Just returned Noordam Jan 13-23

[mountainmare]

Yes you read that correctly, we just returned last night from a grand cruise/roadtrip adventure. This is DHs first winter of retirement and we realized that with no time constraints we could leisurely drive down from Pa and take our time driving back. We left home Jan 6 for the Jan 13th sailing and just returned---and we are still happily married. This has been the perfect adventure, however since this is cruise critic I'll limit myself to the cruise.

WARNING--for those of you who hate wordy reviews, just stop reading now.

 

Next: precruise and embarkation

[Himself]

I wait with bated breath for your review of the m.s. Noordam. You might even goad me into traveling on this ship if the report is good enough.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Looking forward to your review.

[mountainmare]

Thanks to the advice on the Fla departures board we stayed north of Fort Lauderdale. We picked the Beachcomber Resort in Pompano Beach (used points for an ocean front room) and it was the perfect way to slide into the resort mode before the ship. Also thanks to cruise critic we reserved parking at Park N'Go for $6.99/day.

The check-in person at the hotel advised us to drive down A1A to the port entrance, drop our luggage at the ship and then exit for Park N'Go. This avoided traffic on I 96/595 and worked well.

At 5:15 I woke up and saw the cruise ship parade from our room, I was happy to see the Noordam (through binocs), DH was not so happy for me to wake him up to see tiny ships in the distance.

Eager to get going we left the hotel around 9:30 and headed for the port arriving around 10. No line up at the port entrance and no line up to drop luggage made this a great plan. We easily found Park N'Go and were back to the ship by 10:45. They were already checking in and just opened the big room when we arrived, we were group #3. Boarding promptly began at 11:30 and we were in our room before noon.

 

At check-in there was a discussion about the embarkation lunch and if it was restrcted to 3-4 stars (we are 2 star). Nobody knew, so we just went to the MDR fpr lunch, it was not crowded and a nice way to start the cruise. We had been waitlisted for late seating and then assigned open. After lunch we went to the podium to change to late seating and were able to get a lovely table for four along the rail, our travel companions really did not want to try open seating and this was great. Again, the trick is to be early, there was only one person waiting for the manager to show up to make changes at that time.

 

Our luggage was already up to the room and by the time I went to our rollcall pre-sailaway get together we were already settled in.

 

Muster was very short and no rollcall was taken, this has probably changed by now after the Concordia sinking.

 

Next: Cabin and ship

[kazu]

Looking forward to the rest! We loved the Noordam when we were on - I hope you did too:D

[mountainmare]

The Noordam is beautiful and has a very special feel, I understand why people love her so much. She has a very elegant feel and the decor is a nice mix of traditional with a modern twist. I thought the ceiling in the MDR was devine and the overall color scheme is warm and inviting. I still prefer the size of the smaller ships but I have not felt this way about the decor of a ship since I was on the old Celebrity Galaxy. The overall feel comes not only from the warm tones on the ship but the warmth of the crew in general. This is a happy ship that is well run and it shows.

We picked aft veranda cabin 4176 since we like aft cabins and like that this one is half covered. I will confess that I did not read all of Joanies fine print anout the Noordam and thought this veranda would be bigger (like on the other Vistas deck 4) but the cabin and veranda were nice and roomy. People can look down if you are sitting on the uncovered part...and can see your reflection in the plexi railing, but we are used to that on aft cabins.

Since we drove we really over packed and had snorkel gear, flamingo lights and two Freeky Tikis (Freeky and Freekette). We still had drawers and spaces not used. Unlike our aft on the Oosterdam there was no lounge chair but three chairs, a footstool and small table and we still had tons of room. Overall the cabin seemed larger than I had remembered and very comfortable.

 

Our hearts did sink a bit when we went out on our balcony and discovered we were next to heavy chainsmokers. PLEASE do not turn this into a smoking thread!!! This is your information from out personal experience!!!

Our other aft cabin (deck6) on the Oosterdam was a very smokey on the veranda cabin. We had smokers below and beside. We picked deck 4 so that we would not be above smokers. Contrary to the belief that the smoke will be sucked straight back away from the ship it isn't. The ship creates a big windblock so your neighbors smoke just comes over the partition. Our neighbors were both heavy smokers and smoked just outside their door so the smoke did come over to us and also to our friends who were on the other side of them. When we have had verandas on the side, while somewhat annoying, the smoke does drift away when you are moving and not too bad. Now after two experiences we have found this is not the case for regular aft cabins in the middle of the back.

