O'Dam Diary 1/22-29/05

[dakrewser]

A seven day cruise is really too short, but it's better than nothing. Actually, it's better than a whole lot of other things, especially when it's on HAL.

I had voiced my trepidation about going on a vista-class ship for the first time. I was worried by what appeared to be a decline in the level of service on all HAL ships, as many recent cruisers have indicated. What I failed to take into account, though, was that: 1) it wasn't a holiday cruise; 2) it wasn't a Caribbean cruise; and 3) it wasn't the Zuiderdam. Yeah!

Executive Summary: Good ship, good crew, great service, great cruise. There were, of course, a few problems, but overall this was a better experience than our last HAL voyage, on the Volendam in '03 (10-day southern Caribbean). And I enjoyed that cruise very well.

This was the Oosterdam's first trip on the Mexican Riviera after coming through the canal. (But no "Inaugural Season" plates for us) THe captain seemed to know the way, though.

Captain: Jeroen van Donselaar
Hotel Mgr: James Deering (his first voyage as HM on the O'dam)
Cruise Director: Jason Venner (well, the last 5 nights anyway!)

Saturday, the 22nd of January was not an auspicious beginning: snowstorms in the midwest and northeast as well as dense fog here in the bay are meant flights were delayed and postponed. We were alomst 2 hourts late leaving San Jose but did manage to get on-board by 1:45. 5 people missed the sailaway because of flight problems. Including the Cruise Director! Jason was coming back from vacation and simply couldn't get to San Diego on time. He joined us 2 days later in Cabo San Lucas. Asst CD Catherine "Cat" (McGonikle?) took over and did very well. She's now left the ship at the end of her contract and hasn't yet decided if she'll return.

Luggage collection and check-in were a bit slow as this was the first trip out of San Diego for the O'dam and the computer software was changed from the last cruise to depart that port. Still, things went smoothly and, as a bonus, our cabin (S6097) was ready when we got aboard.

We weren't there more than two minutes when Lucky, our steward, stopped by to introduce himself and assure us that the luggage would be there soon. I took that with a grain of salt, but we headed up to the Lido for some lunch (a little salad and a sandwich). It was very not-crowded. There's plenty of room for everyone with no problems finding a seat - and this cruise was entirely sold out.

We went back to the cabin (it stil lwasn't 3:00) and found all three of our suitcases ready and waiting.

Others have described and shown pictures of the Vista-class S cabins, but I still wasn't prepared for all of the drawer and closet space that's available - more than we could fill, and we don't travel light. Not counting, of course, those stuffed with extra pillows and bedding. It sometimes was hard to drag DW out of the cabin. Well, in her defense, she was suffering the after-effects of a sinus infection.

The entire week went that smoothly. Really. One or two minor glitches, but those were easily corrected.

1) The A/C worked perfectly
2) The toilet flushed immediately every time and never backed up
3) All the elevators (all 16) worked every time we tried to use one
4) Our cabin steward greeted us in the companionway every morning and every evening "just in case" we might need something
5) The food was as good, or better, than I remember
6) The entertainment was both better and worse - I'll get to that later
7) DR service was better than on our last HAL cruise almost a year and a half ago.

(cont'd)

[dakrewser]

Well, outside of some clueless passengers, the biggest problem was laundry. As an S-class passenger, laundry is free, so we filled the bag and set it out on the second day. On the third day, I looked - but there was no bag! On my way up to the Neptune Lounge for more coffee, I saw Lucky in the hall and requested a laundry bag. It was waiting when I got back. Filled it up and sent it out.

That afternoon, I noticed again that there was no laundry bag. On our way out to dinner that night, I mentioned it again to Lucky (he was always present to wish us a "good evening" when we were leaving). On our return, there were 4 bags waiting! No more laundry problem.

The other irritating thing was the tender service in Puerto Vallarta, but I can't blame the O'dam or HAL for that one. THe tenders were all run by Mexican crew and were "borrowed" from Princess. The boats were OK (very open, so much coooler than usual) but took forever to berth, load and unload. There were mutterings among the passengers. Especially since we'd all experienced very good tendering in Cabo.

If your midships on deck 5-7, by the way, expect to be awakened when the tenders are lowered in the morning- those motors are noisy!

As others have mentioned, the chairs in the Vista lounge are uncomfortable. Doubly so when the comedian simply isn't funny!

(cont'd)

[sail7seas]

Keep it coming, Dave. Great reading.


