cruise to get away from the little rugrats, and I hate to have to yell at them
for splashing everyone cause
youre to lazy or indulgent to supervise them yourself. Come on .... teach them some
manners, or take them on
carnival instead! Bingo was a blast ... It was alot of fun watching the geezers punch out
12 cards like pros, and get
pissed everytime the person next to them got a number that they didn't have.
Summary
If your looking for a really relaxing time with great food, truly attentive service, on a
classic ship I highly reccomend
this trip. As a couple who value vacation above just about everything else - we can say
this was our very best ever!
Two thumbs up HAL!!
Name: Rich Stoler
Email: stoler@seas.gwu.edu
Age: 53
Occupation: Systems Programmer
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: 02/15/97-02/22/97
Itinerary: Western Carribean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 99
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 79
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 31 Mar 1997
Time: 15:26:12
Remote Name: 128.164.4.201
Remote User:
Comments
Our Noordam cruise was really marvelous. Especially pleasing was the excellent kids'
program, about which we
received very little information. Our C deck cabin was quite comfortable, especially as
seas were a bit rough for much
of the trip. Shore excursions were excellent with good variety and well organized. I
recommend the Tikal excursion as
an absolutely amazing experience, both for the ruins and the wildlife. The market in S.
Tomas, for those who don't go on
a shore excursion is also terrific. While the passengers tend to be older and sedate, the
cruise is enjoyable for everyone.
Meals were great and service was excellent. A tremendous touch were the lido dining staff
who assisted kids and others
in carrying their trays. We had the same steward each lido meal and he helped us
tremendously. One thing about the
Noordam. It does suffer from rather substantial vibration aft. And as a smaller liner, it
does really feel like you're on a
ship when the see is running (as opposed to a floating hotel). Also, the upper promenade
deck is worth the cruise in and
of itself.
Name: Greg Kerlin
Email: gkerlin@ix.netcom.com
Age: 43
Occupation: Accountant
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: 4-5-97
Itinerary: western carribean
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 92
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 1
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 0
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Apr 1997
Time: 21:17:36
Remote Name: 204.32.163.153
Remote User:
Comments
Being our first cruise, we were extremely pleased. Not like being in the navy I can tell
you that! We had a c cabin on
the upper promenade and the cabin was large, clean and well ventilated. A big plus was the
ability to walk outside
and stroll on the beautiful teak prom-deck
Ports of call were Grand Cayman, Guatemala, and Cozemel. We did not partake of the
excursions due to the crazy
prices, but rather did our own sightseeing. Personally I enjoyed the time at sea the best!
We went to relax and
recharge, and HAL did just that. The staff seemed to just about anticipate our every need
and took care of it almost
before we needed to ask. We had little time to make our flight back home, and wouldn't you
know it, that had us in
the 2nd group to dis- embark.
The Noordam is a classic looking boat with its large teak prom-deck. It's not as glitzy as
some of the newer ships, but for me that was a large part of the charm.
Food for the most part was excellent. Breakfast was nothing fancy, lunch at the pool
barbeque (hamburgers etc) was great, and I would really need to get picky to complain much
about the dinners! The lamb chops were excellent as
were all the other selections that I tried.
We enjoyed our HAL experience so much that we've now booked a fall transatlantic on the
Maasdam.
Comments
Overview
We took this cruise to relax.... and relax we did. We were alittle concerned about HAL's
rep for being a cruiseline
for seniors, and thought that at the sprite young age of 43 would be too young for this
line, but pleasantly found that it
really didnt make a bit of difference. We were in the youngest 30% of the group but that
really turned out to be part
of the appeal. Due to the fact that we went to relax we found the more tranquil atmosphere
to be just what the
doctor ordered.
Our ports of call were Grand Cayman, Guatemala, and cozemel. We did all the
shopping/sightseeing on our own
since the excursions were rather pricey and we're not the tourist type anyway. Guatemala
was a fairly booring stop,
but the major appeal of this port was the trips to the mayan ruins so who's to complain.
We went to the local market,
got attacked by begging children, and had a pretty good time of it anyway. Cozemel was
it's typical glitzy nightlifey
mess, but the water is so pretty.......
