Eurodam Tropical Caribbean (12/15-22/21)

[Kamfish642]

Embarkation was a breeze.  The Eurodam was the only cruise vessel in FLL port with passengers.  (Noordam was docked but with no passengers.)  We were informed that the ship would only have 905 passengers on this sailing (43% of full double occupancy passenger capacity!)  First (hopefully) post-COVID cruise.

 

We had our doubts over continuous pre-cruise emails from HAL changing our boarding group/time.  However, we were pleasantly surprised.  Due to pre-cruise travel arrangements, we arrived at FLL Cruise Terminal 26 about 1 hour earlier that our assigned boarding group/time.  Upon arrival, we were the only car in front of the terminal, so our bags were quickly grabbed by the baggage handlers, and we were frisked through the checking process and within our stateroom in 15 minutes!  Just make sure that you have your vaccination card and COVID test results handy. 

The Main Dining Room was closed for lunch, so we went to Lido Market which was almost vacant. 

 

The Eurodam itself was in surprisingly good condition after being laid up for (in believe) 8 months.  We did have some minor stateroom issued that I will describe later.  Overall, the crew was clearly happy to be back, and was very friendly and attentive throughout the cruise.

 

Stateroom: We were assigned Veranda Stateroom 8151, Navigation Deck, which was located on the aft, starboard side of vessel under the Sea View Pool and Bar.  We loved the extra depth of the balcony over other ships we have sailed on; definitely did not feel crowded.  We also liked the storage closet space.  The stateroom itself was standard.  The Room Steward was very attentive; promptly turning around stateroom in the morning and evening.  Note that they will only clean the stateroom once daily (morning), but you can request evening turndown service, changeout towels, etc., which we did request.  We did have some minor issues that were quickly resolved, which included the need to changeout the TV remote and phone.  Due to our stateroom location directly below the Sea View Pool/Bar, every morning around 7 am you would hear the constant moving of deck chairs/tables, which was a minor inconvenience since we are early risers.  Our only significant issue was that the balcony partition between the adjacent stateroom came loose during our last night on voyage, apparently due to high winds, and banged the majority of the evening.  Overall, we were more than satisfied with our accommodation after such a long hiatus from cruising.

 

Dining: 

 

Lido Market – On a past pre-COVID cruise on the Lido Market was bedlam.  Arrangements of serving stations seemed to cause crowding, which we found very bothersome.  However, due the reduced number of passengers, there was absolutely no crowding, even though there was no self-service.  Food was very good, which a reasonable variety.

 

New York Pizza / Dive In – Only used once on a sea day.  This option, along with Dive In, appeared popular especially for lunch.  Walked up to order and delivery took 15-20 minutes.  Will definitely use Navigator App to order next time.  Good selection of pizza options.  We simply ordered a peperoni pizza, which was very good.

 

Main Dining Room – At two evening meals and breakfast (except for one morning) in Dining Room.  Service was initially slow, since you could see that there was training of some new staff members, but improved during the cruise.  Food itself was good to very good with a reasonable variety.

 

Pinnacle Grill – This is our favorite HAL specialty restaurant, and we ate dinner there on both sea days (Gala Nights).  Food and service was excellent, and we believe charge was reasonable for the value provided.

 

Caneletto – We were not impressed with this Italian restaurant during a previous voyage on the Nieuw Amsterdam several years ago, when it appeared that they simply through tablecloths and candles over tables in a designated area in the Lido Market with a standard menu found in routine Italian restaurant.  However, on the Eurodam, we were pleasantly surprised.  While still in a designated are in the Lido Market, they did a better job of isolating area and updating furniture to reflect a specialty restaurant.  The menu was excellent with various Italian dishes, rather than just common pasta dishes.  We were some satisfied with our experience that we booked a second evening.  In our opinion, definitely worth the $25 service charge.

 

Tamarind / Rudi’s Sel De Mer – We cannot offer an opinion since we felt the service charge was exorbitant and not within our budget.

 

Bars / Lounges:

More than enough lounges to hid away for a quiet moment, especially with only 43% passenger capacity, but here are a few only.

 

Pinnacle Bar – Our favorite spot during this cruise for a pre-dinner drink, especially if going to the Pinnacle Grill for dinner.  Not large, but cozy with a wine bar atmosphere.

 

Gallery Bar – A nice hiding spot off the casino, yet accessible to the BB King Stage.  Very nice décor, nothing flashing, which was surprising being just off the casino.

