My "review" of the Oosterdam Oct 21

[bonstersd]

Hi all! I too am back from my first HAL cruise onboard the Oosterdam. It really is a beautiful ship and the service was outstanding. We now call this the "Mexico Mystery Cruise" as our plans kept changing due to Hurricane Paul.

 

We dropped our luggage off with the porters around 12:30 and then we had lunch at a nearby bar with some friends who were not joining us on the cruise (but who were nice enough to give us a ride to the pier). We boarded around 3pm and there was absolutely no line. I was somewhat surprised that our luggage wasn't at our room by then yet, but no biggie...it showed up right before the life boat drill (at which they do a roll call by cabin number). There was a note in the room saying we would be receiving a $25 credit for the shortened ports due to the broken azipod. While my husband went to his surfer meeting/partying, I unpacked our things and headed down to the sports bar, one of my favorite hang outs despite the lack of "sports" shown there. Only ESPN...no Fox Sports, no ABC sports, no NBC sports, no CBS sports. Instead of Chargers football on Sunday, I watched bowling, pool and a dog show (ESPN should be ashamed of themselves!). Nonetheless, Kris, the main bartender there, is the best!

 

I played a lot in the casino and I brought the dealers a bag of chocolates (which they loved--I also gave my cabin steward a bag of chocolates). I did not win in the casino, but I had some good days (just more bad days). The dealers were all very friendly and interesting. I enjoyed talking and playing with all of them.

 

We had to plan our cruise around Hurricane Paul, which really meant no planning. First, the Captain announced that we would not be going into Cabo, but that we had to stop there to pick up some people who missed the ship in San Diego and to let off an engineer whose wife just had a baby. We were anchored in Cabo for about 2 hours when they came into the casino and directed all the tables and games to be shut off as we were now staying in Cabo. The Captain announced that because Hurricane Paul had stalled, we would be staying in Cabo about 7 pm with the last tender at 6. My husband went surfing with the surf group (first ones allowed off on the tenders). I went into town with my other friends, but only stayed for a short while as it was so hot and humid. They hired all of the available Cabo tenders, as well as using all of the available ones on the ship. After leaving Cabo, the Captain announced that we would have to wait the storm out just off the shore of Cabo, so we really didn't know where we would go next, but Mazatlan was not going to happen. During the night, we headed north back towards San Diego, but at some point, we turned around and headed south again. We were once again in Cabo, but this time, the Captain announced that an officer had appendicitis and we had to get him off the ship. We anchored for about an hour and then were on away again. I can't recall exactly, but I believe that at this point, the Captain said we would head to Puerto Vallarta and would be there around 7AM on Wednesday, so we spent another fun day at sea.

 

On Wednesday, the first tender didn't start until 9:30 (surfers the first ones off again)--I'm guessing the broken Azipod slowed us down and the Dawn Princess beat us into PV and they got to dock while we had to tender. Another HAL shipped also showed up sometime that day, but I was in town and do not know when she arrived. We just went to downtown PV and had many beers and tequilas at Carlos O'Briens. The last tender back was at 6 and at about 7, we set sail to an amazing sunset! We went to the BBQ on the lido deck...great BBQ by the way.

 

Thursday and Friday were more sea days spent lounging on the aft lido deck and playing in the sports bar and casino.

 

We had late seating upper dining. We went to dinner 3 times there and 2 times in the Pinnacle. Both were great service and great food, especially the beef in the Pinnacle. Our waiter in the dining room was great! Never needed or waited for anything! I did bring wine to dinner and was charged $15 corkage fee every time, which I knew was the charge, but have never on Carnival been charged this corkage fee. I'm not necessarily complaining (okay, well, I'm kinda complaining), I am just stating the facts.

 

We ate breakfast in the lido every day. The lido breakfast on HAL is way better than on Carnival. Many, many options and they change every day.

 

We went to the Crows Nest after dinner to listen to the band who was really great. The Northern Lights Disco was pretty hopping after the second night. With all the surfers, crafters and cruise agents on board, there were plenty of parties going on. I met the Captain one evening in the Crows Nest, as well as meeting some of the officers who work on the bridge.