So happy you enjoyed yourself and had a good cruise.

[cruisinjudy]

I am enjoying your commentary. We were on Westerdam in September and will be on Oosterdam in April.

[RuthC]

Welcome home, Dave.

First things first: the others you left in charge of linking to appropriate pictures did a fabulous job for you. You must pay well.

Second, you are absolutley, positively correct: seven days is just not long enough. I think of it as a long weekend.

Third, I'm enjoying your report and look forward to the next installments.

Fourth, isn't this the best way to travel!

[AmyinVail]

For all the times we haven't seen eye to eye - we have one absolute in common - I will be in S6097 (YOUR CABIN) in April on the "O"!

[dakrewser]

For all the times we haven't seen eye to eye - we have one absolute in common - I will be in S6097 (YOUR CABIN) in April on the "O"!

You'll love it, I'm sure. But be careful of the stall shower - it's very easy to flood the bathroom! :o

[dakrewser]

Rather than a day-by-day diary, I'd thought to keep this topic-oriented, and tonight's topic is PORTS - Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and, of course, San Diego.

San Diego is, perhaps, my favorite US city to visit - great weather, hotels, restaurants and attractions. You could spend a week in Balboa Park and not see it all. See the world's greatest zoo and miss it's best part should you not drive out to the Wild Animal Park.

Cabo was the only port we booked an organized expedition, whale-watching on the pirate ship Sunderland. Make sure, by the way, that you book the Sunderland and not the other pirate ship. It's a real 2-master built in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. Once clear of the marina, the sails are unfurled and the engine turned off. You might imagine yourself immersed in the world of Captains Courageous (a film that featured this ship). Now I'm sure the ship doesn't guarantee the whale sightings, but we saw more whales blowing and breeching in three hours than I've seen in all our other whale-watching trips (maybe a total of 30 hours) combined. At one point, there were two off the starboard bow and another two port aft alternating breeching - we got whiplash trying to follow all the action and DW got lots of pix of the backs of peoples' heads! Well worth the price.

After that, we strolled around the marina and the port, had lunch at the Baja Cantina and shopped a little.

Mazatlan is Mexico's shrimp capital and the port of entry for pacific imports (like cars). The ship docked at a commercial pier and we were ferried in trams to a visitor's center. We hopped in a pulmonia (an open sided taxi) and were taken to the central plaza (Plaza Principle), a small park in front of the cathedral. From there we walked to the cement pool on the Malecon, the road along the beach which seems to have a different statue every two blocks. Very friendly people, ready with a cheery "Hola!" for a couple of old gringos wondering thru their neighborhood.

We had lunch at the Copa de Leche (a bar-cafe, despite it's name) overlooking the beach. Great food (try the Camorones de Copa - huge shrimp, covered in cheese, wrapped in bacon and then grilled) and cold cerveza. After that, another pulmonia to the zona dorada, the tourist zone, for some shopping. Silver & turquoise, leather and wood. (We did have to buy an extra bag on board in order to pack everything to come home - and we'd brought an empty suitcase along!).

Puerto Vallarta is a town you might skip, if you're tired or if there are other ships in port. It was a cross between Tiajuana and Daytona Beach - and not the better parts of either. It's rare to see a MacDonalds with a guard at the door! We did do some shopping here at a "folk art" store, buying pottery and bead art which made the excruciating trip in the Princess' tenders seem worthwhile (the Mexican crew seemed to be either incompetent or simply didn't care but took forever to line the boat up with the stationary pier!). The Carnival Glory was also in port (as was the Prinsendam) which did make the streets crowded.

There were a lot of other things to do but this wasn't an "exploration cruise" for us but rather a wind-down-after-some-nasty-deadlines cruise. And it worked.

Next up: the dining room.

-dave

[Candy]

Yay, buddy! Now THAT'S the HAL I know and love. We have the same feelings about Zuidy!



1) The A/C worked perfectly
2) The toilet flushed immediately every time and never backed up
3) All the elevators (all 16) worked every time we tried to use one
4) Our cabin steward greeted us in the companionway every morning and every evening "just in case" we might need something
5) The food was as good, or better, than I remember
6) The entertainment was both better and worse - I'll get to that later
7) DR service was better than on our last HAL cruise almost a year and a half ago.

(cont'd)

[Sea Island Lady]

But be careful of the stall shower - it's very easy to flood the bathroom! :eek:
Great review Dave! Could you go into a little more detail on the shower? Isn't the shower enclosed?