 

Explorer’s Lounge – This was our primary hangout, conveniently located right outside the Main Dining Room, on our previous cruise year’s ago on the Nieuw Amsterdam.  However, the majority of space is now reserved for the Lincoln Center Stage, so nothing special unless you are attending or listening in on a Lincoln Center Stage performance.

 

Tamarind Bar – The hidden gem on this cruise hidden away on Deck 11 (Observation) adjacent to Tamarind Restaurant.  Bar and restaurant are only accessible via the elevators located amidships.  Bar provides an open view above the Lido Pool.  Very cozy!

 

Observation Lounge – Definitely the hangout for a drink while leaving FLL and various ports.  Also, the location of the Explorations Cafe for your expressos, lattes, cappuccinos, etc.

 

Entertainment:

Again, definitely a variety of options, but do not expect any wild sail away parties, white hot night parties, or loud band music around the Lido Pool or Sea View Pool.  Here is a description of a few of the entertainment options available.

 

Main Stage – Separate comedian actions on two days, as well as A BBC Earth Experience show on one evening.  We chose to attend other entertainment options since we are not into comic actions or video presentations.  However, definitely need to attend the shows by “The Step One Dance Company,” which offered three shows, entitled “Humanity,” “Off the Charts,” and “In Tandem.”  The dancers and visual/background effects were amazing and well worth planning your evening around.

 

B.B. King’s Blues Club (on Music Alley on Deck 2, Lower Promenade) – Amazing entertainment venue normally offering three shows each evening except the last night.  However, need to come early since shows tend to get crowded.  Venue also used for other non-music presentations/activities during the day.

 

Billboard Onboard (on Music Alley, across from Casino) – Offers dual (not dueling) piano shows normally three time every evening, with the last show at 9:30 pm doing requests.  Pianists were very talented.  We spent most evenings at this venue after dinner or a show by the Step One Dance Company.  Very casual atmosphere.

 

Lincoln Center Stage (also on Music Alley) – Performs classical music.  As previously described, forum was carved out of previous Explorer’s Lounge, so venue looks more like a conference room set-up with a stage.  Since we did not attend any performances, I cannot comment on presentations.

 

Port Calls:

 

Half Moon Cay - Plenty of reviews for HAL's private island, which is a tender port.  Absolutely beautiful mile long beach with plenty of at-cost activities, but simply walking the beach and swimming in (cold) ocean was our style.  Food was standard with a little flare added to hot dogs and hamburgers.

 

Ship's Signature Beverage package was no good on cay, so we purchase the island package for $30/pp.  It turned out to be well worth it as we spend majority of day on cay trying to deplete HAL's rum inventory.  Very relaxing!

 

Grand Turk - Outside of the village center there was not much to do or see.  Catamaran sail/snorkel was cancelled pre-cruise.  I can see that this village would be overwhelmed if two or more ships at full or near capacity were in port.  Beach was nice to walk on, but there was a significant drop when stepping into water and footing was rocky/stones (need water shoes).  However, I would suggest that you walk down the beach were the beach entry is a little less steep and stony.  Also, stop by Jack's Shack for a cold one!

 

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) - We had previously stayed at an all-inclusive resort on the Dominican Republic, and we were not impressed.  Similar to Grand Turk, Amber Cove serves as a cruise village; however, there is more activities immediately available and a grand entrance into port past a resort with a gazebo on a rocky jetty at harbor entrance.  

 

We had our initial excursion cancelled the night prior to arrival, citing weather conditions.  However, HAL recommended an alternate excursion - "(6 hour) Two Site Reef Snorkel by Sailing Catamaran."  This excursion was marked as strenuous and lived up to its billing.  First there was a 45-minute bus ride to a beach on the other side of island to meet the catamaran, which we found enjoyable.  After disembarking the tour bus, you walk down this steep stairway down to the beach.  From there, you put on a life jacket and board a wooden powerboat to reach the catamaran in rolling seas, which was quite an adventure and not at all recommended for anyone needing assistance.

The two snorkeling sites were nice, but nothing compared to Hawaii or French Polynesia.  Especially liked snorkeling the coral formations at the second site.  Overall, it was somewhat challenging to snorkel in the rolling seas but did gave us a chance to stretch our muscles after sitting on the cruise ship.

 

Nassau - Been to Nassau to many times; however, authorities are definitely doing major renovations to the cruise port/terminal; basically, rebuilding from scratch.  Margaritaville has completed a new hotel and beach area since our last visit, which definitely improved and revitalized waterfront.  Local beach and facilities still remain past Margaritaville complex.