 

We didn't go to any shows, but I did peak my head in and saw an Elton John impersonator.

 

My cabin steward Toyo was really the best cabin steward I ever had. He was very friendly and personable...He even showed us pictures of his family of which he was very proud. He filled our cooler twice a day (yes, I brought a cooler of water and sodas, as well as wine and other items not allowed). What can I say? I'm a rebel!

 

I thought the bedding on Carnival was way better than that on HAL. Also, the cabins are bigger on Carnival (at least the verandah cabins are). The lido deck food was better on HAL and the dining room food were great on both lines. I prefer the way the layout of the Carnival ships, but I thought the Oosterdam was truly a beautiful ship. I also thought it a bit bizarre that all of the servers and cabin stewards on the Oosterdam are Indonesian, but we had outstanding service everywhere.

 

All in all, this was a great cruise. My husband will cruise again (this was his first), which I wasn't sure of before we left.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks for the great review:) You actually had my kind of cruise with having that extra SEA DAY:D Just for information the Oosterdam always tenders in PV, although it does sound like once the new pier opens next year(probably not till fall 2007) they will get to. I love the idea of getting the extra $25 credit for doing what I like to do:cool: I think Hurricane Paul just gave you a little extra excitement and something to talk about with your tablemates and crew;)

[happy cruzer]

Hey, when you get a DH hooked on cruizin, Life is good. My DH was/is a Big Snow Skier, whoaa so glad he loves cruizin too.

 

So glad you posted! thanks.

[bonstersd]

Hey, when you get a DH hooked on cruizin, Life is good. My DH was/is a Big Snow Skier, whoaa so glad he loves cruizin too.

 

So glad you posted! thanks.

 

Oh yes, the DH is a big skier too...skiing and surfing. Now I know I can get him on a cruise now and then.

 

I forgot to mention that on Thursday, they had a "Hurricane Party" for everyone on the Lido deck (midship) from 11:15 am until noon...free bloody marys, champagne, hurricanes, and some other drink I can't remember the name of. I think they just wanted everyone to start off drinking early...well it sure worked on us (like we needed a reason)!

[twinkletoes4445]

Thank you for posting your review! :)

[CruisinNana]

Great review. Thank you.

 

Were hot hors doeuvres served in the lounges on your cruise?

[MDR Cali Cruisers]

Hey Bonnie: I can't believe it was about 8 months ago when we were on the Paradise talking about our future cruises and now you've been on yours. Looks like you had a good time despite some itinerary inconveniences. We're going on the Spirit on the 15th and I was wondering what bar you hit prior to the cruise for beers/burgers. I know we just want to drop the luggage, park the car somewhere close and possibly hang out before boarding. I know my sister wants to hit a Roberto's on the way down too. :) We just went to Vegas this past weekend, but didn't see Chris at the Sports Book. Bummer about the non televised sports on your ship. I hope the Spirit will be showing football, etc. Hope you're doing well and would love to know where ya went or any other suggestions. Thanks.

 

Kimberly

[fcorey]

Thanks for posting, nice review. I do have one question, you stated the the bedding and room size were better on your Carnival cruise. I was wondering which class ships you were comparing? Its been a very long time since we were on Carnival, and our aft VA veranda was larger than the oceanview room we had. Was always wondering if there veranda rooms were that much larger. thanks for the post! :)

[bonstersd]

Thanks for posting, nice review. I do have one question, you stated the the bedding and room size were better on your Carnival cruise. I was wondering which class ships you were comparing? Its been a very long time since we were on Carnival, and our aft VA veranda was larger than the oceanview room we had. Was always wondering if there veranda rooms were that much larger. thanks for the post! :)

 

I had cabin 7004 on the Oosterdam, which is all the way forward. I was comparing it to any of the balconies on the Spirit and Conquest class ships on Carnival. Carnival's cabins are wider and have more obvious storage space. I'm guessing anything Aft is larger on either ship.

