Eurodam March 9-16: A Few post-Cruise Thoughts

[Ichiban Nekko]

We had a magical week on board the Eurodam. We aren't big Caribbean people, but this winter altered our perspective considerably! ;)

 

A couple of thoughts, in no particular order. These are just personal thoughts, not definitive pronouncements, so please no flames.

 

- Ship Management: We always talk about great staff on HAL, but this sailing of this ship was unique. Each and every person we interacted with on this ship was professional, friendly, and helpful, including those at the (dreaded) front desk. When we chatted with some of them, we were told how the captain knew their names and spoke to them, the low-echelon customer-facing staff. We gather this is not always the case. They feel truly part of a team. It seems to us that the Captain Keijer is a true leader who has assembled a management team of like-minded people. It shows. What Captain Keijer has done should become Best Practices across the HAL fleet.

- The Itinerary: Sadly we both were born with skin that has to avoid direct sun. We aren't crazy about heat & humidity either. Love San Juan. For us, itinerary in the Caribbean is not a huge item. This was an escape from winter. That being said, we loved it.

- Cabanas: Before this cruise, I could not comprehend this concept. Now I get it. This is a haven for people who like to spend a lot of time at the pool, but with sun protection. The cabanas on Lido Deck (9) also get wind protection. The attendants are marvelous. We saw some multi-generational families; we saw couples; we saw groups all taking advantage of this venue.

- Cabana Club Dinner: This has to be the most romantic Table for Two dinner. The lights of Old San Juan twinkled in the background. Food and service from the Tamarind. Cellar Master Tony was Host and he ensured wonderful wine pairings that complemented a lovely menu.

- Canaletto: The most unexpected pleasant surprise of the week! We tried Canaletto a couple of years ago. It was okay. That has changed - big time! Terrific menu (including fresh pasta) and service. If you haven't already, try it out next time!

- Tamarind: You've read so many positive comments here at Cruise Critic. It really is THAT wonderful. Dinner was outstanding. We would have returned for lunch (no surcharge), but it was totally booked out. Next time.

- Lido: We found the selection and presentation much improved. We even ate there one evening and found that the menu from the MDR was being served buffet style. Great service for drinks, etc.

- Main Dining Room: We had a great table at 8PM Late Dining and enjoyed the service and menus.

- Screening Room: Took in a film in this very comfortable venue. We personally appreciated the variety of movie styles, even if all selections were not what we prefer. We appreciate that HAL also runs the films the following day on in-cabin TVs.

- Digital Workshop: Great presenter. We could have spent the bulk of our time right here. There is always something to understand or learn in these sessions.

- Cabin: We went wild and had a Cat V Balcony on Navigation Deck (8), a bit forward. It was fun to enjoy a balcony on this itinerary. We normally do inside cabins or obstructed view outsides, but really enjoyed this splurge. However, we did find the storage a little tight. As always, the cabin stewards were outstanding.

- Embarkation/Disembarkation: Smooth as silk. When leaving the ship in Fort Lauderdale, we felt as though we were leaving Downton Abbey when we were farewelled on the gangway by the line of personnel representing the various ship departments. That was a first for us and a very nice touch.

- Bars: We took in the Ocean, Atrium & Piano Bars during our week. Each had a different personality and spent enjoyable time there. Jeff in the Piano Bar had a full house most nights. Again, superb staff.

- Fitness Facility: Used it five mornings. Always able to access the equipment we wanted. Bring earphones if you want to hear what's on TV.

- Corkage: When boarding, just beyond security, we went to a well-marked table to organize the wines we were bringing with us. We were reminded that one bottle per adult was in the 'free' allowance; $18/bottle corkage for additional bottles which were given a sticker. Worked like a charm.

- Casino: Made a small donation. There is now a small non-smoking area, but sometimes smoke drifts. This is not a discussion about smoking or not smoking, but an observation. Would we have spent more time and money there if it was totally non-smoking? Don't know because we aren't big gamblers.

 

- Still to be Explored: Pinnacle Grill including Le Cirque Night, Greenhouse Spa, various other venues. Guess we just have to go back. ;)

Time to talk to our fab Travel Agent about booking this ship again - but as a Back to Back. First ever! :D

[Linda&Vern]

OP posted <snip> "When leaving the ship in Fort Lauderdale, we felt as though we were leaving Downton Abbey when we were fare-welled on the gangway by the line of personnel representing the various ship departments. That was a first for us and a very nice touch."

 

We experienced this for the first time on the Zuiderdam a couple of weeks ago. We agree, it added a nice touch to the hassles of debarkation day.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Wonderful summary!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for taking the time to write your review.

Glad you had a wonderful time.

We also love the Tamarind.

[VermeulT]

I was on the Eurodam the week before. I love hearing when others had the same experience... then I know my trip wasn't just a fluke.

Thanks for your review.

[Lamp420]

I want to ask about Canaletto- is it free of charge?

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[POA1]

I want to ask about Canaletto- is it free of charge?

 

It's a $10 pp supplement.

[VermeulT]

It's a $10 pp supplement.

 

And at least on my cruise, if you went the first night, you got 1 free glass of champagne... couldn't have made the value better!

