Review of Ryndam by RuthC is Highly Anticipated

[Funsun60]

:) As we will be on the Ryndam in September in a J inside cabin, I am most interested in hearing opinions or a review about the Ryndam from RuthC. I understand she has recently completed a cruise on this ship, so when you have time, please post about your experience..thank you in advance for taking the time to give your impressions, etc.

[RuthC]

It's also highly unlikely! I really had no thoughts about doing a full review.

However, that does not mean that I wouldn't be happy to answer questions. I would. I will post a few stray thoughts, and answer anything you ask (if I can).

I thought the ship was in fine condition. The food was good, and the service excellent. I ran into my all-time favorite lounge stewardess, Richel, who just happened to be working my watering hole of choice, so was very well taken care of there. Unfortunately for you, her contract ends in August. Fortunately for you, there were other lounge stewards who were very good. People were cleaning and polishing all the time. I never passed a crew member that I wasn't greeted with a "Good morning", or some such. I had help in the Lido, but it was spotty at times.

Food in the dining room just ain't what she used to be. But I never did miss a meal, nor go hungry any night. More than once I did order off the "Always available" menu, even though it wasn't published as such on the paper handed to me. My stewards were very good about getting me my "mix & match" foods---that's when I order the meat from one selection, potato from another, and vegetable from a third.

Entertainment was good to very good. The Explorers Lounge was totally filled, with people standing outside, just about every night. The group was that good. They also were the main stage show the last night.

The trio in the Ocean Bar was the same group as I heard on the Zuiderdam in December, and I was a regular there.

The production shows were fabulous! I love the shows now that the calibre of singers is so much better. The two dancers, although good, were plenty.

I did not care for the guitar player, Glenn. His is not my music; his voice wasn't very good, either, imo.

The piano player in Mix, Paul McD, was a good entertainer; the room was always packed when I came from dinner. I spent one evening there, and parts of other evenings. His music wasn't my style, so I preferred the Neptunes in the Ocean Bar.

I never went to the Crows Nest, except for private parties before dinner.

Hope this sort of info is what you are looking for. If there is anything else, I would be happy to post if I have the info. I have all my daily programs and both cruise logs, so the info in those is handy.

[cruisinjudy]

My stewards were very good about getting me my "mix & match" foods---that's when I order the meat from one selection, potato from another, and vegetable from a third.

Ruth, I do that too!

[innlady1]

Glad you had a good cruise, Ruth. Thanks for your thoughts on the Ryndam.

I'm anxious to try the Ryndam in January as we really, really enjoyed Veendam and Maasdam (lol...I still remember, when I told you I loved the Noordam, that you told me we needed to try the "S" class ships...so right you were!).

I agree with you on the "new" performers. The quality of the singers is incredible...we've enjoyed them so much on the Maasdam and Veendam. Love the new format.

[Typhoon1]

A good comprehensive review.

[doncarlos]

We did B2B in Feb and April 2011 [ Have 14 day next Jan ]. She is fine . I believe it is so because both Capts are out and about types and Hotman surely is as well as hands on { Simon de Boer }. Ruth will recall he did Roterdam TA Fall 09 prior to "alterations " LOL. Ryndan has the mix/ new stage / but they are not doing Lanai cabins [ which makes J class cabins better as more deck chairs availanble that on Lanai ships ] and thankfully they left the aft pool as it should be .

[RuthC]

...and thankfully they left the aft pool as it should be .

Which I was very happy about. Norway in May was very cold, with strong winds. I was able to sit outside on Navigation Deck aft, and get all the fresh air I wanted, yet stay out of the wind.

Unfortunately, music coming through the speakers was disturbing the peace. If they won't turn it off entirely, couldn't they at least play softer music? And not as loud?

[jimmy2x]

Which I was very happy about. Norway in May was very cold, with strong winds. I was able to sit outside on Navigation Deck aft, and get all the fresh air I wanted, yet stay out of the wind.

 

Unfortunately, music coming through the speakers was disturbing the peace. If they won't turn it off entirely, couldn't they at least play softer music? And not as loud?

 

 

I am looking forward to returning to the Ryndam next January, but have to say that I agree strongly about the "music". Quite sure that these music selections are dictated by the powers that be in Seattle, but one has to question their judgement. Who exactly do they expect to be on a 14 day cruise in January? The vast majority of the passengers will be over 60 but they subject us to music more appropriate for 30 somethings.