See the world's greatest zoo and miss it's best part should you not drive out to the Wild Animal Park.
Is there a way to just go to the Wild Animal Park?

[cruisinjudy]

Yes, you can go to just the Wild Animal Park, but you will need to have a car. It is north of San Diego.

[Renorita]

Welcome back Dave! Thank you for being so prompt with your review. Eagerly awaiting the Dining Room installment! :) Don't forget to mention the Formal Night. There has been so much (way TOO much) discussion on this. Especially people who are convinced that the trend is changing to more Casual to attract a different cliental. Has it started yet? :rolleyes:

[dakrewser]

:eek:
Great review Dave! Could you go into a little more detail on the shower? Isn't the shower enclosed?


Is there a way to just go to the Wild Animal Park?

The stall shower has a curtain, not a door with just a tiny lip. With the fairly decent hand-held shower head it's really easy to lose track of where it's pointed!

As cruisinjudy mentioned, you do need a car to get to the wild animal park, but once you go there you won't feel the need to visit sub-sahara Africa 'cause you'll have already seen it! Click here (http://vquill.com/gallery/wld_animal_pk.html) for DW's pix and thoughts on the park.

-dave

[dakrewser]

We had Main Upper dining (that's 8:00 seating) at a table for 2. Table #32 is, perhaps, a less desirable location for most but as we were both decompressing from the holidays and DW was also recovering from a bout of flu and a sinus infection, we found it ideal. If you don't have the floor map, I'll try to describe the location.

As you enter the Vista Dining Room on deck 3, follow the wall around to the right. There's a small "gallery" that's 2 steps up from the deck floor. There are 5 tables for 4 along the right hand wall, two tables for 2, a 4-top, the steward's station and a couple more 4-tops in the area. Ours was the first 2-top (on the left) that you come to. There was a table for 2 directly aft of us (back to back, so no real conversation possible). Nothing except the steps a few feet fore of us, a wall (across the walkway) to the port side and a rail to the starboard. Below the rail (about 4 feet below us) was another table for two which was only used on one night while we were there (and that time by refuges from the 8:30 seating who wanted an earlier meal). The table for 2 aft of that one was only used on the first night by a couple who seemed to constantly complain to anyone who would stop and listen. We never saw them again.

All of the tables in the little gallery were served from the steward station in the gallery except one - ours. Our steward (Henry, assisted by Yogi) had as his station the one closest to the kitchen entrance. This may be an reward for seniority or good service because our service from this pair was outstanding. We never waited more than a couple of minutes for anything. Our chairs were pulled out, our table was decrumbed, our water glasses were never more than half empty and my coffee arrived just as the last dish was cleared - and before dessert was served. Everything was served at the appropriate temerature. The soups, in fact, needed to sit and "cool down" before they could be enjoyed.

Ruby, our wine steward, was also a gem (pun intended!). She appeared to be supervising two other beverage persons who did all the running for her. My wine glass was always topped up, the wine list was always (after the first night) on the table when we arrived. The service was, in general, much better than on our last cruise on the Volendam 15 months ago.

One change I did notice, though, was that silverware wasn't set out befor each course but, rather, was on the table when we sat then removed if used or not needed.

The food was, as always, very good. Top of the line banquet meals best describes it. When people speak of HAL food as "bland" what they really mean is that it doesn't burn off your taste buds. Appropriate seasonings are, for the most part, present in every dish. We didn't save the menus, so I can't be sure of everything that was offered, but between my wife and myself we ordered (and enjoyed): Rack of Lamb, Grouper, Perch, Duck, Pheasant, Venison, Beef Fillet, Pork Chops, Prime Rib and Chicken Cordon Bleu. (I'll cover the Pinnacle Grille experience in a seperate post)

Rita asked about formal night - we ate in the DR on the first formal night (we were in the Pinnacle for the 2nd) and, generally, the dress code was observed. Over half the gentlemen appeared to have dinner jackets on while most of the rest had business suits. A few had blazers or sports jackets (with ties) and only one I saw was not wearing a jacket (he had a print, collared shirt). There were people about the ship those nights who had shorts or t-shirts on, but whether they had changed after dinner or ate in the Lido, I don't know.

