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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Penny and Bob Bodek
Email: pennybodek@juno.com\
Age: 47 & 50
Occupation: Engineer & Construction Executive
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: November 6, 1999
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 176
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 93
FoodMidnightBuffets: 92
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 82
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 82
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 93
OverallPortsofCall: 93
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 93
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Nov 1999
Time: 10:26:54
Remote Name: proxye1-0.nyroc.rr.com
Remote User:
Comments
This cruise was to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday. We traveled with our neighbors
and very good friends, Rich and
Mary. We made our own travel arrangements because the flights were much cheaper and the
flight itinerary was much
better! When speaking with some other cruisers, their cruise arranged flight home left in
the early evening. Long time to
spend sitting in the airport! We took a taxi to and from the ship at a cost of $10 each
way for all four of us. Much cheaper
than purchasing transfers from HAL for $24 apiece. Cabins: When we originally booked, we
had mini-suites on the
Verandah deck. Our friends canceled (change in jobs, wasn't sure if he could get the time
off). When he made
arrangements at work, they re-booked, but the mini-suites were gone and they booked a
category C outside stateroom
#333.
Our Verandah cabin was just WONDERFUL! I'm totally spoiled now and don't know if I will
ever be able to cruise
without one. We had limited use of it (you'll see why as you read on!), but just the extra
space that a mini-suite affords you
is well worth it. We had a beverage stocked refrigerator, mini-bar and small snack bar
(all for a price). Robes to use while
on board and a whirlpool bath (built for one). Our friends outside cabin was by far the
biggest outside cabin we've see yet.
Very comfortable and spacious. Both cabins included fresh fruit and flowers. The week in
review: When we saied away
from Fort Lauderdale the skies were overcast and as the Captain put it 'a strong breeze'!
This stong breeze kept several
people from dinner, including Mary. The entertainment that night was the Ryndam cast and
singer Darren Williams from
Austrailia. Great evening's entertainment.
Day 1 - Private Island - Half Moon Cay We awoke to overcast skies and a
'strong breeze'. We lingered over breakfast waiting to see if the bad weather would break.
We had planned to parasail.
They tendered one boat over and were in the process of sending over the second when the
'strong breeze' moved the
ship and we were dragging the anchor! They quickly called back everyone from the island
pulled up anchor and as the
Captain put it, 'sail to sunnier skies'! It was pouring by then so there was no sense in
staying anyway. We explored the
ship, checked out the casino, shopped and had a delicious cappuccino at the Java Cafe.
Entertainment that evening was
the ship's cast. Those kids were great! Beautiful costumes and more energy than I ever
thought of having. Day 2 - Day at
Sea We were awakened by the sunshine and our room steward bringing our continental
breakfast. We sat on the
verandah, ate our breakfast and soaked up the sun! We enjoyed the pool area although many
people staked out the
lounge chairs and then were no where to be seen. The entertainment at night was a magician
James Cielen, he was
great! Day 3 - Grand Cayman Another dreary and windy day. As were were eating breakfast
the annoucement as made
that our shore excursion of a catamaran ride with snorkeling at Stingray City was
cancelled. (So far we are 2 for 2 in
cancellations for shore excursions). We tendered off about 9:30 and went shopping. Got
some great deals on Aynsley
China at Kirk Freeport Center. No deals on gold or gems. Took our packages back to the
ship and had lunch and
tendered back. When we docked the heaven's let loose. It poured! We took the next tender
back and never set foot on
Grand Cayman again. The entertainment was supposed to be a comedian/juggler, but you
guessed it...the seas were too
rough for his juggling act so the singer Darren Williams performed again. He sang a GREAT
phantom!
