Favorite ship?

[skempner]

Whats yours?

[jtl513]

1. Noordam
2. Amsterdam
3. Westerdam
4. Veendam
:D

[May4]

Rotterdam

[Candy]

Zuiderdam !

Candy the ZuiderPrincess

[LAFFNVEGAS]

MS Oosterdam!!!!!!!:D


Candy has her Zuiderdam, Lisa has her Oosterdam and I believe Sail will say her Maasdam;)

[shonuf]

Veendam, without a doubt.

[SanDiego Single]

The world famous Prinsendam. This is the best cruise experience I have ever had!! Second would be the Oosterdam and not for the ship but for the crew because quite honestly the ship is nothing special.

[DFD1]

One and Two, the Volendam and the Zaandam.

[sail7seas]

MS Oosterdam!!!!!!!:D


Candy has her Zuiderdam, Lisa has her Oosterdam and I believe Sail will say her Maasdam;)

You're right, Lisa. Everyone knows how I love 'my' :) MAASDAM .....but NOORDAM !!! I love, love, love the Noordam!!!

[Love Cruises]

I'll take any one of HALs "dam" ships!

We do however like the msNOORDAM and the msAMSTERDAM!

[lee-gold]

It's always Veendam for me!

Helena

[leoandhugh]

AMSTERDAM !! NO VISTAS PLEASE:)

[obriendan]

The Statmaasryndam :) . Haven't sailed on the Veendam yet.

[FRANKIEDNYC]

Our Favorite: Maasdam:)

[mamaofami]

NOORDAM :)

[RuthC]

The late, much-loved ss Rotterdam. :)

Of the current ships I have no favorite, but am prepared to give the Prinsendam that honour as soon as I sail her. (July, '07). ;)

[cndycruiser]

Been on the old Westerdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam and will be going on Statendam. Zuiderdam was new then, so of course that was nice. Volendam was great too, but.......what will I think of the Statendam now that it went thru "the change" in '05?? Any comments would be welcome!!

Cyndy

[AWED23]

:D 1. PRINSENDAM....2. Rotterdam...3. Amsterdam...4. Maasdam...etc BUT NO DAM VIstas !!! :D :D

[grannynurse]

ROTTERDAM VI, we've been on her 4 times but we really like all the HAL ships we've been on.
GN

[Atomica]

I'm going to say OOSTERDAM, with ZUIDERDAM a very, very close second.

[flgolf]

Has to be Volendam our favorite

[RlrCstr]

1. Zaandam
2. Volendam

[serendipity1499]

1st) Prinsendam

2nd) Amsterdam (never been on Rotterdam but suspect it might vie with Amsterdam for 2nd)

3rd) Maasdam

4th) Volendam

Enjoy the "R" & "S" Ships best...Only Vista ship We've been on is the Westerdam & even though we loved the cruise, it still was too many people & too big for us.. However, if the time, price & itinerary was right, we would go on any "HAL" ship in a heart beat..

Happy cruising all..:) Betty

P.S. This question would be good for a poll..

[Copper10-8]

ROTTERDAM ! (fer sure):)

[SDHALFAN]

One, two, three:

1) Amsterdam

2) Ryndam

3) Statendam

Valerie:)

[Frankie Sue]

It's funny that a few of you "savy" cruisers list both the Amsterdam and tne Noordam as your favorite ships.

Our first cruise last year was on the Amsterdam and our second one coming up this coming Fall is on the Noordam.

We really struck lucky last year on the Amsterdam. We had booked a B suite and then at the last minute negotiated ourselves quite a great deal with an upgrade to an SA....... we were really spoiled rotten. but this coming cruise on the Noordam, we are going with the SY, (still hoping for the upgrady fairy)......



Frankie Sue

[dakrewser]

Prinsendam, no question about it. It's #1 and everything else is 17, 18 and 19 ;)

[CrystalLady]

Volendam.