The Ship
We chose the nordam because of its age. Being a sailor, I enjoy the teak brass and more
traditional layout, and we
were not dissapointed. This is a truly wonderful ship. A bit dated and smaller than the
glitzy floating disco palaces but
as one other review said - you can lay out on those wide teaked promeade deck in the
wooden lounge chairs and
really get a feel of what it was to take a voyage in days gone by. Our room was a c class
# 236. On the upper
promenade - right out the door and take an early morning stroll. The room was huge,
spotlessly clean, and our
steward perfect. Always there by the appearance of our cabin, but always out of sight.
Since our room was next to
the tasman lounge I was worried about the noise at night, but the soundproofing was
excellent and the only time we
heard anything from our room was when someone went in or out of the lounge. I'd gladly
take the same room again
without a worry.
The food
Dining room food and service was simply excellent. Breakfast needs some work, but I can't
really say one bad thing
about dinners. We had an excellent table for six - window seat with a great view. Great
table mates, even if they all
were old enough to be my parents. The lido food needs alot of work, but the burgers at the
pool were awesome!
The one serious black mark for me and my wife was the coffee. In the dining room it's
fine, but at the lido it's pure
garbage. This typical instant brown slush that should be dumped overboard along with the
coffee maker.
The activites
Shows were great. Were not real broadway critic types mind you, but we still enjoyed the
entertainment completly.
One note though ... you parents should supervise your kids more at the pool. Remember most
people - like me -
take a HAL cruise to get away from the little rugrats, and I hate to have to yell at them
for splashing everyone cause
youre to lazy or indulgent to supervise them yourself. Come on .... teach them some
manners, or take them on
carnival instead! Bingo was a blast ... It was alot of fun watching the geezers punch out
12 cards like pros, and get
pissed everytime the person next to them got a number that they didn't have.
Summary
If your looking for a really relaxing time with great food, truly attentive service, on a
classic ship I highly reccomend
this trip. As a couple who value vacation above just about everything else - we can say
this was our very best ever!
Two thumbs up HAL!!
Name: Kelly H.
Email: kellyh@nidlink.com
Age: 17
Occupation: Student/ Ice cream store employee
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: August 95
Itinerary: Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 75
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets: 100
CabinSteward: 75
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 75
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 75
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark:
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 75
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Jun 1997
Time: 23:29:15
Remote Name: 206.96.73.27
Remote User:
Comments
I had so much fun when I went to Alaska with my family. Most of the activities were geared
towards older people but I
met a few real good friends my age and it was great. I thought the staff was a little bit
too friendly towards me and it
bothered me. For example, some of them made comments to me that made me uncomfortable.
Nothing that bad but it
was still uncomfortable. I got a chance to meet with the band and they were really great
guys. They played real well and
they were really nice and cool to our little group of teenagers.The entertainment and
dancing was great. Karokee was fun
too. I liked the movie place, it was a great place to go when we were up late and just
wanted something to do. I think you
should have more older teen activities or maybe a room that's open 24 hours with a TV,
sofas, pop machine, stuff like
that. I would LOVE to go on a cruise with you guys again. Hopefully I will go there on my
honeymoon in a few years. I
liked the kayaking in Ketchikan, the guides were great and I had a blast. I'd love to go
again! Thanks!
Name: Jim Thornton
Email: jthorn@gte.net
Age: 61
Occupation: Telephone Engineering Manager
NumberOfCruises: 0
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: June 1, 1996
Itinerary: Alaska - Inside Passage
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 50
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 50
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 70
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 60
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 70
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 70
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram: 80
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 70
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Jul 1997
Time: 17:51:19
Remote Name: 153.34.80.31
Remote User:
Comments
My wife and I arranged our own air flight (LAX to Vancouver) via Canadian Air Lines who
gives a senior discount at the age
of 60 versus US airlines who hold to 65 and we chose our airline seats. We arranged for
Holland America Lines (HAL) to meet
us at the airport and assist in transferring our luggage to the ship. The city tour of
Vancouver from the airport to the ship was
direct but interesting. We arrived early and waited for the long passenger lines to
shorten by watching the ship loading supplies
and luggage - very exciting and interesting.
