HA Rotterdam Ship questions/concerns

[Jeffbhhs]

Hello all,
I am considering the Rotterdam in July that leaves from NY to Rotterdam and/or the 21 day cruise that goes around to several more countries... My concerns are that this ship is from 1997, this concerns me since the past ships I have been on (Carnival Miracle) was much newer and showed its wear...

What experiences have you had on this ship? Is it in good condition?
How is the food on this ship? The staff? etc...

Thanks and looking forward to your comments

[cwn]

We were on the Rotterdam in Sept-Oct and it looked great. Most if not all the soft wear was redone in a dry dock in early 2010, plus some structural changes were made.

Don't worry it is a very nice ship.

[Jeffbhhs]

The other thing I read that concerned me was that many cabins smelled with smoke... Did you have this problem?

[taram]

I haven't been on the rotterdam yet - however, I will be on the July 12th 21 day transatlantic and baltic from NY. So, you know you'll have great ship mates! We have a roll call going for both legs of the trip - lots of info being passed around, some private group tours that you can get it on. I did a lot of research prior to booking and I am worried about nothing - it looks amazing, most issues you read about are totally blown out of proportion and if one person out of 5,000 on a ship has an issue - those odds are pretty good. you could have an issue in a five star hotel - it's your vacation and you're going to enjoy it as much as YOU want to. Hope you join us.

[kazu]

The other thing I read that concerned me was that many cabins smelled with smoke... Did you have this problem?

No, the cabins do not smell of smoke. Ours didn't and I never heard of any complaints from anyone. HAL does a very good job of deep cleaning.

She is a very nice ship. We enjoyed it very much.:)

[swingslowVA]

Hey all,
I'm trying to arrange a cruise for my mother who doesn't know much about ships and cruising, or about the internet and forums for that matter, so I'm just trying to get some information together about what might be a good choice for her. We were looking at the Rotterdam Baltic Cruise. She really wants to visit St. Petersburg.
I don't have much experience with cruising, but I was wondering if someone could tell me a bit about the culture of different ships. For example, I imagine a Carnival cruise as having a certain kind of culture, or a Disney cruise. What's the culture of a Holland America cruise? Does anyone find that a certain type tends to book cruises with this line, and also for this cruise in the Baltic?
Any feedback would be appreciated :-)
-Sally K.

[RuthC]

I don't have much experience with cruising, but I was wondering if someone could tell me a bit about the culture of different ships. For example, I imagine a Carnival cruise as having a certain kind of culture, or a Disney cruise. What's the culture of a Holland America cruise? Does anyone find that a certain type tends to book cruises with this line, and also for this cruise in the Baltic?
Any feedback would be appreciated :-)
-Sally K.
Sally, you are absolutely correct that different cruiselines have different "cultures". Even within a line, there will be differences based on itinerary, length of cruise, time of year, etc.

I have two suggestions for you:
First, your mother should sit down with a good TA who knows the various lines. The TA should learn something about your mother, what she's looking for in a cruise, and match her up to the best choices of line.
Second, you should read through the threads on CC from the various lines your Mom is considering. You will get a "feel" for the type of people who sail those lines. Check out the various roll-call threads, too. There will certainly be a sense of the "culture" of the Baltic passengers there.

[Jeffbhhs]

Hey all,
I'm trying to arrange a cruise for my mother who doesn't know much about ships and cruising, or about the internet and forums for that matter, so I'm just trying to get some information together about what might be a good choice for her. We were looking at the Rotterdam Baltic Cruise. She really wants to visit St. Petersburg.
I don't have much experience with cruising, but I was wondering if someone could tell me a bit about the culture of different ships. For example, I imagine a Carnival cruise as having a certain kind of culture, or a Disney cruise. What's the culture of a Holland America cruise? Does anyone find that a certain type tends to book cruises with this line, and also for this cruise in the Baltic?
Any feedback would be appreciated :-)
-Sally K.

I am also considering the cruise that goes to St. Petersburg, be warned you need a Visa to enter Russia... As for the different cultures of cruise lines, I have yet to sail on HAL, but have sailed many times on Carnival and Princess and I can tell you that there is a huge difference between the two... Carnival was more of a laid back atmosphere, however the Carnival food was typically not as good as the Princess. The Princess cruise was a very nice ship that really paid attention to small details that made it look more elegant. Every Carnival ship had the same problem for me, they were dark!! The restaurants were dark, the public spaces were dark, the decor was dark!!! Princess seemed to do a better job with this...

I would definitely be interested in hearing what peoples thoughts are on Rotterdam, so far they appear to be very different from the reviews I have read, which were definitely NOT flattering.

[RuthC]

... be warned you need a Visa to enter Russia...
Am American visiting Russia does not need to obtain a visa if there are no plans to leave the ship.

For those going ashore, HAL obtains a group visa for those going on HAL tours. Those going on private tours via such agencies as Red October, Denrus, Alla, etc, also are under a group visa obtained by the agency.
The only time a passenger needs to obtain their own visa is if they plan to go off by themselves (very difficult, considering where the port is), or meet up with a local resident.

[RonJoan]

We are just back from a 30-day cruise aboard Rotterdam to the South Pacific. I can assure you there were NONE of the calamities that sometimes get reported on these boards. The ship is in good condition and the crew is professional and very friendly. The food was consistently excellent. Board the ship with a positive attitude and leave the shoulder-chip at home and you will have the cruise of a lifetime! Have a delightful cruise!

