what can I expect on HAL Ryndam

[goalman]

Have never sailed on HAL. Will be sailing from Tampa on 12/8/13. Caribbean ports. Balcony cabin. How is the ship, cabins, food, excursions? Also , we are not formal people and wonder whether we will feel out of place on formal nights if we just go to the buffet or other eating venues on the ship.

Thanks for the info.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Ryndam is one of our favorite ships.

As to formal nights -- you certainly can go to the buffet and you will not feel out of place. Nearly everyone there will be in smart casual clothes. You may see an occasional couple dressed up for whatever reason.

You may even consider going to the Canaletto on formal nights -- smart casual there. $10 per person.

[kazu]

Lots of good reports on the Rhyndam:D One of the nice small ships:D

 

I think you will have a great time. Don't worry and just anticipate:)

[OlsSalt]

Love the size and layout of the Ryndam - very comfortable ship. Verandah rooms are larger on these smaller older ships than the new ones. Good cabin layout and good storage. Good access from these cabins to the activity levels too.

 

Lots of gracious public spaces on HAL ships that have open views of the ocean as you are going by - comfortable nooks for quiet reading with a wonderful library. Decor is more traditional than modern, trendy, eye-popping or stylish as found on other ships - a bit frumpy even, but comfortable and welcoming.

 

Formal night has become a lot less formal so you may feel comfortable is just something special or sparkly that night - a simple sparkle top and dark pants will work perfectly fine.

 

The dining room, menu and service is special that night so it is meant to be more festive. When you look around the room on formal night you will see a range of gowns, cocktail dresses, and just a bit more glitter and glow that night.

 

Hope you think about going and realize it does not need to be a lot of extra effort, but that yes it is meant to be special those few nights. Otherwise you can enjoy the Lido for pretty much the same menu or think about dinner on your verandah that night instead from room service.

[Crew News]

Have never sailed on HAL. Will be sailing from Tampa on 12/8/13. Caribbean ports. Balcony cabin. How is the ship, cabins, food, excursions? Also , we are not formal people and wonder whether we will feel out of place on formal nights if we just go to the buffet or other eating venues on the ship.

Thanks for the info.

 

Dinner on your balcony on formal night is another way to avoid formality. You can order off of the MDR menu (if you are not in a suite that has menus delivered, you can stop by the MDR sometime after lunch and decide what you want), call Room Service during the MDR meal hours, and Room Service will deliver your dinner to your balcony.

 

Warm breezes on your balcony, delicious food that you didn't have to prepare yourself, and bathing suit with sandals, makes for a very good "Formal Night."

 

Note that you can make adjustments to what you order. On the second formal night, I order two lobster tails and tell them to hold the filet mignon. My DW wants two orders of escargot. Perhaps an extra dessert?

[innlady1]

You will love the Ryndam...she is a lovely, smaller ship. We prefer the S class ships...were on the Ryndam for 21 days last winter.

[wandb]

You will love the Ryndam! She is still our all time favorite ship. Wonderful crew, beautiful ship, delicious food. Hope you enjoy your cruise!!:)