This is our experience and hopefully will help people who are picking cabins. We know in advance that HAL allows smoking on balconies and that it is possible that your neighbors may smoke and if we book HAL we live with what we get. The policy has just changed, it's not to be changed again in the forseeable future (I was told this by a staff member).

 

We did notice that meetings about the smoking policy were being held for the crew and signs around the aft pool clearly stated that this is a designated smoking area (by the bar where there has always been a smoking area). There were signs and ashtrays placed on every table in the smoking area so it would be really hard for a smoker to not know that it is ok to smoke there and a non-smoker to not realize that this is a smoking section of the ship.

 

Next: Nice words about the crew

[mountainmare]

I understand why everyone loves the Noordam. This is the best crew we have had on any ship on any line ever.

 

Our room stewards Agung an Aknis aksed what we wished to be called when we first arrived as they were unloading luggage and greeted us by name from that time on. They also gave us their business card with their names, a very nice touch. The room was kept in perect condition, nothing was too much trouble. Remember I mentioned Freeky, well he had a little accident in Florida and was not exactly his whole self--being put back together with duct tape. Our rooom stewards thought that the deck washers had broken him and were very upset--and wondered if we had all the pieces because they could get him fixed. they were relieved that they were not responsible for his condition and we all had a good laugh about it (Although thoughts of asking for a free cruise in compensation did enter our minds).

HAL--if you read this these two gentlemen are very special!!!

 

We along with other cc members had school supplies for the Dominican Republic. There were lots of school supplies and I asked Lucy at the front desk if we needed to do anything special with the country (I was bringing in inflating needles) and could we get on an early tender. She was excellent with arranging for us to meet with the government officials who inspected our supplies and thanked us and then escorted us to the early tender. Lucy explained that it is always a good idea to ask for help if you are bringing something into a country because they can stop you and turn you back. Realize our group had lots of stuff, not just a bag of markers so it may have looked odd to have us carrying off luggage. This is easy, and I know its silly but the reaction of the officials made us feel special. Lucy just made this easy to do.

 

We had late traditional dining table 86 along the rail. Our dining staff (k and Koko) were fun and professional. I did notice that they had more tables than a few years ago and were more rushed, but even so took time to interact with their tables and be personable. This is one of the things we like about HAL. I would pay more in basic fare if they would hire more dining staff to go back to a more elegant, non rushed feel in the MDR. Don't get me wrong, we were never rushed, I just felt that our staff was working very hard...something I have not felt in the past.

 

The only glitch of the entire cruise was my wine steward. I am the only person at our four person table who drinks, so I order wine by the glass with my beverage card. Our table was at the end of his "area". One night I brought the remainder of my wine from one of the lounges and when he asked if I wanted something I said "not right at this moment" but I would have wanted a glass through the rest of dinner, I never could find him again, another night we were into the main course and I had the waiter go get him. I always asked for his advice, not just "give me a house red" but I was never asked later if it was good and never asked if I wanted another glass. He was very busy with many other tables with various bottles of wine that needed to be recorked and kept track of--but I still felt ignored because I was just a by the glass person at a nondrinking table. ( he did forget to take my card one night and I did get a free glass so maybe ignored isn't a bad thing) Again, this is a case of understaffing.

 

Otherwise everyone from the front desk, people in the halls cleaning, the gym staff, guys painting the deck---everyone would greet you with a smile and seemed true professionals.

 

Next: quick review of the ports

[mountainmare]

Half Moon Cay: For years this has been a favorite stop, since before the cabanas. We shared HMC with the Nieuw Amsterdam. A disaster--think the Jersey Shore on July 4 weekend! Usually you can walk down the beach and get away from the crowds, not this time. We didn't even stay for lunch. If there must be two ships here (does anyone remember when there was the policy of only one ship?) then it should never be two of the larger ships.

 

Grand Turk: We were the only ship here. I had already decided that I would hate this port because I hate the fake "Disney Caribbean" cruise center places. I loved it!! I took my snorkel stuff and found a good place right beyond the shore excursion dock, lots of fish but dead coral. I walked out to the point, just beautiful with tons of shells. We walked to Jack's Shack for jerk chicken--really really good, then we swam in the big pool (yes I swam in the fake for cruise people pool and liked it). There is wifi near the smoothie place.

 

Dominican Republic: Favorite port. Had private tour with Terry. Incredible cultural experience followed by wonderful lunch on one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. The highlight was visiting the school and meeting the teacher and the kids. Beautiful island and beautiful people. Go with an open mind and open heart and you will be rewarded.

