Noordam Questions

[barbels]

My husband and I are experienced cruisers who love X ships. We are thinking about booking the Noordam for the Jan 6 cruise but I have some questions I'd like answered before I actually go ahead. We were on the NCL Dawn last January and were quite disappointed with the food and service.

When the magrodome is closed is it warm enough to use the pool even in winter weather? Are there lounges in shaded areas by either of the pools? I understand that there is a charge for the thalassotherapy pool- does anyone know how much it is?

[Krazy Kruizers]

It is warm under the cover by the Lido pool. You can move regular chairs and lounge chairs to get out of the sun.

Until you get down into the Caribbean, you won't be able to use the aft pool. And again you can move the chairs around to suit yourself.

The thermo pool has been costing $20 per day per person. But sometimes they will offer specials on the first day for the entire cruise.

[GMoney]

I sailed on the Noordam last March to the southern caribbean. The covered pool area is very nice for those cold weather days sailing to and from NYC. They keep the air and water temps nicely regulated. Once things warm up, they pop the hatch; however, I really enjoyed the aft pool during these times. Nice and quiet, lots of chairs, no obstructed views.

We purchased cruiselong passes to the hydropool and thermal suite and were chagred $125, rather than the going $150, and it was worth it. I've sailed the Summit and Infinity and their T-Pool / Aqua Spa / thermal suite facilities are very similar. I'd give the Noordam an edge b/c they have the heated cermaic loungers.

I sailed the Dawn last Xmas and was similarly disappointed, particularly in their food. I am also not a fan of freestyle dining.

While I am not a big HAL fan, I heartily recommend the Noordam and will sail her again. Ther ship is beautiful and the Southern itinerary is incredible.

[RuthC]

I found the area around the indoor pool far to hot/humid to be able to breathe. So, I would say Yes, it's warm enough there.

There are also areas to lounge that are not near the pools. Outside the Oak Room there is a lovely area with plenty of lounge chairs. It's out of the wind, but there is sun. IIRC there's also a shady area for a change of pace. Of course, there's lots of lounge chairs on the Promenade Deck.

[stellasue]

We sailed out of New York on the Dawn last February and we were very dissapointed in the food and ambiance (to say the least). We've sailed on HAL several times and have always had a wonderful time. We too are thinking about Winter '07 on the Noordam......just waiting to see how the pricing will go. We always look forward to sailing on HAL and would highly recommend it to anyone....I can just taste that freshly squeezed OJ at breakfast and the great crew and service!!!!!:)

[bepsf]

Oh, the Magrodome over the central pools makes a big difference in colder weather. It's amazing how folks will be out there almost round the clock, even in colder weather, because of the protection the Magrodome gives us.

We love Noordam so much we're organizing a group cruise on her for the Jan 6 sailing - I hope you'll consider joining us!
:D

[barbels]

We are strongly leaning towards booking this cruise. Bepsf- Can you give me some info about how to join your group?

And thanks for all your replies.
Barbara

[Sunshine91]

barbels - Outside near the aft pool are a few white tent-like structures, which provide plenty of shade. There's maybe 3 or 4 on each side as you exit the Lido restaurant area to the aft pool area. Beyond the pool of course the deck is completely open. Lounge chairs are in the open area but there are tables & chairs set-up under the tents. I liked sitting out there with my laptop. I wasn't using the internet so don't know if that was a wifi hotspot or not (a few folks saw me & asked).

The husband & I will be on that Jan 6 sailing as well, he's just not completely aware of that fact yet. :)