tcook052
January 19th, 2012, 11:20 PM
I had the pleasure of sailing on the Ryndam Western Caribbean 8-15 January and thought I'd share some impressions.
I chose an inside midship cabin 778 on deck 4/A deck both for its location and value and was happy with the choice as it was a comfortable cabin for a solo traveller. I'd splurged and had a mini-fridge put in the rooms for my pop & beer and it came in handy, though might not do it again if I sailed on Ryndam again. The fit & finish was fine and I actually really liked the shower which was a good size and appreciated not having to stand in a tiny tub. Since I bought a Thermal Suite week pass having a tub to soak in wasn't needed in the cabin.
The two comments about the cabin were that one of the feet of the mini-fridge was missing causing it to tip forward every time you opened the door almost spilling out all the contents so searching for something the right side used the little soap cake from the bathroom and it fit well. The soap wasn't replaced the rest of the week so maybe there's a soap quota. :D Also the little towel you place on the floor to step on when exiting the shower appeared and disappeared over the week.
Some comments on CC had been made about the AC not working and the cabins getting warm to hot and I had a little LL Bean digital alarm clock with me that has a thermometer and embarkation day started at a perfect 72F before rising to a little warm 78F mid-way through the cruise. It was not uncomfortable and only stayed at that temp. one afternoon & evening when I was in & out so wasn't a huge issue and I'll take a few degrees warmer than cooler, though that could be on account I'm a Canadians escaping the cold winter weather. ;)
I really enjoyed my Thermal Suite and was glad I splurged on the unlimited weekly $99 pass as I had planned on buying at least one day pass which are $40 so not much more for the duration. It's smaller than I'd seen Eurodam and some of the tiled loungers were cooler than I like but most times I had the place to myself and found one lounger that was warmer so the experience overall was very positive. The spa staff were all very friendly and started using my name on day two or three which I always appreciate.
I did the Canaletto the first night and had a nice meal with superb service from some very friendly staff. I enjoyed it so much I made a point on making reservations for the last night to dine there again. The Lido was a stop for a few evening meals as after shore excursions I wanted something filling and quick versus the MDR. I found the food quality very good and the staff attentive and pleasant. I also tried the PG one night and the Lobster mac & cheese was excellent. Having taken part in a champagne tasting class by the sommelier Ron I tried another glass in the PG and it really went well with the meal. I think I'm hooked on the bubbly. :D I did do the room service for breakfast once ahead of an early morning shore excursion and it arrived right at the start of the designated time block and the food was hot and cooked well so was appreciated.
I didn't take in the nightly entertainment preferring instead to catch the piono man, ironically another Canadian, or the guitar player, Dough, who played late afternoons in Mix. I spent a fair bit of time watching NFL playoffs and just hanging out in mix and quite enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. The bartenders, especially Ronnie, were always happy and chatting up the crowd and extending a warm welcome. I also did the beer tasting and for 4 glasses to sample for $12 thought it a great value.
The ports of call were all excellent save for an intense downpour in Costa Maya. The snorkeling in Roatan was stellar and saw lots of lobsters but had to leave them be as we were in a warine preserve. I did zip line in Belize and as it was inland got to see some of the countryside before taking part in this fun excursion. The Key West visit to the Hemingway House & Museum was also a highlight.
The first few days I woke myself early to do what I really enjoy about cruising which is walk the deck at sunrise. There's nothing like walking the promenade deck to see a full moon fade into a stunning red & pink sunrise as we were pulling into Belize at slow speed with barely a wisper of a breeze and a sea as calm as a lake. I'd much rather get my exercise this way than pounding a threadmill but to each their own I suppose.