 

Bonaire: What could be better than a small sailboat (real sailboat under sail) and great snorkeling on Bonaire. We booked with Bowalie and had a wonderful time. It is a small boat and they only take a max of 6-8, book early if you want to sail. One couple on this tour had booked the Noordam specifically so that they could return to Bonaire and sail Bowalie again, they are that good!!

After I walked the town and had a snack. Really liked Bonaire alot.

 

Curacao: Frustrating due to poor planning on my part. I should have rented a car in advance and had it waiting at the port, but I remembered in past visits there was a car rental place set up by the megapier and figured I could go with the flow. I also didn't know where we would dock.

I was ticked!!! We docked at the megapier which I hate and a Costa ship ( we all know how well they navigate tight places) got to dock in town.

Anyway we went in the hotel to try to rent a car and the lady left for lunch and didn't come back, so we walked around town...again...but after a couple of Sangrias all was fine.

But we were there until 11pm and if we were docked in town I would have had a walk about at night, instead I just went to the BBQ on the deck (which was good--but I wanted to be docked town)

I would think HAL being HOLLAND America would have priority to dock in town. I know some people like the mega pier but I do have a dislike of the lets build this for the cruise people so they don't get scared facilities.

 

Aruba: Woke up to have a Princess bow almost in our cabin. Again, its Aruba--part of the DUTCH Antillies and we're on HOLLAND America. Why does Princess get to dock right by the port entrance?

Actually a perfect end to the cruise ports. We took the local bus to Eagle Beach, got some chairs and plopped ourselves down under a tree. Had wonderful lunch from a food truck where alot of locals and guides (without their tourists) were lined up. Great beach day.

 

Next: Post comments--at last you are all saying

[mountainmare]

A huge thank you to cruise critic. Thank you Krazy Kruizers for posting the menues, they were the same for our cruise. What would we ever do without Joanie who gives us all the inside info about the cabins. The people on the Florida board and ports board make DIY planning so much easier along with crosschecking on tripadvisor.

 

A special thank you to Sue for arranging our meet and greets, which were under attended. That is a shame because HAL does a nice job for Cruise Critic with no cost to us. We had a wonderful spread with few attendees. If you do sign up for the M&G please do show up, if only to get a free mimosa. We met some very nice people from cruise critic .

 

Silent disembarkation is nice, we were in a middle group and things had backed up--but the plus side is that the luugage area was not mobbed and the line to go through customs was not too long. We had overpacked and were those embassed people with too much luggage. We got a porter which was a good thing because he took us right to where the Park N'Go van was waiting--good timing.

 

Soon we were racing up I95 to Jekyll Island where we spent two nights at the Jekyll Island Club in a huge suite with a fireplace and porch overlooking the bay. Now THAT'S the way the end a cruise, but you'll have to go over to tripadvisor to read about it.

 

Feel free to ask any questions and I'll give short answers.

[retdon]

Half Moon Cay: For years this has been a favorite stop, since before the cabanas. We shared HMC with the Nieuw Amsterdam. A disaster--think the Jersey Shore on July 4 weekend! Usually you can walk down the beach and get away from the crowds, not this time. We didn't even stay for lunch. If there must be two ships here (does anyone remember when there was the policy of only one ship?) then it should never be two of the larger ships.

 

Grand Turk: We were the only ship here. I had already decided that I would hate this port because I hate the fake "Disney Caribbean" cruise center places. I loved it!! I took my snorkel stuff and found a good place right beyond the shore excursion dock, lots of fish but dead coral. I walked out to the point, just beautiful with tons of shells. We walked to Jack's Shack for jerk chicken--really really good, then we swam in the big pool (yes I swam in the fake for cruise people pool and liked it). There is wifi near the smoothie place.

 

Dominican Republic: Favorite port. Had private tour with Terry. Incredible cultural experience followed by wonderful lunch on one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. The highlight was visiting the school and meeting the teacher and the kids. Beautiful island and beautiful people. Go with an open mind and open heart and you will be rewarded.

 

Bonaire: What could be better than a small sailboat (real sailboat under sail) and great snorkeling on Bonaire. We booked with Bowalie and had a wonderful time. It is a small boat and they only take a max of 6-8, book early if you want to sail. One couple on this tour had booked the Noordam specifically so that they could return to Bonaire and sail Bowalie again, they are that good!!

After I walked the town and had a snack. Really liked Bonaire alot.

 

Curacao: Frustrating due to poor planning on my part. I should have rented a car in advance and had it waiting at the port, but I remembered in past visits there was a car rental place set up by the megapier and figured I could go with the flow. I also didn't know where we would dock.

