Wondering about Statendam

[J.A.H.]

Hi all!
We are considering a cruise on the Statendam next fall, in Oct. or Nov. It is 28 days, and the smallest ship (by far) that we have ever sailed on. My husband has issues with seasickness, but we take ginger root capsules and that always takes care of things on the bigger ships. We are wondering if one does really feel the rough seas alot more on a smaller ship? Also wondering if anyone has an opinion about this ship/cruise? I have read some of the reviews, and most of the recent ones were pretty positive. I'm a bit concerned that we would be bored or feel claustraphobic on a smaller ship? Thanks!:) (Forgot to mention that DH can't take Bonine or most other sea sick meds as they cause issues with some medical problems)

[JWJs]

The Statendam was our 1st HAL ship. Have sailed on larger ships (Princess and Celebrity) and really couldn't tell much difference regarding rough seas.

I was concerned about being bored (and/or claustrophobic) on the Statendam. My husband and I both loved everything about the ship. Our 18 days on the Statendam flew by way too fast. Twenty-eight days would be awesome!

[RuthC]

You're posting as if the Statendam is a small ship. It is not. It is a large ship---just not as large as some. It's certainly not a mega-ship. And that's good! It is intimate. You can get to know your fellow passengers, and the staff will get to know you.

You shouldn't feel claustrophobic, as the ship has many opportunities to see the sea. There outside decks are many, and varied, so you have your choice of crowded or solitary. Even the inside areas have great views of the sea.
There are many daytime activities, or you can choose to sit with new friends, or read. At night there are several choices of activity, meeting a variety of tastes.

[J.A.H.]

Thanks for the replies. A few more questions, if you will indulge me:)?

Are there shops on board? Is there a showroom and evening performances, etc.? Would you expect folks of all ages on a cruise of 28 days? We are older, and love to be around people our age, but like to see a few younger ones, too. :D

Thanks again,
Julie

[amster65]

They are probably similar to the Maasdam, jewelry, perfume, clothing t-shirts, polo, jackets etc. and ofcourse the liquor store. On a 28 day cruise you probably wont find to many young people. I did a 14 day, average age 55 plus, and yes they have shows also,especially they crew shows are a lot of fun.

[lorekauf]

Thanks for the replies. A few more questions, if you will indulge me:)?

Are there shops on board? Is there a showroom and evening performances, etc.? Would you expect folks of all ages on a cruise of 28 days? We are older, and love to be around people our age, but like to see a few younger ones, too. :D

Thanks again,
Julie
Yes there are shops on board. You're going to see an older crowd on a voyage that long. Not that many people can take that time off work. I took a 26 day cruise in 2008 when I was 47. I was probably one of the youngest on there. I would never be able to get that length of time off now that I have more critical deadlines. I don't mind travelling with an "older" crowd. I work with a lot of "youngsters" and frankly....I like the break from them:D.

[RuthC]

Evening entertainment will consist of several choices. There will be a show in the main lounge, and a movie in the theatre most nights.

There will also be light classical music in the Explorers' Lounge, dance music in the Ocean Bar, sing-a-longs and such in the Piano Bar, and disco in the Crow's Nest.
And of course, the casino.

[J.A.H.]

Thanks again for all of the help. This is sounding better and better!:D Looks like we will go for it next fall some time. I am kind of wondering about the over night in Panama City. (I know, that is for another thread or forum, but just thought to ask). Would love to see the city, but it will be dark when we dock until we leave? Anything to see or do, and is it safe? Have been through the canal before and they seemed to stress that it wasn't safe off the ship except on a tour, but many people I've talked to have been to Panama and stayed there for a land vacation and loved it...............

Thanks again:)
Julie

[bbwex]

While the Statendam is, as stated, smaller than some cruise ships and certainly not a mega-ship, motion at sea is a whole lot more complicated. It has to do with the height of the seas, the frequency of the seas, the length of the ship, wind, course, etc. In some situations, a smaller ship might be affected less by a certain sea state than a larger ship. Size of the ship is one factor. Don't begin to believe that a large ship won't move a lot in heavy seas. Generally, the larger ship will ride better, but not always.

A small ship would be one that holds maybe 100 passengers. 719 feet and 58,000 tons is plenty big enough to ride most seas.

[Dunelm]

We have been on a 15-day Statendam cruise, and it was wonderful. It is a refined, gracious ship with super crew and lots to do! (I think I am into rhyming today--hurray!)