LIVE from the ROTTERDAM 14 day Aug 11/2012 Norway Voyage!!!

[MightyQuinn]

David, you could be a travel writer in another life! Your vivid descriptions and evocative language stirs the soul and makes me want to visit where you are going. Sailing beyond the Arctic Circle is on our bucket list, we're just trying to figure out the best path. Your choice on Rotterdam sounds splendid. I'm betting the fan that saved the day is now getting a well-deserved break. LOL.

[u4ea]

where we hug and kiss Holland America Line under our bedsheets, the Holland American Line that coughs all night and won't let us sleep ;)

 

Great postings sldispatcher!

 

Mark...

[sldispatcher]

Day 8 – Halfway Report Card

Invariably, it is moments before I start to write these reports before I know what it is I’m going to put down as the theme for the day. That probably shocks some of you. Today will be a mid voyage report card.

We are literally at the top of the European world today. Moments ago, the captain of the Rotterdam cut the power to the screws and let us drift about ½ mile past the North Cape for a scenic view. Originally scheduled to leave Hanningsvag around 2AM, the captain apparently wanted none of that and set sail earlier than the itinerary had listed. Can’t say I much blame him and I would bet 99.99 percent of the passengers would agree. The temp was in the 40’s all day with mostly overcast skies. The general terrain looked like the Scottish Highlands dumped into the sea without the sheep.

Glad we went there. Glad I don’t live there.

Now on with the report card.

Ship Condition: B+

I can’t give it an A because of the behind-the-times smoking policy which renders the Crow’s Nest unusable to anyone with a sensitive nose. Also, the casino has a “smoking area” that basically permeates the sports bar, the elevator bank and the rest of the casino with the same musty odor. It’s not terrible, just noticeable. Other than that, there are no real signs of major wear and tear that I’ve seen. The A/C incident was unfortunate, but that happens on most any ship at some point.

Ship Staff/Crew: A-

All doing a great job and seemed to have really warmed up the last few days. I’m going to make a very honest statement here that some simply won’t like. I can’t help that. More than one comment from Ireland all the way to the crew on this ship refer to the same group of people as though there is trouble brewing: the Dutch. Up to this point, we had only inferred that the crew seemed a bit on edge. Now we know. A paraphrased quote today from a member was that they were excited to see 300 Americans on this cruise. The reason: the politeness and general demeanor of the American folks is much more positive than, and I quote, the “rude, impolite, pushy, demanding” Dutch that have comprised most of the recent cruises. The crew, for lack of a better reference, has been worn out by them.

Entertainment: A-

The string quartet in the Explorer’s Lounge is always one of my favorites. The HAL Cats seem to know what they are doing and have good camaraderie. I have not attended any of the night shows but did catch a rehearsal for one night’s performance. I’m always more lenient on the show performers as they are (1) told what to sing and dance and (2) usually give it everything they have in a limited, intimate setting. Is it Broadway? No. Are you paying $90 per ticket to see them? No. You either like it or you don’t. The show lounge is comfortable enough.

Dining: B-

After recently sailing Celebrity and Oceania, I can see that HAL has a softer hand with the spices. Also, there have been some hit and misses in the Grand Dining Room. Dover sole full of bones. Matre’ d who promised to get back with my wife in just a few moments regarding a concern over a future dish (the parmesan Dijon chicken) and never showed back up at the table. Lido breakfast is a winner. Pinnacle Grill is above average as usual in terms of food and service. Canelleto had awesome balsamic vinegar, but would be nice to have piping hot entrees and a special red sauce not served all day long. Again, erratic at times, but I suppose that food tends to be that way.

Cabin: A+

Aside from the A/C incident which is not exactly this specific cabin’s fault, the room is an A+ and should really be a model for most other balcony staterooms. The extra foot or so of width and depth make so much difference. We have had timely cabin service and it is spotless.

Front Office: C+

They are doing fine. Had to deal with them a few times over the A/C issue which was not their direct responsibility. I didn’t like the middle of the night comment I got. Also, the letter explaining the outage did express a desire for us to have a good day in …Curacao! Ha..they don’t even know what cruise we are on!

Excursions: B-

I’m always curious how often someone from shore excursion desk actually takes these excursions. Again, a subjective area. Prices seem very high, but this is Norway.

Ship Passengers: C-

Not the warmest bunch. Not all are rude, pushy, etc, but there is a significant amount that fit that category. Typical demographic of over 60. Fair number of families with older children traveling together. I think I’ll just leave it at that.

