Oosterdam Mexico Cruise - 5Feb2005

[Vic The Parrot]

Here are my thoughts on the Mexico cruise from last week.
To keep it simple, I'll be posting everything on this same thread. That way it'll be easier to keep track of everything, and everyone will be able to find it without digging thru the numerous piles of posts. So, here goes......




Part 1 ---- Embarcation & Cabin


Arrived at the dock around 1:30pm. I was aware of the early-boarding option at 11am, but decided to relax at my hotel after breakfast and take my time. At that time of the afternoon, the dock area was hopping with activity. Our ship was sharing the pier with a Carnival 'thing', which got the pier shed and terminal building. The Oosterdam had a temporary tent structure.

Even with the chaos of thousands of people in that small area, the line to board the Big "O" seemed to go by fast. I waited outside and had several smokes before joining the crowd under 'the sheet'. By that time, the line was moving at top speed, and got on board by 2:30.

Upon entering the Oosterdam, you get that familiar "HAL smell".
And it's a pleasant one! A combination of paint, some nice disenfectant, and fresh flowers. Even after an absence of 8 years, that heavenly aroma hit my nostrils as soon as I stepped thru the threshold on Main Deck, and I immediately knew "I was home again"

There was a bevy of staff waiting in the lobby to direct me to my cabin. And more outside the elevator bank just in case I seemed lost. (And I was .... )

:-)


But they pointed me the right way, and found my new temporary home in no time. I was in cabin 4062, on Upper Prom deck. It's an 'H' category with a fully obstructed view. But I found as one stands at the window, there IS a view! You can definetely see the ocean, and other scenery! And of course the orange top of the lifeboat gave the room a nice glow during the day. It did wonders for my complexion!

The cabin was kept in immaculate condition by my steward. It seemed after a few days, he was able to read my mind, and have my requests fulfilled without me asking. (How they do it...)
Everything was ship-shape. Plenty of room, lots of light, good closet space. And the movable shelving in the closets helped with storage of shirts and other clothing.

The bed ....

Oh my Lord, the bed!
It was the most comfortable I ever had! Sheraton Sweet Sleeper, eat your heart out!! I have found heaven, and it exists in the cabins of a Holland America Line ship. The sheets are buttery-soft, as are the pillow cases. And there's plenty of room in which to stow luggage underneath. I love marine technology!

So, on closing, I have to say that I was 110% satisfied with my accomodations. If anyone wants to save some bux, and get a nice airy cabin, this is the category to book. I'd stay in there again.

[Vic The Parrot]

Where can I begin??


The thing is HUGE! The last big ship I've seen was the QM2 in NY, but in many ways, the Oosterdam is a nice size, and has pleasant qualities on the exterior. It LOOKS LIKE A SHIP.

I know that 'thing' docked opposite us was a ship (or was it?)
but the O has finer lines that are more pleasing to the eye.
And the ship does has nice lines. Even up close, there's a 'classic liner' look. But she needs more portholes.....


:-D


On the inside, it's just as good! I'm not talking about the furnishings, or carpets. They are nice, but the real deal is the 'software'. The crew that makes the ship what it is.
Every single staff member I encountered did an excellent job!
With two of the best people in the industry as bosses, I wonder why!

Everyone working on the Oosterdam looked as though they were happy to be there. You could tell the pride they had in being under the wings of Captain Jeroen van Donselaar, and Mr James Deering, the Hotel Manager. Both of them do an excellent job of running the ship like a fine-tuned Swiss watch.

Everywhere I went, there was no sign of any debris of any kind.
The Oosterdam is constantly kept clean with that fine HAL tradition of "The Spotless Fleet"

The layout of the ship is extraordinary. It provides a nice passenger flow, and the size seems to absorb all 1800+ pax on board with no crowding anywhere. (I chatted for a while on the dock with 2 nice ladies from Canada before getting on. After that, never saw them again for the rest of the journey!)

I somehow feel that thse new ships really do need some type of traditional salon, or ballroom space. Like that found on the former "N ships" and the ssRotterdam. Having a reception in a showroom is ok, but it feels awkward trying to mingle with people sitting in stadium seating.

