Very late Noordam review

[PathfinderEss]

The Noordam looked very nice with all the new soft goods installed while in dry dock this last spring. Had new carpet in our cabin, but still there was some tired looking furniture. Food was great in the Pinnacle, though I was a little disappointed in the new menu for Le Cirque only because of the pea soup, not one of my favorites:(, DH loved it, but the rest was very good. We had excellent service in the Pinnacle and around the ship the bar service was also outstanding. I think anyone sailing on the Noordam will enjoy their cruise. This was our first time on the Noordam and I will say it was not my favorite of the Vista class, still love the Westerdam and Oosterdam the best, follow by the Zuiderdam and now the Noordam.

 

We probably had the best weather we have ever encountered in Alaska, 14 days of pure sunshine and warm weather. Lots of familiar faces on board, Joanie, Crew News, Legalslave, Marcia, etc. Always fun catching up with cruise buddies. Joanie and Roger treated us one night in the Pinnacle with Chocolate Balls and Chocolate Purses.

 

Some of our disappointment with the Noordam was not the ship its self but how it was run. As some of you will understand, we like to get to know the Captain, (Jeroen Van Donselaar) Hotel Director (Craig Oakes) and other staff members. None were visible for the entire 18 days we were on board. The only time we saw the Captain was once when he was pushing one of his very young child thru the Lido in one of those small toy car like things. We also had some lack luster Concierge's that seemed oblivious to everything going around them. Giving us notice about the suite welcome party (held in the Crows Nest) after it was over and a lot of other stuff that made this cruise not up to the Hal standards we have learned to expect.

 

As a side note, I've been missing from the boards for several months because I came off the Noordam with pneumonia. Have been in and out of the hospital several times and a skilled nursing facility, but hopefully I'm home now and on the mend, if I could only convince my legs of that now. Oh and just for your information I had the two pneumonia shots your supposed to have, guess they weren't the right ones.

[Copper10-8]

All the best with your health Melodie; just missed ya ;)

[IRL_Joanie]

Melodie, I am so happy to see you back on the boards and already booked with us for next April and May:) Always good to have absolutely great cruise friends with you!!

 

I, like you, find the Noordam to be my least favorite of the Vistas and only the Nieuw Amsterdam ranks 1 notch lower in my book, only because NA's Aft Verandahs are not as long (Door to railing) as the vistas are. And you are right, I did not care for Corinne our Concierge. She was not as friendly as the normal non European Concierges are. Do not know if it was because she is German and that was the way she was raised, but I prefer the friendly concern that our Indonesian/Philippine Concierge show us.

 

Looks like we will be doing mainly PG for our 2 weeks (plus PC when they come out), what with all our OBC's we have already:)

 

I am so glad to see you posting again. I KNOW there were quite a number of CC members who emailed me and asked about you and were quite concerned.

 

Better late than never my friend!!

 

Joanie

[erewhon]

Melodie,

 

Thank you for reviewing your Noordam cruise.

We are looking forward to sailing on Noordam while she is "down under", hope we will have a better experience with the staff.

Disappointing for you to discover that the Suite Welcome party had already been held.

 

Am very pleased to see you back on these boards, as I had been wondering if you are OK.

Very sorry to read of your illness, hope you will soon be fully recovered.

[dobiemom]

Glad to hear you are on the mend. Good to see you posting again. :)

[POA1]

Thanks for your review.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hi Melodie

Glad to see you back.

We are used to not seeing the captain, hotel directors, etc. So many new ones.

I got Broncopneumonia (combination of Bronchitis and pneumonia) the last couple of days of our Noordam cruise (November) and spent nearly 5 months getting over it. We had gotten pneumonia shots a few years ago. This past Monday was our 6 month check-ups and our doctor gave us the new Prevnar pneumonia shots.

[PathfinderEss]

Hi Melodie

Glad to see you back.

We are used to not seeing the captain, hotel directors, etc. So many new ones.

I got Broncopneumonia (combination of Bronchitis and pneumonia) the last couple of days of our Noordam cruise (November) and spent nearly 5 months getting over it. We had gotten pneumonia shots a few years ago. This past Monday was our 6 month check-ups and our doctor gave us the new Prevnar pneumonia shots.