Day 4 - Cozumel
Another dreary and REALLY windy day. So much so that the tendering and excursions to Playa
Del Carmen were
cancelled. We had a 'Tropical Jeep Safari Tour' scheduled for 2:30. Take my advice, if you
have back or neck problems
or still suffering from motion sickness, do NOT take this tour. It rattled us from the
inside out! It was fun though, we had our
own jeep and we, along with about 20 other jeeps, followed a tour guide though the town,
on to country roads and then to
a rustic path through dense tropical growth. Our destination was a beautiful beach where
we had a picnic lunch and
watched the ocean rage! The red flag was out, no swimming. We had to drive the same way
out. It was getting dark and it
started to rain. This tour reads that it is 4-4 1/2 hours. It was almost 5 1/2 hours, way
too long. Missed even the alternative
dining on the ship. Watched the ship sail away at midnight, quite a sight! Day 5 - Day at
Sea Another rainy day with GALE
force winds - Enough said! Day 6 - Key West, Florida Thank God it was a gorgeous day! But
our last chance at getting a
catamaran ride was cancelled because of World Champion Boat Races taking place. I was
disappointed, but my husband
was happy. He enjoyed the races from our verandah that afternoon! We took a train ride
though Key West and shopped.
Too bad that is was our shortest port day. Would have liked to have stayed there longer.
The comedian/juggler, Michael
James, finally performed and he was FANTASTIC. I laughed until my sides ached! Day 7 -
Fort Lauderdale Beautiful
morning (naturally, we're leaving)
I know you are going to find this hard to believe, but despite the weather this was my
FAVORITE cruise yet! This ship is
absolutely beautiful and impeccably clean. They were cleaning and painting it constantly.
Service: Our cabin steward, Parlin was unbelievable! He was calling us by name from the
very beginning. Our cabin was
kept neat as a pin and he was always so pleasant to chat with. In the dining room our
waiter was Putu, assistant was Sigit
and the wine steward was Rocky. They were THE BEST! Putu was the best waiter we've ever
had! He anticipated our
every need. Make that want, we never needed for a thing! Go to the Crow's Nest and ask for
Ric. He'll make you a napkin
rose and a paper bunny and remember your names where ever he sees you (even on shore in
Key West!) Tell him Bob
and Penny said hello. You will enjoy him immensely! Food: The food was by far the best
I/we have ever had! Every meal
served in the Rotterdam Dining Room was an experience to behold! The taste and
presentation was exquisite! The Lido
'cafeteria' meals were great and offered a unique variety each day. The bread pudding with
vanilla sauce is to die for!
Even the burgers and fries by the pool are fabulous! I read a complaint somewhere that the
Lido-Pool food service
(hamburgers, hot dogs, taco, etc.) closed down too soon. They must have changed that
because it was open until 5pm.
Negatives (if you can call it that): I knew going in that HAL caters to the 'older' crowd
(As I near 50, the definition of 'older'
gets older!) All the lounge music was geared towards the 60+ crowd. HAL knows their market
so I can understand why
they do this, but I just wish there was a dance band for 'younger' people in one of the
lounges instead of having to wait
until 10:00 or later for DJ music in the Crow's Nest. Also, while our Cruise Director was
good, I felt he could have made
himself a little more visible. When I did see him walking through the guests, he seldom
stopped to visit with people. Several
of the other cruis staff were very personable, especially Anna and Spencer. The shore
excursion desk was hardly ever
open and it needed to be with all the cancellations and resheduling that needed to be
done.
Finally....I would sail HAL again in a heartbeat! Just wouldn't do the Caribbean in
hurricane season! Guess I'll have to find something else to do for Bob's 60th!
Name: David Costanzo
Email: dxc@att.net
Age: 34
Occupation: Physician's Assistant
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: 01-08-00
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 408/Outside Deluxe
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Jan 2000
Time: 08:32:02
Remote Name: spider-tn033.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
This was my first cruise and it exceeded my expectations by a long shot. The cruise line sent a very nice bus to pick us
up only 1 mile from my house. We arrived at Port Everglades with plenty of time to spare, were checked in rapidly and
allowed to embark right away.
I was overwhelmed by the beauty and elegance of the ship the moment I stepped on board. The ms Ryndam is far
more appealing in person than the cruise books could ever hope to show in photographs. The ship was decorated
very tastefully without all the neon lighting and cheap art I have seen or heard of on many other ships. There were
wonderful pieces of art and antiques in every hallway and around each corner. The three story fountain in the main
atrium was extraordinary. Much of the art was, of course, for sale. The artwork ranged from contemporary to classical
and there were plenty of opportunities to either bid at auction or purchase them directly. The ship throughout was a
pleasure to look at. It was not the least bit overdone, yet there was nearly no area left without decoration or art.