[RetiredMustang]

1. USS Saratoga (for different reasons: for my long-past youth; for my country; for passing Gib at dawn; for passing Scilla and Charybdis in the straits of Messina in the afternoon; for dolphins dancing in the bow wave; for shipmates long gone, but none forgotten; for the song of the sea, I can hear her still).
2. Noordam III.
3. Any old Dam ship, anywhere, any time.

Dave

[middle-aged mom]

1. USS Saratoga (for different reasons: for my long-past youth; for my country; for passing Gib at dawn; for passing Scilla and Charybdis in the straits of Messina in the afternoon; for dolphins dancing in the bow wave; for shipmates long gone, but none forgotten; for the song of the sea, I can hear her still).
2. Noordam III.
3. Any old Dam ship, anywhere, any time.

Dave

Well, that beautiful post just made my eyes leak.

Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidst the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.

[localady]

1. Prinsendam and Oosterdam (A tie-I love them both for different reasons)
2. Noordam
3. Amsterdam

[arzz]

Number one and way ahead of the rest is Prinsendam

A tie for second place between Maasdam and Zaandam -- we like them both for different reasons

Have sailed two of the four vistas and the vistas definitely do not make my list.

[caribbean girl]

You're right, Lisa. Everyone knows how I love 'my' :) MAASDAM .....but NOORDAM !!! I love, love, love the Noordam!!!


I have a question for you, Mrs. Maasdam...;) What do you know about category H outside cabins on Maasdam, if anything? We are thinking of going back to M. in 3/08 and thought going to 'the source' would be helpful, perhaps. Thanks in advance, for your help...:)

middle-aged-mom...thanks for that beautiful poem.

[Willsot]

Have sailed the Zaandam, Westerdam, and Veendam (Prinsendam this summer). Favorite so far is the Zaandam.

[bepsf]

This question is like asking a Father which child is his favorite...

1. Noordam
2. Oosterdam
3. Amsterdam
4. Prinsendam (No - I've never been aboard her, but she was the first real active cruiseship I'd ever seen in person when I saw her as the dazzling-new Royal Viking Sun*at a pier here in SF many, many moons ago...)*

[2bout2c]

Volendam for sure

[Copper10-8]

1. USS Saratoga (for different reasons: for my long-past youth; for my country; for passing Gib at dawn; for passing Scilla and Charybdis in the straits of Messina in the afternoon; for dolphins dancing in the bow wave; for shipmates long gone, but none forgotten; for the song of the sea, I can hear her still).
2. Noordam III.
3. Any old Dam ship, anywhere, any time.

Dave

Good stuff, Dave - Semper Fi, Navy!
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/h97000/h97676.jpg


Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidst the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.


That's my favorite hymn!:)

http://www.navyband.navy.mil/eternalfather.shtml

Push "Listen" to listen to it

[john kraft]

Zaandam by far.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Amsterdam for us.

[ejbmorr]

HAL Ship: Rotterdam VI
Of All Ships: Royal Viking Star
.......and hopes of trying many others on the dream list to really make the comparison complete.

[CruiseQueen13]

Celebrity - Constellation

[NancyIL]

I have been on only one HAL ship, the Zaandam, so guess that's my answer! ;)

I got a great quote on a September 2008 Mediterranean cruise on the Prinsendam, so I'll be paying attention to threads about that ship.

[TTFromSommersTown]

Only been on two Dam Boats Ships, Volendam and Zaandam, so that would be one and two. I would like to try some others but I would definately stay away from the Vista's, I just have no interest in something that big.

[Sea King]

Celebrity - Constellation

just curious CruiseQueen: which HAL ship did you post about on the Celebrity Board:rolleyes:

[AWED23]

:) This question is like asking a Father which child is his favorite...