Itinerary: B-

So far, on a scenic 14 day cruise of Norway, the itinerary planners are more interested in getting us into cities for excursions than traversing the many fjords, but that is also a personal preference. I’ve got my hopes up for Alesund, Flam, and Stavenger, but find it curious that Geirangerfjord is left off of this list for this cruise. Maybe the grade comes up as we sail along?

So, with this review it is time for me to go to bed. Being on top of the world is tiring!

[ruswit]

Many thanks for your wonderful reports and insights. We are considering doing a similar cruise next year so your comments are invaluable for us. It is indeed a small world when people in Melbourne Australia are reading reports being sent from within the Arctic Circle. Keep up the great work!

[kazu]

As always your threads are wonderful and insightful. Please keep posting as I am waiting with bated breath:)

 

ah the joys of European cruises - different nationalities - hopefully things warm up for you:D

[DizzyDallasDi]

. . . Also, the letter explaining the outage did express a desire for us to have a good day in …Curacao! Ha..they don’t even know what cruise we are on! . . .

 

That's hilarious! Makes one wonder if they have a stack of preprinted "apology" notes for any given port. :D

 

I am completely loving your day-by-day review. Your descriptions are so vivid that I can see what you're seeing. Looking forward to your next installment from....Curacao. ;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Your Review is so enlighting.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Day 8 – Halfway Report Card

Invariably, it is moments before I start to write these reports before I know what it is I’m going to put down as the theme for the day. That probably shocks some of you. Today will be a mid voyage report card.

 

We are literally at the top of the European world today. Moments ago, the captain of the Rotterdam cut the power to the screws and let us drift about ½ mile past the North Cape for a scenic view. Originally scheduled to leave Hanningsvag around 2AM, the captain apparently wanted none of that and set sail earlier than the itinerary had listed. Can’t say I much blame him and I would bet 99.99 percent of the passengers would agree. The temp was in the 40’s all day with mostly overcast skies. The general terrain looked like the Scottish Highlands dumped into the sea without the sheep.

 

Glad we went there. Glad I don’t live there.

 

Now on with the report card.

 

Ship Condition: B+

I can’t give it an A because of the behind-the-times smoking policy which renders the Crow’s Nest unusable to anyone with a sensitive nose. Also, the casino has a “smoking area” that basically permeates the sports bar, the elevator bank and the rest of the casino with the same musty odor. It’s not terrible, just noticeable. Other than that, there are no real signs of major wear and tear that I’ve seen. The A/C incident was unfortunate, but that happens on most any ship at some point.

 

Ship Staff/Crew: A-

All doing a great job and seemed to have really warmed up the last few days. I’m going to make a very honest statement here that some simply won’t like. I can’t help that. More than one comment from Ireland all the way to the crew on this ship refer to the same group of people as though there is trouble brewing: the Dutch. Up to this point, we had only inferred that the crew seemed a bit on edge. Now we know. A paraphrased quote today from a member was that they were excited to see 300 Americans on this cruise. The reason: the politeness and general demeanor of the American folks is much more positive than, and I quote, the “rude, impolite, pushy, demanding” Dutch that have comprised most of the recent cruises. The crew, for lack of a better reference, has been worn out by them.

 

Entertainment: A-

The string quartet in the Explorer’s Lounge is always one of my favorites. The HAL Cats seem to know what they are doing and have good camaraderie. I have not attended any of the night shows but did catch a rehearsal for one night’s performance. I’m always more lenient on the show performers as they are (1) told what to sing and dance and (2) usually give it everything they have in a limited, intimate setting. Is it Broadway? No. Are you paying $90 per ticket to see them? No. You either like it or you don’t. The show lounge is comfortable enough.

 

Dining: B-

After recently sailing Celebrity and Oceania, I can see that HAL has a softer hand with the spices. Also, there have been some hit and misses in the Grand Dining Room. Dover sole full of bones. Matre’ d who promised to get back with my wife in just a few moments regarding a concern over a future dish (the parmesan Dijon chicken) and never showed back up at the table. Lido breakfast is a winner. Pinnacle Grill is above average as usual in terms of food and service. Canelleto had awesome balsamic vinegar, but would be nice to have piping hot entrees and a special red sauce not served all day long. Again, erratic at times, but I suppose that food tends to be that way.

 

Cabin: A+

Aside from the A/C incident which is not exactly this specific cabin’s fault, the room is an A+ and should really be a model for most other balcony staterooms. The extra foot or so of width and depth make so much difference. We have had timely cabin service and it is spotless.

 

Front Office: C+

They are doing fine. Had to deal with them a few times over the A/C issue which was not their direct responsibility. I didn’t like the middle of the night comment I got. Also, the letter explaining the outage did express a desire for us to have a good day in …Curacao! Ha..they don’t even know what cruise we are on!

