Noordam Review 4/4 - 4/14 Sailing

[GarySuzy]

This was our 6th HAL cruise on our 6th HAL ship. We are in our late 50’s and early 60’s and cruise to relax and get away from it all. We were in a Veranda cabin on the Veranda deck mid ship. I will not cover the ports of call.

Embarkation – we left our hotel in Ft Lauderdale at 11:10 AM and were in the Lido having lunch by 11:50, so embarkation was a breeze.

Cabin – our cabin was smaller than the Veranda Cabins on the S & R class ships we have sailed on but was more than adequate. There was plenty of storage and I like the idea of the cabinets over the sofa they came in handy for storing our purchases and snorkeling gear. Our stewards were outstanding, we asked them to ensure that our ice bucket was always full and they kept it full and added a second bucket for the last 5 days. We really like how comfortable the beds are, HAL has to have the best beds of all the cruise lines.

Dining – We had traditional first seating. We were at a table for 8 but the most there ever was at the table was 6. Our table mates were from Washington and Tennessee and we very much enjoyed their company. We did eat one night in the Canaletto and it was superb. All the waiters and asst waiters along with the wine stewards were very friendly and always had a smile for us. This attitude contributed to a memorable experience. As always the food was outstanding. We actually had Lobster two different nights. We at lunch in the Lido on most days and found it was very good. The only comment about the Lido is about rude passengers – picking up food with their hands and not the utensils and jumping to the head of the line because they did not want to wait a couple of extra minutes – what’s the hurry your on vacation.

Entertainment – we did not attend many of the shows but the ones we did see were good. The quality of the entertainers has improved, however I miss the Pilipino Bands that use to play in the Ocean Bar. We include the Casino under entertainment and the staff was very friendly and outgoing even if you weren’t playing the games. The string quartet was good and we liked listening to them after dinner.

Ships Crew – the crew was friendly and willing to assist in any way that they could. The Captain (John Scott) and Hotel Manager (Mark Pell?) were great we talked to them on several occasions and they were more than willing to answer our questions. Mike C the Cruise Director was one of the best we have encountered in quite awhile, he also was available and answered questions about the ship and cruise.

Disembarkation – This is were the only real hic-up of the cruise came, silent disembarkation the problem was that the baggage was not ready until 20 minutes after the times stated so the gangway area was crowded with people trying to get off.

Overall this was an excellent cruise and we really enjoyed ourselves.

[many cruises]

Thanks for taking the time to write your review. We'd love to sail on the Noordam! :)

[May4]

I'm glad you had a good time. The Noordam is becoming a favorite of mine too.

 

I agree that the beds are really comfortable.

 

So, did you visit the future cruise consultant while you were aboard?:D

[GarySuzy]

I'm glad you had a good time. The Noordam is becoming a favorite of mine too.

 

I agree that the beds are really comfortable.

 

So, did you visit the future cruise consultant while you were aboard?:D

 

Yes we visited the future cruise consultant - we just haven't decided which cruise to take.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome home.

 

Thank you for taking the time to write your report.

 

Glad you had a wonderful cruise.

[VegasRealtor]

Big grey boat with own airport?? I'll bet that was a nice relaxing cruise!!;)