1. Noordam
2. Oosterdam
3. Amsterdam
4. Prinsendam (No - I've never been aboard her, but she was the first real active cruiseship I'd ever seen in person when I saw her as the dazzling-new Royal Viking Sun*at a pier here in SF many, many moons ago...)*
:) And when you saw her as the Royal Viking Sun our "little" Prinsendam was the largest cruise ship launched specifically for cruising...And the first with verandas !!!!:cool: ...Rob

[mamaofami]

Interesting, no one has mentioned loving the Statendam. When I sailed on her, she was in need of an overhaul, but was going into dry dock soon after. Anyone have any comments on her?

[THE PLUMBER]

As the saying goes, "it's the people that make a house a home". Well it's the crew that makes the Oosterdam feel like home (even better). So she gets my vote. Also the Statendam was our first and who can ever forget their first!! ;)
Sue
We miss you O!

[The Tsar]

Basically any of the HAL ships - OTHER THAN THE VISTA CLASS ships.

1. Nuiew Amsterdam
2. Statendam
3. Ryndam

[sail7seas]

JUST Curious......

Have you actually been aboard a Vista? Seen one? Viewed the gorgeous Noordam? Of course it's your choice whether you wish to sail one or not.....but I do wonder if you dislike them so strongly sight unseen?

Thanks if you care to comment.......certainly no need to. :)

[sail7seas]

Originally Posted by sail7seas
You're right, Lisa. Everyone knows how I love 'my' MAASDAM .....but NOORDAM !!! I love, love, love the Noordam!!!

I have a question for you, Mrs. Maasdam... What do you know about category H outside cabins on Maasdam, if anything? We are thinking of going back to M. in 3/08 and thought going to 'the source' would be helpful, perhaps. Thanks in advance, for your help...

Caribbean Girl,


I really wish I could help you re: The H cabins but I've never seen one. If you think of any other Maasdam ??, hopefully I can be of more help than on this question.

Maasdam is such a beautifully elegant ship IMO with an amazing crew. We simply cannot get enough of sailing her. The feeling we get when we cross the gangway at the start of each Maasdam cruise is not describable. We know we are 'home'. She never disappoints.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I have to agree, Why are so many so dead set against the Vista Class yet my bets is they have never set foot on one? Is it just a preconceived idea that they are sure they will hate them? While I really like both the S and R class ship and would probably love the Prinsendam I really like the Vista Class especially the Oosterdam. The Oosterdam was not our first Vista Class ship but the minute we walked on board we just felt that "at home feeling" I really think that many of you who have nevered tried a Vista Class ship should, you might be very surprised.;)

The Plummer said it best:)

As the saying goes, "it's the people that make a house a home". Well it's the crew that makes the Oosterdam feel like home (even better).

[sail7seas]

Oh yes, Lisa. I agree that HAL really is all about the people.

But I also feel ships have personalities. They do not all feel the same.....to me. We've had fun and enjoyed cruises, liked the crew, gotten off a ship at the end of a cruise perfectly happy but didn't feel 'compelled to return'. We feel that strong draw from Maasdam and Noordam. Those ships 'speak to us'. Those two ships feel different than the rest. Not to say we don't think Rotterdam very beautiful; and we think Volendam elegant and wonderful. We have memories of incredible cruises on Zaandam and Zuiderdam and we treasure them.

But Maasdam and Noordam are special......very, very special.

I have the distinct impression Oosterdam 'speaks to you' in that way. :)

[AWED23]

JUST Curious......

Have you actually been aboard a Vista? Seen one? Viewed the gorgeous Noordam? Of course it's your choice whether you wish to sail one or not.....but I do wonder if you dislike them so strongly sight unseen?

Thanks if you care to comment.......certainly no need to. :)




:p:D I, for one, have seen a Vista...We were in Rotterdam and on the Rotterdam when the Oosterdam was launched....Too big, too many people and the suites were not as big .....Give me the R,S and P class ships....;) ;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I have the distinct impression Oosterdam 'speaks to you' in that way. :)



Sail, you are definitely correct. There is just that very special feel. but I will also say that I too felt it on the Maasdam. I would say of the 3 S class we have been on the Maasdam had that feel far more than the others. Unfortunately she is not as close to land home as you have her;)

[sail7seas]

We are so appreciative HAL chose to move her to Boston so she could spend her spring, summer, fall with us....or at least a good part of it.

