holland-ryndamr4

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Michelle Anderson
Email: michelle@aerospacetooling.com
Age: 29
Occupation: Corporate Secretary
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: 11-23-98
Itinerary: Southern Carribean
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 75
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 99
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 98
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 98
WheelchairAccess: 100
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 99
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 22 Jan 1999
Time: 01:22:56
Remote Name: 207.224.201.146
Remote User:

Comments

Our overall experience on the MS Ryndam with Holland America, (being my 3rd cruise, my husbands 4th) was
one of the most incredible times I have had the pleasure of experiencing. We took a 10-day Southern Caribbean
cruise. It was the Thanksgiving Cruise. The ports of call were a very good time. We were able to book all of the
shore excursions we had already mapped out prior to our cruise date. They included Snorkeling with Stingrays
on Paradise Island in Nassau, in the Bahamas. Hell-UV-a bikes ride in St. Thomas, with a nice stop at Megan's
Bay. In St. Martin I had the experience of a lifetime on the front of the Golden Eagle Catamaran. The swells were
huge. I later learned they called that seat the suicide ride. I was very humbled by how powerful the ocean really
was. We took the Pigeon Island Hike & Swim in St. Lucia. The island was very lush and green. The tour took a
little longer than detailed in the brochure, but it was a nice time. In Barbados, we had the extreme pleasure of
accompanying 40 people on another excellent Catamaran adventure that took us to a sunken ship, that we could
snorkel around. (This 'cat' by the way, was about ten feet larger than the one in St. Martin.) The water was
incredibly clear, but the skies were very threatening. Didn't seem to bother anyone. We snorkeled with so many
beautiful fish. I was completely in awe. I have never done that before. It was incredible. They served an excellent
lunch to us with unlimited cocktails. We headed to another spot on the tour when the clouds gave in to an
amazing rain shower. It didn't matter since we were all wet from snorkeling. It was a great time sitting out in this
warm down pour. We all just carried on as if it was nothing. It was one of the best times I have ever had. I didn't
think it could be topped. However, I was completely impressed with Half Moon Cay. When I think paradise, this is
the place my mind visits. The beach was so clean. I have never seen sand so white and pure. The water was
equally as clear. We were able to rent a Hobie Cat and sail in the ocean. There were many water sports
available. And the life guards were amazingly keen on what was happening with all of the equipment and people
out in the ocean. They were very impressive in their response time. The food at the barbecue was delicious. And
the shops were fun. They had some beach activities going on with the cruise staff. However, Holland America
caters to those who enjoy tranquil relaxing vacations.

The ship was incredible. Very clean and well kept. The crew, most from Indonesia, I truly have to say were the
nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our Cabin Steward Gunther, was so efficient, we would
blink and our room was already done up after breakfast, or turned down 2 minutes after we left for dinner. I can't
say enough for this man. He was amazing. Our dining room staff was also good, but lacked a little in experience
though. With that in mind though, they deserve a lot of credit. Also were very enjoyable people. The servers in the
Crows Nest on deck 11 were hands down the best! One person in particular was Ronald. (Who should be going
home the end of this month). He was the sweetest guy. He took very well care of us from day 1. On the ninth day
he presented us with a decorated Dutch hat. He and the other bar staff designed and decorated it especially for
us. It will be a keepsake forever. The room service was very fast, and very tasty. The food on the Lido Deck was
also very good. The entertainment was equally as enjoyable. The night club band Sea Breeze was awesome.
They could sing anything you requested. The Lounge performers were excellent. And the cast of the Ryndam in
the Vermeer Lounge was a very talented group of people. They all gave very exciting performances. The guest
performers were top billed artists.

The best thing about the MS Ryndam, at full capacity there is still room to sneak off and be alone somewhere
with your loved one. There are hardly ever any crowds. Never any lines to wait in. I am sure this has something to
do with the fact that they do cater to an older crowd. Being in my late 20's, I was a little worried. But after my past
cruising experiences, with the crowded ships on RCCL and Norwegian, this was a breath of fresh air and
comfort. The rooms were also much larger than the standards set by other cruise lines.