 

Long for the days when Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald were more likely to be heard. Must be getting old.;)

[portofrome]

Glad you had a good cruise Ruth on the Ryndam. I will sail on her in August 2013. Thanks for your review.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks Ruth for your review, glad you had a good time. The Ryndam was our first Holland ship so she has a soft spot in our hearts. Glad to hear she is still looking good.

[innlady1]

I am looking forward to returning to the Ryndam next January, but have to say that I agree strongly about the "music". Quite sure that these music selections are dictated by the powers that be in Seattle, but one has to question their judgement. Who exactly do they expect to be on a 14 day cruise in January? The vast majority of the passengers will be over 60 but they subject us to music more appropriate for 30 somethings.

 

Long for the days when Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald were more likely to be heard. Must be getting old.;)

 

I second that! I don't "get" the musical selections on the longer cruises either.

We're on the Ryndam on 1/27! Are you on that cruise?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank You Ruth!!

 

I wouldn't be happy with loud music out on the open decks either.

 

 

 

[Funsun60]

Thank you for responding so quickly. I hope I didn't put you on the spot. We have read several reviews online of the Ryndam varying from "super great" to "not very good", so I was hoping for impressions from an experienced board member who has lots of cruising experience and who could provide a current, objective opinion on the ship. We are looking for clean and comfortable along with decent food and good service. I think we will be more than satisfied on our trip..very port intensive so we will be early to bed and early to rise most days. I gather AC and plumbing are not widespread issues for the Ryndam..this is good news. Thanks again and if I think of specific questions I will be sure to post. Glad you had a great trip!!!

[cp556]

Thanks so much, Ruth! We'll be aboard Ryndam in about ten days (yay) so I'm wondering a couple of things...

 

I know the casino atmosphere varies each cruise, but do you know if there were any (a) non-smoking nights or (b) a non-smoking section?

 

And the "always available" dining room menu: do I recall correctly that it's steak, salmon, or chicken breast?

 

Really appreciated your review. Made me even more excited about the cruise!

 

Thanks

Carol in SC

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Ruth.

We haven't sailed Ryndam since 2006 so it was good to read nice comments about her. We always like Ryndam (not surprisingly - given our attachment to Maasdam) and am happy all seems well aboard.

 

Welcome back. :)

[rafinmd]

Welcome home RuthC. One more question, please. Do you have a real preference of R-class vs S-class, or are they too similar to really make a difference.

 

Roy

[RuthC]

I am looking forward to returning to the Ryndam next January, but have to say that I agree strongly about the "music". Quite sure that these music selections are dictated by the powers that be in Seattle, but one has to question their judgement. Who exactly do they expect to be on a 14 day cruise in January? The vast majority of the passengers will be over 60 but they subject us to music more appropriate for 30 somethings.

 

Long for the days when Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald were more likely to be heard. Must be getting old.;)

There were areas where one could sit and hear that type of music in the background. The Lido area by the pool, when the guitarist and DJ weren't doing something there, was one.

I suspect the music choice on Navigation Deck was more for the benefit of the bar stewards out there.

Both places, as well as inside the Lido, were playing the TV music stations. Now, I agree that those are selected by Seattle. As are some of the arrangements played by the Neptunes.

[RuthC]

I gather AC and plumbing are not widespread issues for the Ryndam..this is good news.

A/C and plumbing aren't problems on the Ryndam to my knowledge.

There was one stall in one ladies room that was out of service briefly. One faucet in the same restroom was out of order twice.

My toilet had short, but frequent delays in flushing. Only once did it fail to flush at all. I called, and that problem never recurred.

All of that is acceptable to me.

 

Temperatures on the ship were decent, for the most part. Twice I remember entering the dining room and commenting that it was hot in there. Very soon thereafter I felt the A/C kick on. Perhaps they were waiting for people who needed the A/C to arrive?

My own cabin was usually comfortably cool. Once in a while I felt a little hot, usually at night. Once in a while it felt a tad cool, usually in the late afternoon. Of course, I had the thermostat set as low as it would go.

 

One elevator in the forward bank was out of order the entire cruise. The other elevators in that bank were placed out of order for a while during the cruise. I had no problems with the aft elevators, although I didn't use them as much, so can't know if anyone else found them problematic.

[RuthC]

I know the casino atmosphere varies each cruise, but do you know if there were any (a) non-smoking nights or (b) a non-smoking section?

