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Ryndam - anyone sailed on her lately?

poolwife

By poolwife,
in Holland America Line

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poolwife

poolwife

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I am debating between sailing northbound to Alaska in August on the Ryndam or RCCL's Radiance of the Seas.

I originally chose the Ryndam because it goes to Sitka but the latest reviews that are here on Cruise Critic are not very good. So, I have both cruisers held with a deposit and am trying to decide.

 

We sailed on the Ryndam in May, 2001 and it was nice except for an undetermined smell in our room coming through the heater vents. Food and service were both good.

 

Any recent Ryndam cruisers out there with comments?

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CowPrincess

CowPrincess

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Not sure if Nov/Dec is "recent" enough. We love the Ryndam, it is a nice smallish ship. Not glitzy, elegant. Is due to have some work done (that is scheduled). I don't see what you are referring to as "not very good" reviews. Every time we disembark, I'm booking another cruise on her.... have one to Alaska coming soon, and a 14-day in the Caribbean in 2010. Others may have other less positive comments. JMHO.

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Copper10-8 "Live from...." Rare

Copper10-8

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Just stepped off Ryndam last monday after a 10-day Mexican Riviera/Sea of Cortez cruise. Ryndam is still one of our favorite dam ships. She was clean, food was good, crew was great. I wouldn't hesitate taking her to Alaska. Oh yeah, no strange smell(s) detected. I know it's after August but Ryndam is going into drydock for part II of her SOE upgrades during the first quarter of 2010.

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poolwife

poolwife

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Here on cruise critic under "ship reviews" for the Ryndam, the last several reviews weren't all that great. Yes, they were from 12/08, but was hoping for some more positive reviews.

 

So glad to hear good positive things from all of you. It makes me feel more confident in sailing on her. Like I said I picked her because she goes to Sitka. My husband really liked Sitke when we went back in May, 2001 so I wanted to try and book it again. There isn't many good choices for Sitka. I know "Budget Queen" likes Carnival Spirit but I would prefer other ships. For me it is about Alaska but also want to enjoy the ship experience at the same time.

 

With the good things you are all saying it is definitely making me feel more confident about taking the Ryndam again. Thank you.

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solocanadian

solocanadian

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I am debating between sailing northbound to Alaska in August on the Ryndam or RCCL's Radiance of the Seas.

I originally chose the Ryndam because it goes to Sitka but the latest reviews that are here on Cruise Critic are not very good. So, I have both cruisers held with a deposit and am trying to decide.

 

We sailed on the Ryndam in May, 2001 and it was nice except for an undetermined smell in our room coming through the heater vents. Food and service were both good.

 

Any recent Ryndam cruisers out there with comments?

I would never compare HAL to RCCL. My last 3 cruises have been on the Ryndam and firstwas to Alaska in 2006. Was one her again in 2007 and 2008 and a booked on her again this April The cabins are roomy and the beds out of this world. The ship is well maintained and not shabby. The only reason she is going into drydock in early 2010 is to move the aft pool up one deck and add more Varandah cabins. I'm sure you would love the HAL experience. Don't blame you for wanting to visit Sitka. It's a charming town. Hope you choose the Ryndam.:D

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poolwife

poolwife

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Thank you, solocanadian. I want to push this back to the top to see if I get more responses today. All these good responses are leaning me backk to the Ryndam so my husband can go back to Sitka again.

 

I am also taking my 86 year old dad, hopefully, and was able to get a better handicapped room being a balcony on the Radiance of the Seas compared to only a window room on the Ryndam and it was on the wrong side of the ship. I wanted to be on the starboard side cause of sailing north and the only h/c room left was on port side. They were hoping for a balcony in case he just wants to sit in his room and look out. But, maybe we will put up with that so we can go to Sitka.

 

We went on the Oosterdam in November and really enjoyed it.

