oakridger

Also, too windy to sit on the tiny balcony while the ship is sailing from reports I have read. You must have drapes closed at all times after dark to not interfere with the bridge views. I wouldn't want it unless there was a huge discount. Signature suites are way more desirable than the forward Neptunes in my opinion!!!! ~Nancy

I didn't love the MDR lunch menu last fall either. It didn't seem any better food wise than the Lido. Of course, the quiet dining room and waiter service is what is really nice! Way back in 2018 one of the best meals I had on Oosterdam was the embarkation day MDR lunch.....baked trout!! mmmmmm..... I'm hoping for a lunch MDR menu upgrade before I sail next. May 2024 ~Nancy

Are all HAL ships equipped with port power connections? I know many older ships on other lines don't have the capability. ~Nancy

"But it's a warm rain!!"* 😉 *where rainbows come from!

The balcony furniture can be moved wherever you want. The bathrooms are the same...one jetted tub with shower over and one stand alone (smallish, but my "round" self fits if needed!) shower. I think those rooms look great! Only thing is if you don't like the walk all the way forward to the Crow's Nest or Spa/Gym or that it's further to the Neptune Lounge than midship cabins. I also refer to the website cruise deck plans often. It's linked below. Oosterdam Deck Plans, Layouts, Pictures, Videos (cruisedeckplans.com) ~Nancy

Good point @Cruise-y. ~Nancy

That view must be very distracting for a cruise ship lover!! 😉 ~Nancy

I'm lucky to be very comfortable with a manual transmission. I had a manual transmission for many years living in San Francisco......I got really, really, good at stop signs on very steep hills!!! 😮 Thanks for this car information because I probably wouldn't have read the fine print about mileage charges either. ~Nancy

@crystalspin Wondering what you mean by this as the Signature Suites really only provide more space, double Mariner points and priority boarding/tendering. (I love SS on Vista and Signature Class ships!!) Those are all good things but not what my definition of "Full Suite experience" would be. Can you clarify? Thanks, ~Nancy

Thanks. Can you provide a little more information on this or direct us to it? ~Nancy

Symphony shows Jade Night Club and Pulse Night Club on Serenity where casino was. Am I remembering correctly? Has this been discussed since the announcement of the demise of casinos? It will be interesting to see how these Clubs are actually utilized. ~Nancy

Check Halfacts.com for pictures. It looks like the deck 4 verandas are deeper and wider than the higher decks. Here's what one poster (CC handle "larson") wrote...with measurements!! Verandah Sizes on Vista Class Ships | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) 4164 – Oosterdam | HAL Cruiser Information (halfacts.com) I've been on Oosterdam several times but not in a veranda cabin. I enjoyed the ship! ~Nancy

Fact Sheet: End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency | HHS.gov The US ended the Covid emergency policies on May 11, 2023 so I find it difficult to believe that HAL will still offer FCCs. (I realize that HAL has no requirement to follow the US policy) I tried to look on the website and only found the policy that was in place last year. I "thought" I read that HAL had removed the reimbursements, but until I find it in writing who knows? Frankly, at this point what reason would there be to have different policies for Covid than any other communicable illness requiring isolation on board? (Norovirus, Flu, Measels, etc.) Anybody have concrete information? Thanks, ~Nancy

Thanks for taking on a Live From report again! I'll be reading along just to make sure you're having the proper amount of fun! 😉 ~Nancy

For me, I much prefer the veranda cabin layout with the seating area/lounge and desk area next to the balcony window. I'm not one to lie in bed to watch scenery but do sit in the lounge area if it's too cold/hot on the veranda. Other people feel just as strongly about the Vista Suite layout with the bed next to the veranda and seating closer to the bathroom. Think about how you use those spaces to help decide. Enjoy the cruise! ~Nancy

Maybe we could ask a security officer if there are cameras in the Neptune Lounge?? Hmmmmmm.... 🤔

That is just plain chintzy on HAL's part! They are bringing libraries back after the guests loudly protested their demise, so if people let Seattle know their unhappiness in this policy (if it is actually what the written policy meant) AND the lousy $7 appetizer add on in the Pinnacle then hopefully HAL will see their error in judgement!! People reported that Gus Antorcha on the 150th Anniversary Rotterdam cruise was well aware of the displeasure people have over the $7 upcharge. I wonder if they care. ~Nancy

Thanks so much for the update! I just decided today to start looking into a Windstar cruise for early 2025 (busy until then!). Being a former Crystal passenger also, I really appreciate your review and perspective. I already have a request in for more info and a quote! ~Nancy

Can you please share the name of the other car rental company? ~Nancy

I am glad you got the link. It's posted on @Piaa other thread. ~Nancy

Roy, you cracked me up!! 😁 Any suggestions are gladly accepted and I will go on a google search after reading your blog post above. You are the nicest guy and I would love if our paths crossed on a ship someday! Thank you! Cruise Critic folks are so helpful! ~Nancy

It is when the writing, content and humor in Dr. Dobro's posts are like attending a great enrichment presentation......and pictures! Maybe HAL can sign up @Dr.Dobro as an onboard presenter!!! I would love to see more of that type of offering on HAL. ~Nancy

Roy @rafinmd has been my inspiration to do combo travels over the last few years! Instead of round-trip flights next year to Norway I have booked the Zuiderdam TA from Ft. Lauderdale to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) then am still trying to do a "Roy" trip by train, ferry, or whatever from there to Oslo!.....still working on the logistics for that! @*Miss G* I really appreciate the positive attitude you have. It doesn't change the reality of air travel but sure does lessen the stress!! 😀 Thanks again for the trip report! ~Nancy

That sure was a whirlwind! Made me tired just reading about your day so far but I love that you really do take advantage of all opportunities! Have a great flight home. ~Nancy

Very nice pictures! That Park Ranger boat sure is odd looking! I have not seen that one before. ~Nancy