I don't use the casino, other than a route through, so didn't pay a lot of attention to that type of schedule. I don't recall reading of it in the Explorer, though.

I will say that I passed through often, and wondered if smoking was allowed at all, as there was no odor at all. Then I spotted a short stack of ashtrays, and knew it still was allowed. Other times I passed through, and did smell smoke there, but I can't honestly say it was overwhelming. Definitely there, but not powerful. Perhaps that was somewhat due to the passengers on my cruise, as can change every week?

I will also say that heading toward the shops and Mix, there was no tobacco smell that I ever noticed.

 

And the "always available" dining room menu: do I recall correctly that it's steak, salmon, or chicken breast?

There was only one line on the daily menu (except for International night) noting that you could order steak, chicken, and (I think) salmon. The rest of the "always available menu wasn't even mentioned, but I did get the onion soup a few times over the two-week period. Not a problem.

I've found that if you just ask, every effort will be made to satisfy you. If you want a baked potato, or plain mashed, just ask. It can usually be had.

But be careful asking about other, more substantial, things! In the past, I asked about the almond crusted chicken tenders appetizer, and found platters of them arriving the next night! Another time it was the parmesan crusted chicken. A special order was delivered---and there was tons of it. This time I just asked if the chocolate purse was going to be a dessert selection during the cruise. The next night :eek: :eek: :eek:. I was inundated with them. :o

[RuthC]

Welcome home RuthC. One more question, please. Do you have a real preference of R-class vs S-class, or are they too similar to really make a difference.

 

Roy

I like them both very much. When I'm on an S-class ship, I usually miss that mid-ship elevator. When on an R-class ship, I miss the windows in the Pinnacle.

Six of one, half a dozen of the other kind of thing.

 

I have pretty much taken Veendam and Rotterdam out of the selection, although I have a Veendam cruise booked due to itinerary. I will happily sail Prinsendam. I don't book a Vista or Signature ship unless I want to be with friends who are going, or to complete my ship collection. I still have to sail Oosterdam and Nieuw Amsterdam to get the full set.

[cp556]

 

 

 

But be careful asking about other, more substantial, things! In the past, I asked about the almond crusted chicken tenders appetizer, and found platters of them arriving the next night! Another time it was the parmesan crusted chicken. A special order was delivered---and there was tons of it. This time I just asked if the chocolate purse was going to be a dessert selection during the cruise. The next night :eek: :eek: :eek:. I was inundated with them. :o

 

You just reminded me of a funny experience. DH loves the peanut butter cookies in the Lido. One cruise the Lido Manager saw him going by with a plateful, and they chatted a bit. Next day, Lido Manager saw us and brought over a HUGE plate of them. Then they started appearing in our cabin. We had a lotttt of cookies that cruise...lol.

 

I just mentioned this to DH and he said "we don't want to start that again" ... :)

[TiogaCruiser]

do I understand the lido was playing music videos? (ick)

 

Was it adagio strings that was in explorers lounge and the main showroom or a different group?

 

Looking forward to south america,

~TC

[RuthC]

do I understand the lido was playing music videos? (ick)

"Ick" would be right! But no, sorry I misled you.

Music from one of the TV radio stations was playing by the Lido pool most of the time. It was soft and nice. The fact that it was my kind of music didn't hurt; someone else may have minded.

The guitar player was there sometimes at lunchtime, and the DJ had some "Name That Tune" kind of games once in a while. That was kind of loud.

 

Was it adagio strings that was in explorers lounge and the main showroom or a different group?

Yes, but that's a generic name for all the classical groups that play in all the Explorers Lounges. This group was four women from the Ukraine. Both weeks they did the final show in the Showroom at Sea (one performance). They also played at dinner a few times. I think it was always formal nights, but didn't keep track of that.

[kenevenpar]

Ruth ... curious minds need to know .... How were the chocolates? the nuts? :D

 

Ken

[RuthC]

Ruth ... curious minds need to know .... How were the chocolates? the nuts? :D

 

Ken

The chocolates? Well....

By the time I left dinner, the Explorers Lounge was so crowded that I couldn't get in for a little treat. :( Besides, from the looks of it, they were pretty much gone by then.

And, as I said, the cocktail stewardess in the Ocean Bar was my all-time favorite. So, every night she brought me a little jar of the good nuts. Not those silly ol' peanuts everyone else got. :D