 

Excursions: B-

I’m always curious how often someone from shore excursion desk actually takes these excursions. Again, a subjective area. Prices seem very high, but this is Norway.

 

Ship Passengers: C-

Not the warmest bunch. Not all are rude, pushy, etc, but there is a significant amount that fit that category. Typical demographic of over 60. Fair number of families with older children traveling together. I think I’ll just leave it at that.

 

Itinerary: B-

So far, on a scenic 14 day cruise of Norway, the itinerary planners are more interested in getting us into cities for excursions than traversing the many fjords, but that is also a personal preference. I’ve got my hopes up for Alesund, Flam, and Stavenger, but find it curious that Geirangerfjord is left off of this list for this cruise. Maybe the grade comes up as we sail along?

 

So, with this review it is time for me to go to bed. Being on top of the world is tiring!

 

Great report card.

[penguinscott]

This is great, as I'm on the Rotterdam in just under a week! Leave her nice for me! :D

[sldispatcher]

Day 9 – Sailor Secrets

Like blue colored mounds of whipped cream, the ocean methodically built to higher and higher swells. Fortunately, with the combination of luck and stabilizers, the ride is quite smooth. The wave direction and our direction of travel at 14 knots are essentially the same. The wind is blowing from the north at 30 – 35 knots, but is not really noticeable. The ambient air is slowly warming from our chilly conditions yesterday as we obviously are getting into the Gulf Stream influenced area. Amazing what a few miles difference can make.

At this point, I’d like to point out a few things that I’ve noticed on the trip that may help future cruisers. I’m sure none of this is new info, but worth throwing out there.

1. If you are looking for a quiet place during the day at sea, the Ocean Bar attracts much less traffic.

2. My laptop connection speeds to the internet are appreciably faster than the terminals provided by HAL in the Explorations Café.

3. Reservations don’t seem to be needed for anytime dining..at anytime.

4. Chocolate volcano cake is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream in the Pinnacle Grill.

5. Drinks in the MIX area seem to be the best prepared on the ship per our reviewers.

6. Going online early in the morning or late in the evening get you even more bandwidth to play with.

7. I’m not even going to mention the aft cabins. Nor will I say anything regarding the noise factor if you are on deck 7 in the aft in relation to all of the noise from above.

8. The casino is not as complicated as I first thought, but it is a bit convoluted in that you have to use your key card to play and redeem your money.

9. Dress for warmer temps inside the ship but be prepared for the actual temps outside.

10. Slip out to the front of the ship via the port side on deck 6. IF the wind is coming from behind you, the benches will provide a sunny spot to see ahead and the ship will act like a giant wind block.

11. All of the soups have been good to great.

12. Try the Spanish Coffee in the Explorer’s Lounge after dinner at least once during your cruise.

13. Pinnacle Grill at lunch has been a ghost town most of the time.

14. Breakfast on the Lido before 8am to beat the crowds.

15. Be kind to the crew and courteous. They obviously have been running short on that from passengers in these Northern Europe sailings from Rotterdam.

16. Stop and appreciate someone using a duster on the inside glass of the atrium each day. Stop and appreciate that someone is using a cleaning substance all over the Showroom to keep you healthy. They have to wear a mask to use the disinfectant. They won’t get a tip nor will they get applause. However, we can acknowledge them here.

Rather short posting tonight. I’m hoping to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights tonight as we are a bit further south. But who knows?

Tomorrow is another day at sea (yay!) and more relaxing time!

[RuthC]

I hope you do get a view of the Northern Lights.

Is it dark enough at night, and you far enough south, so that it's possible to see them? For all the times I have been so far north, I have never seen the Northern Lights. :(

[Krazy Kruizers]

That would be wonderful if you get to see the Northern Lights.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your mid-point report card. Sounds like everything is going very well.

[sldispatcher]

Day 10 - On Stranger Tides

The rolling seas have given way to ground glass waters that reflect the overcast skies perfectly. It’s not gloomy, but more haunting. Like you are the only ship in the world and could have been sailing for 20 days. The air has modified more to that of a late spring coolness in the South. Damp, but comfortable.

Strange things have happened.

1. May Dad, who is an early riser, slept until 10am today.

2. Last night, we watched a tall slender lady dance by herself to the strings in the crowded Explorer’s Lounge. When that was done, she moved to the piano bar where she continued, her dainty, if not repetitive 4 note steps around the floor.

3. For the first time ever in my cruising history, we ate dinner at the Lido. Shockingly for me, it was a very crowded area. I guess we were not the only ones who found the dining room menu less than inspiring. It is also taking 2 to 2 ½ hours to eat in the main dining room on average.