[bonstersd]

Hey Bonnie: I can't believe it was about 8 months ago when we were on the Paradise talking about our future cruises and now you've been on yours. Looks like you had a good time despite some itinerary inconveniences. We're going on the Spirit on the 15th and I was wondering what bar you hit prior to the cruise for beers/burgers. I know we just want to drop the luggage, park the car somewhere close and possibly hang out before boarding. I know my sister wants to hit a Roberto's on the way down too. :) We just went to Vegas this past weekend, but didn't see Chris at the Sports Book. Bummer about the non televised sports on your ship. I hope the Spirit will be showing football, etc. Hope you're doing well and would love to know where ya went or any other suggestions. Thanks.

 

Kimberly

 

Hey Kimberly! So nice to hear from you. I'm so jealous you're going on the Spirit! I love the ship and the itinerary. We watched the superbowl on the Spirit, so I know they get more channels than just ESPN. I spent a lot of time in the sports bar on that cruise! If you are looking for the disco, it's really hidden and it has two floors (the bar is upstairs).

 

Before the cruise we went to a great dive bar called the Waterfront. It is on Kettner and has great burgers and a full bar. Let me know if you can't find directions for it. There is usually metered parking right out front or very near by. You can park long term in the lot across from the cruise terminal (it's actually two lots back--go to the port of san diego website, then to cruises, then to parking...it's the one at 800 W. Broadway I think). You can email me at my name at yahoo if you want.

 

I know you'll have a great cruise! We'd almost join you but we're leaving for Hawaii on the 18th. :)

[Copper10-8]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to write a review! Good to hear you had a great time despite Hurricane Paul.

Having Indonesian staff, as opposed to an international staff like most other cruise lines stems from the time that HAL was a 100% Dutch company. Indonesia (also known in Dutch as the Netherlands Indies) was a Dutch colony until December 1949.

[Sailorgirlseattle]

Sounds like you made the best of altered plans! Still a fun cruise. Can I ask, because of the hurricane, were the seas rough? We're booked on your same cruise in March, and I'm really looking forward to it!

[LoboJ]

Hey Bonster- I was wonderin' that too, how were the seas? I hope they weren't too rocky as a result of the hurricane.

 

I wonder if the single azipod has any effect at all on the overall "smoothness" of the ride also? I wonder if the slower speed changes the way it chops through the water, or if there is any vibration from the unbalanced (single pod) propulsion.

 

Yep the Waterfront is a cool spot... That place can get packed, but on a Saturday during the day it sounds like a great place for pre-cruise drinks.

 

I haven't planned our boarding day strategy yet- We were going to cab from home, but I think we might take my SUV to help carry bags of all my family who is going. Not sure yet if we want to get down and just get on board right away, or hit a spot downtown for a drink like you guys did. hmmmm....

 

I'm bummed about no CBS, no football... grr... >:-( especially cuz it will be Chargers vs. Broncos on our 1st sea day. I guess we'll just have to watch the clips and ticker on ESPN. I use Orb (similar to slingbox) to watch tv on my cell phone sometimes, but I think that would be "cost prohibitive" even if I got a signal.

 

Great review again....

-LoboJ

[bonstersd]

The ship was rocking, but it wasn't the worst I've been on. I heard that many people were sick, but I just drank through it. :) I heard we had 8 to 10 foot swells.

 

LoboJ: My husband is working this Sunday again at 4pm if you're going to the game and McGregor's after. His name is Geno. He's in the downstairs bar...he's the tallest (and oldest) behind the bar. If you go, introduce yourself to him--I will have mentioned him to you.

 

As far as precruise strategy, if you can talk a friend into driving you, which we did, then you can buy him/her a Waterfront burger before. Like I said, we dropped our bags off, then went to the Waterfront, then they dropped us off across the street (so busy) and we were on in seconds. If you can drop your bags off earlier (like 11), there won't be as much traffic.

 

FYI, on the Lido deck (and in the Sports bar if you tell Kris you know me), they have a bucket of beers (domestic) 5 for $17 (that includes tip). That's a good deal. Oh, and we ate at the taco bar almost every day...not quite San Diego tacos, but I cannot go a week withouth mexican food.

[heavenly]

Oh yes, the DH is a big skier too...skiing and surfing. Now I know I can get him on a cruise now and then.