The only down falls, which were very few and far between, was the lack of poolside music. It was a bit to quiet.
They did bring on a steel drum band from St. Lucia. They were a delight. Other than that, there were very little
tunes to be heard while sunning and swimming. We were also disappointed that they wouldn't stamp off some
shore excursions in our 'Passport to fitness'. Again, our dining room waiters were a little inexperienced, but it
didn't take away from anything. For anyone who is looking to get away from the crowds, enjoy great service on a
lovely ship with some of the nicest people in the world, I highly recommend Holland America. And I mean that.
Michelle Anderson

Name: Kathleen Park
Email: rpark@neo.rr.com
Age: 56
Occupation: ExecSecy/Buyer, now retired
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: July 5, 1998
Itinerary: Alaska Northbound/Land add-on
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Feb 1999
Time: 12:16:46
Remote Name: 204.210.207.130
Remote User:

Comments

Preface

First, an introduction of the travelers: Two able-bodied women, widowed, ages 56 and 60. We’ve both cruised
before, Pam on Royal Caribbean and Carnival; me, Carnival only. I was 'in charge' of selecting this cruise
itinerary: HAL offered what I wanted – a tour that included several Alaskan ports, ventured into glacial fields and
made the Denali add-on land tour available.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Transportation

Flight Comments - We departed from Cleveland on a 7:00 AM flight and arrived in Seattle (via Minneapolis)
around 11:30 AM PDT. Our return trip was from Anchorage to Cleveland via Salt Lake City and Cincinnati. The
trips were without incident: no connections missed, no luggage lost, nothing.

Shuttle to Canada Place - When we checked in at the HAL desk in Seattle for the 3-hour shuttle to Vancouver,
we were provided with box lunches (adequate for the preoccupied traveler). As I recall, we were supposed to
leave the terminal via Gray Line coach near 12:15; however, it was closer to 1:00. A portion of the drive is
scenic, but most is not. Our bus driver was new to the route and we watched him read route instructions as he
navigated (mostly)stop-and-(less) go traffic through Vancouver over a three-lane route which merged to one
lane due to road work. We became anxious as the departure time for the Ryndam grew nearer. We finally
reached Canada Place at 4:45, 15 minutes before scheduled sailing time. The lifeboat drill had already been
completed, and passengers sporting orange life vests lined the Promenade Deck rail. Boarding the ship was
simple: no line, no waiting. Our bus had delivered the last of this week’s Ryndam passengers. (There is
something to be said for arriving in the embarkation city a day early!)

The Ship

The décor was tasteful, understated. The glitz I’ve read about on the newest ships was absent. There was lots of
orange/salmon and green with brass accents. I remember feeling comfortable, not overwhelmed by the visual
impact of holiday-type neon lights and riotous colors. I also remember how quiet the ship was: no engine noise or
vibration, no carrying of 'people' noise from one public area to another. The ship was clean and it appeared that
the crew was always working to maintain this shine. (One morning when I awoke and opened the curtain, I saw a
long-handled brush scrubbing our window. No person, just the brush!)

We’d come for an adventure and found it not only on land but also on the ship! It was not until the end of the
week that we became familiar with the location of many public areas as well as the route to get to them. This is by
no means a complaint, merely an observation. Navigating the ship was challenging and fun.

Our Cabin - In our discussion with our travel agent, we agreed that since we planned to spend very little time in
our cabin and since Pam needs darkness when she sleeps, an inside unit would be adequate. Also, an inside
cabin is slightly less costly.

Fortunately our booking was entered in such a way that we were actually assigned to an outside cabin. The
window curtains were sufficient for darkening the cabin (you might toss a clothespin in your luggage to secure
the curtain if you, too, require absolute darkness) and it was pleasant to have daylight and a view whenever the
curtain was open. Our cabin (#534) was on the Main Deck and adequate in size: twin beds, convertible sofa,
chair, vanity/footstool, mini refrigerator and two closets. The bathroom was larger than I’d expected and included
a shower/bath, retractable line for hanging items to dry, a hairdryer and adequate counter space. Our steward
apparently changed our towels after each of our visits to the cabin. Rarely did we use a hand towel more than
once; bath towel, never. He was efficient yet unobtrusive.

The Rotterdam Dining Room, in the stern of the ship, is two-tiered and has wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows
on both levels. The pleasure of dining was increased since the ship was generally within only a few hundred
yards of land and the view was always changing. One evening we watched dolphins (or were they porpoises?)
cavort in the ship’s wake.

We’d requested late dining to avoid rushing to dress for dinner after shore excursions. However, our assignment
was for early seating and, unfortunately, at a table for two. We visited the Maitre d' to request seating at a larger
table and at the later hour. Apparently many passengers were attending an on-board conference and, by
necessity, were assigned the later seating; thus a change was not possible. As it turned out, we returned from
our shore excursions long before dinner and were able to dress at a leisurely pace. And the table-for-two wasn’t
the isolating experience we’d anticipated. We exchanged conversations with diners at tables around us, and yet
were able to leave our table without disturbing or having to excuse ourselves to tablemates.

Our waiter Ahdi was youthful and always smiling. He made every effort to serve us well. His assistant was polite,
but aloof, perhaps because he enjoyed his job less or he was concentrating on his responsibilities. Our
beverage server was shy but, like Ahdi, obviously eager to please. I casually mentioned that I always have the
same before-dinner drink. Thereafter, it was waiting for me each evening when we were seated.