We selected our cabin when we first booked the cruise many months earlier. The cabin was
on the Upper Promenade (or main
walking) deck with two windows looking forward over the ship’s bow. It was a good
choice as we could see where we were
going day and night (due to the midnight sun) without going outside. The boat drill was
interesting. We had first seating at a
table of eight - everyone was interesting. Our luggage was in our cabin when we first
arrived.
When we initially booked our cruise, we also signed up for the Adventure Package -
mountain lake canoeing in Ketchikan,
Mendenhall Glacier river rafting in Juneau, and sea kayaking in Sitka in a peaceful bay
with lots of wildlife. All were very
enjoyable and we strongly recommend this package. In addition, we took a sea plane ride
right from the ship’s main door over
the glaciers in Juneau. And of course, the all day cruise in Glacier Bay makes the trip.
We did very little shopping in the ports.
HAL caters to the older passengers which means that there are not young children always
under foot nor all night room parties
in the next cabin. The meals were good. I think that I had salmon almost every night. We
tried the main dining room for
breakfast and lunch but found that their service was slow. Thereafter, we used the other
dining rooms for breakfast and lunch.
We never got to the midnight meals.
The previous week’s cruise by passed Sitka due to a Pacific Ocean storm. My wife got
a "little sea sick" after leaving Sitka.
She said that it was due to the vibration of the ship’s twin engines. We had
beautiful weather. The flight home was good with
clear skies.
We highly recommend this cruise.
Name: Michael Hancock
Email: mhancock@sprynet.com
Age: 39
Occupation: Marketing Manager
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: 4/12/97
Itinerary: Grand Cayman, Guatemala, Cozumel
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 85
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 85
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 85
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 15 Sep 1997
Time: 07:41:28
Remote Name: 199.174.169.148
Remote User:
Comments
Against my (supposed) better judgment, we took our 2 year old son. It turned out to be a
good decision. The ship's staff were always available
in the evening to babysit ($5.00 per hour) and my son enjoyed his sitters immensely.
We found the breakfast and lunch buffets on the Lido deck to be quite good and preferred
them to the dining room due to our young son (not
wanting to have an outbreak of attitude in such a setting). I will second any and all
negative comments about the coffee quality - very bad.
However, it could be overlooked. Food quality and variety were great.
The best aspect was the friendliness of the each staff person with whom we interacted. Our
steward, Harry, was tops.
The ship itself is terrific and we enjoyed the itinerary. All in all, this was our best
cruise of the six we've taken to date.
Name: Ed Camara Jr.
Email: EdCamara@aol.com
Age: 52
Occupation: tourism professional
NumberOfCruises: 14
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: December 13, 1997
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 40
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 70
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 65
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 40
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 20
ShoreExcValue: 10
GoodForHoneymoon: 20
CasinoStaff: 20
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 10
LoungeService: 80
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 99
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 50
WheelchairAccess: 40
ExerciseFacilities: 60
EntertShowLounge: 70
OverallPortsofCall: 10
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 30
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 70
ShopsOnBoard: 40
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 75
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Dec 1997
Time: 12:38:06
Remote Name: 206.243.76.11
Remote User:
Comments
I'm convinced that weather in the Caribbean in December is always so iffy that cruise
lines almost give away cabins in the November and
December period. Holland America really blew it on the itinerary for the Noordam in the
1997-1998 sailing season. On this particular date-
everyone was looking forward to Grand Cayman, especially after a particularly rough (25 to
35 foot swells plus lots of wind and waves) 24
hour plus sailing from Tampa. Lots of folks were seasick- so many that those little pink
pills were placed in bowls in the Lido Restaurant for
anyone to take! What a disappointment when the captain announced that because of the
swells and sea conditions that tendering to shore
was not possible and that the island authorities had even closed their ports to all. No
shopping, no Sting Ray City, no warm weather, no
snorkeling . . . just more time circling the island in rough seas instead of steaming over
to Montego Bay for a short visit. We were told that
there were 'no other ports in the area' . . . wrong. After endless time staring at Grand
Cayman but not being able to get to it, we left and
headed off to a full day (yes, full day) stop in a little port called Santa Thomas de
Castilla in lovely Guatamala. I have never visited such a
poor and awful looking port in all my cruises. All of the passengers were asking each
other 'why'? Giant dilapidated cargo sheds were next to
the ship at dockside and there was dust and filfth everywhere. Shore excursions (there
were about three) ran in the $100 to $300 plus
range to see poorly preserved Mayan ruins somewhere in the interior. Those who went said
it wasn't worthwhile and they felt ripped off and
cheated. Walking into 'town' was an experience. There is no town as most of us who have
cruised the Caribbean might think of, but a run down
park with vendors selling all sorts of T-shirts, hand and machine woven bureau scarfs,
belts, 'jade' jewelry, and miscellaneous other crap
(sorry, but that's what it was). My disappointment with the itinerary planners at H.A.L.