Now the 2-hour sail back around the island to the cruise port was amazing due to the strong winds and 3-to-4-foot waves - truly sailing rather than power sailing due to low winds as experienced on other excursions!  The bar was open, and beer and rum drinks flowed freely.  Also served was a nice lunch consisting of various salads, fruit and chicken bits.  Definitely recommend this excursion!!!

 

Debarkation was again a breeze.  Since we recently moved to Florida, we no longer needed to rush off to the airport, but rather we since waited for our car service.  However, we did have our baggage ticketed for removal since we had two larger bags.  As such, we chose a walk off at 9 am.  Due to reduced passenger capacity, our debarkation group was called ½ hour early, and we simply walked of ship, immediately found our bags in the terminal, and through Customs in 15-20 minutes total.

 

Navigator App: Lastly, I would like to comment on the Navigator App.  I am not an IT specialist, and as such, our adult children laugh at our inability to navigator an iPhone.  However, we gradually learned to navigate this app (no pun intended) and found it very useful to make dinner or excursion reservations will onboard, view itinerary, check statement to monitor charges, and even view and purchase phot options.

[tompeter]

Thanks for the report!

 

[Mickb]

Wasn’t Eurodam  sailing in Greece for most of last summer/fall?

[Kamfish642]

I believe so prior to coming over to the Caribbean.

[AFNavigator]

7 hours ago, Kamfish642 said:

Embarkation was a breeze.  The Eurodam was the only cruise vessel in FLL port with passengers.  (Noordam was docked but with no passengers.)  We were informed that the ship would only have 905 passengers on this sailing (43% of full double occupancy passenger capacity!)  First (hopefully) post-COVID cruise.

 

We had our doubts over continuous pre-cruise emails from HAL changing our boarding group/time.  However, we were pleasantly surprised.  Due to pre-cruise travel arrangements, we arrived at FLL Cruise Terminal 26 about 1 hour earlier that our assigned boarding group/time.  Upon arrival, we were the only car in front of the terminal, so our bags were quickly grabbed by the baggage handlers, and we were frisked through the checking process and within our stateroom in 15 minutes!  Just make sure that you have your vaccination card and COVID test results handy. 

The Main Dining Room was closed for lunch, so we went to Lido Market which was almost vacant. 

 

The Eurodam itself was in surprisingly good condition after being laid up for (in believe) 8 months.  We did have some minor stateroom issued that I will describe later.  Overall, the crew was clearly happy to be back, and was very friendly and attentive throughout the cruise.

 

Stateroom: We were assigned Veranda Stateroom 8151, Navigation Deck, which was located on the aft, starboard side of vessel under the Sea View Pool and Bar.  We loved the extra depth of the balcony over other ships we have sailed on; definitely did not feel crowded.  We also liked the storage closet space.  The stateroom itself was standard.  The Room Steward was very attentive; promptly turning around stateroom in the morning and evening.  Note that they will only clean the stateroom once daily (morning), but you can request evening turndown service, changeout towels, etc., which we did request.  We did have some minor issues that were quickly resolved, which included the need to changeout the TV remote and phone.  Due to our stateroom location directly below the Sea View Pool/Bar, every morning around 7 am you would hear the constant moving of deck chairs/tables, which was a minor inconvenience since we are early risers.  Our only significant issue was that the balcony partition between the adjacent stateroom came loose during our last night on voyage, apparently due to high winds, and banged the majority of the evening.  Overall, we were more than satisfied with our accommodation after such a long hiatus from cruising.

 

Dining: 

 

Lido Market – On a past pre-COVID cruise on the Lido Market was bedlam.  Arrangements of serving stations seemed to cause crowding, which we found very bothersome.  However, due the reduced number of passengers, there was absolutely no crowding, even though there was no self-service.  Food was very good, which a reasonable variety.

 

New York Pizza / Dive In – Only used once on a sea day.  This option, along with Dive In, appeared popular especially for lunch.  Walked up to order and delivery took 15-20 minutes.  Will definitely use Navigator App to order next time.  Good selection of pizza options.  We simply ordered a peperoni pizza, which was very good.

 

Main Dining Room – At two evening meals and breakfast (except for one morning) in Dining Room.  Service was initially slow, since you could see that there was training of some new staff members, but improved during the cruise.  Food itself was good to very good with a reasonable variety.

 

Pinnacle Grill – This is our favorite HAL specialty restaurant, and we ate dinner there on both sea days (Gala Nights).  Food and service was excellent, and we believe charge was reasonable for the value provided.