The food was also quite incredible. Even the Lido deck served a wide variety of foods incluiding a tasty Indonesian
buffet. Regardless of the location of your meal, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, there was always a wide
variety of dishes available to please everyone. The Rotterdam Dining Room was very nicely appointed. The two levels
blended well together with the beautiful curved staircases adorned in brass. Our entire staff were absolutely
wonderful. On our first evening we were seated alone in error. I spoke to the maitre d'hotel and the next night we were
seated with a wonderful group of people. The wait staff, wine steward and busboy were all very nice and always
available to help without being bothersome. I cannot say the same about the photographers on board. They were the
only annoying staff on the ship, constantly hounding us to have pictures taken which they sold for a pretty penny the
following day or even later the same day.
The ammenities on board we very nice. I enjoyed my first facial in their salon, spent some time in the gym (though I
must say not enough apparently), and relaxed by the pool frequently. The only disappointment was the lack of
planned activities for younger travelers. They did have team trivia, but the questions were geared for folks over 60.
There were few other activities such as shuffleboard, Scattegories and a rockin' rolldies show put on by the
passengers. But again, these were all geared for older passengers. While it made perfect sense to plan activities for
the retired crowd that comprised nearly 70% of all passengers, there should have been more lively activities planned
for the few younger people on board.
Overall the cruise was fantastic. I would not hesitate to travel with Holland America on my next cruise and I would
definately recommend this line for all looking for a relaxing vacation with an upscale atmosphere.
Name: Bruce Schomaker
Email: brsff121@firedept.net
Age: 43
Occupation: Emergency Services
NumberOfCruises: 8
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: March 17, 1999
Itinerary: 10 Day Southern Wayfarer
Cabin: PS001
FoodDiningRoom: 97
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 98
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 99
DiningRoomService: 97
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 93
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 96
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 25 Jan 2000
Time: 15:43:58
Remote Name: 03-156.006.popsite.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was our 8th cruise, but our first with Holland America (HAL). It will definitely not be our last- HAL
has hooked us. In fact, we have already booked another cruise with HAL!
We did a lot of research on HAL prior to booking this cruise. We heard a lot of reviews, almost all
positive. All of the positive issues turned out to be true; some reviews even understated some of these
positive aspects. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of some aspects of HAL. More on this
later.
Like a lot of cruisers, we booked our airfares independently. We did this for three reasons- for
convenience in times and nonstop flights, for loyalty to our airline and frequent flyer programs
(something not typically well supported by cruise lines), and we could get an airfare at least close to the
same as the cruise lines. We did use HAL's hotel in Ft Lauderdale (Hyatt Regency Pier 66), which was
very nice, and the hotel-pier and pier-airport transfers.
We wondered about HAL's policy on boarding the ship. We felt a 2:30pm start of boarding (for a 5pm
sailing) would cause congestion at the pier. However, due to pre-boarding check in at the hotel, we
moved on the ship very quickly and quite smoothly. There was a good sized crowd at the pier, but we
had absolutely no problem boarding.
The Ship
Our previous cruise experience has tended towards larger ships. We are rethinking this quickly. We
understand that Carnival (HAL's owner) is pressuring HAL to built bigger ships. We hope that doesn't
get out of control. Ryndam is a very pretty ship, well designed and well maintained. We never saw any
feature of the ship that we wished or thought should be larger, better designed or better maintained.
Passenger space is very well thought out, and designed to be bigger than average in the cruise
industry.
There was one little story here. Apparently two or three cruises prior to ours, the Ryndam had suffered
an engine room mechanical problem which cut 2-3 knots off of it's cruising speed. This caused two
situations. First, we were 3-4 hours late into our first port, and cut stays in two other ports by 1-2 hours.
Secondly, the Captain felt obligated to host a open bar party for the entire ship when we sailed from St
Thomas, as well as give each passenger a $50 credit on their room bill. Life is tough.