really hit when a rather short and dirty woman offered
to sell me her baby for $2.00. I dould not help but think who checked out this place
before scheduling a full day stop by a 'Premium' quality
cruise line in such a Third World port? I won't even mention the men with machine guns on
the corner or the trucks picking up garbage from
the ship . . . Suffice it to say, shame on Holland America Line and this port is a darn
good reason to not book a Noordam cruise when it's on
this itinerary. Cozumel was OK. We have been there before and the only surprise was that
we got to dock instead of anchor out and use
tender service. One of the few pleasant surprises on this one week cruise. The ship is
starting to show signs of its age with elevators breaking
down and minor floods in some of the lounges, but in all, the standards were still high
and in keeping with the company's reputation for
quality and value. The Noordam, like her sister the Nieuw Amsterdam still suffer that
annoying vibration that must come from a design flaw
because it can be felt anywhere on the ship at dock or out to sea . . . and especially in
the stern. Food was considerably above average,
especially in the dessert department. Open Ice Cream and salad bar are wonderful and wait
staff is still very good- but be sure to send
something back when it's not what you ordered. That happened to me four times on this
cruise. Ship's cast for the 4 or 5 shows they do were
OK, but they are obviously young kids working on starting a career and they attempted
songs with notes they had no business even trying.
Dance routines were stale and standard for the small stage in the main lounge. Cruise
Director, Bruce never did get the passengers in the
happy mood most others have done. He tries hard . . . perhaps too hard and the result is a
nasal voice that's so staccato it winds up annoying
and unintelligible for the majority of 70 and 80 plus year olds on this cruise. The
assistant cruise staff actually carried the majority of
activities and proved better at handling passenger inquiries and scheduled events.
Finally, I will always consider Holland America as my favorite line for overall quality
and value- but it's time they sold these two older ships
and it's time I pay more attention to itineraries. A word of advice to you all- until
Guatamala has had the time to make some very major
strides in improving their East Coast tourism infrastructure- stay away from it and head
North to Belize or Costa Rica. I'm happy to answer
any specific questions you might have about this ship, the itinerary, etc. Just e-mail me
and I'll respond right away. Use EdCamara@aol.com
and happy cruising!
Name: Marisa Fritkin
Email: Brooklyn.rn@Juno.com
Age: 42
Occupation: Registered Nurse
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: December 20, 1997
Itinerary: Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 75
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 25
CasinoStaff: 60
PrivateIsland: 50
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 50
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 70
DiscoNightclubs: 80
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 75
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 60
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Jun 1998
Time: 02:48:05
Remote Name: 205.187.202.211
Remote User:
Comments
My new husband and I sailed for the Panama Canal on Dec.20,1997, for a two week long
cruise honeymoon. We were confirmed to have a cabin that
was on the upper decks, but when we arrived they were all sold out and we ended up in the
bilge. The cabin was small and the twin beds could not be
put together to form a full or double. When we inquired about a different cabin, at least
for the purpose of sleeping together, after all it was our
honeymoon, we were told they were full up and the staff was somewhat rude and
unapologetic. They said we could get off and there would be no refund.
We were appalled.I even cried! They never even tried to make to make amends to us. The
cruise otherwise was uneventful. The first night I thought the
food was unsatisfactory, but I felt it was just the first night and that it would get
better, but however, it never did. It was boring and tasteless, especially
the frozen fish. Christmas and New Years flew by on the cruise and there was a nice New
Years Eve Party happening. It was nice to drink and not have
to worry about driving. The champagne was flowing and the music was roaring and we did
meet a lot of new friends that we still keep in touch with. By the
end of the two weeks, the ship (due to the weather) could not stop at one of its ports of
call, so instead went on to Key West, Florida one day earlier.