RonJoan

[Davidson Duo]

We also spent 30 incredible days on the Rotterdam in March/April this year. The ship was wonderful. The decor was very appealing to us, the public areas were generous and never felt crowded, and our cabin was spacious, well taken care of, and there was more cabinet storage than we've ever had.

The crew was top notch with a noticeable sense of great pride in their ship. It was well managed, very clean, and we were very impressed with how smooth it sailed through some good sized open ocean waves and swells.

Our cabin had absolutely no lingering smell of smoke, our heat/air conditioning system worked perfectly, and we were completely spoiled and pampered by one of the best crews we have had the privilege of sailing with.

The service in all of the dining areas was consistent and top notch. The food was tasty, warm/hot/cold to the correct temperature when it reached our table, and there was a varied choice at all times. The Lido provided excellent breakfast choices including made to order crepes, omelets, eggs, waffles, eggs Benedict, as well as steak and eggs, sausage (links and patties), bacon, ham, potatoe, creme of wheat, porridge, cereal, yogurt, pastries, fresh fruit, etc. etc. etc.

The poolside grill had many options for lunch (all afternoon), as did the Lido, and the MDR was available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then there was the Canaletto, and Pinnacle Grill, so there is no way anyone should not be able to find something they like! We personally enjoyed every meal on board during our 30 days.

We found the Rotterdam has rightly earned her title of "Flagship" for the HAL fleet. We felt the sparkle and shine from her every single day - be it the ship itself, or her hard working crew. We enjoyed every single day on-board, and I can't wait to be able to book another cruise on her. Her crew is amazing, and I really miss waking up in the morning in her wonderful beds. I hope you are fortunate enough to spend a wonderful cruise with her excellent staff. We enjoyed ours immensely. ENJOY! :)

[northernphoenix]

We also spent 30 incredible days on the Rotterdam in March/April this year. The ship was wonderful. The decor was very appealing to us, the public areas were generous and never felt crowded, and our cabin was spacious, well taken care of, and there was more cabinet storage than we've ever had.

The crew was top notch with a noticeable sense of great pride in their ship. It was well managed, very clean, and we were very impressed with how smooth it sailed through some good sized open ocean waves and swells.

Our cabin had absolutely no lingering smell of smoke, our heat/air conditioning system worked perfectly, and we were completely spoiled and pampered by one of the best crews we have had the privilege of sailing with.

The service in all of the dining areas was consistent and top notch. The food was tasty, warm/hot/cold to the correct temperature when it reached our table, and there was a varied choice at all times. The Lido provided excellent breakfast choices including made to order crepes, omelets, eggs, waffles, eggs Benedict, as well as steak and eggs, sausage (links and patties), bacon, ham, potatoe, creme of wheat, porridge, cereal, yogurt, pastries, fresh fruit, etc. etc. etc.

The poolside grill had many options for lunch (all afternoon), as did the Lido, and the MDR was available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then there was the Canaletto, and Pinnacle Grill, so there is no way anyone should not be able to find something they like! We personally enjoyed every meal on board during our 30 days.

We found the Rotterdam has rightly earned her title of "Flagship" for the HAL fleet. We felt the sparkle and shine from her every single day - be it the ship itself, or her hard working crew. We enjoyed every single day on-board, and I can't wait to be able to book another cruise on her. Her crew is amazing, and I really miss waking up in the morning in her wonderful beds. I hope you are fortunate enough to spend a wonderful cruise with her excellent staff. We enjoyed ours immensely. ENJOY! :)
So happy to read this review. We are cruising the Baltic in September on the Rotterdam, and are so looking forward to this holiday. We have planned to enjoy whatever the fates allowed, but are now certain of a wonderful holiday. Thank you for this review.
Marilyn

[kakalina]

We were also on the Rotterdam during March/April. I agree with everything Davidson Duo wrote. Well, almost everything. I didn't think the food was quite as good as usual however, we cruise a lot and sometimes one just gets a bit jaded.

The staff, crew and ship were all in excellent shape. I can't wait to get back on the Rotterdam.

[KirkNC]

Also glad to hear good remarks as we board her in 40 days :D.

Kirk

[Ann in Florida]

Hi Everyone:

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am reading all of the above recent reviews of The Rotterdam. My husband and I sailed on her a number of years ago and understand that she will be going into dry dock very shortly after the Baltic cruise we have booked. Whenever I hear a boat will be going in for refurbishment, I fear to think what kind of shape she is in while I am aboard. Your various complimentary comments are most reassuring. I can only hope that the ship will still be in beautiful condition by September.

And to the young woman inquiring about Holland America for her mother, let me say that this line is most appropriate for a mature traveler. They cater to just such a clientele, In fact, we first traveled on her approximately 10-12 years ago, shortly after my husband retired at age 56! At that time, we felt like babies compared to everyone else. However, we have obviously aged into our late 60's and I believe we are now about in the middle range of most of their passengers. It is definitely a more sedate group, but also sophisticated and well traveled. This is the line that is very appealing to retirees without feeling like you're completely over the hill!

Happy Cruising!
Ann

[cwn]

Ann,

Why is she going back to dry dock...she was just refitted with the aft "wadding" pool and new cabins winter of 2010.

Are they going to do something about the shallow pool?

[taram]

Sally - if you do get this cruise for your mom - let her know that our roll call already has a tour group set up for the two days in st. petersburg for a private tour. That means she will NOT need to get a visa as you're covered if you're with a tour group. All of the info is on the roll call (look under roll calls - holland america - rotterdam - and either the july 12th or the july 21st roll call) for the postings. We already have several people in the group so she will be well taken care of and won't have to stress about planning for st. petersburg.

P.S. - this of course goes for anyone interested.