The variety of public rooms is outstanding. From large to intimate, they all create a nice atmosphere. One does feel like they're on a traditional liner, instead of a floating Motel 6 with plastic interiors. HAL did a nice job with designing this new breed of superliner, and can't wait to see what will be rolling off the architects tables in the years to come!


Stay tuned for Part 3.........




vic

:-D

[shipcafe]

Hopefully you did have the chance to greet and meet Mr. James Deering. He does, indeed, run a very tight ship!

[nobbync]

I'll be on Oosterdam on Feb 26th but the time is going backwards now so I need to read more reviews like yours!

How did the ship handle the seas between San Diego and Cabo? When I went south on the Vision of the Seas 3 years ago it was rocking really good. I only get sick in the worst seas but my wife will sometimes get sick.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip...

Nobby

[Sea Island Lady]

Love your review style! Keep it up as I will be on the same cruise with nobbync and need more to read. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

nobbync - Have you and your wife tried Bonine or the generic Meclezine for sea sickness? We use it and have thus far never been sick. the trick is to take it before you sail and/or get sick. It is non-drowsy.

[cruznon]

Vic,

I'm so excited--we board this Saturday! After reading you review---the excitement level has raised even higher.:D

[RevNeal]

An excellent start, Vic! You beat me to it!!! I'll have mine up tonight! :)

[hbogart]

I will be on the same cruise on March 12. We have never done the Mexican Riviera. This is our 5th HAL cruise, so we are excited and know what to expect.

Can you tell us a little about the ports and what to expect?
Any special crew members we should look for?

...anxiously awaiting docs for the doc dance!!!

HB

[nobbync]

Due to a medical problem I can't take the normal seasick medicine but my doc gives me something to take if needed. Reminds me I better call my doc to get it... This is my wifes first cruise so she wants to see if she will get sick. She got sick once on a small fishing boat but she thinks she will be okay after she saw the size of Oosterdam. I hope so...

10 more days but for now we have 2 reviews in progress to keep us going! :)

Nobby

[dakrewser]

Good start Vic, but be careful - if you tell them too many of the good things then there won't be any cabins left the next time I want to just say O'dam, let's cruise again!

[vgottlieb]

Vic,

Please tell us more about the ports. We will be on this cruise 4/2/05. I have been on HAL many times but never sailed from San Diego. In November we will be on the Veendam for 14 days!

[ekerr19]

Vic-

Welcome Home! So far, it sounds like you had a great time! One comment I must make, I know exactly the "smell" you are talking about. My first cruise was aboard the Noordam in 1984 and when we boarded the Veendam in 1999, I felt as though 15 years had just slipped away! The distinctive smell of a HAL ship was still there. I love it - I think I would definitely notice if it were no longer present.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us - I look forward to more. :)

[Sea Island Lady]

Hurry up Rev and get that review posted. My DH will be estatic with two reviews to read in beed. Can't print out the other one because she has photo's posted all through it. It is fun to read off the net though. ;)

She got sick once on a small fishing boat but she thinks she will be okay after she saw the size of Oosterdam. I hope so...
nobbync - I hope you and your wife do well. I said the same thing on our first cruise, the Disney Wonder. I ended up feeling terrible the first night, but somehow made it through without getting sick. We took meds after that.

[RuthC]

Vic, this is such fun to read! I'm lovin' it! And there's more to come? And the Rev's report, too? Yes!!!!!!

I'm starting to think about taking this cruise in the Spring of '06 as my "sail off into the sunset" retirement cruise.
Get me excited, Vic. Keep getting me all excited about this cruise. :D

[Noordam]

Cruznon, I will also be aboard the Oosterdam this Saturday sailing to Mexico... Very excited!!! Hope to meet you as well....

Does anyone know whether the ship docks or anchors in Puerto Vallarta?

[Vic The Parrot]

We anchored in the bay......

The Carnival Apartment Building had the dock area.

[seabourndt]

Hi Its David Here, Glad You Had A Greatnime. Hope You Got Some Pics Hopefully Of My Cabin Or What It Loks Like. Sent You Email About That Qm2 Cruise To Hawaii You Mentioned.
Looking Forward To You Next One

[wblynch]

How is the entertainment on HAL's Oosterdam?