The Ryndam does have it's eccentricities like the mismatched carpets on the landings and stairs or the worn brass railings in the elevator but I found those things had absolutely zero impact on my enjoying my holiday so just went with the flow. I can see now why so many here like the Ryndam as it's a wonderful intimate ship and I could easily see myself sailing her again one day. I chose this sailing largely for its itinerary but wound up liking the ship more than I thought I might so in terms of a relaxing holiday with enough interests to take part in it exceeded my expectations. :)
I chose an inside midship cabin 778 on deck 4/A deck both for its location and value and was happy with the choice as it was a comfortable cabin for a solo traveller. I'd splurged and had a mini-fridge put in the rooms for my pop & beer and it came in handy, though might not do it again if I sailed on Ryndam again. The fit & finish was fine and I actually really liked the shower which was a good size and appreciated not having to stand in a tiny tub. Since I bought a Thermal Suite week pass having a tub to soak in wasn't needed in the cabin.
The two comments about the cabin were that one of the feet of the mini-fridge was missing causing it to tip forward every time you opened the door almost spilling out all the contents so searching for something the right side used the little soap cake from the bathroom and it fit well. The soap wasn't replaced the rest of the week so maybe there's a soap quota. :D Also the little towel you place on the floor to step on when exiting the shower appeared and disappeared over the week.
Some comments on CC had been made about the AC not working and the cabins getting warm to hot and I had a little LL Bean digital alarm clock with me that has a thermometer and embarkation day started at a perfect 72F before rising to a little warm 78F mid-way through the cruise. It was not uncomfortable and only stayed at that temp. one afternoon & evening when I was in & out so wasn't a huge issue and I'll take a few degrees warmer than cooler, though that could be on account I'm a Canadians escaping the cold winter weather. ;)
I really enjoyed my Thermal Suite and was glad I splurged on the unlimited weekly $99 pass as I had planned on buying at least one day pass which are $40 so not much more for the duration. It's smaller than I'd seen Eurodam and some of the tiled loungers were cooler than I like but most times I had the place to myself and found one lounger that was warmer so the experience overall was very positive. The spa staff were all very friendly and started using my name on day two or three which I always appreciate.
I did the Canaletto the first night and had a nice meal with superb service from some very friendly staff. I enjoyed it so much I made a point on making reservations for the last night to dine there again. The Lido was a stop for a few evening meals as after shore excursions I wanted something filling and quick versus the MDR. I found the food quality very good and the staff attentive and pleasant. I also tried the PG one night and the Lobster mac & cheese was excellent. Having taken part in a champagne tasting class by the sommelier Ron I tried another glass in the PG and it really went well with the meal. I think I'm hooked on the bubbly. :D I did do the room service for breakfast once ahead of an early morning shore excursion and it arrived right at the start of the designated time block and the food was hot and cooked well so was appreciated.
I didn't take in the nightly entertainment preferring instead to catch the piono man, ironically another Canadian, or the guitar player, Dough, who played late afternoons in Mix. I spent a fair bit of time watching NFL playoffs and just hanging out in mix and quite enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. The bartenders, especially Ronnie, were always happy and chatting up the crowd and extending a warm welcome. I also did the beer tasting and for 4 glasses to sample for $12 thought it a great value.
The ports of call were all excellent save for an intense downpour in Costa Maya. The snorkeling in Roatan was stellar and saw lots of lobsters but had to leave them be as we were in a warine preserve. I did zip line in Belize and as it was inland got to see some of the countryside before taking part in this fun excursion. The Key West visit to the Hemingway House & Museum was also a highlight.
The first few days I woke myself early to do what I really enjoy about cruising which is walk the deck at sunrise. There's nothing like walking the promenade deck to see a full moon fade into a stunning red & pink sunrise as we were pulling into Belize at slow speed with barely a wisper of a breeze and a sea as calm as a lake. I'd much rather get my exercise this way than pounding a threadmill but to each their own I suppose.
The Ryndam does have it's eccentricities like the mismatched carpets on the landings and stairs or the worn brass railings in the elevator but I found those things had absolutely zero impact on my enjoying my holiday so just went with the flow. I can see now why so many here like the Ryndam as it's a wonderful intimate ship and I could easily see myself sailing her again one day. I chose this sailing largely for its itinerary but wound up liking the ship more than I thought I might so in terms of a relaxing holiday with enough interests to take part in it exceeded my expectations. :)