Review of Noordam 11-Day Southern Caribbean Wayfarer (January 26 to February 6, 2015)

[Cruzin Terri]

This was the first time I sailed solo. I just needed a rest. Those of you who have followed my adventures in Rome and then our reasons for aborting our Grand South America voyage understand that it has been a very stressful time.

 

Our friends were on this cruise, so nine days before sailing DH suggested that it was time for me to get a rest from all the stress. So I called the TA and was able to get a verandah cabin. Not many left so I was in VB 4144. It was toward the aft but good enough. We usually sail in either a Signature or Neptune suite, so I felt the “smallness,” but I was alone and it was more than sufficient.

 

The cabin was in good repair. Everything worked and the furniture was in good shape. My stewards, Heri and Gun kept the cabin as neat as a pin and I was a happy cruiser. My cabin was serviced early each day so I was able to use it upon returning from breakfast.

 

I decided that I was going to do nothing on this cruise but rest. I had been to all the ports before, so I had no desire to do either ship or private tours. The one port that sort of interested me was St. John’s, Antigua because I had never been there. However, we were not able to dock due to high winds and the narrow channel being partially blocked by a cargo vessel. So we had an extra sea day. The only day that I did go into port was on the Sunday we were in Martinique. We went to St. Louis Cathedral for Mass.

 

Before we sailed I consulted the couple with whom I was sailing about their interest in a Retreat Cabana. When they agreed that it might be a nice thing to do, I rented the family cabana. This was the greatest thing since sliced bread. We thoroughly enjoyed this. My only regret was that I booked a verandah cabin, because I never used the verandah. An Oceanview cabin would have been sufficient. I spent all day, every day in the cabana. The only day I did not was the second day out because of rain and wind. By the afternoon the weather improved and I was back up there again.

 

Our cabana was the Capri Cabana. If I ever rented the family cabana again on the Noordam I would rent the one at the other end—Costa del Sol. The Capri Cabana is right next to the stairs leading to Deck 10 and the track. Many people use this area to walk. They also do not read the sign that the cabanas are private and decide to walk up the stairs and look around—namely right into the Capri cabana, without any regard or respect for anyone’s privacy. The cabana attendants were spending a good bit of time asking them to leave. When mid-cruise I received a request for suggestions I suggested that the gate be closed to deter intruders. Somebody listened and it helped somewhat.

 

The cabana attendants, Ryan and Ryan were wonderful. No request was too difficult for them. They got us drinks and lunch every day. They made sure our water bottles were always on ice and in the afternoon came around with champagne and some treats.

 

All in all the cabana was a success and if doing a cruise where I did not intend to go into the ports often I would not hesitate to rent one again. I enjoyed the fresh air and the views.

 

The Noordam does not offer an evening cabana dinner as does the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam because it does not have a Tamerind Restaurant. The servers from the Tamarind are the waitstaff for the Cabana dinners. Our attendants said they may be offered in the future, but are not sure when. They also told us that all the other Vista ships will be getting Cabanas as they go into drydock, the next being the Zuiderdam in March.

 

We opted for early dining and had a wonderful table for four by the window in the upper dining room. We had early seating. Our dining steward Wayan and his assistant Tut were wonderful. They provided very good service and were always willing to help when I needed to make some changes to my choices. Nothing was a problem to either of them.

 

The food on this cruise was better than what we have experienced on some of the prior cruises. I was quite pleased with the menus on most nights with the ability to choose from a few different items each night. The only night I was really disappointed in the menu was the final night of the cruise when the international menu was offered. I wanted to go the Pinnacle, but my tablemates declined. So I did the best I could.

 

I did not go to any shows. That is not my thing. I did hear that some of them were enjoyable.

 

I did go to the casino, but never stayed too long because of the smoke and I didn’t want to lose too much money.

 

I really went to bed earlier than I do at home, but I was there to rest, and that I did.

 

All in all, I accomplished my goal. I came home refreshed and renewed, happy to see my DH and ready to tackle the next situation that will come our way very soon.

 

Terri

[RuthC]

I hadn't realized you made an opportunity to get away. So glad to read that this cruise was just what the doctor ordered.

[Cruzin Terri]

I hadn't realized you made an opportunity to get away. So glad to read that this cruise was just what the doctor ordered.