For those who think HAL isn't caring....here's the proof. They know how much we love that 'dam' ship so they brought her north and let us bring her home. Now THAT is a thoughtful gesture from a large corporation if I ever saw one. :D (I'm sure they did it just For US!!@!! 'Ya think? ) :D
Too bad we live slightly inland.... we are only a few miles from the coast. If we lived on the harbor, maybe Captain wouldn't mind coming to pick us up ;) .....save us the 30 minute car ride to Black Falcon.

[mamaofami]

When I first sailed the Zuiderdam, a vista, after being on the Statendam, Veendam, and the Rotterdam(which I loved) I felt the Z was very big and I kept getting lost. I also thought her a bit too glitzy for my taste. Then, I sailed her a second time and began to know where everything was. When going on the Noordam, I felt I had come home. I knew where everything was and just loved her majestic feel. The smaller ships are of course more intimate, but I just love the Noordam....no small thing that I didn't have to fly to board her.:)

[Sea King]

Too bad we live slightly inland.... we are only a few miles from the coast. If we lived on the harbor, maybe Captain wouldn't mind coming to pick us up ;) .....save us the 30 minute car ride to Black Falcon.

Sail:why not write Seattle and ask .. the worst Stein could do would be to say "no":)

[earl_m]

I guess I am only one so far you chooses the Ryndam as my favorite..

[kelmac]

For HAL ships (thus far):

#1 Maasdam
#2 Volendam
#3 Westerdam
#4 Zuiderdam
#5 Veendam

Celebrity is still our cruise line of choice, but we will cruise many more Holland American ships!:) Damright!

Kel

[Florida Lady]

1. Prinsendam
2. Maasdam
3. Amsterdam
4. Volendam
5. Noordam (old)

I dislike the Vista Class ships because of their interior design. This is my own opinion after sailing on the Zuiderdam and Oosterdam.

[SeaRay48]

1. Zuiderdam

2. USS Independence CVA 62 on a 9 month Mediterranean Cruise. Although I did not have a Veranda Suite and never did find the Pinnacle Grill or the Spa:rolleyes: .

[Jade13]

Veendam

[dakrewser]

I have to agree, Why are so many so dead set against the Vista Class yet my bets is they have never set foot on one? Is it just a preconceived idea that they are sure they will hate them?

As William James said: "A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices." ;)

While Prinsendam remains my #1 choice, I'd pick Oosterdam as #2. The top 5, in face, would be:

1) Prinsendam
2) Oosterdam
3) Renaissance R7
4) Renaissance R2
5) Nieuw Amsterdam

[The Tsar]

JUST Curious......

Have you actually been aboard a Vista? Seen one? Viewed the gorgeous Noordam? Of course it's your choice whether you wish to sail one or not.....but I do wonder if you dislike them so strongly sight unseen?

Thanks if you care to comment.......certainly no need to. :)





We had sailed on the Zunderdam during it's maiden Caribbean voyage and again recently on it's repositioning cruise from San Francisco via the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale. We have also been on the Oosterdam.

We do not like the layout of the Vista Class Ships - The Lido (Too main separate stations one must negotiate each meal), main Dining Room (Lack of separate tables for two - most are stacked on top of a table for four AND overworked staff have more tables, therefore less attention to each passenger) and finally and mainly the lack of a dedicated Movie Theatre (The Bar that they show the movies in is small, and extremely uncomfortable and difficult to see the movie). We had a Suite on our last 18 day cruise, and the voyage/service was outstanding as always.

Since the 80's we have been on sixteen or seventeen HAL cruises and only take the Vista Class ships when absolutely necessary - Location/Itinerary.

[sail7seas]

Glad to hear you've tried them and judge from first hand experience. :)

There certainly are others who agree with you.