I'm curious about the showroom but also smaller venues.

Do they have live music at dinner? All around the ship?

Sorry to ask such basic questions but I've not sailed HAL before.

Thank you all for any answers.

-Bill L.

[Sea Island Lady]

I am also curious as to if there is a pool band? How about a sailaway party w/band?

[CrazyforCruisin]

We anchored in the bay......

The Carnival Apartment Building had the dock area.

OMG you are so right! It does look like a big square apt building! LOL!

[Noordam]

Who is the cruise director on the Oosterdam?

[dakrewser]

How is the entertainment on HAL's Oosterdam?

I'm curious about the showroom but also smaller venues.

Do they have live music at dinner? All around the ship?

Sorry to ask such basic questions but I've not sailed HAL before.

Thank you all for any answers.

-Bill L.

The cast in the Vista Lounge we found to be quite good. The other entertainment was, well, skipped. :o There is usually music playing during dinner as well as in the numerous lounges around the ship.

Sea Island Lady: There is music for sailaway and around the pool at noon.

Noordam: CD was Jason Venner a couple of weeks ago...

[Sea Island Lady]

Hey! What happened to Vic The Parrot with the rest of his review?


Another question I have: Was there any evidence of sickness on this cruise?

[Vic The Parrot]

Is this thing working today???


Just posted, and it booted me out.
Some kind of 'server error'

[RuthC]

Is this thing working today???
Barely, Vic. Barely. It's been frustrating all week. Can't access threads, then can access and reply---but it hangs up on "submit". Hits error messages. :mad:
Almost makes me want to go do something else. Almost. ;)

[Vic The Parrot]

Hey Ruth


I'm trying it now as we speak.
I'll let you know if I have any success.

[Vic The Parrot]

One of the advantages of the Vista class is the addition of the
food court styling of the Lido. Everything is clearly marked, and the selection outstanding! It's usually a short walk from a food station to get a drink at the 3 designated beverage areas.

Have to say, the pizza is the best I've tasted on a ship!
The crust just right, not soggy, or hard as a rock. Same with the cheese and sauce. Had a bad pizza on another ship, and it was like eating sawdust. But the guys at this station KNOW what they're doing! And be sure to try the garlic bread ....
it's TO DIE FOR!


The room service menu for breakfast has been upgraded to include hot dishes as well. It was a nice surprise to find you can get an omelette served in your cabin. And the room service menu in general has been expanded greatly. Anything from sandwiches, to full course meals can be ordered 24/7.

[Vic The Parrot]

DAMMIT!!

It got me again!!

All that typing for NOTHING!!!

GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

[cruisinjudy]

Vic, save it to your clipboard before attempting to post, then you won't lose it!

[Vic The Parrot]

Might as well skip to the next section. I'll try the misc piece
later.



Cabo- Love it!
It still has that charm of a sleepy Mexican fishing
village. Even tho it's getting more developed, there's
still a certain charm about the place.

Mazatlan- ditto!
There's alot to see here, and I can't wait to return
and get to the places I missed the 1st time around!

Puerto Vallarta- Still a great town.
I've been here numerous times, so my day in
port was limited to picking up gifts, and
lounging by the pool. Like Gov Shwarzeneggar
sez .. "I'll be bach!"

[Vic The Parrot]

....... AKA the 'lost chapter'




Nice to know they still have the hot canapes before dinner.
I enjoy having an appetizer before the appetizer!


Interesting mix of pax on board .... even a few kids.
Some where quiet as mice, the others REALLY made thier presence known.

[Vic The Parrot]

Received my 100 day copper pin and medallion on this cruise.
I still wore my 40K mile pin from before when HAL revised thier Mariner award program.


After 3 days, finally figured out where the glitter was coming from! The sofas/booths in the Northern Lights. It's plastered all
OVER the ship, even by the pools!

(Note to myself .. next time, wear Scotch-Guarded trousers)


:-D

[Sea Island Lady]

Sorry you have had trouble posting. I copy each time I write a reply and if it doesn't go through, I paste it again. I can't believe that this has been going on all week and nothing has been mentioned by the moderators.
Hint: If the reply, post or a page is taking forever to go through, hit your "stop" button on your tool bar and then click the refresh button. Most of the time the page loads faster.

