Mini-review Oosterdam 11-day MR cruise

[jaspersmycat]

We got back yesterday from the 11-day Oosterdam cruise.

It was one of the best cruises we have done. We met many nice people and only heard a few people complaining (and they seemed to complain about everything.)

The staff was friendly and helpful. The service in the MDR was efficient. We never felt that the speed of service was too slow.

The food was good (Too good - gained 5 pounds). The Pinnacle Grill was great. The Canaletto was only OK.

My only complaints are:

Trivia and Bingo were scheduled at overlapping times. What a dilemma!

Disembarkation was delayed by 1/2 hour due to one passenger who did not go to clear immigration until after 8:30am.

We had Code Red for the last 3 days (only 14 cabins affected) after it was learned that the Queen Victoria had over 500 cases and we had been in port in Acapulco with them. Captain was afraid passengers might have picked it up there.

My DH and I did not get sick and found the changes to service to be only a minor inconvenience.

We were supposed to get two of the new $50 Beverage cards but instead we received two cocktail cards. I talked to other passengers and they also received cocktail cards. For non-cocktail drinkers, the fron desk would exchange them for soda cards. I guess the ships aren't set up for the new cards yet.

[IRL_Joanie]

Great to hear she is still as good as she was when we were on her!!

Thank you for the review, short, sweet and to the point:D

Joanie

[portofrome]

Thank you for the review.

[Northshorecruisers]

Thanks for your review!! We were suppose to be on this sailing but needed to change to another date. Glad to know the service is still above paar.

[John_Yuma]

Have to agree with the first post. Great Cruise save the debarkation thing although this, to me, is a weak link with almost every cruise line. Problem always happens in the U.S. when people with non US Passports fail to show for their personal interview with CBP. Might add, although certainly not the fault of HAL, when two fairly large cruise ships arrive at the same time in Hualtuco, things get a bit too busy; the town could barely handle this event.

We had expedited (carry your own stuff) debarkation or disembarkation if you prefer, with a scheduled time of 8:00 am. We were called at 9:15 only to bet met by the hoards who were going to be late for something....airline flights, doctors appointments, limos, weddings, whatever. A few well placed staff (by the elevators and near the deck for unloading) would have been able to resolve this issue and it would have been a non event...sorry, none were there and everyone and his second cousin were pushing to get off the boat.

Once again, overall a great cruise...good food, good destinations and great company.

[tarps14]

Thanks for your review!! We were suppose to be on this sailing but needed to change to another date. Glad to know the service is still above paar.

I mean no disrespect by this at all, but, I have to say thank you so very much for NOT being on this cruise. We were able to get your cabin 5191! Can I just say WOW! What an amazing cabin. So thank you, thank you, thank you! :D

P.S. We wasted an entire cocktail card not knowing we could trade it in. The things you learn on here!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for your report.

Glad you had a wonderful cruise.

There is a big difference the new $50 card (which they arre having trouble getting implamented on the ships) and a soda card which is only around $20.