[Willsot]

I think that the rather large variety in "favorites" speaks well for HAL.
We have enjoyed all of the HAL ships that we have sailed. I personally happen to favor R-class over the Vista-class, but have had positive experiences on both.

[caribbean girl]

:) :rolleyes: Caribbean Girl,


I really wish I could help you re: The H cabins but I've never seen one. If you think of any other Maasdam ??, hopefully I can be of more help than on this question.

Maasdam is such a beautifully elegant ship IMO with an amazing crew. We simply cannot get enough of sailing her. The feeling we get when we cross the gangway at the start of each Maasdam cruise is not describable. We know we are 'home'. She never disappoints.




Thanks for the response. I suspected you might not have much to say about the 'cheap seats':rolleyes: we're looking at. We were on Maasdam a couple of years ago but not in this cat. cabin. I appreciate your offer re: other questions, though, since you seem to be the resident authority.:)

[ElizabethxoNoel]

NOORDAM! :)

The Noordam was beatiful and her crew was amazing. I loved every part of it. I've sailed on the Veendam, Ryndam, Oosterdam, and Maasdam. They were great, but no ship will ever compare to the Noordam. I am officially part of the fan club! :D

[serendipity1499]

I have to agree, Why are so many so dead set against the Vista Class yet my bets is they have never set foot on one? Is it just a preconceived idea that they are sure they will hate them? While I really like both the S and R class ship and would probably love the Prinsendam I really like the Vista Class especially the Oosterdam. The Oosterdam was not our first Vista Class ship but the minute we walked on board we just felt that "at home feeling" I really think that many of you who have nevered tried a Vista Class ship should, you might be very surprised.;) The Plummer said it best:)

Sorry but you lose your Bet! Why would you assume that those of us who state we do not like the Vista Ships have never been aboard one, and have pre-conceived ideas? This statement is pre-conceived! We've been on 6 HAL ships & still enjoy the smaller ones..

Did a Trans Atlantic on the Westerdam in 2004 & although we've never had a bad cruise, the service was not up to par.. Of all our cruises, the service on the Westerdam was not consistant with the Normal HAL excellent service..

Six of us were at the 8: P.M. upper seating, at a table against the rail.. It was so crowded that the Waiters could not get behind us to serve the meals & clear away our dishes.. In order to get into our seats we had to ask the people at the table next to us to pull in so we could get by them..The staff was over worked & it was a long time between courses...The 8:30 seating in the lower dining room were served & finished dinner before us..The service was awful ! After five days of such poor service, we all requested to be moved to lower 8:30 seating..The Matre d' was delighted to move us..The six of us had a table for eight..We then had the wonderful HAL service that we've always had...

In addition when it came time for disembark in ports it was over whelming..Could not stand the crowds of pushy people who would not let us get back to our cabins & blocked the stairwells when disembarking...Our final disembarkation in FLL was horrendous! It took the six of us several hours to find all of our bags...They were all over the place..

We all said that 1800 plus psgrs is too many for us!:(

Betty

[Copper10-8]

.........In addition when it came time for disembark in ports it was over whelming..Could not stand the crowds of pushy people who would not let us get back to our cabins & blocked the stairwells when disembarking...Our final disembarkation in FLL was horrendous! It took the six of us several hours to find all of our bags...They were all over the place..

We all said that 1800 plus psgrs is too many for us!:(

Betty

We had that same "spectacle":rolleyes: on Ryndam a couple of weeks ago, despite several P.A. announcements from the C/D not to do it. Why do some people think that by "camping" out in the area in front of the gangway and on the adjoining stairwells on disembarkation day, they will get off the ship faster?

[Crazy]

Amsterdam -- but I am really looking forward to my 2008 cruise abroad the new Eurodam.

[corkyhead]

Beside size waht is the difference between the Vista Class ships and say the Statendam. I noticed most of you picked the Vista Class ships..

