Ryndam Questions?

[TCF]

We're almost ready to book a Sea of Cortez/Vancouver reposition in April on the Ryndam. We're looking for folks opinions/observations that have cruise the Ryndam lately. Most of the revues posted are pretty favourable about the ship although some folks commented on the "wear and tear" aspect of the ship.

The deck plans make it look very much like the Veendam, which we cruised last October...is the impression correct?

Comments, advice, information on the Sea of Cortez itinerary in relation to ports and excursions would also be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Copper10-8]

We're almost ready to book a Sea of Cortez/Vancouver reposition in April on the Ryndam. We're looking for folks opinions/observations that have cruise the Ryndam lately. Most of the revues posted are pretty favourable about the ship although some folks commented on the "wear and tear" aspect of the ship.

 

The deck plans make it look very much like the Veendam, which we cruised last October...is the impression correct?

 

Comments, advice, information on the Sea of Cortez itinerary in relation to ports and excursions would also be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

Ryndam and Veendam are sisters, respectively the third and fourth ships of the four-vessel "S" class. So, they are pretty much identical in deck plans and lay-out. There are differences in the interior 'theme' especially in the atrium's center piece. The "S" class is very popular with HAL's repeat customers because they are easy ships to 'get around'.

The Sea of Cortez is a great itinerary especially because of the three ports on the Sea of Cortez that, unlike the three "regular' ports on the Mexican Riviera (Cabo, PV and Mazatlan) are not yet 'tourist traps'. Enjoy your cruise - we'll be doing the exact same itinerary on Ryndam in about three weeks (Valentine's day). We'll keep her warm for you!;)

[RlrCstr]

I was on the Ryndam a few months ago on the 7 day Mexico itinerary,

and the ship was in very good shape.

[Ine]

We sailed Ryndam last November - sea of Cortez.

We loved the ship, it still looks good. The itinary is very interesting.

[GarySuzy]

We sailed the Ryndam at Thanksgiving and she was in good shape, infact our AC was almost to good. The Sea of Cortez is a great set of ports, we had a great time. The crew was exceptional as they were always smiling and after the first day or so addressed us by our names. Go have a good time.

[seaproponent]

We did the Sea of Cortez on the R last year; the ship was in great shape, and you'll particularly enjoy your day in Loretto. Comparable to the now seldom visited port of Zihuatanejo in charm and authenticity, this was the high point of the voyage.

[HALFans]

We've got this booked for the March 05th 2009 sailing and can hardly wait!

 

We'll post a review when we get back.

[CowPrincess]

Re: wear & tear. On our May/08 cruise our cabin was PERFECT/PRISTINE. On our Nov/08 cruise, the cabin we were assigned had some issues, including broken tiles in the bathroom, and quite a lot of rust around the window/frame. Same ship, different cabins, 6 months had elapsed. I suspect our Nov cabin had issues for quite a while.

 

We didn't really notice a lot of wear and tear in the public areas, though I think it is quite funny that the carpets are not all the same, and you can see where some have been replaced with "close enough" :)

 

The Sea of Cortez itin is WONDERFUL, and we'll do it again (and again and again....)

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

We have sailed on the Ryndam three times within the past 15 months. For a ship that entered service in 1994, she is in very good shape. Being smaller she is cozy, well maintained, and has a wonderful friendly crew.

 

We did the Sea of Cortez/Vancouver re-positioning cruise last April and thought it was wonderful. We also did the Sea of Cortez cruise this past November and you will truly love Loreto as someone else said. Charming old Mexico (the way the country used to be) and pelicans everywhere.

 

One of the nice things about the Sea of Cortez/Vancouver is coming back to San Diego for a full day after the Mexico part. There are so many sights to visit close to the pier. Last year, we had very rough seas going north and were late into Victoria unfortunately. But that can happen in either direction or not at all just depending.

 

So go and enjoy it. We might do it again this year - who knows. We really like the Ryndam.

 

Barbara

[HALFans]

I don't know much about your cruising history, so don't exactly how familiar you are with HAL, cruising in general, etc.

 

At least on Holland America Line, there will be some general cosmetic maintenance going on throughout your cruise... replacing carpet here & there, re-varnishing railings, exterior stairs, benches, etc.

 

Last time we were on the Ryndam they were removing the seats from the theater several at a time to reupholster them. (I think. Or had she just come out of drydock?)

 

Most of this is done so discretely you won't really notice it.

 

What you're more likely to notice may be things like grout touch-up needed in your stateroom bathroom, a threadbare chair or recliner that won't recline properly on the Crow's Nest, etc.

 

If you should notice anything major, (or anything that directly impacts your enjoyment of the cruise) please bring it to the attention of the Hotel Manager so it can be properly addressed.

 

I wish we were doing one of the repositioning cruises like you are. Just something about those extra days after the first batch of people get off the ship...

[LuAnn]

We are on that same cruise for Valentine's Day...have you posted on the roll call thread? LuAnn

[cruznbuddies]

We did the same cruise you are considering last April and loved everything about it. It was our first HAL cruise and we are hooked. We are 50ish. Anyway, I see you've had a lot of response to your post, but wanted to add my thoughts. Don't hesitate. You'll love it. As for wear and tear, not an issue as far as we were concerned. Ship looked (smelled, etc.) just fine and the food was the best we'd had on a cruise.

 

Have fun.

[mrblack]

We're doing the mar 15 sea of Cortez on the Ryndam. Really excited about it and plesed to hear all the positive remarks about the itinerary and the ship:) Mel

[TCF]

Thanks folks.....really appreciate your input. We booked the April 14 itinerary on the Ryndam today!