Looking for Feedback on Noordam 10-Day Southern Caribbean Seafarer

[510picker]

My wife and I are considering taking this cruise in November. The price looks good and the timing would be good to tie into Thanksgiving.

 

We've been on three HAL cruises and HAL is a good fit for us. We are easily entertained and don't typically do excursions because I'm in a wheelchair. We enjoy getting off at the ports and taking in the sights, but typically don't venture too far.

 

Any feedback and photos from this cruise would be appreciated.

[sail7seas]

You don't mention your ports. Are you doing FLL, St. Maarten, St. Lucia etc

 

or

 

FLL Half Moon Cay, Grand Turck, Samana etc ?

 

Noordam is a gorgeous ship and IMO HAL really got her so so so right. She is the fourth in the Vista Class and whatever mistakes they may have made on the preceding sisters, they did just right on Noordam.

 

No matter which ports, you can't go wrong on Noordam IMO

 

[510picker]

Thanks for the feedback. I believe the Wayfarer cruise does all St. islands and the Seafarer cruise does HMC, Grand Turk, Samana, etc. We are looking at the Seafarer.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done your cruise. It is great.

Samana -- a tender port.

HMC -- tender port.

Grand Turk -- Carnival has spent a fortune to build up the area around the pier -- small shops, pool, wave runner, Margaritaville. There isn't much in town -- have to take a bus tour there or taxi. They may try to rent you a golf cart to get around.

As you are in a wheel chair -- not certain how much you will be able to do.

[510picker]

We've been to both HMC and Grand Turk twice and enjoy them both. I've heard there isn't much in the port area of Samana and might just enjoy the ship that day. I'm curious about the other three ports. Is there much to do and see in the port areas? We just like to shop a little and check out the locals.

[Love the beach]

We did this cruise in January---loved it-- and Noordam is our favorite ship!

IMO it's not worth tendering ashore in Samana. You will love the ABC islands, Aruba, Curacao & Bonaire---they are all very charming. You will find shopping close to the terminals in Aruba & Bonaire. In Curacao there are 2 piers one of which is closer to town , but the area around the other one is built up now with many shops there as well.

Have a great cruise:)

Marge

[sail7seas]

When we were in Curacao on Maasdam the same day as Noordam, they docked at Mega Pier which is right at Rif Fort (I think that's the name of it.) It's a brand new, very pleasant area of shops, restaurants, bars...... There was music playing and since both Noordam and Maasdam sailed late, the shops were open and lots of folks stayed ashore for drinks/dinner.

 

We docked at downtown and love that dock as it's an easy walk for those without mobility issues. It's hard to say in advance at which dock you will be.

 

In Aruba, you will be directly across from very nice shopping and nearby to restaurants, casino, fun......

 

[510picker]

Thanks to everyone for the information. We need to decide if we are going to do take this trip. They are holding our room until Monday. My sensible side says don't go, save your money. But as they say, you can't take it with you! I'm ready to book it! Thanks again!

[BaltiGator]

Thanks to everyone for the information. We need to decide if we are going to do take this trip. They are holding our room until Monday. My sensible side says don't go, save your money. But as they say, you can't take it with you! I'm ready to book it! Thanks again!

 

The Noordam was our first HAL cruise and we booked two more after that. Great ship, great staff. We did a 10-day Caribbean too but I think the other itinerary. If I recall correctly ours only had one tender port. Hoping the Oosterdam this August is as nice as her sister. Have fun deciding!

[510picker]

Booked it today. Let the countdown begin!

[catl331]

Never hesitate to take a cruise on the Noordam. Love it!!

[esther e]

Thanks to everyone for the information. We need to decide if we are going to do take this trip. They are holding our room until Monday. My sensible side says don't go, save your money. But as they say, you can't take it with you! I'm ready to book it! Thanks again!

 

I don't know how old you are, but at our age (:eek:) we stopped being sensible a long time ago and are enjoying what we want to do, hang the cost, as long as we can afford it. The kids will get our house when the time comes, which used to be an advantage but since we're near the beach we can't depend on that now.

 

Our mantra has been "you never know what's ahead for you; enjoy and do." And we live by it!

[boards]

We are booking the Nov. 3 cruise, have been advised that this is not a good date since it is the first stop in the US after a transatlantic cruise. Could be a long wait before boarding due to crew having to pass through customs, has anyone else experienced this?

[BaltiGator]

We are booking the Nov. 3 cruise, have been advised that this is not a good date since it is the first stop in the US after a transatlantic cruise. Could be a long wait before boarding due to crew having to pass through customs, has anyone else experienced this?

 

This is a very interesting question that I personally have not seen tackled before. While you may get some good responses in this thread, I think it's a general enough question that you may want to consider starting a new thread for it.

[holacanada]

As you can see at my signature Noordam was my very first cruise. Beginning of a new style of vacation: cuising..! The experience was so good that I renew a couple of times after.

Don't hesitate ! Have a good cruise !

 

Holacanada from Quebec city

Aboard Niew Amsterdam in 93 days, 14 hours, 7 minutes and 1 second

[May4]

Booked it today. Let the countdown begin!

 

You lucky pup! I've taken 3 Southern Caribbean cruises over the years and loved each one a lot.

 

And yes, the Noordam is gorgeous.