I'm Aboard the Noordam Right Now!!

[PokerDog]

DW and I are on the Noordam Roman Empire Cruise as we speak. Typing this in the Explorations Cafe is costing me 75 cents/minute (and the service is not what I would call fast either.) But at sea and especially aboard the Noordam, it is difficult to get too upset about anything.

The ship is absolutely beautiful and the staff is outstanding. Well anyway, I thought if there were any questions that anyone, particularly any newer CC'ers or first-timers with their first cruises coming up on the Noordam, might have - then perhaps I could answer them. Oh well....as I said the meter is running so I am going to go. Besides, I am off to my second seating at the Vista (lower).

I will check this a few times over the next few days...but for now, arrivederci from the Noordam.

Frank, aka
PokerDog

[Namvet4]

PokerDog...

"Buon viaggio e un'avventura meravigliosa"
....Fair winds and following seas!....

[Krazy Kruizers]

Enjoy your cruise on the Noordam.

[Navy_Chief]

Yes indeed Frank, enjoy your trip and tell us about it in ten days or so. We'll still be here come that time, no need to waste the "nickle" on us :D

[Grumpy1]

Looks like you have just a couple of days to go before they drag you, kicking and screaming, off of the ship... From your comment, it sounds like you found the Noordam to be to your liking. We will be boarding in another 13 days for the same itinerary.

Any comments about the flexible dining times, the food, the service, the decor, the shows... did you recognize the creatures represented by your towel animals:rolleyes: ... just kidding:D Enjoy those last days on board.

[Love Cruises]

DW and I are on the Noordam Roman Empire Cruise as we speak. Typing this in the Explorations Cafe is costing me 75 cents/minute (and the service is not what I would call fast either.) But at sea and especially aboard the Noordam, it is difficult to get too upset about anything.

The ship is absolutely beautiful and the staff is outstanding. Well anyway, I thought if there were any questions that anyone, particularly any newer CC'ers or first-timers with their first cruises coming up on the Noordam, might have - then perhaps I could answer them. Oh well....as I said the meter is running so I am going to go. Besides, I am off to my second seating at the Vista (lower).

I will check this a few times over the next few days...but for now, arrivederci from the Noordam.

Frank, aka
PokerDog
Glad you are enjoying the Noordam! She surely is a beautiful ship (we were on her in March).

Tell us about some of the entertainers that are on board.

[refman]

if your looking for envy, you got it. lol

[PokerDog]

and yes, they may have to drag me off the ship kicking and screaming.

I told my wife about the poster, I can't think of her name now, who has "er, where's my pillow chocolate" in her signature. I always thought that was funny, but now it really hits home when I contemplate leaving the ship. This is definitely a lifestyle that I could become accustomed to!

I signed up for the end of voyage 30 minute internet plan for $12 (what a bargain, eh?). So, I will try to respond to some of the questions. The entertainers have been good. There was a musical show early in the cruise called "If Walls Could Rock". Then there was a Tommy Tune-produced show called Papparazzi that was pretty good. There was an Irish Comedian Adrian Walsh, I believe and a Las Vegas revue show that also was very good. Tonight, is an Elton John-inspired show.

The food has been fantastic. Based on our tastes, DW and I have been eating a lot of lunches in the Lido, which has a variety of entrees, Asian food, pizza and pasta and sandwiches, plus great cheeseburgers out by the pool. The Vista has been great also, we have been eating dinner there every night. Can't comment on Pinnacle, but others at our table said they enjoyed it and it was well worth the $20.

Oh well....dinner time again. I will check this thread again tommorrow and see if there are any questions that I can answer (or find the answers to). Thanks again for all of the kind remarks and may the road rise to meet you all.

PokerDog
aka Frank

[DJ_Frustration]

My fiance and I will be on the Noordam on Wednesday for the "Mediterranean Enchantment." I was wondering if you could post any tips or hidden features about the ship.

For example, you saw 6 people win jackpots on the 4th $1 slot machine on the left side of the casino.

Thanks!

[RuthC]

I told my wife about the poster, I can't think of her name now, who has "er, where's my pillow chocolate" in her signature. I always thought that was funny, but now it really hits home when I contemplate leaving the ship.
C'est moi. :o

And ain't it the truth! :D I always change to that signature for a while after I return from a cruise. Sums it up nicely, doncha think! ;)

Glad you've had a nice time. I enjoyed the Noordam when I was aboard, too.

[CoconutFish]

Taking you up on your offer to answer questions about the Noordam, we would ask if you saw any flambe desserts on the menu in the dining room.

This is a current topic on the board - whether the Vista class ships offer flambes, as do some of the other S and R class ships.

Glad you have had a good cruise!

[Love Cruises]

Taking you up on your offer to answer questions about the Noordam, we would ask if you saw any flambe desserts on the menu in the dining room.

This is a current topic on the board - whether the Vista class ships offer flambes, as do some of the other S and R class ships.

Glad you have had a good cruise!
When we were on the Noordam in March, there were no flambe's in the dining room. They were served in the Explorers Lounge (not the Cafe) where the string trio usually plays in the evening. I was disappointed and never really made it to the Lounge (we would go to the shows after dinner).

[Nic's Mom and Pop]

Hi PokerDog,
Thanks for the updates. I was happy to hear you enjoyed the production shows. Our daughter, Nicole, is the dark haired singer/dancer in them. She has been onboard since the Noordam was in drydock in January in Italy. We are cruising on the Noordam October 14, and cannot wait to see her. She is feeling a little homesick right now and it will lift her spirits knowing you enjoyed the shows.
Enjoy the rest of your time on the Noordam!!
Regards,
Cris and Carol:D

[PokerDog]

Nicole was great. I cheered when she said she was from Antioch. I actually lived in Antioch for about a year. I now live in Yuba City. The ship is beautiful and I think you will have a great time, plus it will be fantastic to be reunited with your daughter.

Well, cheers all. i am disembarking now. I will check this thread when I get home and try to respond to any unanswered questions.

[nurseblissful]

did you take pictures? can you post some if you did? i don't leave for another 234 days and am living vicariously through others...lol.

[Darrell6t]

They do have some of the flambe desserts on the menu. I don't know where they prepare them. They are not in flames when they are served. Cherries jubilee, bananas foster, crepe suzette, etc.

[localady]

PokerDog-
Glad you are having a great time on the Noordam! California is starting to heat up again, but not like a few weeks ago!
I was wondering who the CD is on the Noordam now that Jason Venner has left the ship? Saddened to hear he left as I hoped to see him Sept. 28th, but he too deserves a vacation!!

[CruiseQueen13]

Do the pools have steps (the gradual as opposed to a ladder)? A friend is sailing soon and her sister has a disability. Please let me know. Thanks!

Glad you are enjoying your cruise!

[smoothdancer]

When you have a chance I would love to hear about the dance floors and the music.. My husband and I ballroom dance and we are hoping we will have opportunity to dance on our upcoming cruise on the Noordam.

[RuthC]

Do the pools have steps (the gradual as opposed to a ladder)?
It's a ladder. I can't remember if the ladder has a slope---as opposed to straight up/down---but it's not the "staircase" type. I've never seen that type on a ship. It would take up too much room.

Also, there is a fairly high decking around the pools on every ship (an attempt to contain the water). That can be hard to get over.