Cabins
We have become addicted to balconies, particularly in warm weather climates. On the Ryndam,
verandas are only available on the suite level cabins. Thus we endured a large number of amenities
granted to suite passengers. These included a large balcony with two lounge chairs, and a table with
two chairs, where we ate breakfast everyday we were at sea, and one dinner. Also provided were robes
(plush, very comfortable), fresh fruit (changed twice a day, and customized to our favorites), a lunch
and a dinner with the Captain and other officers (great food and very memorable), and a special
cocktail party (with great music and company).
The cabin was large, and well furnished. It had very pretty recessed lighting, which we never tired of
adjusting to set the mood.
Food
One of the highlights of this cruise was the quality and variety of food served. Food is always a key
point of a cruise, but HAL takes this a step further. We were very pleased with the selection of fish on
the dinner menu, and enjoyed the wide range of other menu items as well. HAL seems to be subtly
pushing people to eat breakfast and lunch at the Lido Buffet. To make this work, HAL has put high
quality, dining room type food at the Lido, rather than standard buffet type food. Fish was regularly
featured on the Lido. It works. The Lido was always crowded at lunch, and frequently at breakfast.
Food freshness, quality and variety are serious selling points for cruise lines. HAL is very successful at
this, probably the best we have seen. One of my fondest memories was the huge, fresh, sweet
strawberries that my wife saved from the lunch buffet for my return from a golf shore excursion. These
strawberries could be used as poster models for the strawberry industry!
Crew Members and Staff
Probably the most understated comments made by people prior to our cruise was about the employees
and their level of service. All reviewers said the HAL employees work hard, make their service very
personal, and above all, remember your name and particular needs or wishes.
We were continuously surprised by employees remembering our names, our previous requests, and
any other pertinent info needed. The employees worked very hard to make us happy, always with a
smile, in a professional manner and as fast as possible. This was not limited to the standard employees
whom a passenger tips, but extended to every employee we interacted with. We can not say enough
about the very positive feeling we carry with us about HAL employees.
Much has been made about HAL's no tipping policy- some of it cynical and negative. We immediately
decided that we would be tipping at least at standard cruise industry levels, (we exceeded in a couple of
instances) and to people outside of the standard tipping jobs. Of course, if service is poor, don't tip. But
the words poor, average, or fair, never entered our minds.
The (very few) Negatives
According to every review we obtained, the general population on HAL ships tends to be 50 or older.
This is true. Our cruise had maybe 10 kids on board, and very few people under 30. Thus the
entertainment and other activities leaned towards that crowd. And, as the repeater percentage on this
cruise was just over 60%, there is little incentive for HAL to make big changes. We understand that HAL
enjoys one of the highest loyalty levels of all cruise lines, and it is obvious why. We hope that HAL will
consider the aging Baby Boomer population, and adjust their entertainment just a little to accommodate
the passengers of the future.
One of the main reasons we took this cruise was to allow me to golf. The brochures indicate golfing is a
common and available excursion. However, the Shore Excursion book that arrived a couple of weeks
prior to sailing didn't indicate any golf excursions. A phone call to HAL indicated that golf excursions
would be on the buy list in the cabin when we got on board. But, there wasn't any golf listed on the buy
list in our cabin. A trip to the shore excursion desk got three tee times (at St Thomas, Trinidad, and
Martinique) arranged. When it was announced that golfers were to be the first ones off the ship at St
Kitts (due to late arrival- see mechanical problem above)- a location where golf had not been offered-
we began to wonder about HAL's golf program. A long chat with the Shore Excursion Manager revealed
that due to irregular ports (as this is a 10 day cruise, The Ryndam is not in the same port every week),
and a lack of golfers, HAL was not advertising golf on this cruise. Our immediate thought- if they aren't
advertising (in the Shore Excursion book, and on the buy list), then there won't be a lot of golfers, will
there?
In Summary
This was by far our best cruise. We intend to cruise HAL whenever we can. HAL seems to be expanding
into new areas, which suits us well. We hope they are able to maintain the near deluxe cruise line they
have.
Name: Jan McNeill
Email: jan@sellingcharlotte.com
Age: 55
Occupation: Realtor
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: Feb. 5, 2000
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: 038/A
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector:
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization:
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 14 Feb 2000
Time: 07:47:33
Remote Name: clt80-045.carolina.rr.com
Remote User:
Comments
This is the first time we did not use the Fly/Cruise aspect of the cruise and we are happy we did.