The DR was never full on the 5 nights we were there. Another reason for the excellent service we had is that many of the tables in Henry's area were either empty or only partially filled. I mentioned the 2-top next to us but there was also a table for 6 that was empty every night and another table for 6 which once had 4 people, but only held 2 every other night. That's at least 12 pax that didn't need to be served allowing our team to speand more time with us. And they did, always inquiring about our day and sharing any news they had. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

-dave

[Sea Island Lady]

As cruisinjudy mentioned, you do need a car to get to the wild animal park, but once you go there you won't feel the need to visit sub-sahara Africa 'cause you'll have already seen it! Click here (http://vquill.com/gallery/wld_animal_pk.html) for DW's pix and thoughts on the park.

We will not have a car, but you mentioned with your Zoo photo's that you were in a big ole truck??? How can we do that tour?

If you don't have the floor map, I'll try to describe the location.

Where can I find a floor map?

[dakrewser]

We will not have a car, but you mentioned with your Zoo photo's that you were in a big ole truck??? How can we do that tour?


Where can I find a floor map?

Photo safari details are here (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/wap_photo_caravan.html). For kids there's also the sleepover (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/cal_sleepovers.html) programs. And there's an interactive map of the park here (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wap/wap_map.html).

-dave

[dakrewser]

This cruise was the first that we visited the Pinnacle Grille. They were fairly new on our last cruise and the description, something about the "fine foods of the northwest and pacific coast" sounded too much like what we were used to at home. But reading about the Grille here on CC convinced us to at least give it a try. So we did. Twice.

We had a different steward, but the same asst. steward on each visit. Having only seen me once, the asst. remembered all of my requests (no water, remove the glass. Decaf cappucino after dessert.) the 2nd time, while the steward (a woman! A first for me on a HAL ship) knew not to present the raw meat, descriptions, etc. that new diners sit through before ordering.

The food, of course, was fantastic.

I did have the Fillet both times, but varied the appetizer and desert - Dungeness crab cakes one night, Thai Chicken Soup (with cocoanut milk and lemon grass) the other; triple creme brule one night, cheese plate the other). DW opened with crab cakes and seared Duck Breast, followed with Halibut fillet and King Salmon to end with creme brule and the Lemon Berry Angel shortcake. Neither was the best meal we'd ever had, but it was certainly up there in the top 10 and was certainly the best we'd had on a cruise ship!

The wine list was also very well selected, if not particularly extensive (heavy on Washington state and Oregon wines, but it's hard to beat an Oregon Pinot Noir with a good steak!)

I can highly recommend that all cruisers who enjoy fine dining visit the Pinnacle at least once on their cruise.

-dave

[CrazyforCruisin]

Dave,
Thank you so much for this review. We are on the O this coming weekend. 7 days is not enough but I will take what I can get. Next one will be at least 10 days!
Keep the review coming.

[dakrewser]

We would normally skip the captain's welcome reception for suite pax (it was on Sunday at noon), but we wanderedinto the Neptune lounge for coffee around 11:30, said hello to the other couple there then (since we really had nothing planned) accompanied them on the elevator up to the Crow's Nest.

After meeting the captain and hotel mgr, we got a drink and sat down. The couple we'd come up with were looking around for seats and we invited them to join us. Frank & Nacy were in their early 70's, very experienced cruisers (30-some or more) but relatively new to HAL (60 days). A few days before the cruise, Frank mentioned, he got a call from his TA asking if he'd like a free upgrade. He of ocurse said "sure thing" but then started to think - he was already in an S suite on the Rotterdam deck across from the Neptune, what could be an "upgrade" from that? Cabin 7046, the Willem Barentz penthouse suite, that's what.

Monday morning, while getting another cappucino in the Neptune (an event which occured approx. once an hour on average :) ) Frank invited us up to the suite for cocktails that night. It really is an impressive place, all right, perhaps too much for a single couple on a 7-day cruise (Frank allowed as how he'd like it better on the 35-day Boston-Rotterdam-Boston or the 62-day Seattle-San Diego via Japan crusies they have booked later this year). The feature I envied the most? All of the wall switches were labelled! For those of us who can't remember which switch will turn out the bed-side light (as opposed to the one which turns spotlights on my sleeping DW) that's the luxury I want.

So remember, boys and girls, when your TA asks if you'll consider upgrades or if you'll book a guarantee, that - if you truly believe, and clap your hands - the upgrade fairy may sprinkle her fairy dust on you!

-dave

[dakrewser]

While leaving the Crow's nest after the reception mentioned above, someone tapped my arm and said "excuse me." I turned and saw this very dapper gentleman in his starched dressed whites who was the Hotel Manager, Mr. James Deering. When I said "yes?", he asked "Aren't you Dakrewser?"

