Ryndam Info. Needed!!

[Cruising Illini]

Is there any type of "card room" since the drydock remodel?? The old one has been taken over by the new combination room.

Is there a charge for using the exercise equipment -- i.e. bikes, treadmills, etc.?

Has there been any more of the norovirus since January? We had many cases on the Veendam in Jan. also and even though we stayed healthy it was a worry re. the situation.

Thanks for any current information anyone has -- we go the end of April so will be here soon.

[Cruising Illini]

Will add a note to hopefully move this up. Really would like some help from some Ryndam cruisers since the drydock.

[dot73]

I was on the Sea of Cortez cruise on Feb. 14. I am copying a short description of the ship that I posted previously. Remember, this is only one person's opinion. I really liked the Ryndam. As to your specific questions, I did see people playing cards, but I cannot remember where. I am ashamed to say that I never even made it to the gym. I would think the equipment is free. I know they charge a fee for some specialty classes like pilates. There was no virus on our trip. They have disinfectant dispensers all over the ship. At busy eating times, there was usually a staff member standing at the beginning of the Lido line asking people to please use the disinfectant.


Just got back from a Sea of Cortez cruise on the Ryndam. Overall, I loved the ship. I think there were a lot of problems after the dry dock but it looks like they are being ironed out. On three occasions, I had supervisory staff ask me how I liked the ship and if any improvements could be made. It seems like HAL is listening. There were a few problems with the toilets again, but I don't think it was as bad as in some previous cruises. My toilet was not working for one hour one day. I loved the Explorations Cafe. They had the newest books and magazines and I loved the music stations. The Cafe also provided great specialty coffees at very reasonable prices ($1.35 to $3.00). I had the cheapest outside room and found it very comfortable. The bed was wonderful and the air conditioning/heat worked perfectly. The towels were thick and the robe provided was a nice touch. I found the food to be good but not exceptional. The Lido food was always fresh and tasty but lacked a bit of imagination. The ice cream/dessert station was fabulous. If you like HAL's fabulous bread pudding, make sure you get there before 2:00 p.m. It seems that no matter how much they made, they always ran out. The dinners in the dining room were good, except for the salads that seemed a bit limp at the late sitting. The meat was always done to my specification and the vegetables were not overcooked as on some HAL ships. The desserts, of course, were excellent. I did go to the Pinnacle one night. It was well worth the extra $20. The embarkation and debarkation went very smoothly. If you have any questions, please ask and I will try to answer.