The food was excellent and always served with thoughtful presentation and at the proper temperature. Menu
choices were abundant and described in such a way that making a decision required thought. Because we were
so pleased with our dining experiences, we had all dinners in the dining room. Twice we ate lunch in the Lido and
enjoyed the food both times. In fact, we had to remind ourselves to 'eat light' in order to have appetites for
dinner. We avoided eating between meals although we did visit the special midnight dessert buffet. Supposedly
we went to take pictures, but found ourselves sampling a few offerings since we were there ….

On-Board Entertainment and Activities

There was an abundance of daily shipboard activities, but our shore excursions and time spent on deck enjoying
the scenery prevented our taking part in most of them. We did attend an ice sculpture demonstration at the Lido
Deck pool and toured the kitchen where (if I recall correctly) 7,000 meals a day are prepared. We also attended
an afternoon tea in the Crow’s Nest.

One of only two complaints we had regards seating in the Vermeer Lounge. There are areas on both levels
where the view of the stage is obstructed. In many areas, it is not possible to see past the person seated in front
of you. In addition, the chairs are uncomfortable because the backs offer poor support. Two guest entertainers
were on board: the one-man musical/comedy show missed the mark (thud), but the other had material
appropriate for the cruise venue and the audience laughed throughout his show. The ship’s cast of singers and
dancers was energetic and entertaining, and they presented quality shows. Unfortunately Pam and I were too
tired to stay up to watch the popular Indonesian staff’s show, but heard many favorable comments from other
passengers on the following day.

Shore Excursions

There are a variety of shore tours in an equal number of price ranges. The list includes guided tours of the
villages, bus tours into the countryside, and boat trips to fish or look for whales, sea otters and other wildlife.

Our second criticism of this cruise was of the sign-up procedure for excursions. Our first day was spent at sea,
and most passengers got serious about selecting excursions following the Shore Excursion Talk. Thus, the line
to sign up for these activities was l-o-n-g. We stood in line for 1-1/2 hours as those in front of us often queried
the three-man registration staff about tour particulars. The most popular venues had several time slots available.
Rarely was an activity sold out, and in those cases, a waiting list was available. Since excursion options were
presented in a booklet which arrived with our cruise documents, the next time we cruise we will be prepared to
sign up the day we sail.

We chose the following excursions: In Ketchikan we toured Saxman Village where several authentic totem poles
are displayed and Tlingit Indians performed ceremonial dances in native dress. In a workshed, totem poles were
being carved to fill special orders. In Juneau Pam took the Wildlife and Mendenhall Glacier tour. Aboard a tour
boat she saw sea otters, whales and bald eagles. Her group also spent time at Mendenhall Glacier. Before our
cruise I had booked a helicopter tour (enabling me to save at least 20% over the shipboard price). The
helicopter made two stops, and we were able to walk at the foot of a waterfall and on ice a mile deep in the
Juneau ice field. As we returned to Juneau, we flew over Mendenhall Glacier. In Sitka I took a tour similar to
Pam’s Juneau wildlife tour and Pam took the city tour. By the time we got to Valdez, we were 'toured out' and
stayed on the ship. However, a group of people who took a bus tour into the mountains outside Valdez said the
scenery was some of the most beautiful they’d seen and they were glad they had gone.

Glaciers

I chose this cruise because I wanted to see as many glaciers as possible. Thus, besides Mendenhall Glacier in
Juneau, we cruised up Yakutat Bay and spent time at the face of Hubbard Glacier. We also cruised into College
Fjord where there are sixteen smaller glaciers, although I think we saw only eight or nine of them. I read many
glacier reviews prior to selecting our itinerary, and several people endeavored to rate one site compared to
another. In my opinion each location is remarkable - either for the glacier’s size, the number of glaciers or how
near the glacier the ship can approach. They’re all different. (My next Alaskan cruise - and there will be one! -
will include Glacier Bay.)

Weather

Weather on the cruise was generally overcast to partly cloudy a portion of every day. We also had bright sun for
a part of nearly every day. According to the on-board weather banner, temperatures held in the mid-50’s through
the week. We found ourselves wearing unlined Ryndam nylon jackets (bon voyage gifts from our travel agent) as
part of our daily apparel. Although we took gloves, we didn’t wear them. We didn’t wear the shorts we took either!
Sturdy shoes for walking on deck, shopping or trekking are a necessity, however.