 

Caneletto – We were not impressed with this Italian restaurant during a previous voyage on the Nieuw Amsterdam several years ago, when it appeared that they simply through tablecloths and candles over tables in a designated area in the Lido Market with a standard menu found in routine Italian restaurant.  However, on the Eurodam, we were pleasantly surprised.  While still in a designated are in the Lido Market, they did a better job of isolating area and updating furniture to reflect a specialty restaurant.  The menu was excellent with various Italian dishes, rather than just common pasta dishes.  We were some satisfied with our experience that we booked a second evening.  In our opinion, definitely worth the $25 service charge.

 

Tamarind / Rudi’s Sel De Mer – We cannot offer an opinion since we felt the service charge was exorbitant and not within our budget.

 

Bars / Lounges:

More than enough lounges to hid away for a quiet moment, especially with only 43% passenger capacity, but here are a few only.

 

Pinnacle Bar – Our favorite spot during this cruise for a pre-dinner drink, especially if going to the Pinnacle Grill for dinner.  Not large, but cozy with a wine bar atmosphere.

 

Gallery Bar – A nice hiding spot off the casino, yet accessible to the BB King Stage.  Very nice décor, nothing flashing, which was surprising being just off the casino.

 

Explorer’s Lounge – This was our primary hangout, conveniently located right outside the Main Dining Room, on our previous cruise year’s ago on the Nieuw Amsterdam.  However, the majority of space is now reserved for the Lincoln Center Stage, so nothing special unless you are attending or listening in on a Lincoln Center Stage performance.

 

Tamarind Bar – The hidden gem on this cruise hidden away on Deck 11 (Observation) adjacent to Tamarind Restaurant.  Bar and restaurant are only accessible via the elevators located amidships.  Bar provides an open view above the Lido Pool.  Very cozy!

 

Observation Lounge – Definitely the hangout for a drink while leaving FLL and various ports.  Also, the location of the Explorations Cafe for your expressos, lattes, cappuccinos, etc.

 

Entertainment:

Again, definitely a variety of options, but do not expect any wild sail away parties, white hot night parties, or loud band music around the Lido Pool or Sea View Pool.  Here is a description of a few of the entertainment options available.

 

Main Stage – Separate comedian actions on two days, as well as A BBC Earth Experience show on one evening.  We chose to attend other entertainment options since we are not into comic actions or video presentations.  However, definitely need to attend the shows by “The Step One Dance Company,” which offered three shows, entitled “Humanity,” “Off the Charts,” and “In Tandem.”  The dancers and visual/background effects were amazing and well worth planning your evening around.

 

B.B. King’s Blues Club (on Music Alley on Deck 2, Lower Promenade) – Amazing entertainment venue normally offering three shows each evening except the last night.  However, need to come early since shows tend to get crowded.  Venue also used for other non-music presentations/activities during the day.

 

Billboard Onboard (on Music Alley, across from Casino) – Offers dual (not dueling) piano shows normally three time every evening, with the last show at 9:30 pm doing requests.  Pianists were very talented.  We spent most evenings at this venue after dinner or a show by the Step One Dance Company.  Very casual atmosphere.

 

Lincoln Center Stage (also on Music Alley) – Performs classical music.  As previously described, forum was carved out of previous Explorer’s Lounge, so venue looks more like a conference room set-up with a stage.  Since we did not attend any performances, I cannot comment on presentations.

 

Port Calls:

 

Half Moon Cay - Plenty of reviews for HAL's private island, which is a tender port.  Absolutely beautiful mile long beach with plenty of at-cost activities, but simply walking the beach and swimming in (cold) ocean was our style.  Food was standard with a little flare added to hot dogs and hamburgers.

 

Ship's Signature Beverage package was no good on cay, so we purchase the island package for $30/pp.  It turned out to be well worth it as we spend majority of day on cay trying to deplete HAL's rum inventory.  Very relaxing!

 

Grand Turk - Outside of the village center there was not much to do or see.  Catamaran sail/snorkel was cancelled pre-cruise.  I can see that this village would be overwhelmed if two or more ships at full or near capacity were in port.  Beach was nice to walk on, but there was a significant drop when stepping into water and footing was rocky/stones (need water shoes).  However, I would suggest that you walk down the beach were the beach entry is a little less steep and stony.  Also, stop by Jack's Shack for a cold one!

 

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) - We had previously stayed at an all-inclusive resort on the Dominican Republic, and we were not impressed.  Similar to Grand Turk, Amber Cove serves as a cruise village; however, there is more activities immediately available and a grand entrance into port past a resort with a gazebo on a rocky jetty at harbor entrance.  