I was ticked!!! We docked at the megapier which I hate and a Costa ship ( we all know how well they navigate tight places) got to dock in town.

Anyway we went in the hotel to try to rent a car and the lady left for lunch and didn't come back, so we walked around town...again...but after a couple of Sangrias all was fine.

But we were there until 11pm and if we were docked in town I would have had a walk about at night, instead I just went to the BBQ on the deck (which was good--but I wanted to be docked town)

I would think HAL being HOLLAND America would have priority to dock in town. I know some people like the mega pier but I do have a dislike of the lets build this for the cruise people so they don't get scared facilities.

 

Aruba: Woke up to have a Princess bow almost in our cabin. Again, its Aruba--part of the DUTCH Antillies and we're on HOLLAND America. Why does Princess get to dock right by the port entrance?

Actually a perfect end to the cruise ports. We took the local bus to Eagle Beach, got some chairs and plopped ourselves down under a tree. Had wonderful lunch from a food truck where alot of locals and guides (without their tourists) were lined up. Great beach day.

 

Next: Post comments--at last you are all saying

 

What a great review. I have been looking at this cruise and was so glad to read your comments. I do have a few questions......

Overall what was the condition of the ship in? We are not swimmers so we are looking at the ABC islands for shopping and sight seeing, do you have an recommendaions on either. Tell me more about the new pier on Aruba, didn't know anything about that. Can you walk into town?

How was the food? Your mentioned the menus, can you post a link please. How did you make reservations for the Park'n cruise?

Thanks for you response, we really want to visit the ABC's.... Linda

[erewhon]

Thank you for your review.

Sorry that that you had smokers next door.

Were there bars of soap provided in your cabin bathroom?

[dpump]

Enjoyed your review. We loved the Noordam and our trip. I believe I saw you when we were embarking. Were you sitting holding a famingo on a stick? We were one of those who committed to attending the cc meet & greet, but the first day my husband managed to lose his cell phone and on the other day we had a lunch for suite guests in the Pinnacle. Fully intended on attending, but things just came up.

 

Yes, there are bars of soap in the bathroom.

 

Ship was beautiful. Husband said the rug looked a little worn in our cabin but I didn't notice.

 

You can walk into town in Aruba. We really enjoyed Curaco and Bonnaire.

 

Food was good. HATED the Lido, crowded, everyone surly, felt choices were minimal. Only time I had an issue was when I ordered a pork chop and it was a pork steak. Nasty.

 

We were surprised listening to some folks complain about their trip, we truly had zero issues. Yes, the Lido sucked, but we just ordered room service to avoid it and were also able to utilize the Pinnacle in the morning for breakfast and had dinner twice in there.

 

Fantastic trip.

[mountainmare]

Yep that would be me with the flamingo on a stick!!! NOW you get why I say "just shoot me if I have to go to the Lido"

Food was ok. I am a very good cook and don't like mass produced food, so in general I don't like ship food. Our travel mates loved the food. Food in the specialty restaurants is better...we enjoyed the Italian venue (I always mess up the name).

I was being silly about Aruba...we just had to walk by the Princess ship. You can walk the towns in all ABCs or pick up a non ship tour when you get off. Grand Turk has a cruise center, Dominican republic is where you need a tour to get the best experience (I loved Terry).

I found Park N' Go on the Florida departure board. You can do a search there or ask..I'll look for the website.

 

This was a great cruise on a great ship.

[dpump]

We found the Italian place to be overrated. I had lasagna one night and sat there thinking they should of also used some pork and added some fennel seed (cooking is my hobby) but loved the lemoncillo. Hubby and I were talking this morning and both agreed the Pinnacle was fantastic. Found the folks on Holland to be so friendly and willing to talk with anyone. Really added to an already fun trip. Absolutely the most relaxing trip we've ever been on.

[IRL_Joanie]

.....Remember I mentioned Freeky, well he had a little accident in Florida and was not exactly his whole self--being put back together with duct tape. .........

 

Loving the review of the ship we board in just 36 days!!!

 

Before I forget I have a couple of snap shots for ya. Email me for the full sized ones:)

 

 

Joanie

[IRL_Joanie]

Forgot to add this snap shot to the other 3. I know it is not you, but maybe whoever it is with the US Marine Corp Banner will see themselves and want it:)

 

 

Joanie

[CTBob]

Thanks for the review. We were docked next to the Noordam in San Juan and I said "That's a good looking ship" so we sailed on it next and loved it. I wish I was there now! Can't exactly put my finger on why, but it is my favorite ship.