Corkyhead

[CruiseJude]

Our Favorite:

NOORDAM (beautiful ship/wonderful crew) :)

Followed by a close second place ...

Maasdam

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sorry but you lose your Bet! Why would you assume that those of us who state we do not like the Vista Ships have never been aboard one, and have pre-conceived ideas? This statement is pre-conceived! We've been on 6 HAL ships & still enjoy the smaller ones..


My assumption is based on numerous comments made daily on this board not just on this thread, of those that absolutely do not want to be on LARGE ships. On this thread alone I found a possible 3 to 4 that have never actually sailed on a Vista but are sure they hate them. One postered admitted he had only seen this ship and it was too big. Also I was not the only one who posted here that noticed this as well.

I have to agree with John, some of the worst crowds and crowd problems I have had were on the S class ships. The worst is getting into dinner unless you want to go late and then waiting to get off the ship in port. I have yet to have any crowd problems on a Vista Class ship.

But Betty in all fairness I think this discussion needs to be dropped this thread was not started to be a "My ship is better than your ship" type of thread. If someone is convinced they do not like something in most cases they will not.

[RevNeal]

I've answered this kind of question before on a different thread (about half a month back). On reviewing that response, I find my rankings and reasoning unchanged. Personally, I rank those ships I've cruised aboard as follows (in order of preference):

Volendam - R (Gotta lover her flower theme, and the Warp Core in the Atrium is groovy!)
Statendam - S (ADORE her smaller size and Van Gogh Starry Night motif)
Noordam - Vista (No remark needed ... oh, heck, I'll say it ... she's grand)
Ryndam - S (I love her relaxing color scheme)
Maasdam - S (Her green DNA in the Atrium isn't as pretty as the fountains aboard the Ryndam and Statendam)
Zaandam - R (I rank her this low only because I don't like the Atrium Organ, otherwise she'd be ahead of the Maasdam)
Oosterdam - Vista (She's great, but some ship has to be second-to-last)
Westerdam - Vista (I don't dislike her ... it's just that some ship has to be last)

For me, the differences in preference often have more to do with issues of decor than size. In terms of size I prefer the Rs, in terms of passenger numbers I prefer the S ships, in terms of logistics relative to public deck layouts I prefer the Vistas. On ALL the Damships I've found the gracious service I've come to expect from HAL, though I must say that the crews on the Noordam and the Volendam were always an extra treat.

Oh, heck, any Damship will do!!!!!

[middle-aged mom]

1. Zuiderdam

2. USS Independence CVA 62 on a 9 month Mediterranean Cruise. Although I did not have a Veranda Suite and never did find the Pinnacle Grill or the Spa:rolleyes: .


I like SeaRay's response!!:D

As for me:

I've sailed Zaandam and Amsterdam, they're very refined,
Part of the "R" class, they're two of a kind;
I'll be cruising on Noordam, she's new and she's grand,
She's taking me up to see the "Great Land"!

G-d willing, I hope that one day I will be
Upon every HAL ship that cruises the sea!

Here a ship, there a ship,
Get me on a "dam" ship!:)

[localady]

I like SeaRay's response!!:D

As for me:

I've sailed Zaandam and Amsterdam, they're very refined,
Part of the "R" class, they're two of a kind;
I'll be cruising on Noordam, she's new and she's grand,
She's taking me up to see the "Great Land"!

G-d willing, I hope that one day I will be
Upon every HAL ship that cruises the sea!

Here a ship, there a ship,
Get me on a "dam" ship!:)

Karin-
You are quite a poet,
don't ya know it????:D

Wonder if HAL has an opening for that???? :cool:

[serendipity1499]

We had that same "spectacle":rolleyes: on Ryndam a couple of weeks ago, despite several P.A. announcements from the C/D not to do it. Why do some people think that by "camping" out in the area in front of the gangway and on the adjoining stairwells on disembarkation day, they will get off the ship faster?

John I agree that always seems to happen on final disembarkation on all ships..