Given the weather at this time of year, we wanted to make sure we could make it to Florida with
plenty of leeway. A week earlier and we would definitely have needed that extra 24 hours. As it was,
all went well and the extra time wasn’t really needed, although it allowed us to do one last bit of
shopping (I needed some extra medication for a sinus infection), etc.
Embarkation was great. We arrived at the Holland America terminal about 2 pm and were whisked
right aboard since we were Alumni. Our cabin was exactly the same as we had had twice before on
the Maasdam, so we were prepared for what we had and what would be provided. We had upgraded
from a B Category Verandah Minisuite to an A Category. The difference was one deck higher, but in
retrospect I would not bother to do it. We were located under the Lido Dining Area which proved a
bit noisy at times. We could hear them moving things around, etc. We didn’t see any advantage to
the location other than that we had a bit of an overhang that kept our verandah in a bit more shade.
I’d save the money next time and go on a lower deck. I was annoyed by some squeaks the first
night, but they seemed to settle down on later nights. The minisuites offer a small couch,
refrigerator, fresh fruit bowl, bath with jacuzzi, nice robes, and comfortable beds. The TV got CNN
and some closed channels showing other cruises which was really quite nice to see.
As I’ve found before, the first few hours out of Fort Lauderdale seem to be the 'most active' of all the
times as far as motion of the seas is. I always use a Transderm Scopalamine patch which works very
well for those first few days. I never bother to replace it since I become used to the motion by then.
There were a number of folks who felt a bit queasy those first couple of hours, but it was relatively
minor discomfort it sounds like. We also made sure to go to dinner earlier than we were scheduled
so we didn’t get overly hungry. We found that the Ryndam has just recently changed to a new
dinner policy and has opened the Lido Restaurant for more formal dining in the evening as an
alternative dinner place. It’s Open Seating and was open about 6-8 if I recall. Nice tablecloths and
wait staff to bring you your entrée. You go to a salad bar for your salad, etc. We were happy to have
it that first night when we didn’t want to wait until our late seating dinner. We didn’t bother to use it
any other time, but that was only because we sat at a table for 4 and enjoyed our dinner
companions and didn’t want to leave them alone.
This was our third trip with Holland America. We’ve done two other cruises with the Maasdam and
found the Ryndam’s staff to be a bit better we thought. Everyone on the staff was happy, pleasant to
deal with, helpful when needed, etc. The food was better also. In particular we liked the duck, the
shrimp, and of course, the desserts! Breakfast in the Lido was always good and fresh. Plenty of
choices. The fresh orange juice machine was great! Lunch was usually the Taco or Hamburger Bar
on the Lido. We never bothered with room service.
Unfortunately our first day was too cold to enjoy the Holland America private island Half Moon Cay.
We stayed about an hour, then went back to the ship, but the facilities would have been wonderful.
The crescent beach was a true dream. Too bad!
Grand Cayman was the next stop and since we had been there before we knew where to go to
Power Shop for an hour or two before we needed to get to our Cockatoo Catamaran Tour to
Stingray City. We love the shopping in Grand Cayman, particularly at British Imports. You must see
the Black Coral sculpture at Bernard Passman’s too. The Stingray City adventure was definitely a
highlight. Before we had thought it was a hokey kind of trip, but after seeing other’s comments here
we decided to give it a try and are glad we did. You sail out about 3 miles to a sandbar where
LOADS of stingrays congregate. You can get out without snorkel gear if you want, since you’re just
in knee deep water. The stingrays just come around like puppies! It was an amazing sight. The sail
was fun too, so I would highly recommend this for anyone.
Cozumel was next. Last time we were there we went to Tulum which I highly recommend, even
though it takes most the day. Apparently you can no longer climb the structures there but the road
to the ruins is better. This time we went to lunch at Pancho’s Backyard which was lovely. It’s a great
way to begin your day. We shopped along the way back, but didn’t really see things that were better
than what we had seen in Cayman. We didn’t buy anything there.
