bonnyweed
December 4th, 2004, 10:22 PM
Just got back from Ryndam Mexican Riviera cruise and thought I would put down some of my observations. Embarkation was very easy. For those driving to San Diego, the pier parking is incredibly convenient (can easily walk with rolling luggage to the ship) though it is $12 per day. I think some of the park and fly companies offer shuttle service to the pier on cruise days and the price can get down to $9 per day.
Embarkation began promptly at 11:30 am though many cabins were not available till 1:30 pm.
The new ship improvements were impressive. The Crow's Nest is completely redone in a dramatic color scheme with large seating areas of circular banquettes with sheer white curtains creating little areas of privacy. The look and colors are bold but the upholstered furnishings soften the effect. For those wanting to read a book during the day, there are gorgeous leather loungers facing the sea...very comfy.
Explorations Cafe is a great addition. The library was very comprehensive with over 2000 titles and spread out over a large area. All the books are new and really cover a wide variety of interests. The internet cafe is in this area as well as audio listening stations with comfortable seating which appeared to be very popular.
I had an inside cabin so can't say much about in-cabin amenities. However, I did have the upgraded mattress and linens along with the flat screen TV and DVD player. DVD rentals were available in the Explorations Cafe.
The Culinary Arts area in the Wajang Theater was very state-of-the-art. I think there were 3 or 4 free cooking demonstrations which were very popular. There were also small group cooking classes which lasted 1 and 1/2 hours and cost $39 per person. I didn't attend the privare lessons and I think they were offered only a couple of times.
The Greenhouse Spa featured the thermal suite which is available for $15 per day or $60 for the cruise. I loved it! The heated mosaic tile lounges, therapeutic showers, aromatherapy saunas and private spa tub were wonderful! This was a very under-utilized which made for a very pleasant and soothing relaxation time. The room was a bit too cool though and this was a minor distraction. If you purchase the thermal suite pass, you also have use of the private relaxation room with its lovely free fresh-squeezed juices, teas and fruit.
The gym looked well-equipped. The gym locker rooms also had a (free) sauna for those who would enjoy a sauna but do not wish to purchase the thermal suite.
Weather was very cold leaving San Diego and continued through the entire first sea day. No sun-bathing! It was also very cold for the last 1 and 1/2 sea days on the return. However, weather in the ports was warm and pleasant.
Ok, now for my opinions, which are just my opinions. Rotterdam Dining Room offered food which was very much to my liking but garnered a considerable amount of criticism from my table mates. I heard some consistent themes of food not being quite hot. Waiter had difficulty delivering the correct items to the diners. I don't need much in the way of chit-chat but there was a definite change in the manner and "ambiance" of service. Very little banter, somewhat of a strained atmosphere. Wine steward had far too many diners to be responsible for. For me....fine. For others, this could be a problem. I overheard some conversations in which some passengers were stating they were removing all the dining room tips and I feel that is unfortunate. I don't know the solution to the somewhat tense dining atmosphere. The 4 dining times actually seemed to flow without a hitch.
Shipboard activities were very limited. Very little cultural or educational programming. Port briefings focused exclusively on shopping. Daytime activities included putting contests, trivia games, bingo, art auctions. I think people were really starved for something interesting....perhaps this is why the culinary arts presentations were so well-attended.
Music included Champagne Strings (very nice), a horrendous combo named Eureka and some other lounge piano & instrumental stuff. Except for the Champagne Strings, the entertainment was pretty much "musak" in nature. I imagine that the line feels it is catering to an older clientele (and they are) but many of the oldest passengers had little interest in the uninspired offerings.
For shows, the 2 production shows were well-received. A comic, a magician and a guitarist were also favorably received.
Cabo San Lucas required tender service to get ashore. The other two ports allowed the ships to dock alongside at the pier.
I hadn't been to these ports before. Having sailed a bit in the Caribbean, I found these Mexican Riviera ports to be less appealing. In all 3 ports, the taxi, shore excursion and jewelry vendors were very aggressive. Reminded me of some experiences I have had in Jamaica. I liked Mazatlan best because of its architecture and more laid-back feel. I had a great day at the Crystal Hotel in Puerto Vallarta....only 10 minutes walk from the pier. You can get a resort day pass for 150 pesos and that money is credited to your food and beverage tab. Very nice beach, extensive pools, hammocks.....loved it.
Cocktails on board ship were excellent....many freshly -prepared mixers. The price was steep however. My favorite was the the Sexy Citrus Cosmo. I brought a bottle of wine on board and also 2 bottles of liquor. I was prepared to have the liquor confiscated but this was not happening to anyone.