4. The public spaces seem more crowded than usual.

5. The casino is bustling tonight, that is, if you can see through the thick fog of tobacco smoke. Sitting at the chess boards in the Explorer’s Café, the strong smell of the cigarette smoke made me move.

6. The Cruise Director seems bent on making announcements twice a day. It is pretty much useless to plan to sleep past 945am as those announcements (basically highlights of the daily program) will come blaring over the speakers.

7. The food in the MDR at lunch was all over the place in terms of quality and acceptance by fellow passengers. There is a real problem brewing there I’m afraid. That has been discussed repeatedly and there is no need for me to rehash it.

8. I’ve heard more English spoken today by fellow passengers than in the last 10 days combined. Where have they been?

9. The tables in the Sports Bar are totally cool. I would suggest trying them once even if you don’t play chess or checkers.

10. The indifference and complacency continue.

Read on only if you care to hear one man’s fault-filled opinion.

 

I feel sorry for HAL at this point IF Rotterdam is representative of the entire fleet. They remind me of so many other businesses that try to attract new business (i.e. younger crowd) and bring out new products (i.e. bigger ships and lower prices). In order to do this, they have to dumb down the current product and get stretched a little in the process. With the burden of the debt of the new and the ever present holding company stressing profits, they can not resort to what they did best to retain their yields, HAL has to cut corners. The spiral begins.

Sadly, most large corporations are not able to respond as nimbly as they should to problems. Pursuing the broader market in search of profits may ultimately push those that have supported the line for so many years right onto the gangways of other lines.

Cruising a premium line has certain expectations that go with it. Paying a large sum for a 14 day cruise has additional expectations. I can tell you that this is an enjoyable cruise..but up to this point, has not had a major “wow” factor. This may very well be due to my own personal expectations that were too high or simply travel fatigue. Either way, I would return on this particular itinerary on this ship only if it were half the price. Why? Because when one pays premium prices one expects a premium experience.

Unfortunately for HAL, three of the 6 with us have already said that this is their last HAL cruise. From now on it will be Oceania or Celebrity. That’s not good for HAL.

The really sad part is that I have been seeing this on this board now for months and did not want to believe it. Why not? Because I wanted to believe that someone from HAL corporate is paying attention and trying to correct the situation.

Personally, if you see the itinerary and price that suits you, then the Rotterdam will probably satisfy you. But unlike past encounters, you’ll need to depend on the itinerary, and not the ship, to wow you.

These days, the Rotterdam is truly sailing on stranger tides.

[kazu]

So sad to hear - as when we were on her we were thrilled with the ship as well as the itinerary and the staff. Mind you, that was a few years ago. It's a shame if the service has deteriorated in this way.

 

Hoping things improve for you - and you end up with a good cruise:)

[Coolcruise02]

From now on it will be Oceania or Celebrity. That’s not good for HAL.

 

IMHO you beter scratch Celebrity off your list as I felt they are a step below HAL, especially in the food/dining room area!

 

I have enjoyed your review! :)

[alienward]

IMHO you beter scratch Celebrity off your list as I felt they are a step below HAL, especially in the food/dining room area!

 

I have enjoyed your review! :)

In this forum, there also seems to be a lot of posts about a decline in HAL's food quality. With all the cost cutting they appear to be lowering themselves to a midmarket cruise line. I'm going on my first cruise with HAL in September. If it's less than an upmarket experience, I'll try Celebrity. Are any of you frequent HAL cruisers noticing a decline in HAL from an upscale line to a midmarket one?

[MightyQuinn]

... Are any of you frequent HAL cruisers noticing a decline in HAL from an upscale line to a midmarket one?

We are long-time and frequent HAL cruisers. I remarked earlier that we took a break from HAL over 3 years ago, as we felt that the product had slipped below what we had come to enjoy and expect. We checked out more upmarket lines and enjoyed some, but others less so. Then last year we returned to HAL because of their unbeatable 14-day Alaska itinerary on the flagship Amsterdam. It was wonderful - not just the itinerary but the service, food and overall vibe. We exclaimed to each other many times just how great it was to have the old HAL back! Since then, we've been on both Statendam and Volendam and now feel that HAL is better than it was when we left 3 years ago.

 

From recent experience, I'd say that HAL is at the top end of mass market cruising. Go with that expectation and you won't be disappointed.

 

I fully appreciate the issues that Sldispatcher is experiencing on Rotterdam. And I know he speaks from a position of objectivity. But I do hope his issues are isolated and not fleet-wide. We've recommitted to HAL (with FCD in hand!) and we hope for the best. We'll continue to sail other lines and reserve judgement on HAL until we experience the decline for ourselves.