However, as we only book outside cabins mid-ship..All of our cabins have been either on Dolphin or Main Deck..When you have large groups of pushy passengers on the Vista ships who insist on being the first ones off the ship in every port, it can be very uncomfortable for those of us who would just like to go to our cabins after breakfast & disembark later..In addition you have those who are on tours who insist on waiting in the stairwells until their color is called...This happened to us on the Westerdam constantly..I had one man put his arm out to block me after I politely said, "please excuse me I just want to get back to my cabin" when I tried to get through the crowds on the stairwells..We could not use the elevators & had to walk down those staircases with people sitting & standing on them & refusing to allow us to get by..We rarely book ships tours & either hire cabs or book through a local agent..This allows us to disembark the ship later than most..There is also a big difference between 1200 people & 1800 trying to disembark in port..

And Lisa I agree with you that this thread is not about "My ship is better than yours", however I only took you up on your bet & replied to your Question..
Quote Why are so many so dead set against the Vista Class yet my bets is they have never set foot on one? Is it just a preconceived idea that they are sure they will hate them? Unquote

I would never presume to question your love of the Oosterdam or Sail's love of the Noordam & respect both of your opinions.. However, I do resent the fact that you questioned our opinions & erroneously assumed that most of us had never been on a vista ship & asked if we had a pre-conceived idea about them...:( Assumptions are rarely based on fact..

Of my 13 cruises (not all on HAL) still do not enjoy the larger ships as much as we enjoy the smaller ships..

Betty:)

P.S. However if the price was right, & the itinerary was interesting I would never say "Never Agin"..Might even like to try the new Noordam & see what all the hype is about! LOL

[ejbmorr]

JUST Curious......

Have you actually been aboard a Vista? Seen one? Viewed the gorgeous Noordam? Of course it's your choice whether you wish to sail one or not.....but I do wonder if you dislike them so strongly sight unseen?

Thanks if you care to comment.......certainly no need to. :)




I couldn't quite decide if this was an open question or if there is a poster called "Just Curious". In case it is asked of other above posters I am including our reply.
Yes, we have sailed on the Oosterdam, on the third of its inaugural year cruises to the Mediterranean and then on the Maiden cruise of the Noordam. Both cruises on both beautiful Vista class ships were wonderful, as are most cruises on most ships.
In answer to the OP's question though, our FAVORITE Holland America ship continues to be the Rotterdam VI.
Isn't it great that everyone does not choose the same ship as his/her favorite. That would be one crowded cruise ship!

[mamaofami]

"Isn't it great that everyone does not choose the same ship as his/her favorite. That would be one crowded cruise ship!"

Isn't that the truth. Just wondering. For those of you who picked the Prinsendam,I know she is smaller but what makes her so special?

[serendipity1499]

"Isn't it great that everyone does not choose the same ship as his/her favorite. That would be one crowded cruise ship!"

Isn't that the truth. Just wondering. For those of you who picked the Prinsendam,I know she is smaller but what makes her so special?

How right you are! Why is it my favorite ship? The Prinsendam reminds me of an elegant old European Hotel & is designed for the longer ocean-going cruises.

The walk in-closets & the storage space in our Outside cabin was amazing! This ship does the more exotic itineraries & can get into some of the off-beat ports that other larger ships can't do... The ship is only 673 ft. feet & carries 793 passengers & a crew of 443..Most of the passengers were repeat HAL cruisers & they all were very well traveled and refined.. Never saw or heard anyone treating the staff or their fellow passengers rudely..

The entire staff is very friendly & anticipated our needs..I believe they have the cream of the crop on the Prinsendam..We were made to feel very special..We had the best dining room service of any HAL cruise..It reminded us of our first cruise on another line, way back in the '70's.. The staff seemed happy & you could tell they were thrilled to be on the "Elegant Explorer"..