Tipping

Because this is a 'popular' HAL topic, let me say that one way or another, in the United States those who are
served reward the server for, well, good service! Cruise line/ship/itinerary reviewers occasionally gripe about the
'need' to carry money on HAL ships in order to tip lounge wait staff, etc. I wear clothes with pockets (or carry a
small purse) into which I drop some quarters and a dollar bill or two in addition to a tissue and lipstick. No
problem! And at the end of a cruise, ANY cruise, tips are given to those who have taken care of me.

A favorite place on the Ryndam became the Crow’s Nest, a bar by night and library-quiet place to sit and look at
the scenery during the day. On two evenings Pam and I went there for after-dinner drinks. Our waiter, Marvin,
introduced himself and asked our names. After he brought us our order and I’d signed the chit and tipped him,
he chatted with us and then made us flowers from our cocktail napkins before leaving to tend to other patrons. A
few nights later we returned and Marvin was our attendant again. He greeted us by name and again, after
bringing our order and settling up with us, made two more, even larger flowers from the napkins. And then he
went off to take other orders.

A group of women was sitting a few yards away, also enjoying the view. One of them commented to us, 'We’ve
been coming up here every evening all week and he hasn’t made us flowers.' I suggested that they tip him the
next time he delivered their drinks, to which she replied, 'We don’t order anything.' (*!?*!?*) On one of the
evenings toward the end of the cruise, we returned to our cabin and found envelopes addressed to each of us
under the door. Each contained a Dutch girl hat (reminiscent of a dinner earlier in the week when we’d all worn
Dutch hats at dinner) which had been decorated and signed by the Crow’s Nest staff. I thought it was a nice
touch.

Denali

We added a 3-day land tour at the end of the cruise. We were bused from Seward, our disembarkation point, to
Anchorage where we boarded a plane for a 45-minute flight to Fairbanks. There we climbed on another bus
which took us to Gold Dredge No. 8 for lunch, a tour and an opportunity to pan for gold. It was exciting to find
those small bits of gold in the pan once the dirt was washed away! We also stopped at the Alaska Pipeline for a
quick explanation of its design and capabilities. (NOTE: Gray Line buses are associated with many of HAL’s land
tours. The drivers/guides were, without exception, knowledgeable and personable as they related information
about sites as we passed them or stopped to visit.)

Fairbanks is a town of around 60,000 people which has a small town 'feel' to it. The hotel was quaint, with a
portico reminiscent of the Southwest. Our room was large enough to live in and had the furnishings to make a
long-term stay comfortable: a rocking chair, large writing surface, and full-size refrigerator, stove and microwave.

Having spent most of the day seated on a plane and buses, we took a short walk after dinner. There was very
little traffic which surprised us. Then we realized that although the sun was still bright, it was 10 PM! And when I
got up about 2:30 that night, the sun was sitting on the western horizon.

The 4-hour train ride on the McKinley Explorer from Fairbanks to Denali was pleasant. The journey is a slow one
to enable the passengers to enjoy the scenery and absorb the views. Each car is equipped with a dining room on
the first level and coach seating above. The cars are clean, the food excellent and, again, the guides are
personable and well informed. We arrived in Denali around noon and spent the afternoon exploring the grounds
and gift shops. That evening (remember, there are 24 hours of daylight …) we took a 4-hour bus tour and saw
caribou and ptarmigan. At our turnaround point, we left the bus and our guide treated us to hot chocolate (drunk
out of souvenir cups provided for each of us) and a homemade snack. She also pointed out where Denali was
although clouds prevented us from seeing the mountain.

The next afternoon we reboarded the train for the 8-hour ride to Anchorage. This day, one of only three or four a
month the guide told us, the mountain was completely visible – all 20,320 feet. Majestic. Exhilarating. Awesome!

Summary Comments

Admittedly our cruising experience is limited. We really should try other cruise lines, other ships. But we were so
pleased with our Alaskan tour with Holland America on the Ryndam that we will have to force ourselves to book a
cruise with another line. We've been provided with many happy memories. Alaska can only be described in
superlatives. It has an indescribable serenity juxtaposed against a majestic landscape. The only way to truly
understand the emotion the views evoke is to experience a trip in person. Finally: Would I go to Alaska again? In
a heartbeat! Would I recommend a cruise on HAL? You betcha!