Well, what could I say? That I was his twin brother? So I admitted to the handle and we chatted briefly. We chatted just about every day after that, also. In fact, we eventually ate dinner with him - and almost had to be thrown out of the room so the staff could clean up!

Turns out that not only was this Mr. Deering's initial voyage as HM on the Oosterdam, it was his first voyage as a HAL employee! He'd just come over from NCL (where he was Hotel Director on the Star). [Read the fascinating interview he had with our own ShipCafe at http://www.shipcafe.net/shipcafe/deering/deering.htm].

He'd actually gotten on the ship in Fort Lauderdale and sailed as an ordinary passenger thru the canal to San Diego while listening to what people were saying they liked and didn't like. He also noted that he spends time every day reading this board as well as that other place that people addicted to cruising gather.

He is really interested in what people have to say about his ship and his staff. While you're on the boat, seek him out to let him know what you like - and what you don't like. He will listen.

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi Dave .... welcome back!

It's great reading your thoughts, and i'm looking forward to 'my turn' this Saturday!

This cruise really sounds like it'll be one of the best choices
I've made. After the 'train wreck' I was on in Dec, I need to get back up to cloud9.

I'll look for Mr Deering, and say hi.
And, if he does read this, all I can say now is just keep serving the Bami Goreng! I'll take it by the truck-load, please....



:-D

[Oceanwench]

What enjoyable reading!
Thanks for all the details.

[ekerr19]

What happened to the shower doors? I would bet money on the fact that they are (were?) glass on the Zui - at least in S7053...:confused:

We also found the H/M reading my live posting from the Noordam - I was asked if I was ekerr19 by one of the Officers and was told the H/M was very interested in what I was posting.. made me rather nervous!

Welcome Back! So glad to hear you had a great time. :) We missed you.

[JaniceB]

I have enjoyed reading your review. It sounds like you had a very memorable cruise and received the kind of service you would expect from HAL. I hope I am as fortunate on the Zaandam in March.

[shipcafe]

While leaving the Crow's nest after the reception mentioned above, someone tapped my arm and said "excuse me." I turned and saw this very dapper gentleman in his starched dressed whites who was the Hotel Manager, Mr. James Deering. When I said "yes?", he asked "Aren't you Dakrewser?"

Well, what could I say? That I was his twin brother? So I admitted to the handle and we chatted briefly. We chatted just about every day after that, also. In fact, we eventually ate dinner with him - and almost had to be thrown out of the room so the staff could clean up!

Turns out that not only was this Mr. Deering's initial voyage as HM on the Oosterdam, it was his first voyage as a HAL employee! He'd just come over from NCL (where he was Hotel Director on the Star). [Read the fascinating interview he had with our own ShipCafe at http://www.shipcafe.net/shipcafe/deering/deering.htm].

He'd actually gotten on the ship in Fort Lauderdale and sailed as an ordinary passenger thru the canal to San Diego while listening to what people were saying they liked and didn't like. He also noted that he spends time every day reading this board as well as that other place that people addicted to cruising gather.

He is really interested in what people have to say about his ship and his staff. While you're on the boat, seek him out to let him know what you like - and what you don't like. He will listen.

That is so great that you were able to spend time with Mr. James Deering. I had such an opportunity when I sailed to Hawaii on the Norwegian Star. As my interview with him suggests, he is an endless source of interesting information in particular regard to his rich seagoing career.

I definitely encourage anyone sailing aboard the Oosterdam coming up to send him a greeting while on board. I am just tickled that he now works for Holland America Line and hope to see him on a future sailing of my own sometime in the not-too-distant future . . . .

[dakrewser]

You'd better take good notes, Vic, I'll expect your comments on everything you see next week!

Laura - there definitely was a curtain on the shower stall, not the glass door we'd had on the Volendam or Veendam.

-dave

[watchdiva]

I also had the opportunity to meet with Mr. James Deering when he was on the Norwegian Dawn as HM (he was filling in for the regular HM who was on vacation). He has incredibly high standards and will be a perfect fit with HAL.

Glad that you enjoyed your cruise. I'm on the Zui on 4/16/05 and hope that my experience there equals yours on the O.

Lin

[obriendan]

A wonderful review! I hope there's more to come.

[dakrewser]

A wonderful review! I hope there's more to come.

Hey, I'm a bottomless pit when it comes to opining!