Glitter?

Could you tell me about the weather from San Diego and on down/back?

[Vic The Parrot]

Hi Sea Ilse and Judy


Thanks for your hints, I'll keep them in mind!

The weather on sailing day was pretty nice, but it got overcast as we left. There was a slight chill out on deck for the 1st couple nights, so bring a light jacket.

It was soggy when we came back. But the rain stopped by the time I left the ship (10am)


In between, it was sunny and warm, with a few 'hot spots'.
The warmest was in PV, where the temp hit a nice 83deg!

[Vic The Parrot]

Yes, it attaches itself to the clothes of patrons sitting on the sofas in the nightclub. And no matter where on the ship you go, IT'S THERE!

Think I probably swallowed a few bits, and never knew it.




:-)

[Sea Island Lady]

Great! I was so worried that the weather would be cold. I'll hope for some warm weather also.

[Vic The Parrot]

I found out from a friend that there was a party in the Oak Room. It had to be those 'VIP parties' that I used to be invited to the last time I sailed with HAL.
Since I haven't sailed with them in 8 years, guess my name was removed from the list! LOL

But, I was encouraged by him to crash it, and stick around for a few drinks. (Thanks G-man!) It felt funny at first, but
everyone made me feel at ease, including the captain!


There was a large group of dancers on board.
They were members of some dance club, and many of them turned out to be pretty nice people. A small percentage of them were kinda unsociable, and turned thier nose up at you if you didn't know how to dance like Fred and Ginger.


There was also some kind of secret society on board.
Name tags were in evidence, but walk into a room they're using for a meeting, and you'd get ejected before you can say "I just wanna pick up my sunglasses!"

-Twilight Zone theme......-

[Vic The Parrot]

Of course, not every cruise is 'perfect', even this one had a few moments that made me wonder "Why?" ....


1) The obnoxious photographers.

2) Constant bingo announcements with 'the Bingo Princess'
She's a nice girl, I love her, but felt like strangling her
every time she approached the mike.....

3) The lack of smoking areas. Ok, the 'cube' by the Explorers
Lounge is a nice clubby space, but isolating us from the
coffee, chocolates, and entertainment in there isn't fair.

And there should be smoking areas at the main Lido pool
area, not just the bar. Oh yea, if matches are are a
'safety issue' , how come other ships have em?

4) This is petty, but it's something that should be
resurrected. The noon whistle .....
A time-honored HAL tradition gone over the side into
the wake.


5) Bami goreng should be brought back to the dinner menu.
Nasi is an 'ok' substitute, but it's not the same.
Besides, the sauces made the rice really mushy.

[Ziggy7]

Awesome review Vic, as always we enjoy your humor and wit! Welcome Home! :p

[Vic The Parrot]

Thanks Ziggy!

Buuuuut...... it ain't over yet!


heeheehee


My closing thoughts are coming right up, after a word from our sponsor.......

[Vic The Parrot]

Attention all cruise junkies!

Are you getting tired of seeing 'Friends of Bill W' , 'Friends of Dorothy' , 'Friends of Elmo' ?? circulating on the board, and on the ship?

Well, there is a solution!

How about we organize a 'Friends of Monty' session on our next voyage! That's right, those die-hard fans of the Flying Circus, and 'The Dead Parrot Sketch' can safely assemble on board!

With the anticipated release of 'Spamalot' on Broadway, there is a resurgence of Monty Python mania spreading across the country! So all of you wannabe Black Knights, or lumberjacks ..... let your voices be heard!




Note: This announcement is not endorsed by Pythons.
But the moose, penguin on the telly, and the lady who
sells Spam doesn't give a hoot.

[Vic The Parrot]

Note:


The entry titled as 'Part 6' should actually be Part 5.
Sorry, I got carried away with my enthusiasm, and I apologize
for any inconvenience I may have caused.

I'll be firing my secretary 1st thing in the morning.....

[Vic The Parrot]

We all hear the expression of doing something that leaves you at a loss for words. That's how it was on this cruise.