 

We had our initial excursion cancelled the night prior to arrival, citing weather conditions.  However, HAL recommended an alternate excursion - "(6 hour) Two Site Reef Snorkel by Sailing Catamaran."  This excursion was marked as strenuous and lived up to its billing.  First there was a 45-minute bus ride to a beach on the other side of island to meet the catamaran, which we found enjoyable.  After disembarking the tour bus, you walk down this steep stairway down to the beach.  From there, you put on a life jacket and board a wooden powerboat to reach the catamaran in rolling seas, which was quite an adventure and not at all recommended for anyone needing assistance.

The two snorkeling sites were nice, but nothing compared to Hawaii or French Polynesia.  Especially liked snorkeling the coral formations at the second site.  Overall, it was somewhat challenging to snorkel in the rolling seas but did gave us a chance to stretch our muscles after sitting on the cruise ship.

 

Nassau - Been to Nassau to many times; however, authorities are definitely doing major renovations to the cruise port/terminal; basically, rebuilding from scratch.  Margaritaville has completed a new hotel and beach area since our last visit, which definitely improved and revitalized waterfront.  Local beach and facilities still remain past Margaritaville complex.

Now the 2-hour sail back around the island to the cruise port was amazing due to the strong winds and 3-to-4-foot waves - truly sailing rather than power sailing due to low winds as experienced on other excursions!  The bar was open, and beer and rum drinks flowed freely.  Also served was a nice lunch consisting of various salads, fruit and chicken bits.  Definitely recommend this excursion!!!

 

Debarkation was again a breeze.  Since we recently moved to Florida, we no longer needed to rush off to the airport, but rather we since waited for our car service.  However, we did have our baggage ticketed for removal since we had two larger bags.  As such, we chose a walk off at 9 am.  Due to reduced passenger capacity, our debarkation group was called ½ hour early, and we simply walked of ship, immediately found our bags in the terminal, and through Customs in 15-20 minutes total.

 

Navigator App: Lastly, I would like to comment on the Navigator App.  I am not an IT specialist, and as such, our adult children laugh at our inability to navigator an iPhone.  However, we gradually learned to navigate this app (no pun intended) and found it very useful to make dinner or excursion reservations will onboard, view itinerary, check statement to monitor charges, and even view and purchase phot options.

Great report.  We were on this cruise too and totally agree with all you reviewed.

 

I'll add reviews for Tamarind and Lincoln Center Stage since we did both:

 

Tamarind Restaurant:  Awesome dining experience.  The restaurant is beautiful, its staff was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, and the food quality was excellent.  We really liked the Pinnacle Grill but Tamarind's atmosphere and level of service put it a level above Pinnacle Grill. 

 

Lincoln Center Stage:  Absolutely fantastic classical music.  Classical usually is not my first choice in music but this quartet brought me back night after night due to their excellence.  They were simply that good!  One solo the male violin player performed moved me so much it brought tears to my eyes.  I hadn't cried since my father died nearly 20 years ago but this player's artistry moved me so much that I now have a greater appreciation for classical music.  The only drawback to this venue is it can be interrupted by people talking in the adjacent hallway.  There are signs posted to please be quiet but a few talked anyway while walking by.

 

Fitness Center: Nice fitness center, outstanding fitness director named Radovan.  I did spin classes with him.  He is a former Serbian army special forces member and Serbian national kayak champion so he knows what fitness is all about!  He will work you as hard as you can stand but also is skilled enough to know not to overwork you.  He is very focused on tailoring his work with you to teach you skills you will use after the cruise.  He will work with you whether you are skilled or if this is your first time in a gym.  Needless to say, I was quite impressed with him and the other fitness center staff.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for sharing ..

[surfone]

Thank you for this detailed review.  I have taken notes for our 11 night cruise next month.  Very informative.  

[tutumomickey]

We are on the January 5th sailing . Thanks for all your info.

[HALrunner]

Thanks for sharing this detailed report! We were on the Eurodam for the three weeks before this sailing. On December 15 a large number of MDR staff went home and were replaced by staff that had not been working since the pandemic began and just getting their feet wet again. Our MDR breakfast waiter on December 15 was very unfamiliar with the menu and slow. He was so cheerful and friendly it was easy for us to be patient and extend grace!

23 hours ago, Mickb said:

Wasn’t Eurodam  sailing in Greece for most of last summer/fall?

I believe the Eurodam resumed sailing in August in Greece.