How is the Prinsendam?

[Cruising_Gator]

How does the Prinsendam compare to the Rotterdam (old and new)? I signed up for the July 12 Iceland/Ireland cruise a couple of days ago, and just discovered this website with a lot of helpful discussions. I don't know much about the Prisendam, but from what I have read here so far it seems to be an intimate older style ship in need of some maintenance.

I had 3 Alaska cruises on the old Rotterdam (which my wife and I both loved) and one Norway cruise on the new Rotterdam in 2000. The new Rotterdam was very nice, but didn't seem to have the sailing charm of the old one.

I will be taking my wife and 2 daughters (13 and 17). I don't expect to see many children and teenagers on this cruise, but maybe I'll be surprised. My 17 year old was only 2 when we took her on our first Rotterdam Alaska cruise. I think my daughters love cruising because someone cleans up after them.

I've enjoyed my Holland America cruises so much over the years, it's the only cruise line I consider.

Thanks in advance.

[jhannah]

We sailed the Prinsendam last Fall and she was fine. There were some plumbing issues, but I believe they were related to passengers flushing things down the toilet that they shouldn't. We enjoyed the size of the ship. Very easy to get around in. Never felt like the place was over-run.

If you'll read the thread from Grumpy1 on the Prinsendam world cruise, you'll find out what's going on now aboard the ship. Good luck!

[Aussie Gal]

Cruising Gator,

Welcome to the Board. We sailed on the Prinsendam to the Black Sea on the cruise after Vegas Jim and did not have any problems. It is a smaller ship with only 800 on board and therefore much easier to tender as there are not so many passengers. We were in an S.S. and it is was very comfortable.

The staff were terrific and the food was delicious. We loved our time on board and if there is an itinerary we like we would book her again. As Vegas Jim has said look at the reports by Grumpy and Slinkie on the World Trip and you will read how she is at the moment.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=121609

Jennie

[Cruising_Gator]

Yes, I noticed Grumpy's round-the-world journal and will be following it with interest. I have an SS room, so I'm sure it will be comfortable.

Thanks.

[TylerRose]

I loved the Prinsendam! While it has been 1 1/2 years, I wanted to let you know, on our voyage, (A late season 2 week European replacment to Alaska) there were very few "young passengers". Our two Preteens were less than enthused at Club HAL meeting.
Not to worry!
By the very next day... I could barely keep up with them. The ship was full of crew kids on holiday! We traveled the very same week you will! The passengers and crew kids merged and became inseperable!
My kids still keep in touch with crew kids from Holland and Australia! It was a great time had by all!

[Mickb]

To give you a slightly different perspective, we crossed from Europe last November and were very disappointed in our cabin SS040 which was pretty 'used,' with several problems. We are still awaiting a reply from HAL nearly 2 months on after our complaint - not impressive! The ship was in need of maintenance and there were ongoing problems with the elevators. (I would stress that this is very much a personal opinion). Despite this we had a great time, the Prinsendam crew were first rate and the ship herself is what I consider to be an ideal size. She rides the seas well and is very pretty to look at. The interior decor is restrained if a bit scuffed in places. The Pinnacle grill was outstanding. On the transatlantic crossing there were very few people under the age of 40 aboard and facilities for teenagers are limited. If you liked the old Rotterdam I would have thought that you would enjoy the atmosphere aboard the Prinsendam. Note though that she is for sale and there are strong rumours that she will be transferring ownership to an English line later on this year. Have a great cruise!

[Cruising_Gator]

Thanks for all the comments. Yes, I saw the note on the possible sale of the Prinsendam and it is somewhat disconcerting. I worry some about declining maintenance, though I'm sure the staff will be wonderful as usual.
My daughters and very mature for 13 and 17, and aren't looking for a party boat. They enjoy the laid-back pace on cruise ships, though they have enjoyed Club Hal on earlier cruises on the Rotterdam(s). Plus little things like ice cream stations and having their beds made have them looking forward to cruising.

If we're lucky enough to have some other kids around, it would make it even better for them. Especially if there were some crew kids.

Does anyone know if they serve afternoon tea with pastries on the Prinsendam? We always loved that on the Rotterdam.

Thanks.