I booked it because I needed to recover from a bad vacation over the Christmas holiday, and this sailing of the Oosterdam actually made me feel more at ease! It wasn't just the ship, or eating my way to Mexico that made me feel great, but the people I encountered as well. And they deserve a special part in this.


My thanks to Greg .... one of the coolest guys I've met!
It was great hanging out with you, and hope to do so again in the near future!

Thanks to my tablemates, Pat and her hubby....
Keep those deer away!

Thanks to all the staff and crew of the Oosterdam ....
I'll be back for more very soon!

And thanks to Captain van Donselaar, and James Deering ....
the finest hosts at sea! They made me feel welcome, and very much at home. If anyone on this board has the pleasure of sailing with these gentlemen, consider yourself very lucky!


In conclusion, I'd rate my experience on board M/S Oosterdam
a 100. Because a scale of 1 to 10 doesn't work for the attributes of the folks who contribute to the phrase, "It's good to be on a well-run ship!"


Bon voyage to all who are sailing next on Oosterdam!
You'll love it!!

[Sea Island Lady]

Thanks Vic! :D


The noon whistle... Was it to single lunch time in the "old days?"

I love the sound of a ship's whistle. Did the Oosterdam let out a "toot" during sailaway and when leaving the other ports?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Vic, Love your humor, Great review!!! I am so glad you enjoyed the Oosterdam, we felt the samed way lst May after we sailed her.

Bravo!! Standing Applause:D

[Sea Island Lady]

LAFFNVEGAS - just wanted to tell you congradulations on your winning bid! $46.38 isn't bad for that HAL silver. Enjoy! ;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

LAFFNVEGAS - just wanted to tell you congradulations on your winning bid! $46.38 isn't bad for that HAL silver. Enjoy! ;)

Thanks, I was actually surprised it did not go for a lot more. I was kind of expecting it to get a lot higher. I got lucky.:D

[Ziggy7]

Thanks Ziggy!

Buuuuut...... it ain't over yet!


heeheehee


My closing thoughts are coming right up, after a word from our sponsor.......And the crowd shouted " MORE! MORE!" :)

[dakrewser]

Man: 'Evening, Vic!



Vic: (stiffly) Good evening.



Man: Is, uh,... Is the O’dam a goer, eh? Know whatahmean, know whatahmean, nudge nudge, know whatahmean, say no more?



Vic: I, uh, I beg your pardon?



Man: The, uh, the ship, does she go, eh, does she go, eh?



Vic: (flustered) Well, she sometimes 'goes', yes.



Man: Aaaaaaaah bet she does, I bet she does, say no more, say no more, know whatahmean, nudge nudge?



Vic: (confused) I'm afraid I don't quite follow you.



Man: Follow me. Follow me. That's good, that's good!

A nod's as good as a wink to a blind bat!



Vic: Are you, uh,... are you selling something?



Man: SELLING! Very good, very good! Ay? Ay? Ay?

(pause)

Oooh! Ya wicked Ay! Wicked Ay! Oooh hooh! Say No MORE!



Vic: Well, I, uh....



Man: She's been around a bit, been around?



Vic: She has traveled, yes. She's from Holland.



(pause)



Man: SAY NO MORE!! Holland, saynomore, saynomore, saynomore, Vic!



Vic: I wasn't going to!



Man: Oh! Well, never mind. Dib dib? Are you uh, are you interested in... photography, ay? 'Photographs, ay', he asked him knowlingly?



Vic: Photography?



Man: Snap snap, grin grin, wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more?



Vic: Holiday snaps, eh?



Man: They could be, they could be taken on holiday. Candid, you know, CANDID photography?



Vic: No, no I'm afraid we don't have a camera.



Man: Oh. (leeringly) Still, mooooooh, ay? Mwoohohohohoo, ay? Hohohohohoho, ay?



Vic: Look... are you insinuating something?



Man: Oh, no, no, no... yes.



2006 "Voyage of the Spammed"

[Vic The Parrot]

LOL



Thanks dave!!


:-)

[Iggipolka]

With apologies to the great M. P. :


[singing]
CRUISER:
I'm a cruise critic, and I'm okay.
I party all night and I tan all day.