Name: Rod and Sonya Hoots
Email: rhoots@erols.com
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 30
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: 25 Feb-7Mar 99
Itinerary: Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Guadeloupe
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 98
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 10
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 10
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 70
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Mar 1999
Time: 14:49:55
Remote Name: 209-122-247-158.s158.tnt26.brd.va.dialup.rcn.com
Remote User:

Comments

This was the 3d cruise on Holland American, second on the Ryndam, for my wife and me. We took the cruise
because it was a good bargain and pleasant way to break up the winter. We arranged our own air but bought the
Ryndam airport-ship transfer tickets, which worked out well. Holland American would have charged us $658 for
round trip air for two from Washington Dulles to Ft. Lauderdale. We were able to get the same routing, non-stop
both ways, for $348. Boarding was good but there was some confusion leaving the ship due to lack of supervision
by Holland American personnel. Our cabin was on the Lower Promenade deck and, for the price, was OK. The
cabin steward was excellent. Our last cruise on the Ryndam was in January 1997 and on this cruise there were two
conflicting major differences. The ship is getting a little old but that was no excuse for the poor maintenance. The
floors in public areas were not well cleaned and waxed, carpets were spotty, and most of the public men's rooms
just plain stunk! On the other hand, the food service had improved tremendously. Service was great and the
quality, preparation and taste of the food was much better. This applied to both the main dining room and Lido
deck cafeteria. There were excellent bridge classes and very active duplicate and party bridge programs led by
'Patty,' a retired school teacher. She will be on the first Alaska cruise in April. Worth special mention is the
wonderful attentive and personal service in the Ocean bar. Some of the same personnel were still there and, after
two years, immediately greeted us by name. There was also an excellent combo that played real dance music.
Entertainment was fair - staff dancing troupe was OK and put on a couple of good shows but the specialty
performers were over the hill and mediocre. The casino was excellent and slot payoffs reasonable. Bingo was not
very interesting as the caller had little imagination in running the games. It seemed to us that there wasn't much
payoff for the amount of money collected. The average passenger was very elderly and for that reason, not the
fault of Holland American, the cruise was unsuitable for young people and families. All in all, a good cruise
experience for the money.

Name: Ruth R. Robinson
Email: rurero@sprintmail.com
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: Aug. 1 - 8, 1999
Itinerary: Vancouver to Seward, Inside Passage
Cabin: Main Deck #588
FoodDiningRoom: 99
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 65
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 70
FoodLidoDeck: 99
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 65
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 99
FoodVariety: 99
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 75
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 65
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization:
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Aug 1999
Time: 01:42:16
Remote Name: ip214.tampa2.fl.pub-ip.psi.net
Remote User:

Comments

I had three reasons for embarking on the above mentioned cruise: to see Alaska, to attend the arthritis workshop,
and nostalgia - to see the Ryndam, because I had immigrated on the second Ryndam in 1954. The excursions I
took ranged from interesting and informative to breathtaking. I met some of the Tlingit people, saw their artists at
work, and admired their artwork I learned about the early explorers, prospectors and settlers, and about present
day life of today's Alaskans. The captain and other officers gave excellent information about wildlife and geology
as we passed the different regions. This aspect of the cruise was of top priority to me, and I was 100% satisfied
with it. My second reason was the arthritis workshop. It was my neglect not to carry with me the names of the
doctors putting on the workshop. As a result, no-one at the front desk could help me find out who put it on and
where it took place. My roommate told me that I received a call from one of the doctors on Monday, but she told
him I wasn't coming on the cruise. Another passenger finally gave me some information. The workshop took place
in the card room every morning at 9:00, and that that was the only time they could get. Well, I was able to attend
one session. Monday I was still in Seattle, thanks to the airlines. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, I was on
excursions, and on Friday the ship lay in front of the Hubbard Glacier at that hour. I would have gladly given up an
hour of entertainment between 4:30pm and 9:00pm. Nostalgia. In 1954 I shared a cabin with an elderly lady. The
cabin was small, and bathroom facilities were down the hall. It had bunk beds, und I took the upper bunk. There
were no luxuries, but there were no problems either, except the rough weather, which caused us to spend two
extra days at sea. A mixture of nostalgia and economics caused me to be willing to share a cabin again. This time
the cabin was built to be spacious, and the bathroom was all I could wish for, but when I entered there were
papers and books spread all over my bed, and there were boxes in every piece of available space. I didn't see the
seats of the davenport until the morning of disembarcation, and then only one, the other was full of bags. I learned
that my roommate was presenting a diabitis workshop and had to store all her mountains of materials in the room.
Besides, someone had allegedly told her she would have the cabin to herself since I was not coming. All the
service crew were polite, friendly, efficient. The people at the front desk, who were in charge of organizing and
informing may benefit from working on improving their system. 1. Keep an open file on people who board late. 2.
Keep any necessary forms and information for that person. 3. Accomodate conventions and workshops, they
provide passengers. 4. List workshop and convention meetings in the daily announcements. 5. Provide sufficient
room for storage of materials of the presenters. 6. Don't give upgrades into something that looks like a storeroom.
cc.: Arthritis foundation and Cruise Encounters, Langley, B.C.

