Noordam Review 5/2-5/28

[brainyblonde]

As seasoned (125 plus days) on HAL, the 26 TA from Fort Lauderdale met all our expectations. One person, Captain John Scott exceeded them!

 

On May 14, I was wondering in the hall outside my stateroom with an ice bucket. Capt. Scott came by (his stateroom was about four doors down from ours). I never said a word to this very busy man, However, He saw me, insisted on taking the ice bucket, got the ice himself and returned it to our stateroom. DH jokingly said, " Come in for a drink."

Such humanity in a man who sees throngs of guests come and go and has command of a floating city. Thank you, Captain Scott.

 

As usual, the Cruise Critic Meet and Greets were great. DH and I tend to be loners, of which many of us are. This group was just the right combination of knowledgable cruisers who were helpful with each other, but non-intrusive.

 

NOORDAM SHIP FACILITIES: Our third Noordam cruise, we like the library on the third floor, no ugly cabanas in the pool area, great workout space and machines.

 

ENTERTAINMENT: The shows were a little lacking, except for the "ship's kids", the singers and dancers. We love their shows and what they do for the life of the ship. One performer stood out, the classical Spanish Guitarist, Dimitris Something. He was special! Bridge lessons on the TA were good.

 

FOOD: DH and I are not foodies,nor eat large portions. We found the MDR dinners and lunches more than good. The Pinnacle Grill was top notch. HIghlights in the MDR were the ice cream bomb, water melon pie, rack of lamb, escargot, phyllo purse, many of the appetizers. (Small and elegant.) MDR breakfasts were a little boring with the same menu (years past there daily specials which were frequently interesting). We avoided the Lido unless absolutely necessary. The MDR's free specialty coffees "out trumped" the fresh OJ in the Lido.

 

PORTS: The reason we cruise. Even in repeat ports we found new things to do.

 

VALUE: Many take the TA because of the value, so we understood what HAL tried to give the passengers. Second leg, Eastern Med, we sensed a livelier ship, a better entertainment, more sailaway parties, special poolside barbeques. HAL tried to theme the poolisde parties to the ports, with local olives, cheeses, etc.

 

To Marty, LOVE HAL, thanks for organizing the Roll Call.

 

To Capt. Scott, you revealed your true character as a sterling person.

 

Brainyblonde

[searanch queen]

Thanks for your review, hope I get to meet capt Scott in November.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for your review. Great to hear how the cabin can spend a few minutes helping someone and creat a moment of magic that you will remember for a long time.

[kenevenpar]

Sounds like a great set of cruises! Thanks for sharing!

[hpf]

Thanks for taking the time to post. It's always nice to hear what others think of your (my) favourite ship.

Helen

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[Minoushka]

WE will be on Noordam in July Looking forward to a fabulous voyage Did you do 20 days ?

Any advice?Nice review

 

Michele

[kazu]

Great review - thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with us:)

[innlady1]

Loved your review...I agree, Captain Scott is a true gentleman...we've loved sailing on the Noordam when he's been at the helm.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for taking the time to post a review of your Noordam cruise. Glad you had a good time.

[erewhon]

Thank you for posting your review.

You will always remember Captain Scott for his assistance.