 

I forgot to mention that on Thursday, they had a "Hurricane Party" for everyone on the Lido deck (midship) from 11:15 am until noon...free bloody marys, champagne, hurricanes, and some other drink I can't remember the name of. I think they just wanted everyone to start off drinking early...well it sure worked on us (like we needed a reason)!

 

Hi Bonnie, I'm glad to see you have recovered from the cruise! LOL There is no bar tab on board like that of one of the Surf group... Yikes, those bar bills run up in a hurry! Were you on the aft deck the evening of the BBQ? Free Jello Shooters then...:eek:

[bonstersd]

Hi Bonnie, I'm glad to see you have recovered from the cruise! LOL There is no bar tab on board like that of one of the Surf group... Yikes, those bar bills run up in a hurry! Were you on the aft deck the evening of the BBQ? Free Jello Shooters then...:eek:

 

Somehow I missed the jello shooters...I think I might have had too much tequila at Carlos O'Briens. BTW, who are you? Can't tell just by your "Heavenly"

[hunzabunz]

So you're saying that you saw an Elton John impersonator for a quick peak? If it's the same one we saw on the Zuiderdam last March me and DH will be in heaven. He was the best!!!

[bonstersd]

So you're saying that you saw an Elton John impersonator for a quick peak? If it's the same one we saw on the Zuiderdam last March me and DH will be in heaven. He was the best!!!

 

I know for sure it was not Elton John, but he did an awfully good impression.

[cruznon]

LoboJ,

Sounds as if you're a San Diegan. Since there's lots of family, have you thought of getting a limo service to take you to and from the dock? We've done this a couple of times. When you factor in parking car, parking fees etc., this can be a good deal. (especially if members of your group share the cost. It's also a GREAT way to start your vacation!!!:)

[lderrn]

I noticed how you compared the two cruises... Our first, last and only cruise was on Carnival Spirit in 2004.

 

Do they have the all day & night pizza and ice cream?

Also are the movies in the cabins or theater style?

And lastly, We had a balcony and got one this time... how do you compare the bathroom space on HAL?

 

Thanks

I enjoyed your review. It worried my 14 yo son, he just LOVED Carnival

[LoboJ]

LoboJ,

Sounds as if you're a San Diegan. Since there's lots of family, have you thought of getting a limo service to take you to and from the dock? We've done this a couple of times. When you factor in parking car, parking fees etc., this can be a good deal. (especially if members of your group share the cost. It's also a GREAT way to start your vacation!!!:)

 

That's not a bad idea, cruznon!... My only hesitation is that we're going to have 10 of us plus all of our bags... Might be tough to limo that up. (Unless we got 2 of them ;) - that's a thought). May have to look into that.

 

Bonster- did you guys happen to get up to the Observation deck? I was wondering about whether the Golf Simulator has been ripped yet. I know it was planned to be removed to expand club HAL, but I heard somewhere that they may not have taken it out of the Oosterdam yet. I'm actually hoping it's still there, as my Dad and I were hoping to have a showdown. Not sure if you made it in that area on your cruise though- it's kind of off the beaten path I think.

[WholeWheat]

So you're saying that you saw an Elton John impersonator for a quick peak? If it's the same one we saw on the Zuiderdam last March me and DH will be in heaven. He was the best!!!

 

It was him, Joel Mason. He'll be on the Oosterdam until just before Christmas. (You missed a good show!) ;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

It was him, Joel Mason. He'll be on the Oosterdam until just before Christmas. (You missed a good show!) ;)

 

Mom, by any chance will he be returning any time soon after Christmas to the Oosterdam? We will be returning to the Oosterdam March 17th and he is one performer I definitely want to see:)

[bonstersd]

Bonster- did you guys happen to get up to the Observation deck? I was wondering about whether the Golf Simulator has been ripped yet. I know it was planned to be removed to expand club HAL, but I heard somewhere that they may not have taken it out of the Oosterdam yet. I'm actually hoping it's still there, as my Dad and I were hoping to have a showdown. Not sure if you made it in that area on your cruise though- it's kind of off the beaten path I think.

 

No, I didn't make it up there...anything not near the lido pool, the sports book and the casino were off the beaten path.

[MDR Cali Cruisers]

Hey Bonnie: Did you get my e-mail? Kimberly :)