Hi KK, yeah I had both shots, the new one you mentioned about 6 months ago but as I said didn't seem to work for me. Hearing your story, it kind of makes me leery of cruising again. We did cancel one in September thinking it was to soon for me but we did book one for April.

 

Cooper, Joanie, Erewhon, Dobimom, thanks for your kind thoughts.

[Vict0riann]

We've had both pneumonia shots, too, but at the time, we were told that, as great as they are, they only protect you from viral pneumonia, not bacterial. But for bacterial, there are antibiotics, as long as the type you have is not antibiotic resistant. I wonder if the newer shots protect against bacterial as well. They're now talking about an Ebola vaccination, and I'm not sure if that is viral or bacterial. It's amazing what they're coming up with.

 

Glad you are feeling better. DH came off a cruise with an infection last year that took him months to get over. It's a high price to pay for a cruise!

[Alberta Quilter]

Thank you for your review. I hope you continue to recover from the pneumonia! I missed you on the boards!

[solocanadian]

Melodie, so sorry to read about your health issues on the Noordam. Makes me very glad that I cancelled my Alaska cruise on the Noordam next month. As you know, I am not a fan of the Vista ships. Will be doing Alaska next year on the Zaandam, one of my favourite ships. I was so sick on the Westerdam this spring that it put me off cruising for ever from Fort Lauderdale. I had such a bad reaction from the gallons of chlorine used in the hot tub at the Embassy Suites in FLL. No fault of Hals, but the doctor on the ship was really no help.

I ended up with a very itchy, rash wherever the hot tob water touched my body. Lost many hours of sleep because of the itch and to make matters worse, the rash oozed.

[chefestelle]

I have RAD and diabetes so I take the pneumonia shot. You're right Vict0riann. It is just for the viral kind. Ebola is a virus. It'll probably be like a flu shot. Course the flu shot is only good for the top three anticipated flu viruses each year. I rarely get sick but I figure if I don't get it, I can't give it. So I dutifully go for my shots now... If only they had one for norovirus!

Edited August 5, 2015 by chefestelle

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks Vict0riann I'll have to look into which kind of pneumonia I had. Good information you have given me.

 

Alberta Quilter, thank you for wishing me well, I can use all the help I can get.

 

solocanadian, sorry you didn't enjoy your Westerdam cruise. It certainly sounded like a good one to be on.

 

chefestelle, wouldn't that be nice to have a shot for norovirus! I think everyone that cruises and certainly others would be lining up for that one.

[kjw869]

Melodie, I'm sorry to hear that you contracted pneumonia after our cruise. We never had a chance to say goodbye to you and Ron.

 

I concur with you and Joanie regarding the concierges, worst we've ever had on a HAL ship. :eek: We were lied to about receiving OBC, charges to our account and they were getting ready to transfer us to another cabin when we reached Vancouver. I had to produce docs to prove we were booked in the same cabin for the two cruises.

 

Despite that, Noordam is our favorite ship that we've sailed on four times. ;)

Edited August 5, 2015 by kjw869

[PathfinderEss]

Melodie, I'm sorry to hear that you contracted pneumonia after our cruise. We never had a chance to say goodbye to you and Ron.

 

I concur with you and Joanie regarding the concierges, worst we've ever had on a HAL ship. :eek: We were lied to about receiving OBC, charges to our account and they were getting ready to transfer us to another cabin when we reached Vancouver. I had to produce docs to prove we were booked in the same cabin for the two cruises.

 

Despite that, Noordam is our favorite ship that we've sailed on four times. ;)

 

Where the heck were they going to move you to? :confused:Wow, we had the same problem, because of me getting sick we did not pursue it with Hal.

[cruz chic]

Thanks for the review. It seems to me that the senior officers are becoming more and more scarce these days. Take care. I hope you feel better soon. It seems that lung problems get worse as we age. I was on an inhaler for about 15 months after I had several bad colds. I've been off it for a month now. I hope I don't have to take it again.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for the review. It seems to me that the senior officers are becoming more and more scarce these days. Take care. I hope you feel better soon. It seems that lung problems get worse as we age. I was on an inhaler for about 15 months after I had several bad colds. I've been off it for a month now. I hope I don't have to take it again.