 

Ruth,

I kept it quiet for fear that I would have to abort yet another cruise. I did say something on the sailaway thread when I was safely on the ship.

Terri

[ger_77]

I'm so glad you finally had the opportunity to get back on the water - although it would have been nicer to have your DH with you, I agree, you needed a rest. I also understand the need for "maintaining radio silence" so as not to put a jinx on yet another cruise!

 

I hope things are working out well for your BIL.

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

Gerry

[esimon]

Did u rent cabana before u left or once on board?

[Cruzin Terri]

Ger77-Thanks for your kind words. BIL sees the doctor on Monday and then we will know when the next procedure will be.

 

Esimon--I rented the cabana before the cruise. I requested the Capri cabana. My mistake. I was told that the stairway was for staff only. That was not so. The elevator was broken for two days of the cruise. So the only access was by the stairs from the track or from the Crow's Nest.

 

Terri

Edited February 8, 2015 by Cruzin Terri

[SilvertoGold]

I was so happy to read about your cruise!

Just what you needed and I am so glad things went well.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post and best wishes for your BIL.

[Lizzie68]

I'm really pleased that you had a great cruise - you certainly deserved it.:)

[erewhon]

Thanks for your review, am pleased that you were able to relax on board the ship.

 

Hope your BIL has a satisfactory outcome at the doctor.

[Himself]

This was the first time I sailed solo. I just needed a rest. Those of you who have followed my adventures in Rome and then our reasons for aborting our Grand South America voyage understand that it has been a very stressful time.

 

Our friends were on this cruise, so nine days before sailing DH suggested that it was time for me to get a rest from all the stress. So I called the TA and was able to get a verandah cabin. Not many left so I was in VB 4144. It was toward the aft but good enough. We usually sail in either a Signature or Neptune suite, so I felt the “smallness,” but I was alone and it was more than sufficient.

 

The cabin was in good repair. Everything worked and the furniture was in good shape. My stewards, Heri and Gun kept the cabin as neat as a pin and I was a happy cruiser. My cabin was serviced early each day so I was able to use it upon returning from breakfast.

 

I decided that I was going to do nothing on this cruise but rest. I had been to all the ports before, so I had no desire to do either ship or private tours. The one port that sort of interested me was St. John’s, Antigua because I had never been there. However, we were not able to dock due to high winds and the narrow channel being partially blocked by a cargo vessel. So we had an extra sea day. The only day that I did go into port was on the Sunday we were in Martinique. We went to St. Louis Cathedral for Mass.

 

Before we sailed I consulted the couple with whom I was sailing about their interest in a Retreat Cabana. When they agreed that it might be a nice thing to do, I rented the family cabana. This was the greatest thing since sliced bread. We thoroughly enjoyed this. My only regret was that I booked a verandah cabin, because I never used the verandah. An Oceanview cabin would have been sufficient. I spent all day, every day in the cabana. The only day I did not was the second day out because of rain and wind. By the afternoon the weather improved and I was back up there again.

 

Our cabana was the Capri Cabana. If I ever rented the family cabana again on the Noordam I would rent the one at the other end—Costa del Sol. The Capri Cabana is right next to the stairs leading to Deck 10 and the track. Many people use this area to walk. They also do not read the sign that the cabanas are private and decide to walk up the stairs and look around—namely right into the Capri cabana, without any regard or respect for anyone’s privacy. The cabana attendants were spending a good bit of time asking them to leave. When mid-cruise I received a request for suggestions I suggested that the gate be closed to deter intruders. Somebody listened and it helped somewhat.

 

The cabana attendants, Ryan and Ryan were wonderful. No request was too difficult for them. They got us drinks and lunch every day. They made sure our water bottles were always on ice and in the afternoon came around with champagne and some treats.

 

All in all the cabana was a success and if doing a cruise where I did not intend to go into the ports often I would not hesitate to rent one again. I enjoyed the fresh air and the views.

 

The Noordam does not offer an evening cabana dinner as does the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam because it does not have a Tamerind Restaurant. The servers from the Tamarind are the waitstaff for the Cabana dinners. Our attendants said they may be offered in the future, but are not sure when. They also told us that all the other Vista ships will be getting Cabanas as they go into drydock, the next being the Zuiderdam in March.