:rolleyes:

[cruisinjudy]

Dave, you said your DW had halibut fillet and King Salmon. Were those both entrees?

[dakrewser]

Dave, you said your DW had halibut fillet and King Salmon. Were those both entrees?

Right, two different entrees in the Pinnacle...

-dave

[dakrewser]

I know a number of CC frequenters are interested in who is entertaining where, so here's what we had last week.

The Oosterdam Cast, of course. As I mentioned earlier, they were head and shoulders above what was on the Volendam on our last trip. I watched two different shows by these indefatigable youngsters and loved it all.

Comedian Bobby Kosser - run, do not walk, as far from the Vista Lounge as you can. This man is excrutiatingly unfunny.

Ray Michaels, song stylist - didn't go to his show.

Alan Howard ("physical comedy") and Mel Mellers ("Comedy magic") - didn't go. Learned long ago that every bad comedian tries magic and every bad magician tries comedy. They did two nights. Double your, um, pleasure?

Indonesian Crew Show - fascinating and fantastic, as always.

Piano Bar featured Sonia Marie, the Explorer's Lounge (and dining room) had the Cafe Harmony Strings while Ray & Amy held forth in the Crow's Nest and Uptown provided the dance tunes in the Ocean Bar.

Movies in the Queen's lounge were: "The Forgotten", "Collateral", "Mr. 3000", "Vanity Fair", "The Village", "Wimbledon" and the NFL Playoff games. We watched the football on the TV in our cabin because the Queen's Lounge was standing room only. Most nights, we watched Australian Open tennis on ESPN - it had more drama than the movies, more entertainment than the shows!

The Passenger show, by the way, is now called "Oosterdam Supestar", patterned after American Idol, with elimination rounds held nightly in the Queen's Lounge. A fantastic Elvis impersonator was the winner.

[forevercruising1]

Hey, I'm a bottomless pit when it comes to opining!

:rolleyes:

Hey, thanks for the great info.! Since you are the most recent "S" pax, can you confirm whether the Pinnacle Grill is open for "S" and "PS" pax for breakfast and lunch dining? I know it used to be that way, but the word on the street is that there is no "private dining room" for the suite pax anymore.

Thanks!

[dakrewser]

Hey, thanks for the great info.! Since you are the most recent "S" pax, can you confirm whether the Pinnacle Grill is open for "S" and "PS" pax for breakfast and lunch dining? I know it used to be that way, but the word on the street is that there is no "private dining room" for the suite pax anymore.

Thanks!

No, it's not. It's closed in the morning and open at lunch for anyone with $10 to pony up....

But with a delicious (whatever you want) hot breakfast available on your verandah - why would you even want to eat in a stuffy inside room? :rolleyes:

-dave

[forevercruising1]

No, it's not. It's closed in the morning and open at lunch for anyone with $10 to pony up....

But with a delicious (whatever you want) hot breakfast available on your verandah - why would you even want to eat in a stuffy inside room? :rolleyes:

-dave

Very, very true, Dave! :-) We don't expect to leave the cabin much with the wonderful verandah to enjoy!

Thanks!

[localady]

Dave-

Glad to hear that you had a fabulous cruise! :D Seems you are a celeb these days....is that famous or infamous?????;) Glad to hear that your experience was generally improved from 1.5 years ago. I too noticed improvements on our last cruises ! Am tickled to have our tickets for our Zaandam Easter cruise....:cool:

[cruisinjudy]

Oh no! You mean the lip sync is no more and now you actually have to have talent? That leaves me out! I loved to do the lip sync, but now........

So your wife ordered two entrees, oh you went two times! OK now I get it.

[dakrewser]

Oh no! You mean the lip sync is no more and now you actually have to have talent? That leaves me out! I loved to do the lip sync, but now........

So your wife ordered two entrees, oh you went two times! OK now I get it.

<light bulb> :rolleyes:

Yep, two times. You could still enter the contest - some of the early rounders would have had trouble lip-synching!

-dave

[dakrewser]

I like the way that HAL has carved out intimate spaces, with meandering walkways - it makes the ship seem much smaller and less crowded. I thought the entrance to Northern Lights showed HAL's committment to going that extra step - imagine another line dedicating a 30-40 foot hall just for an interactive light display!

The elevators not only worked every time, but seemed zippier than on other ships. Avoid the S cabins next to the glass elevators (but only the first one, like 6093).