Name: Sharon Scobert
Email: tops@vernonmartin.com
Age: 53
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: 10/16/99
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 015
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Oct 1999
Time: 17:38:22
Remote Name: nas-2-84.boston.navinet.net
Remote User:

Comments

As you can see from our high marks we thoroughly enjoyed our most recent cruise in the Western Caribbean aboard
the Ryndam. We have been on several other cruises but this was our first Holland America Cruise. It was truly a
wonderful and most relaxing experience. This is our second cruise in a suite. Suite amenities will always make up for
any deficincies in any area of the cruise! This suite was one large room with a separate dressing area and a full bath
with a jacuzzi tub. I didn't like the idea of the shower and tub combination. It could prove problematic if one had trouble
getting their legs over a high tub. The bathroom wasn't as pretty as I expected. Last year's cruise on the Romantica had
a prettier bathroom. However, the Ryndam's dressing room was quite nice. It had 3 closets and a large vanity with a
small sink and 3 drawers which I utilized for all our cosmetics and toilitries. The suite had more than adequate drawer
space. I think I counted 12 drawers in the main dresser plus several cabinets. Also, we had a full bar and refrigerator
plus another full size closet as you first enter the suite. We throroughly enjoyed the full veranda although we never had
time to just sit and relax on it. I do however like it because I am an early riser and like to go out on the veranda and see
where we are, especially if we are coming into a port. I took some great photos of Cuba as we cruised 13 miles off
shore!

I realize that most pasengers take cabins on lower decks because of the expense. We have in the past. Most times we
didn't know about suites or mini suites. I did take a Christmas cruise last year with my 2 grown children. I couldn't get a
suite but did have a lovely Superior Ocean Cabin with a balcony. This is something I highly recommend to someone who
can't quite make the budget of a full suite. The cabins are generally in a better position on the ship, are usually larger
and have a few amenities. This is always my second choice if a full suite is not available.

We thought the boarding process was a bit hectic. We were in the wrong line to begin with although it clearly was
marked for suites. Even after we got into the right line it still went too slwo for us. Once we checked in though, we
boarded the ship imediately and began our wonderful cruise.

We were slightly dissappointed with the shore excursions and did make mention of it on the cruise remarks on the last
day of our trip. I like excursions to include an all encompassing tour of the island. Most of the tours were very
specialized. ie: snorkling or catamaran trip. We did do an Atlantis submarine tour while on Grand Cayman.

We never really got a good sense of the cruise director or the shore excursion people. The shore excursion desk was
never open and you did everything by just filling out the form and placing it in the box. Maybe we did miss out on the
type of tours we like, but I don't think so. We did cancel our tour to Tulum because it was rather long -- 6 1/2 hours
long! The tour to Chickeniza was 8 hours! The ship didn't arrive at Playa del Carmen until 11:30 that morning, which
meant if we did take the Tulum tour, we wouldn't arrive back at the ship until at leeast 6:30 or maybe 7. Since we had
1st seating for dinner, we didn't like that. So we canceled the trip.

Our dining experience was one of sheer delight. We asked for a large table in the 1st seating. Our table mates were all
from suites. Infact, one couple had the Penthouse Suite. Two of the couples were well seasoned travelers with at least
20 cruises behind them. This was a first cruise for one couple. We joked with them and told them they were supposed to
work their way up to suites! On 2 evenings, the 1st engineer had dinner with us. David was delightful to talk to and I got
the distinct feeling he enjoyed having dinner with passengers. He felt right at home with us and didn't mind us asking
him dozens of questions about the ship and his personal life!

As suite passengers, we also were invited to have lunch in the Queen's Room, which we did one afternoon while we
were at sea rather than in port. The lunch was probably from the same menu as the main dining room, but it was private
and special. On another occasion we were invited to have a special Indodesian lunch, which my significant other went
to. I decided to stay on the Lido deck and soak up the sun. What a mistake that was. The Captain sat at the table with
the other passengers from our group and everyone asked where I was! I'll never do that again, I asure you! We did go
to the Captain's Cocktail reception, but didn't think that was all too special. I did get the captain to take a photo with me.
So now I have a formal and informal photo of us together.

We like the extra amenites in the suite. Personalized stationery, free dry cleaning and laundering, which we had our
steward do mid week, the thick terry cloth bathrobes. We also got a coursage and boutineer on formal night. A special
dessert was delivered to our suite one night. We also had champagne. I know I'm missing some other amenities. If you
are looking for luxury and enjoy the special feeling of a suite, this is the way to go!

I should have told you we srrived in Ft Lauderdale during hurricane Irene! We weren't even sure if the ship would come
into port on time for our cruise! But when we awoke that morning and saw a parade of cruise ships sailing into the port
we cheered!