Our last stop was Key West which was one reason we took this particular cruise. It was a fun way to
end the cruise. We enjoyed the Hemmingway House and Mel Fisher’s museum of artifacts from the
Atocha. Lunch at Louie’s Backyard was worth it...we made reservations a week before for the back
deck which I highly recommend. It was a lovely view on a perfect day. We also made sure to visit the
Key Lime Shop which was a fun place to pick up little souvenirs of the trip for folks...white chocolate
with lime, etc. The Key Lime Pie on a Stick is great!
The two days we had at sea were relaxing. I had a facial which was great, although I hate the usual
pitch for expensive cosmetics that comes with it. I wish they didn’t do that. We read, played in the
Casino, used the exercise facilities, and really relaxed. This time we didn’t take advantage of any of
the activities that were going on, although everyone seemed to be enjoying them. I did go to the
Chef’s cooking lesson which was very entertaining and informative. Others were building boats,
playing deck games, etc.
We met a couple who had gone on a Celebrity cruise the week before so they were able to give us a
good comparison. They thought the cabins were much larger on the Ryndam, but the Casino and
public facilities were larger on the Celebrity. They thought the food was better on the Celebrity, but
we thought the food was very good on the Ryndam.
We like the HAL ships and will continue to cruise on them. We’ve cruised on the Royal Princess,
Royal Odessey, and a Carnival ship before. We like the size of the ships, the verandah mini-suites,
the friendly staff, and the quiet places you can find on the HAL ships. We were concerned that we
might find the Ryndam looking a bit old, but were happy to find everything in almost perfect
condition. I think that overall the HAL ships offer a wonderful cruising experience and are a good
value. I don’t think anyone would be disappointed in any cruise with them.
We didn't buy the HAL-sponsored trip back to the airport. There are plenty of cabs to pick you up
and the cabfare was much less than the ship's transportation.
p.s. we don’t like to go to the entertainment, so have no idea what that was like, but we heard some
people were disappointed in it, so if you really want the entertainment portion, this may not be the
line for you.
Name: SEYMOUR ROSENBLATT
Email: imseymour@msn.com
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired Judge
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Ryndam
SailingDate: March 25 2000
Itinerary: Western Carib,
Cabin: Suite 003
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 70
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 50
GoodForHoneymoon: 50
CasinoStaff: 40
PrivateIsland: 75
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 75
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors: 10
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 75
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 50
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 65
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 02 Apr 2000
Time: 13:36:07
Remote Name: lsbgflxa-usr-1-ip-74.atlantic.net
Remote User:
Comments
The two negative I have on this trip is one the bus transportation from Leesburg to Ft. Lauderdale took
over 6 hours and one stop at a McDonalds. The rest romm on the bus was in the middle of the bus and
down a long step. No flushing recepticle and the bus stared to stink half way on the trip. Second
negative was on the ship the casino. They had a number of dealers working, but the two female dealers
were very negative in their demenor and conversation with the passengers. When these two were
dealing or on the dice tabled a number of us moved to other tables to gamble.Now the good stuff. When
we arrived a the ship They were waiting for my wife and I with a wheel chair needed by my wife. About 5
minutes at the sign in desk and we were escorted right to our suite.Our luggage was already in our room
with a large bouquet of flowers in our room with a beautifull note attached welcoming us aboard, and
right next to the flowere was a bottle of champaigne sent to uor room by the captain of the ship. We
havent even packed yet and we were being treated like royalty. Our room steward came in five minutes
after we arrived and asked if there was any help moving luggage helping unpack etc.He gave us a whole
packet of the things that will take place in the next several hours, and included was the menu for dinner
that evening. The seven days of our cruise was was absolutely bliss for my wife and myself. We even
arranged to renew our vows by the Ships Captain and it was a most beautiful ceremony. The food was 5
Star in quality and taste, and the service was impecable. The cost of the field trips ashore were very
over priced. My wife being slightly handicapped we could not use the tenders to go ashore which was
very disappointing. The debarking proceedure was absolutely quick and efficient. We were off the ship
and on the bus in less then 20 minutes. On all our future cruises we will only go on Holland American
lines. My wife and I were spoiled rotten and we love it. I will be glad to inforn any interested party of any
details they want imseymour@msn.com
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