Did You like the Oosterdam?

[englander]

For you who have been on the oosterdam.......how was it? What kind of activities are there on sea days?

How much cold weather gear did you pack? (We go in May)

How were the restaurants? Is the Pinnacle a good deal for the first night? I hear it's $10.

How is the entertainment? Is there a show every night?

Susan

[dakrewser]

There are a number of good reviews of recent Oosterdam cruises here on the board. Suggest you read the threads:

Oosterdam 2/26/05 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=148894&highlight=Oosterdam)

MS Oosterdam - Mexican Riviera 2/26/05 to 3/5/05 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=146367&highlight=Oosterdam)

RevNeal's Oosterdam Cruise Review (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=137614&highlight=Oosterdam)

Oosterdam Mexico Cruise - 5Feb2005 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=137246&highlight=Oosterdam)

and my own two contributions:
Finally! O'Dam pictures! (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=147596)

O'Dam Diary 1/22-29/05 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=129509)
After reading those you might stil have some specific questions (or even more!), so post those and someone is sure to be ready to help out.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

For you who have been on the oosterdam.......how was it? What kind of activities are there on sea days?

How much cold weather gear did you pack? (We go in May)

How were the restaurants? Is the Pinnacle a good deal for the first night? I hear it's $10.

How is the entertainment? Is there a show every night?

Susan

Susan, we were on the Oosterdam last May for Alaska and had a wonderful time. She is still one of my favorite HAL ships. Actually a close tie with the Ryndam. I think you will find very few people have disliked the Oosterdam. Her Captains and crew have been wonderful. On our most recent cruise on the Westerdam we ran into several crew members that had worked on the Oosterdam and they all have loved working on her.

You might want to look at my Alaska Oosterdam photos from last year.

Here is the link to my Oosterdam Alaska pictures

http://community.webshots.com/album/186526211XRtUlo

As far as Pinnacle, the Oosterdam is the only HAL ship we did not go to the Pinnacle on. The price of $10.00 a person is a good deal if you want to try it. But last year on the Oosterdam they were having a had time getting passenger to even try the Pinnacle so they offer deals all week long for the $10.00 I actually enjoyed all the meals in the Main Dining Room on the Oosterdam because they offered lots of fresh fish, it was wonderful.

As far as cold weather gear I say "Pack a little of everything." It is so hard to say what you will encounter in May. We actually had a great year last year with good weather, but one never knows what this year will bring. But it was still cold. We brought warm clothes and jackets. You might be able to tell by some of the pictures of what we were wearing.

As far as entertaiment there were shows every night, all the typical shows you see on a ship. That cruise we did go to two shows but I do not think we have gone to a show since and have had 2 cruises since. We are not big on going to the shows.

[cruznon]

The Oosterdam is a wonderful ship! The crew is outstanding! You'll love it!!:)

[kruzkeen]

For you who have been on the oosterdam.......how was it?

I liked the Oosterdam quite well. Have you been on any other HAL ships? There are comparisons that can be made between the Vista Class ships (Oosterdam) and the other ships that are somewhat smaller.

[caribbean girl]

We were on the Oosterdam last year. It is a beautiful ship!! The staff and service were wonderful. Just having gotten back from the Maasdam, which had its own idividual charm, I can say the Oosterdam is grand. Enjoy every moment of your cruise!! In the main dining room, our waiter Herry was terrific. As was Anto, the assistant. Have fun!!

[RevNeal]

I loved the Oosterdam. She's a wonderful ship, with a fantastic crew. A credit to her HAL name. :)

My formal review of the Oosterdam -- with photo illustrations -- is posted here:

http://www.revneal.org/oostreview.html

My photos from my cruise can be viewed here:

http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/oosterdam05/Menu43.html

I hope these help!