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Iris5383

Iris5383

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I haven't been on the Ryndam lately. But she the ship of our first cruise in 2000 and we've been cruising (mostly with HAL) ever since. So I'm not much help on the present condition. What I can say is, I wouldn't miss Sitka. That is my favorite port by far on the Alaskan itinerary. Have a great time!:)

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cruisequeen10

cruisequeen10

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Just stepped off Ryndam last monday after a 10-day Mexican Riviera/Sea of Cortez cruise. Ryndam is still one of our favorite dam ships. She was clean, food was good, crew was great. I wouldn't hesitate taking her to Alaska. Oh yeah, no strange smell(s) detected. I know it's after August but Ryndam is going into drydock for part II of her SOE upgrades during the first quarter of 2010.

 

when are we going to hear about the last 2 days on your cruise. waiting and can't wait. I am drooling over the menus.

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debshomespun

debshomespun

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We just spend 30 days on the Ryndam in Jan. and she is in great shape. The crew was the friendliest we have meet on any of the ships we have been on. The food was excellent. I sent in a review to CC almost a month ago, and they have never posted it yet.

 

We sailed the Radiance in May/08 from Ensenada to Hawaii, 10 days. She is also a great ship with friendly crew and great food.

 

Comparing the 2 ships, I would give the Ryndam the edge on both quality of food (except for their desserts, which RC winds hands down), and friendliness of crew.

 

The overall appearance of both ships would be comparable. Radiance is a larger ship with more passengers. With the Ryndam being a smaller ship, it is a bit more of and intimate sailing. If the Ryndam gives you the port of call you are more interested in, I would go with it. Hopefully, you can get a cabin on the starboard side before sailing.

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poolwife

poolwife

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Thank you. I hope you saved that "Ryndam" review and can re-send it in to cruise critic. Maybe they lost it or whatever something happened to it. I sent in a review once and it was up in a couple of days.

 

Looking forward to reading your review.

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liketraveling

liketraveling

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I am going on the Ryndam on March 25th I have never been on her.

 

I did do a North and South Inside Passage last year on 2 different Ships.

 

North on Celebrity Millenium and South on the Veendam.

 

 

The Cabins are larger on the Holland America Ship. The shows were better on Celebrity. The Casino was better on HAL. Allot of the shipboard activities I didn't participate on HAL but people seemed to be having a good time.

 

Celebrity stopped at Icy Strait and HAL at Sitka!

 

Go for Sitka! I liked Icy Strait but I want to go back to Sitka!

 

I won't be able to tell you anything about the ship til after April 4th.

I am sure you will have a great time.

 

Gail

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solocanadian

solocanadian

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Just stepped off Ryndam last monday after a 10-day Mexican Riviera/Sea of Cortez cruise. Ryndam is still one of our favorite dam ships. She was clean, food was good, crew was great. I wouldn't hesitate taking her to Alaska. Oh yeah, no strange smell(s) detected. I know it's after August but Ryndam is going into drydock for part II of her SOE upgrades during the first quarter of 2010.

Copper10: Since you are just off the Ryndam was there still smoking allowed in designated areas in the Ocean Bar and Crows Nest. I'm holding docs now for her April 24 sailing. Gail:)

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Copper10-8 "Live from...." Rare

Copper10-8

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Copper10: Since you are just off the Ryndam was there still smoking allowed in designated areas in the Ocean Bar and Crows Nest. I'm holding docs now for her April 24 sailing. Gail:)

 

Evening solocanadian! I can only give you half an answer. In the Crow's Nest, yes, there is smoking on the starboard side in the back so basically, where you enter the CN on that side. The reason we know is that it was the usual 'hangout' spot for several of the entertainers, including the cast, and some (which always surprises us) smoked.

In the Ocean Bar, to be honest with you, we didn't notice if there was a designated area, i.e. the bar itself, set aside. I checked our daily programs and it doesn't mention anything about smoking. I can tell you that if someone smoked during the time we were in there, we didn't notice it (we don't smoke). Sorry, I couldn't be of more help with this! Have a great cruise! She's a nice ship with a great crew! :)

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