[portofrome]

Thank you for the review.

[Steamboatin]

Agree with you about the extreme poor attendance at the Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle. HAL had a minimum of 4 trays of food and lots of drinks. Near the end of the meeting I took a few offerings of the food and was the first to do so. When I left I did not see anyone else even try the food provided by HAL. If I was HAL and all that was eaten from 4 trays of food was what I personally ate I would not offer food to a future CC function. It was a total waste. Same with the drinks. Waiter came by with a full tray and left with at least a half of a tray of drinks untaken.

 

Agree with food in Lido Restaurant. It was poor and we avoided it. Only good thing I can say about it was the very few times we ate there I really enjoyed their Okra and stewed tomatoes. Had 3 servings it was that good.

 

The thing that we did not like about Canaletto, the Italian Restaurant on the Starboard Lido Deck, was the total lack of privacy given to anyone requesting a table for 2. The tables are immediately next to another table of 2 and that couple if loud drowns out any attempt for privacy much less them hearing also what you are saying.

 

Would highly recommend individuals utilize the HAL Luggage Direct program that will have your luggage picked up from outside of your cabin on the last night and you do not see it again until you are at your final desigation luggage pick up area. For only $19 per bag this is a great service as you do not have to try to find your luggage at the pier, find a porter to bring it out to a bus, do not have to carry it into an airport. Just simply forget it and pick it up once at your final designation. Cannot recommend this service enough. Highly recommend it.

 

Also for those who cannot find a direct flight home consider riding in a HAL provided bus to the Miami International Airport and catch a direct flight from there to you home like we did. Now we would be the first to admit that the Miami International Airport is not a winner and is difficult to navigate.

 

On the plus side cannot say enough about the Neptune Lounge staff. Arvee and Franz were beyond outstanding in the level of service they provided. We ate most of our luncheons on snacks taken from the Neptune Lounge on our balcony.

 

Enjoyed eating in the Pinnacle Grill for breakfast each morning. First time we had the opportunity to do so and highly enjoyed the extremely professional staff and the excellent food served therein.

 

As for the "Discover Samana" tour we took in the Dominican Republic we were highly unimpressed with it. Especially when they stopped at a restaurant that had flies buzzing about and stray dogs walking between tables. We along with others did not eat at the restaurant. Instead we waited to eat on the Noordam once we returned to it.

 

The entire staff on the Noordam were top notch to us. A fine staff.

 

We really did enjoy the cruise even if we had been to all the ports but the Dominican Republic previously.

[mountainmare]

One problem for us with the Canaletto was the reservation process. We would be told they were full but when we walked by they were empty. We were told the only time was 9:30 but we showed up before 9 and were seated. We did enjoy our dinner, I ordered just the chicken with a small side of pasta with the vodca sauce, it tasted fresher than the food in the MDR. Our last two times at the Pinnacle for dinner have been a bit of a miss so we did skip it this time.

I did take some of the food from the M&G as did others because we didn't want to leave full trays of very very good snacks.

For Dominican Rebublic again I cannot say enough for Terry and his "Low impact" tour. We had 12 people from the ship, some people were on the older side and I believe that everyone enjoyed the tour.

 

I agree with everyone, a top staff and wonderful cruise. (But I still wanted to be docked in town for Curacao, at night, with all the pretty lights. That would have been a wonderful sailaway)

[gelo7]

Enjoying your review.

[aliaschief]

Very well written and informative review. Thanks

[hpf]

Thanks for your very informative review. I will be on the Noordam for the 3rd time in March. I have not been to he ABC islands before so I was glad to read your report.

 

Helen

[schauki]

Hi!

 

Thank you very much for the review!

We are on this cruise in about 3 weeks.

 

And we are at HMC with the Nieuw Amsterdam too.

Is there no way to find a place without so much crowd?

 

best

Richard

[mountainmare]

Richard

For Half Moon (indeed a beautiful place) you should keep walking up the beach beyond the Pirate Ship Bar. There are fewer people there. I'm a bit spoiled, most times we have been the only ship--one time it was two of the smaller ships, so to me it seemed very crowded.

Even so we had no trouble finding chairs, it was just that there were many more chairs put much closer together than I am used to.

There was no waiting for a tender because even at "prime time". People who were on the back to back had just been to HMC and were not in a hurry to get off right away.

Since I have been several times, truth be told if we were sharing when two large ships are in I would probably use the ship as my private island.