I highly recommend Holland America to any traveler, both novice or experienced. We felt like royalty and only had a few
minor issues. Happy Crusing!

Name: John McDonald
Email: jjmcdona@airmail.net
Age: 53
Occupation: Marketing Manager
NumberOfCruises: 21
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: 10/30/99
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 305/D
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService: 92
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 92
FoodLidoDeck: 88
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 88
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 99
GoodForFamilies: 60
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 75
GoodForSeniors: 98
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 92
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 82
DeckSpace: 97
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Nov 1999
Time: 20:46:05
Remote Name: pppt07-226.ght.iadfw.net
Remote User:

Comments

We’re John and Linda, in our early fifties, and dedicated cruise fans. We’ve cruised 21 times, and although we have our
favorite lines, our goal is to experience the ships and service of as many lines as possible.

Our October 30th cruise was on H.A.L.’s Ryndam on her Western Caribbean itinerary. Our only previous cruise on
H.A.L. was many years ago on the Rotterdam V, prior to the merger with Carnival, so we were anxious to see what
today’s Holland America was all about.

In summary, this cruise surpassed our expectations in virtually all resects. I would heartily recommend this cruise to
those who value the service and ambiance of what cruises were like years ago, but enjoy the amenities of a modern
vessel.

We arranged our own air from Dallas to Ft. Lauderdale at about sixty percent of H.A.L.’s air add-on. Since FLL is so
close to Port Everglades, transfers were not important to us. Taxi’s were plentiful for the brief ride; the meter ran about
$9 for the two of us. Initial check-in was by cabin number, and when an adjacent line became empty, the rep waved us
over to speed things up. Boarding was by letter and number, with priority going to suite occupants and Holland America
‘alumni’. Although our last H.A.L. cruise was in the 70’s, prior to automated past passenger programs, they afforded us
alumni status since we were able to provide our past sailing date, cabin assignment, and ticket number. (Yes, I throw
away no cruise memorabilia). In the waiting area, stewards provided iced tea, and were there to take the first night’s
wine order. We signed up here for a six-bottle, $99 package, which afforded us decent selections from a special list
each night.

Our cabin was upgraded from a lowest deck inside, to an outside far forward on the lower promenade deck. Windows
on this deck view the wraparound teak deck, rather than the sea directly. Deck walkers can’t see in through the
mirrored windows, and the lack of a direct sea view was made up by this deck’s convenient location. The inside
standard cabins we viewed were sized and configured identically to our outside.

The Ryndam is modern, but traditionally elegant. Her size and style constantly reminds you that you’re on a ship.
Although there is the usual two-deck showroom, it was more like a lounge with sofas and tables, than a theatre setup.
The rest of ship featured many, varied, smaller lounges, with classy furnishings and art. The wraparound promenade
deck had plenty of real wooden deck chairs with clean and comfortable padding.

Passengers were not as ancient as some reviewers of Holland America have described. Many were in their 50’s and
60’s. There was a reasonable representation from the thirty-something crowd, but very few children. Our sailing was not
quite full. There were quite a number Florida residents and travel agents on board, probably sailing at excellent rates. I
think this is common during the off season. In fact, there were a couple of web auction offerings for this cruise during
the two or three weeks proceeding our departure.

My favorable comparison of this cruise to ‘the way it used to be’ was supported primarily by the friendly, competent, and
professional crew. Not just our cabin and dining room stewards, but also lounge and deck staff. There was no hawking
of Bahama Mama’s, in fact, we were frequently served complimentary iced tea and lemonade while lounging by the pool
or on the promenade deck. Cocktail sales were a fraction of what I’ve experienced on other lines, yet each evening,
stewards served hot hors’doerves not just in the lounges, but on deck or wherever people assembled.

The dining room team consisted of a full complement – waiter, assistant, wine steward, cocktail waiter, and head waiter.
There were absolutely no language problems, and conversation beyond the essentials of ordering was easy. Each
addressed us by name, even outside of the dining room. There was no need to specify ‘medium’ after the first time we
ordered beef. Our head waiter, worked extremely hard, checking with us periodically, but more often observing and
taking notes on the performance of his section. In between, he refilled water glasses, and at times helped clear. Despite
H.A.L.’s ‘tipping not required’ policy, we had prepared envelopes for all on the last night, but were unable to find our
head waiter. There was absolutely no trolling toward the end of our cruise.

We’ve all heard of the unseen cabin steward. Ours took this to the extreme – we didn’t find him until the third day of the
cruise. He was shy, but provided all the expected attention to our cabin.

The cruise director and his staff were young and upbeat, but more characteristic of those you would find on Carnival,
NCL, or Norwegian.

