Ryndam 12-4-04 : Also Just Back!

[shipcafe]

Hi Everyone,

In light of the string of other posts from this sailing, I have also just returned and am getting my bearings. I had to fly back the same day (yesterday the 11th) and then get home and to a company holiday function within an hour. It was quite the day yesterday.

I had a fantastic trip to say the least !! I now have to say that the Ryndam probably ranks as one of my top ships now - even above the Maasdam - which is a huge accomplishment. Having been aboard Ryndam just reaffirms my feelings that the "S" class ships are just the perfect size, layout, and décor. With the new Signature of Excellence enhancements, she is even better. I think that all of her new additions work very well being incorporated into her existing structure.

Explorations Café : I cannot believe how popular and successful this area is! Many out there were skeptical of adding an area that charges for coffee and many were worried about cutting out the book selection. Let me tell you from personal experience that the book selection has been increased exponentially. I was able to find various and detailed books on a variety of subjections in which I have interest. There always seemed to be a line of guests ordering up coffees and enjoying the company of the attendants. All of the specialty coffees if they were ordered "for here" were presented in over sized coffee cups (bowls more like it).

My mom and dad were sailing along with me and were in an "S" suite. They just loved it and enjoyed the services of the Neptune Lounge. My traveling companion did not care for the motion of the ship but then this was also his first cruise. I did not even notice movement for the first two sea days but the last sea day did get a bit choppy.

I took 500+ photos of my experience and hope to get them published on my web site soon. I am moving residences this upcoming week so I will be away from the computer for more time than expected. I hope to also do a big redesign of my ship photologues to really present Ryndam in the best possible light in regard to her new enhancements. As you can expect, I have many many detailed photos of her new areas : Greenhouse Spa, Club HAL - the Oasis, Loft, etc., Explorations Café and more ....

Steve

[DaveOKC]

Steve - we were also in an S suite - 041 on the same sailing. We must have passed each other in the Neptune Lounge and never known it!
DaveOKC

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed numerous times and places on the Ryndam - love the ship.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Steve, I am so glad you had a great time. We also loved the Ryndam. I have read the other review and feel really bad for these people but it just seems so far away from the experience we had. We had 2 very minor problems that the staff corrected so quickly plus everyone kept checking back to make sure the problem was solved. With that kind of service the problems felt like they never existed. Both were mechanical sorta of, the first was when DH attempted to use the jacuzzi tob and when he finished the plug would not come undone so it could drain. In fixing it they had to totally remove the plug which was no big deal since after that we only took showers. Everyone from Tiffany in the Neptune Lounge to Sri our cabin stewart to the front desk kept calling us and was concerned that we were OK with that. I think 2 days later they came to fix the stopper so it would work. The other very minor problem was our very last night after dinner we came back to our cabin and there was water on the floorthat was coming from the light in the ceiling that is just by the door. Sri o was just down the hall we told him andwithin 3 minutes we hadseveral fixing the problem and finding out what was causing the water to come thru from above. That whole problem was fixed within 10 minutes. I was extremely impressed with how they handled these two situations and was most concerned with us. I sometimes read some of the threads and get amazed that they were the same ship and crew.:confused:

Please anyone reading these reviews, things do happen but I have read so many good coments from those who have sailed recently on the Ryndam that you should not be fearing your up coming cruises. I am a firm believer that if you board a ship expecting the worst, the worst will happen and if you came on board expecting not to be Happy you will have a terrible time.

Steve, thanks so much for letting us know you had a great time, I am looking forward to you getting your pictures on your web page. :)

[JSakson]

Steve,

My partner and I are booked on the Ryndam on 12-26. It will be our 14th cruise, our fifth on HAL, and we'll be celebrating our 22nd anniversary.

It sounds like you really had a great time on your Ryndam cruise, but I'm concerned about the plumbing problems experienced by others who have recently posted. I checked out your amazing website and discovered that you are employed by HAL.

Do you know if HAL has done anything to address these problems? I realize that it's not always possible to predict these things beforehand, but it sounds like they were exacerbated by the Front Office personnel's unhelpful attitude.

Thanks very much.

Jeff

[Pincus]

shipcafe,

there has been some talk about a climbing wall being installed on the S class ships as part of the SOE.

Can you clear this up? Was there a climbing wall in the newly designed young peoples' area?

Many thanks...for all of your posts.

[shipcafe]

Absolutely NOT .. no way now how !

Just WHERE did THAT come from !?

Steve

[Pincus]

Steve, it came from a kind person answering a question about her cruise...she mentioned that the captain said this. I couldn't believe it...

and it sent shivers up my spine.

So thanks for your reply.

Pincus

[Himself]

Steve:

Are you going to post some pictures of the newly enhanced RYNDAM on your site?

Himself

[shipcafe]

Steve:

Are you going to post some pictures of the newly enhanced RYNDAM on your site?

Himself

Himself & All,

Thanks for the inquiry. I really will try to work on it as quickly as possible. During the past week I've been back from the trip I've moved residences and am currently settling into my new place. My system is up and running finally but I haven't quite gotten to my 450+ photos .. I definitely will update as they are published online!

Steve

[Georgia]

I'm glad to hear that there is no climbing wall. It didn't make sense to me and may have simply been the captain displaying his sense of humor when it was stated on our cruise. I couldn't believe it but did not attempt to verify the information.

Were there new activity rooms for children on board? If not, then the captain was definitely making a joke.

Was there still a Java Cafe on the Ryndam that was complimentary? I also understood that the coffee bar in the former library might take its place.

Georgia

[Pincus]

Georgia, I'm glad you saw Steve's reply...your Captain did have a sense of humor!!!!

Pincus

[jstrack]

I had heard that the coffee bar has been redone and moved. Also, they will be serving Starbuck's in the coffee bar along with a host of coffee lattes and whipy whip drinks. I know there will be a charge for the non-plain coffee but am not sure about the plain variety served at the station. I'll be on the Ryndam 1/3/05 and am really looking forward to it.

I hesitate to pay $133 to $150 per night for the Holliday Inn accross the street from the cruise dock because I'll be there for three nights before the cruise. Anyone stay at an ok place in the area (lower price). I'm considering taking a chance with Price-line or Hotwire....and basically roll the dice on the location of the hotel.

Happy sailing and smile!

[Himself]

Steve:

I have always enjoyed the work you have done with the camera and I have always enjoyed the picture postings you have done. I am sure when you do get the RYNDAM pictures up and posted, you will start a new thead to show them.

All the best and good luck in your new "digs"


Himself

[Georgia]

We stayed at Hampton Inn, a block farther than the Holiday Inn. It was $90 a night and had a nice hot breakfast. Van will take you and luggage to ship, to the door where you leave your luggage. There were 3-4 van loads of people who spent the night at the Hampton Inn prior to the sailing.

Georgia

[DaveOKC]

We stayed at the Hampton Inn on Dec. 3 and it was a nice place for the money. It is only two short blocks from the Holiday Inn and three from the pier. They also provide a good free breakfast.
DaveOKC

[dot73]

Thanks for the information. I am also staying at the Hampton Inn for four days before my Feb. 14 cruise. Is it as noisy (train) as some people have said? Should I ask for a room in a certain part of the hotel? Thank you.

[DaveOKC]

Dot - I heard a train but it was not that bad. You might ask for a room in the front part of the hotel to be safe.
DaveOKC

[jstrack]

Thanks for the info on the hotel. Very much appreciated.

Best wishes...

Jim Strack