[dag144]

Nice positive review. We were on the Eurodam in mid-February. Couldn't agree with your conclusions more. Thank you.:)

[Typhoon1]

OP posted <snip> "When leaving the ship in Fort Lauderdale, we felt as though we were leaving Downton Abbey when we were fare-welled on the gangway by the line of personnel representing the various ship departments. That was a first for us and a very nice touch."

 

We experienced this for the first time on the Zuiderdam a couple of weeks ago. We agree, it added a nice touch to the hassles of debarkation day.

 

Our charters have had some of the ships personnel doing this for a few years, It's a nice touch, but as much I hate to leave the ship. We never look forward to it.

[Rosethorn40]

It sounds like you have/had great service all around. I know many of the staff will have changed by time we get to sail on her in August, but I hope we are as lucky.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info ..

[innlady1]

We had a magical week on board the Eurodam. We aren't big Caribbean people, but this winter altered our perspective considerably! ;)

 

A couple of thoughts, in no particular order. These are just personal thoughts, not definitive pronouncements, so please no flames.

 

- Ship Management: We always talk about great staff on HAL, but this sailing of this ship was unique. Each and every person we interacted with on this ship was professional, friendly, and helpful, including those at the (dreaded) front desk. When we chatted with some of them, we were told how the captain knew their names and spoke to them, the low-echelon customer-facing staff. We gather this is not always the case. They feel truly part of a team. It seems to us that the Captain Keijer is a true leader who has assembled a management team of like-minded people. It shows. What Captain Keijer has done should become Best Practices across the HAL fleet.

 

Management on board makes or breaks a cruise.

 

I believe you had Marco Van Belleghem as the Hotel Director. He was on our Med/TA cruise on the NA last fall and does a spectacular job as Hotel Director. Everything was perfect on the NA...as I'm sure it was now that he is on the Eurodam.

 

Conversely, the Hotel Director on our recent Maasdam cruise wasn't the best...and the cutbacks were obvious.

 

So, staff matters a great deal.

[arzz]

Ichiban Nekko - thanks for the wonderful review. Good to see you post. Still fondly remember the dinners we shared. We were on the Eurodam for a week in December right before she went into dry dock and also had a great time. What a well run ship.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your great review of the Eurodam, glad you had a wonderful time.:)

Edited March 20, 2014 by PathfinderEss

[erewhon]

What a great review of your Eurodam cruise.

Thank you.

[Ichiban Nekko]

I want to ask about Canaletto- is it free of charge?

 

There is a surcharge - I believe it's $10 per person. In my humble opinion, well worth it. We really enjoyed our dinner there.

[VermeulT]

There is a surcharge - I believe it's $10 per person. In my humble opinion, well worth it. We really enjoyed our dinner there.

 

Yes $10pp. Was possibly the best meal we had all week... (narrowly beating out the Tamarind).

 

Note - I was on the first leg of Ichiban Nekko's trip. They offered free champagne if you went the to the Canaletto the first night on board. So for $10 - we got a ridiculously fantastic meal with a glass of champagne. Can't beat it IMO.

[shrimp56]

It's good to hear that people are enjoying one of our favorite HAL ships. And that she's in good shape:0

[shipcafe]

 

- Cabana Club Dinner: This has to be the most romantic Table for Two dinner. The lights of Old San Juan twinkled in the background. Food and service from the Tamarind. Cellar Master Tony was Host and he ensured wonderful wine pairings that complemented a lovely menu.

 

 

I'm glad that you experienced the Cabana Club Dinner. I did it in November on the Nieuw Amsterdam and we were just completely blown away by the presentation.

[gatorima]

Thank you! This wonderful review has made me even more ridiculously happy to be sailing on the Eurodam this Sunday. We have Tamarind reservations but will now add Canaletto to our to do list. I hope you don't mind a few questions. Can you tell me when the Mariner brunch was held and are one star Mariners invited? Also, how early might we be able to board and do you recall what time passengers were able to get off the ship in St. Thomas? Again thanks!

[Ichiban Nekko]

Thank you! This wonderful review has made me even more ridiculously happy to be sailing on the Eurodam this Sunday. We have Tamarind reservations but will now add Canaletto to our to do list. I hope you don't mind a few questions. Can you tell me when the Mariner brunch was held and are one star Mariners invited? Also, how early might we be able to board and do you recall what time passengers were able to get off the ship in St. Thomas? Again thanks!

 

I think boarding starts around 11:30AM or 12:00Noon. We got lucky and boarded a little earlier with 4-star Mariners/Suite people. It's all very well organized.

 

Mariner Brunch was held on on Friday at 11:00AM in the Main Dining Room. Invitation was delivered a day or two in advance. We are 3-stars and assume 1-stars were in attendance. Our 4-star friends were also invited to a Captain's reception.

 

Arrival in St. Thomas was around 8:00A with people leaving the ship shortly after that. No tender. Easy walk off. All aboard was 4:30PM.

 

Wishing you a wonderful cruise!

[Ichiban Nekko]

Ichiban Nekko - thanks for the wonderful review. Good to see you post. Still fondly remember the dinners we shared. We were on the Eurodam for a week in December right before she went into dry dock and also had a great time. What a well run ship.

 

We still remember those fun dinners we had together in Alaska too!

 

Lucky you - On the Amsterdam to Honks! Do the other passengers realize you are an outstanding trivia player, LOL!

[ger_77]

I enjoyed reading your review, quite refreshing actually. I particularly love your name . . . first kitty?

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)