[alienward]

We are long-time and frequent HAL cruisers. I remarked earlier that we took a break from HAL over 3 years ago, as we felt that the product had slipped below what we had come to enjoy and expect. We checked out more upmarket lines and enjoyed some, but others less so. Then last year we returned to HAL because of their unbeatable 14-day Alaska itinerary on the flagship Amsterdam. It was wonderful - not just the itinerary but the service, food and overall vibe. We exclaimed to each other many times just how great it was to have the old HAL back! Since then, we've been on both Statendam and Volendam and now feel that HAL is better than it was when we left 3 years ago.

 

From recent experience, I'd say that HAL is at the top end of mass market cruising. Go with that expectation and you won't be disappointed.

 

I fully appreciate the issues that Sldispatcher is experiencing on Rotterdam. And I know he speaks from a position of objectivity. But I do hope his issues are isolated and not fleet-wide. We've recommitted to HAL (with FCD in hand!) and we hope for the best. We'll continue to sail other lines and reserve judgement on HAL until we experience the decline for ourselves.

Thanks for the great reply. I was looking for an X cruise, but HAL had an itinerary and time I was looking for, so I went with them, through my TA. The more I learn, the more it seems that HAL is mass market and X is upscale. I'm still thinking I might go with X, or a luxury line for my next cruise. But I'll give HAL a chance first. They do seem to be focused on service and have some of the best itineraries around.

[sldispatcher]

You know, there is probably a large component of location in part of this. HAL does have some of the more exotic itineraries.

 

However, the menus seemed designed more heavily for the Dutch contingent onboard..it is now 3 straight nights of rather strange menu combinations in the dining room. That's fine, that is the home port for this summer for this ship.

 

The temp is back up again overall on the ship..probably 78 degrees or better in the Explorations Cafe.

 

I appreciate MightyQuinn recognizing that I am not a basher or cruising idealogue in any way.

 

Again, I'll say it if the itinerary and price are right for you, you won't be wrong sailing HAL's Rotterdam.

 

I am very jealous of the folks who got to experience the 14 day AMSTERDAM cruises to Alaska this year. Had they had those again, I most certainly would have booked.

 

I'll try to leave my opinions aside for the rest of the trip and report what I see.

[kazu]

You know, there is probably a large component of location in part of this. HAL does have some of the more exotic itineraries.

 

However, the menus seemed designed more heavily for the Dutch contingent onboard..it is now 3 straight nights of rather strange menu combinations in the dining room. That's fine, that is the home port for this summer for this ship.

 

The temp is back up again overall on the ship..probably 78 degrees or better in the Explorations Cafe.

 

I appreciate MightyQuinn recognizing that I am not a basher or cruising idealogue in any way.

 

Again, I'll say it if the itinerary and price are right for you, you won't be wrong sailing HAL's Rotterdam.

 

I am very jealous of the folks who got to experience the 14 day AMSTERDAM cruises to Alaska this year. Had they had those again, I most certainly would have booked.

 

I'll try to leave my opinions aside for the rest of the trip and report what I see.

 

Your opinions are welcome:D as are your reports:D

 

You're doing such a great job - why change now;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

I am very enjoying your review and comments.

Please don't stop reporting on anything.

[Coolcruise02]

In this forum, there also seems to be a lot of posts about a decline in HAL's food quality. With all the cost cutting they appear to be lowering themselves to a midmarket cruise line. I'm going on my first cruise with HAL in September. If it's less than an upmarket experience, I'll try Celebrity. Are any of you frequent HAL cruisers noticing a decline in HAL from an upscale line to a midmarket one?

 

What I was trying to say is we tried Celebrity because some refer to it as a step up from the other cruise lines and we did NOT find that to be the case. The only way to find out is try them for yourself but we found them to be highly overrated! JMHO

[MightyQuinn]

...I appreciate MightyQuinn recognizing that I am not a basher or cruising idealogue in any way...

Ain't that the truth? David, you are perhaps the most perceptive and unbiased reporter that I have followed on CC. Neither a raving fan nor a soured critic. You just tell it like it is, with poetic grace and balance.

 

Hope you got to see Aurora Borealis. Best wishes for the rest of your Arctic sojourn.

[hippychick925]

Ain't that the truth? David, you are perhaps the most perceptive and unbiased reporter that I have followed on CC. Neither a raving fan nor a soured critic. You just tell it like it is, with poetic grace and balance.

 

Hope you got to see Aurora Borealis. Best wishes for the rest of your Arctic sojourn.

 

I agree. Keep your opinions coming...isn't that what this message board is for??