Many people were experiencing motion sickness, and I being a nurse was helping an elderly
woman who was quite ill at dinner, and when the staff nurse
was called for her, she showed up, saw that I was taking care of the passenger and
promptly left. I had to take this woman to her cabin by wheelchair
and because the cabin was so cold they moved this woman out of it and into a warmer cabin
with a better thermostat. Originally they told us there were
no other cabins available. And to make matters worse, my in-laws were on the same ship
with us, so we had indeed spent a lot of money on this cruise
for the four of us, and it was certainly not worth it to us. I was glad to get off the
ship and come home. Unfortunately, it has soured me to Holland
America. I was certainly not impressed with the service, staff, food or lodging. I came
across this web site because this Friday, my husband and I, are
taking another cruise to Alaska on Celebrity and I hope we have a better time. I'll let
you know!! Sincerely, Marisa Fritkin
Name: Bob Colvin
Email: grcolvinjr@hotmail.com
Age: 63
Occupation: CEO/REIT
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Noordam
SailingDate: 12/20/97
Itinerary: Carribean/South America/Panama Canal
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Aug 1998
Time: 17:38:15
Remote Name: 168.143.26.204
Remote User:
Comments
This is our first cruise in over 20 years. We desired an extended trip to avoid the hustle
and bustle of a one week turn around. Our first trip had been fun,
but, it was a 4 night journey and we thought that we were ready for a full voyage. We
booked the trip with our travel agent who, we discovered, was very
experienced in this area. We booked early and HAL confirmed both our cabin number 707,
second seating and air transportation arrangements. Our
flight to Tampa, Florida was on time, we were met by the HAL staff at the airport who
cheerfully escorted us to the ship and to a flawless arrival and
trouble free boarding experience. We were excorted to our cabin were a flower arrangement
and a bottle of champagne from our travel agency awaited
us. A nice way to begin our cruise. Our cabin was large and comfortable with a queen size
bed, large dressing area and large closets and chests, a well
positioned TV with remote was available with movies, tour information, lectures on
subjects of interests and for the Christmass season, a channel with a
fire place and holiday decorations. A nice thought. Our first dining experience was about
average. We were tired and our choices could have been
better. However, that is the last time that we could say this. Every dinner experience
after this bordered on either exceptional both in variety of choice
and the freshness and preparation of of each course to above average. Of course, our
waiter, bus bay, headwaiter and wine steward all contributed to
this experience.
Our waiter and busboy could not do enough for us and after the first or second meal
they could almost anticipate our wishes. It was fun
trying to outguess them. We looked forward to this experience each evening. We requested a
table of eight and had the pleasure of meeting three
couples who were compatable yet different and interesting. We continue to stay in touch.
We tried out the Lido restaurant for breakfast and lunch and
they are fine, but as a matter of personal preference we took most of our meals in the
dinning room. Our trip included Christmas and New Years Eve. HAL
and staff did everything possible to contribute and enhance this holiday experience
including a special show with a crew performing songs and customs
of thier homelands (Indonesia and the Philipines). The bars and lounges aboard the Noordam
are pleasant and the staff provides friendly and effecient
service with excellent music and entertainment from a soft piano in the Crow's Nest to a
Disco above the Lido Deck and everything in between.
The
casino was pleasent but not overly large. We could take it or leave it or watch our new
fiends try their luck. Everything aboard ship ran like a good dutch
ship should run. Shore activities were another matter. We did take tours in St. Thomas and
Cartagena, Columbia and felt that we could have seen more,
avoided shopping that we were not interested in and better use our time by making our own
arrangements. We will do so, where possible, on our next
trip. We were not able to visit Gand Cayman due to very bad weather and had our extensive
tour canceled. We then spent an extra day in Key West, FL
which is not that interesting especially if you had previously visit the area. However, we
do understand that this was not the fault of HAL. After of smooth
departure upon our return to Tampa, FL we felt that our experience was pleasant and
positive. We plan to cruise again this December in Asia with HAL.
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