 

 

I think it is going to get worse before it gets better if ever, with the officers not be personable with the passengers and that is a shame. Being we have been to many ports repeatedly, I just enjoy being on the ship these days. I've always like taking with the officers, as I know other long time cruisers do too .Thanks for the good wishes, I understand about being on inhalers, been on one for 4 years..

[kjw869]

Where the heck were they going to move you to? :confused:Wow, we had the same problem, because of me getting sick we did not pursue it with Hal.

 

Melodie, we booked PS7045 for the 4-day from San Diego to Alaska. I waited one day too long, and had to book the remaining PS, 7046 for the Alaska segment. A few days before final payment, the folks in 7045 cancelled, my TA was notified and switched us so we could remain in cabin for the 11 days. This was confirmed in February for the May cruise. 7046 sailed empty on the Alaska cruise. That was the cabin they were going to transfer us to in Vancouver.

 

I also had to "fight" with the Neptune concierges to get the Explore 4 and additional OBCs (FCD & ZPM) despite it being on the HAL Confirmation copy.

Edited August 5, 2015 by kjw869

[boze9999]

Perhaps you didn't miss the Suite Welcome Party. On our Oosterdam Alaska cruise in July we were informed that the Suite Welcome Party was no more (they had it during each sailing up to ours). The Suite Welcome Party (typically the first night of the cruise) was always so enjoyable. You had the opportunity to meet and mingle with other suite guests, as well as personally meeting the senior staff. What a way to start off the cruise. Hopefully HAL is not permanently eliminating it - it was definitely one of the reasons we book suites and may alter our opinion about the importance of doing so in the future.

[PathfinderEss]

Melodie, we booked PS7045 for the 4-day from San Diego to Alaska. I waited one day too long, and had to book the remaining PS, 7046 for the Alaska segment. A few days before final payment, the folks in 7045 cancelled, my TA was notified and switched us so we could remain in cabin for the 11 days. This was confirmed in February for the May cruise. 7046 sailed empty on the Alaska cruise. That was the cabin they were going to transfer us to in Vancouver.

 

I also had to "fight" with the Neptune concierges to get the Explore 4 and additional OBCs (FCD & ZPM) despite it being on the HAL Confirmation copy.

 

 

Thanks for jogging my memory about the PS issue, I remember you did tell me that. It seems we all had problems with the concierges but I'm glad it didn't spoil your liking the ship or having a good cruise.

[legalslave]

I am so sorry to read you have been so very ill with pneumonia. I have had it twice many years ago and you are right, it really takes a long time to recover from it. I have found that the AC vents on the cruise ships always blow on my head and neck area, either directly or the draft bounces off the cabin wall. I have learned to put paper around the upper edge of the vent to prevent the draft. Marcia (dobiemom) can tell you I'm not kidding. This is the way I keep myself from getting ill on cruise ships. I hope you will be feeling great again by May when I get to see you and Ron again.

 

Diane

[david,Mississauga]

...

Some of our disappointment with the Noordam was not the ship its self but how it was run. As some of you will understand, we like to get to know the Captain, (Jeroen Van Donselaar) Hotel Director (Craig Oakes) and other staff members. None were visible for the entire 18 days we were on board. The only time we saw the Captain was once when he was pushing one of his very young child thru the Lido in one of those small toy car like things. We also had some lack luster Concierge's that seemed oblivious to everything going around them. Giving us notice about the suite welcome party (held in the Crows Nest) after it was over and a lot of other stuff that made this cruise not up to the Hal standards we have learned to expect.

...

 

We thought the concierges were excellent. Glenn was as friendly and efficient as any we have encountered on any ship. Corrine seemed a bit aloof at first, but once we got to know each other she warmed up.