MOUNTIES:
He's a cruise critic, and he's okay.
He parties all night and he tans all day.

CRUISER:
I drink my beer. I eat my lunch.
I go to the thermal suites.
On Wednesdays I go to Cabo'
And snorkle in the sea.

MOUNTIES:
He drinks his beer. He eats his lunch.
He goes to the thermal suites.
On Wednesdays he goes to Cabo
And snokles in the sea.

He's a cruise critic, and he's okay.
He parties all night and he tans all day.

BARBER:
I play bingo. I swim and sun.
I like eat a lot.
I put on my tuxedo
when it's formal night.

MOUNTIES:
He plays bingo. He swims and suns.
He likes to eat a lot.
He puts on his tuxedo.
when it's formal night.

He's a cruise critic, and he's okay.
He parties all night and he tans all day.

BARBER:
I want a suite, but I book an inside,
'cause that's what I can spend.
I wish I was like Slinky
so could cruise around the world.

MOUNTIES:
He wants a suite, but books an inside,
'cause that's what he can spend.
He want to be like Slinky (and Grumpy too)
so could cruise around the world.

He's a cruise critic, and he's okay.
He parties all night and he tans all day.

[Vic The Parrot]

LOL Iggy


not bad!


:-)

[RevNeal]

EXCELLENT remarks, Vic.

And, indeed, I enjoyed meeting you and hanging around with you. Looking forward to doing it again!! :) Hope you get a chance to meet Christopher ... he's fun, too, and quite a bit more of a boozer than I. :)

[Vic The Parrot]

Hey Greg


Anytime!
It'll be cool to do it again!

Maybe we can all do a cruise on Dave's "Voyage of The Spammed"
You better be there, Dave!


:-D

[MadeiraAy]

Hey, that WAS a great cruise, and the secret society was Abraham-Hicks, group of 550 or so, and we didn't have any secrets you couldn't know about, but the seminars we booked the Vista Lounge for were $400/person, so.... just didn't want anybody in who didn't pay for the seminar!

Deering & co. were great, as was the cruise director, Jason Venner.

Not as wild about the captain as the last captain when I sailed on the Oosterdam, Captain Jonathan Mercer.

[Vic The Parrot]

I remember Capt Mercer, very nice guy.

But not sure why you think Jeroen wasn't as good.
I found him to be just as charming, and friendly as JMercer.
And the man runs a tight ship, pardon the pun.

[Vic The Parrot]

..... never mind........

[Renorita]

Vic, great review! I was so anxious to hear both yours and Greg's review while counting the months until our Cruise on the "O" for Oct. 29th. Well guess you heard. We are getting bumped due to a Lesbian Group that is booking the whole ship. I am so bummed. This was to be our first HAL Cruise. Some first cruise! :( Haven't heard officially from HAL, but expect we will soon. Glad you had a great Cruise! :)

[stanford's girl]

Thanks for the great review Vic. It makes waiting until 10/22 to sail on the Oosterdam even harder. But after reading your review I guess the old saying does apply--"Good things come to those who wait"!!!!!!:D

[Vic The Parrot]

Thanks Renorita ... thanks stanfords


I'm sure you'll enjoy the ship as much as I did.
Renorita, don't give up hope. HAL should compensate you very well. Why not try to get on the 10/22?

Almost the same time frame, and a quick phone call will
take care of everything. From what I understand, HAL works out
alternate arrangements that please everyone. So don't be surprised if they offer a 'special treat' Let me know how it works out.



:-)

[Renorita]

Thanks Vic for your support. :) The TA said she should hear from them sometime next week as to any offers. Will let you know. It is hard to change vacation times as I am a nurse at a hospital, but who knows maybe something will work out. They have a Oct. 28th sailing on the Ryndam, but the reviews from Cruise Critics are mostly Two Stars. Besides I have been reading so many good reviews on the "O" that I really wanted to try her for my first HAL Cruise.

[Vic The Parrot]

Rita


Keep the faith, babe.
I know what you mean re work schedules. Has to be a way for them (job) to give you some leeway, due to the circumstances.

But don't give up hope .... it works out in the end.