Gazing down from the Lido deck aft, I decided that I'd never book an aft cabin - too much temptation for someone with a wad of paper - and there certainly were multitudinous amounts of paper generated with all the flyers, bulletins, invitations and other "stuff".

By far my favorite addition to a HAL ship is the coffee machine in the Neptune Lounge. Espresso, Capuccino, Latte, Regular and Decaf at the touch of a button. An Americano with two touches (that's a "long black" for you antepodeans). A similar machine was one of the big selling points of the Renaissance line, so I now miss the "R" ships just a little bit less.

Move the bloody photo gallery! Too many people blocking the way when I'm trying to get to dinner!

I still miss the dover sole. And the Dutch hats...

But even without the hat it still beats working!

[cruznon]

Dave,

This review is great! Thanks for all the info.
I'm getting so excited--we board her in 19 days. This is our first HAL cruise--first suite. (No, I don't think 7 days will be enough for us either.)
Hopefully, I'll have an opportunity to meet Mr. Deering while onboard.
Glad you had a wonderful cruise. As a San Diegan, I'm glad you enjoy
our fair city. (We love it too!) I think sailing from here is beautiful--if it's not as foggy as your sailaway.
Welcome home, Dave. Thanks again for sharing your cruise with all of us.:)
Peggy

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Dave, I just want to thank you for your very complete review. I looks as though the Oosterdam is still a "dam" good ship. We were highly impressed with her last May and it sounds like she has continued to be a great ship. I am sure that I will find the Westerdam in a few weeks to be as good and look forward to cruising on the Oosterdam this October.

I am glad I was able to get pictures of your sail away. If I would of thought about it ahead of time I should of got a cell number from you and could of called you when I was in front of the ship and you could of come out to the bow or the balcony just above the bow and I could of taken your picture using my zoom. I will know tomorrow if I will be going back down to San Diego for this weekend. If I do I may have to set that up with Vic the Parrot and Revneal and I could take their picture.

Thanks again Dave, I am so glad you had a great time.:)

[Dmgernant]

Thanks for the great review. We will be on the "dam" ship Feb 19. Less then 3 weeks now...

[dakrewser]

Dave,

This review is great! Thanks for all the info.
I'm getting so excited--we board her in 19 days. This is our first HAL cruise--first suite. (No, I don't think 7 days will be enough for us either.)
Hopefully, I'll have an opportunity to meet Mr. Deering while onboard.
Glad you had a wonderful cruise. As a San Diegan, I'm glad you enjoy
our fair city. (We love it too!) I think sailing from here is beautiful--if it's not as foggy as your sailaway.
Welcome home, Dave. Thanks again for sharing your cruise with all of us.:)
Peggy

Have a great time, but be nice to "my" new boat! :)

-dave

[Ziggy7]

Dave,
Great review! and I love the Wild Animal Park too!
Just a little FYI, Enterprise car rental will pick you up at Port of San Diego, take you to there office ( 2 short blocks away) and rent you a car for 34.99 (free 150 miles,which is plenty) with free maps. When we went on our ladies cruise last Dec, we rented a car and went to Barona Casino and had a good time! We were able to stop at the store to purchase soda's and things we forgot as well :)

[dakrewser]

To whet the appetite of those still waiting to board, and to evoke the envy of those not yet booked, this is the view from our verandah, at sunset, anchored in Cabo San Lucas...

http://vquill.com/images/Cabo-Sunset.jpg

Yes, that is Land's End and The Arches. When people ask why we cruise, we simply show them pictures like this.

-dave
Fair winds and full sails to you all.

[RuthC]

Nice picture, Dave. Kinda makes me wanna....

[dakrewser]

Nice picture, Dave. Kinda makes me wanna....

Strangely enough (or not!) it kinda makes me wanna, also :eek:

[CrazyforCruisin]

What cabin were you in. I want to make sure I am not disappointed when I step out on the verandah and this view is NOT there. LOL!
Jodie
Cabin 7061

[Vic The Parrot]

HEAVEN!!!


Thanks Dave!


:-)

[Vic The Parrot]

Lisa


Check yer email.....




:-D

[dakrewser]

What cabin were you in. I want to make sure I am not disappointed when I step out on the verandah and this view is NOT there. LOL!
Jodie
Cabin 7061

We were in 6097, so also on the starboard sde. But the direction the ship is in at anchor has a lot to do with the winds and the tide. :)

Your Mileage May Vary. Void Where Prohibited. Not Valid in Land-locked States.