My overall impression was a a solid cruise-product but quite lacking in enthusiasm, imagination or "heart." I enjoyed myself very much. However, I will look toward Celebrity or Royal Caribbean for my next cruise. Hope you found this helpful. If not.....ignore it.
Embarkation began promptly at 11:30 am though many cabins were not available till 1:30 pm.
The new ship improvements were impressive. The Crow's Nest is completely redone in a dramatic color scheme with large seating areas of circular banquettes with sheer white curtains creating little areas of privacy. The look and colors are bold but the upholstered furnishings soften the effect. For those wanting to read a book during the day, there are gorgeous leather loungers facing the sea...very comfy.
Explorations Cafe is a great addition. The library was very comprehensive with over 2000 titles and spread out over a large area. All the books are new and really cover a wide variety of interests. The internet cafe is in this area as well as audio listening stations with comfortable seating which appeared to be very popular.
I had an inside cabin so can't say much about in-cabin amenities. However, I did have the upgraded mattress and linens along with the flat screen TV and DVD player. DVD rentals were available in the Explorations Cafe.
The Culinary Arts area in the Wajang Theater was very state-of-the-art. I think there were 3 or 4 free cooking demonstrations which were very popular. There were also small group cooking classes which lasted 1 and 1/2 hours and cost $39 per person. I didn't attend the privare lessons and I think they were offered only a couple of times.
The Greenhouse Spa featured the thermal suite which is available for $15 per day or $60 for the cruise. I loved it! The heated mosaic tile lounges, therapeutic showers, aromatherapy saunas and private spa tub were wonderful! This was a very under-utilized which made for a very pleasant and soothing relaxation time. The room was a bit too cool though and this was a minor distraction. If you purchase the thermal suite pass, you also have use of the private relaxation room with its lovely free fresh-squeezed juices, teas and fruit.
The gym looked well-equipped. The gym locker rooms also had a (free) sauna for those who would enjoy a sauna but do not wish to purchase the thermal suite.
Weather was very cold leaving San Diego and continued through the entire first sea day. No sun-bathing! It was also very cold for the last 1 and 1/2 sea days on the return. However, weather in the ports was warm and pleasant.
Ok, now for my opinions, which are just my opinions. Rotterdam Dining Room offered food which was very much to my liking but garnered a considerable amount of criticism from my table mates. I heard some consistent themes of food not being quite hot. Waiter had difficulty delivering the correct items to the diners. I don't need much in the way of chit-chat but there was a definite change in the manner and "ambiance" of service. Very little banter, somewhat of a strained atmosphere. Wine steward had far too many diners to be responsible for. For me....fine. For others, this could be a problem. I overheard some conversations in which some passengers were stating they were removing all the dining room tips and I feel that is unfortunate. I don't know the solution to the somewhat tense dining atmosphere. The 4 dining times actually seemed to flow without a hitch.
Shipboard activities were very limited. Very little cultural or educational programming. Port briefings focused exclusively on shopping. Daytime activities included putting contests, trivia games, bingo, art auctions. I think people were really starved for something interesting....perhaps this is why the culinary arts presentations were so well-attended.
Music included Champagne Strings (very nice), a horrendous combo named Eureka and some other lounge piano & instrumental stuff. Except for the Champagne Strings, the entertainment was pretty much "musak" in nature. I imagine that the line feels it is catering to an older clientele (and they are) but many of the oldest passengers had little interest in the uninspired offerings.
For shows, the 2 production shows were well-received. A comic, a magician and a guitarist were also favorably received.
Cabo San Lucas required tender service to get ashore. The other two ports allowed the ships to dock alongside at the pier.
I hadn't been to these ports before. Having sailed a bit in the Caribbean, I found these Mexican Riviera ports to be less appealing. In all 3 ports, the taxi, shore excursion and jewelry vendors were very aggressive. Reminded me of some experiences I have had in Jamaica. I liked Mazatlan best because of its architecture and more laid-back feel. I had a great day at the Crystal Hotel in Puerto Vallarta....only 10 minutes walk from the pier. You can get a resort day pass for 150 pesos and that money is credited to your food and beverage tab. Very nice beach, extensive pools, hammocks.....loved it.
Cocktails on board ship were excellent....many freshly -prepared mixers. The price was steep however. My favorite was the the Sexy Citrus Cosmo. I brought a bottle of wine on board and also 2 bottles of liquor. I was prepared to have the liquor confiscated but this was not happening to anyone.
My overall impression was a a solid cruise-product but quite lacking in enthusiasm, imagination or "heart." I enjoyed myself very much. However, I will look toward Celebrity or Royal Caribbean for my next cruise. Hope you found this helpful. If not.....ignore it.