Even the seamen excelled, responding to random lifeboat lowerings and engine starts both during the extensive safety
drill and throughout the cruise. They were called upon to stand fire watch in the middle of one windy night, when a
Coast Guard helicopter pulled a seriously ill passenger from the bow as the Ryndam kept moving.

We’ve read many reviews that labeled Holland America’s food bland and uninspired. On this cruise, the menu and food
quality far exceeded our expectations. We’ve cruised Celebrity several times, and have labeled them as the standard to
beat. In all honesty, I can’t now decide which is better. All soups were incredibly good. Rack of lamb consisted of two
double and a single chop of first quality meat done just right. Every meal seemed as if it were cooked just for us – hot or
cold as required, and always fresh. Although we did not sample any of the nightly vegetarian selections, they were
varied and creative. Lido breakfasts included not only the standard breakfast items, but featured two custom cooked
specialty items each morning, in addition to an omelet bar. Lido lunches consisted of all of the items on the dining room
menu, and then some. We found the Lido a better way to sample each lunchtime entrée. Poolside grill items were
cooked to order, high in quality, and varied throughout the cruise. Midnight buffets were themed snacks in the Lido
Café. The only showcase buffet was a desert extravaganza.

If you judge shipboard cuisine by the taste and number of hours a day pizza is available, find another line. It was
virtually unseen.

The 24 hour room service menu was standard, but during most hours (10 AM to midnight), there were about two dozen
selections including steak sandwiches, grilled salmon or chicken, salads, and other selections. Far more extensive than
most mid-priced or premium lines.

Our itinerary consisted of Holland America’s private Island (Half Moon Cay), Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Key West.
We’ve been on several private islands, but thought Half Moon Cay was about the best we’ve encountered. (On par with
Disney’s Castaway). One feature that excels is the swimming area’s rock-free sandy bottom, which slopes very
gradually from the shore. The barbecue lunch is above average; the facilities are very clean. Rental charges for toys
(sailboats, floats, snorkel gear) are fairly steep compared to other lines.

Good weather prevailed until Cozumel, where we encountered gale force winds and rain. Most shore excursions were
cancelled, with the exception of the mainland tours which necessitate a 45 minute ferry crossing between Calica and
San Miguel. This ride can be nasty during good weather, and in view of the fact that even the Ryndam rocked between
these two ports, I was glad we had not scheduled a mainland tour. Reports later that day confirmed that the ferry ride
back to Cozumel was an experience not to be forgotten. While we were tied to the dock in Cozumel, the incoming waves
frequently jolted the ship. Now I know why it’s preferred NOT to be docked during rough weather. As a precaution, our
side thrusters ran continuously while we were at the pier as a backup to the lines.

I am not happy unless we have at least one day of rough weather. We had two days of choppy seas, but nothing wild.
Having experienced every degree of weather at sea, I was pleasantly surprised by the way the Ryndam rode, despite
the fact that she is shorter than some of today’s megaships. There was no vibration, and movement through moderately
rough seas was extremely well controlled. There was far less creaking in our cabin and throughout the ship than I’ve
encountered in others. (Although I like this – it tells me I’m on a ship)!

Lounge entertainment was varied and good – from a piano bar sing-along guy, to the string quartet in the Explorers
Lounge, and an all purpose combo in the Ocean Bar. Showroom entertainment, was one of the few negatives of this
trip. Production number singers were just not that good, and the sound mixing did nothing to enhance (or disguise) their
performance. A highlight was the crew show -- during our week by the Filipino staff.

We’re not high rollers, but we actually left the casino with a few dollars more than we contributed. Machines use tokens
rather than coins, and we mistakenly arrived home with a bunch. I guess we’ll have to go back! Darn!

During the debarkation talk, the staff reiterated Holland America’s ‘tipping not required’ policy. Should you wish to tip,
envelops are available at the front office for the asking. We tipped the standard formula and then some, since service
aboard the Ryndam was about the best we’ve encountered. Cocktail waiter tipping is a problem. Virtually no one tipped
at the time of service, especially on deck where cash storage is a problem. You cannot add a tip to the bill. Since each
lounge had dedicated bar servers, it was easy to tip your favorite server if you frequented the same lounge each night.
We like to sample each venue, so it was difficult for us. We did notice that bar prices were measurably higher on H.A.L.
than anything we’ve experienced recently. I have to wonder if some of this difference finds its way back to the servers.

Despite the fact that we were not scheduled to leave FLL until 6 PM, we were off the ship by 9:30 – enough time to
successfully stand by for an earlier flight.

As a quick summary, our week on the Ryndam was one of the best cruise values we’ve encountered.

Feel free to E-mail questions.

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