 

We opted for early dining and had a wonderful table for four by the window in the upper dining room. We had early seating. Our dining steward Wayan and his assistant Tut were wonderful. They provided very good service and were always willing to help when I needed to make some changes to my choices. Nothing was a problem to either of them.

 

The food on this cruise was better than what we have experienced on some of the prior cruises. I was quite pleased with the menus on most nights with the ability to choose from a few different items each night. The only night I was really disappointed in the menu was the final night of the cruise when the international menu was offered. I wanted to go the Pinnacle, but my tablemates declined. So I did the best I could.

 

I did not go to any shows. That is not my thing. I did hear that some of them were enjoyable.

 

I did go to the casino, but never stayed too long because of the smoke and I didn’t want to lose too much money.

 

I really went to bed earlier than I do at home, but I was there to rest, and that I did.

 

All in all, I accomplished my goal. I came home refreshed and renewed, happy to see my DH and ready to tackle the next situation that will come our way very soon.

 

Terri

 

I was in Martinique on Sunday a number of years ago and I walked down toward the Cathedral and the one think that struck me was how well the people--the poor people were dressed. It is obvious they knew just how sacred the Holy Sacrifice was and they dressed for it.

[Himself]

TERI:

I enjoyed your review and I was glad you were able to go out to ssea. I sailed on the 10 day cruise on the Noordam last fall and I just loved that ship. I have only been on one HAL ship that I didn't love and that was on the Westerdam II and that was back in 1998.

[Cruzin Terri]

I was in Martinique on Sunday a number of years ago and I walked down toward the Cathedral and the one think that struck me was how well the people--the poor people were dressed. It is obvious they knew just how sacred the Holy Sacrifice was and they dressed for it.

 

Yes, Father, it is refreshing to see everyone in their Sunday best. A welcome change from here in the US. Where I live many look like they're ready to head to the beach from Mass.

Terri

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for your nice review, glad you got some time off to relax and rest.

[POA1]

Terri -

 

So glad you finally got to take your cruise! Thanks for the review.

[Love the beach]

Glad to hear it! Happy everything went well for you. :)

[Cruzin Terri]

Thank you all for your kind words. I know I pretty much focused on my experience, but to expand a bit. I found the Noordam to be in good shape. I did not see signs of wear and tear.

 

They tell me the ship is going into dry dock in April. I am really not sure why, but it will then go through the Panama Canal and to Alaska.

 

As I said before, the food quality seemed better than on previous cruises. When I encountered a problem, it was more because of my taste preferences than the quality of the food.

 

The dining room staff still seems overworked. They really need more help. However, our stewards were very helpful and handled their tables with ease.

 

The ship was sold out. There seemed to be some groups on board. None too large. One was from the town where I live in South Carolina (I was not part of the group). There were 150 of them.

 

I have been on the Noordam twice before and like the ship. This was my third time and was quite happy on it. The only thing that would have made it better would have been having my husband with me. That was not to be this time.

 

Now it is his turn for a rest.

Also thanks to those of you who expressed kind words for my BIL. He sees the doctor on Monday and we will learn when he will have the next procedure.

Terri

Edited February 8, 2015 by Cruzin Terri

[dobiemom]

I'm glad you got your much needed and even more deserved rest. :) Thank for your review. I'll be on the Noordam in May and appreciate your views. Welcome home! :)

[scopewest]

Terri, I just saw this thread. I'm glad you were able to get away and rest.

 

I totally agree with you on the cabana location. We rented a cabana for one day on our Noordam cruise in November, and DH wanted one facing the pool instead of the side of the ship. Pro was that we could see out both sides of the ship. Con was we were right smack next to the stairs and could see anyone walking up/down. Since it was a port day, we did not have too much traffic but there was enough to take away some of the privacy for us. If we did this again, I'd chose an oceanview cabana.

 

Thanks for posting your review!

Edited February 14, 2015 by scopewest

[Krazy Kruizers]

Terri

This is the first I have seen this thread. Don't know how I missed.

But I am so glad you got to take a cruise even though your DH could not be with you. But very glad you had friends to sail with and you all enjoyed the cruise.