 

I won't repeat what I said in my review of our Noordam cruise, but it did seem unusual that neither the captain nor any officers appeared at the "suite reception" despite having sent a written invitation to us. Of course there are good reasons why a captain and officers can't socialise with the passengers. When this has happened on other ships an explanation is offered. There was none offered just: "The captain can't make it" offered by the shops manager or some such person.

 

On traditional Atlantic crossings, if the captain can't attend a function - usually due to fog - profuse apologies are made and other officers do attend. When the captain subsequently attends a "do" he makes further apologies, even though anyone with experience on North Atlantic crossings knows the rules and doesn't need an apology. This wasn't a big deal though and I must say the drinks offerings were most generous. One of the stewards said: "Please have another drink. It will help me out as this tray is awfully heavy." :)

 

On our cruise we did not enter Tracy Arm. No explanation was given nor were we even told that we were not going there. It occurred to me only after we docked in Juneau. I'm sure there was a good reason, but it would have been nice if the captain had told us. (I checked with one of the frequent HAL passengers and he confirmed that nothing was said.) We did, however, receive a refund of the port tax or whatever it was.

Edited August 6, 2015 by david,Mississauga
typo

[PathfinderEss]

We thought the concierges were excellent. Glenn was as friendly and efficient as any we have encountered on any ship. Corrine seemed a bit aloof at first, but once we got to know each other she warmed up.

 

I won't repeat what I said in my review of our Noordam cruise, but it did seem unusual that neither the captain nor any officers appeared at the "suite reception" despite having sent a written invitation to us. Of course there are good reasons why a captain and officers can't socialise with the passengers. When this has happened on other ships an explanation is offered. There was none offered just: "The captain can't make it" offered by the shops manager or some such person.

 

On traditional Atlantic crossings, if the captain can't attend a function - usually due to fog - profuse apologies are made and other officers do attend. When the captain subsequently attends a "do" he makes further apologies, even though anyone with experience on North Atlantic crossings knows the rules and doesn't need an apology. This wasn't a big deal though and I must say the drinks offerings were most generous. One of the stewards said: "Please have another drink. It will help me out as this tray is awfully heavy." :)

 

On our cruise we did not enter Tracy Arm. No explanation was given nor were we even told that we were not going there. It occurred to me only after we docked in Juneau. I'm sure there was a good reason, but it would have been nice if the captain had told us. (I checked with one of the frequent HAL passengers and he confirmed that nothing was said.) We did, however, receive a refund of the port tax or whatever it was.

 

Actually we only had trouble with Corrine, when questioning her about our bill, she more or less told my DH to go pound sand. That is not a great attitude when dealing with passengers. Glenn was fine.

 

On the early Alaska cruise April, May, and can be some of June they do not go into Tracy Arm because you cannot get that close to the glacier because of ice in the water. Later in the season they do go in.

[kjw869]

Actually we only had trouble with Corrine, when questioning her about our bill, she more or less told my DH to go pound sand. That is not a great attitude when dealing with passengers. Glenn was fine.

 

On the early Alaska cruise April, May, and can be some of June they do not go into Tracy Arm because you cannot get that close to the glacier because of ice in the water. Later in the season they do go in.

 

Melodie, we had the same problem with Corrine. We asked for a printout after another couple in the Neptune Lounge said they were being charged for their drinks on the Explore 4 card. Corrine looked at our account and said nothing was showing. I didn't believe her as she told the same thing to the other couple. Glenn ALSO said no beverage charges were on our account. I went down to the Front Desk, asked for a copy and all the beverage charges were listed, without a credit.

 

I then went back up to the Neptune Lounge and confronted both of them, and neither one apologized for not telling the truth. There were many others in the Neptune Lounge who also complained about the service they were receiving.

 

It seems everyone was being charged for their beverages who had the Explore 4 and was corrected in two days when no charges appeared on the accounts. They could have been more truthful and told all of us there was a problem and it was being fixed.

 

I guess if you didn't have any problems, the Neptune staff was ok. :rolleyes:

[Scrapnana]

Melodie,

 

So sorry to hear about your less than fantastic cruise and coming home with pneumonia. Glad that you are getting better and planning another cruise.

 

Kathi