[Renorita]

Dave, thanks for the info on the Formal nights! Guess those of us that like to dress up are still in the majority! ;) Great Review and WOW what a beautiful picture! May have to replace my computer background which now has the Vancouver Harbor on it to this picture! Will wait awhile though, as we are doing the Infinity out of Vancouver in late August.

Does anyone know if there will be whales on the Riviera in late October when we are due to sail, or are do they migrate somewhere else? Have only seen them in Hawaii.

[dakrewser]

Will wait awhile though, as we are doing the Infinity out of Vancouver in late August.


I'll expect a full review from you, then, as we board the Infinity on Sept. 3 in San Francisco.....

-dave

[Renorita]

[QUOTE=dakrewser]I'll expect a full review from you, then, as we board the Infinity on Sept. 3 in San Francisco.....

-dave[/QUOTE

I have never done a Review before, but I will at least hit the highlights! We are doing a 6 night Coastal from V.C. down to S.F., so will be like cruisers "passing in the night", except you will be getting on and we will be getting off! :( So unfortunately you won't get the review before you go.

What would probably make an interesting review, will be to review our "virgin" Cruise on Celebrity (Infinity) to our "virgin" Cruise on HAL (Oosterdam). They will be within about two months of each other, and a 6 night versus a 7 night. I know we will be heading to the Martini bar the first night on the Infinity as I heard that this is the tasting night where you can taste several kinds at a reduced rate. I am not much of a drinker, so will have to be careful, especially if they taste good! :D

Rita

[Bill S]

Dave: I enjoyed your comprehensive, serial review immensely! We will be sailing on the Oosterdam in about 93 days or so --- our first voyage on a Vista class ship! If Mr. Deering is still on board, I will try to give him a big CC "hello". Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with us!

[Oceanwench]

Dave,

I am really enjoying this thread.
It was "my Oosterdam" till it left my coast and went over to yours!

Thanks for the rundown on the entertainment. When we were on the O in November, we skipped the shows and went to the piano bar most nights. Different singer though.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thanks, Dave! What a fantastic review. I'm so glad you and DH has such a great time.

I do find myself amazed that we could have such different views about certain things, but I also know how things can change from one table to the next, one cruise to the next ... or one sea to the next;) . Like you, though, overall we had a fabulous time on the Oosterdam and she is, without a doubt, a magnificent ship.
"Cat" was out Asst. CD, too, and we loved her! She was one of the judges for the Superstar contest (one of my all time favorite events).

Thanks again for this review ... you do not disappoint!:)

[dakrewser]

Thanks again for this review ... you do not disappoint!:)

:o blush :o

Now if I can just get DW to take the time to do something with the pictures...

[DavidNDC]

I enjoyed Ship Cafe's interview with the hotel director who recently switched from NCL to HAL. (And Ship Cafe, if you are reading this, I enjoy your posts -- I am not quite a cruise newbie, but I also am not a veteran!)

But one response in the interview piqued my interest. The hotel director stated:

"NCL company safety policies forbid senior officers consuming alcohol while aboard our vessels. My Safety Duties in an emergency situation are far too important to compromise with a few glasses of wine. As much as I love wine, I work for 4 to 6 months without tasting any at all."

Was this tongue-in-cheek or do officers on cruise ships really never drink?

[dakrewser]

Was this tongue-in-cheek or do officers on cruise ships really never drink?

Maybe on NCL they don't, but on HAL they've been known to sip a libation or two.....

[Pete&Cat]

Great review Dave! DW and I are on the Oosterdam in March to do the same cruise and you really got us all excited to go. Thanks for all your thoughts on the O'dam and the cruise itinerary, well as they say, imitation is the best form of flattery so soon we too will be afloat! :)

[cruisenw]

My husband and I will be on the same cruise at the end of Feb. Could you tell me which nights are casual, informal and formal? I am trying to decide which night to go to Pinnacle Grill.

[Sea Island Lady]

Hi,
We will also be on that cruise. :)

[dakrewser]

My husband and I will be on the same cruise at the end of Feb. Could you tell me which nights are casual, informal and formal? I am trying to decide which night to go to Pinnacle Grill.

Formal nights were Sunday & Thursday, informal was Wed (I think, might have been Tuesday)...

[DFD1]

Great review, Dave. Fun reading. I was away last week so I'm just now getting 'round to reading it. We liked the O in the Caribbean and I know we'd love to cruise her on the west coast.