Capt. Christopher Turner was friendly with both passengers & crew...Even the Salon staff (Steiners) mentioned that our Capt. made everyone feel as if they were part of his family.. Had my nails & hair done several times & was never pressured to purchase anything in the salon! Did not use the self service laundry, but it was nice knowing it was there in case of emergency...We made use of the ships laundry for $12.00 a bag several times..

There was only one mid-day announcement when both the Capt. & Peter (the CD) gave us a quick run down of the heading, weather, sea conditions & daily activities... We especially enjoyed the lecture series about the Amazon..Christine, the delightful Hostess, often conducted small intimate interviews in the Explorers lounge with Lecturers & individual performers.. Everyone enjoyed Peter's interview with Capt.Turner, in the Queens lounge.. All the seats in the Queens Lounge are good ones..We also enjoyed Peter's (sometimes corny) stories &/or jokes every night..LOL..The photographers never pressured us to have pictures taken..Thank goodness!:)

The disembarkation in all Ports, as well as FLL was handled in an efficient & timely manner...

I've probably left something out..The wonderful stories told by Grumpy & Slinkie (last year) & Arzz (in Jan or Feb, 2007) say it much better than I ever could..

That's it in a nutshell.;) ..LOL Betty

[arzz]

Understated elegance is a big part of what makes Prinsendam so special -- also she has a truly fantastic crew. The atmosphere on board is not one that centers around pressure to indulge in all things "with extra charge" -- but rather one that says, "this is your home and this is what we have for you to choose from to do today."

On our recent cruise we received very little of the nightly piles of "paper" advertising the art auctions, the spa, the casino, the culinary arts classes, bingo, dinner at the Pinnacle Grill, etc. There was typically just one sheet tucked in to the daily program. What a relief that was, and it certainly reduced the amount of paper that needed to be recycled. The intercom was used once a day for the report from the bridge. There was no "hawking" of daily bingo, etc. It was assumed that we had all received our daily programs and that we could all read and budget our time and go where we choose, when and if we chose to go. The only time the intercom was used to advertise daily events was when there was a significant change in what was planned as well as the couple of days that we had on our cruise when the daily program was not printed.

The intercom in selected public spaces (Crow's Nest and outside decks) was used by our naturalist guide as we moved through the Chilean Fjiords and Antarctica. We also had great speakers in the Explorations Series.

The public spaces on the Prinsendam are delightful and beautiful and she has an excellent collection of art, sculpture and photos that are found all over the ship. The vases were filled with exquisite fresh flower arrangements. And then, there are the really special and unique places on board, like the Pinnacle Grill.

And, I cannot leave this without praising the walk in closets on board. We were in a dolphin deck outside cabin, nothing fancy -- but that walk in closet, once it was provided with enough hangers, easily stashed all that we had brought with us for our full 24 days (including gear for tropical through Antarctic weather) on board. Though the total cabin area is a little smaller than on the other HAL ships that closet and the shelving unit in the corner made our space not only livable but not claustrophobic for our long cruise. And I truly appreciate the cabin furniture arrangement with the couch on the wall by the window so that we could sit in the cabin and appreciate the view during the day without having to climb on or over a bed that is set just under the windows. What is up with that arrangement anyway?

The ship is large enough to have a wide variety of people on board but small enough for both passengers and crew to get to know each other.

I hope this helps.

[bob brown]

Of the HAL ships I've sailed:
Rotterdam (twice)
Noordam
Ryndam
I especially liked the layout and the higher speed capability of the Rotterdam.
I liked the great cruise staff and the Signature of Excellence features on the Noordam.
I liked the smaller passenger load on the Ryndam.
Next I'll try the Maasdam, which should be similar to the Ryndam.

[dakrewser]

Simply put, the Prinsendam represents everything that's right about Holland-America and nothing that is wrong.

It's not for everyone, of course. It's a laid-back traditional ship with fascinating itineraries and a fantastic crew.

I've not sailed Windstar, but I expect their ships & cruises to be similar to Prinsendam.

The Prinsendam has none of the forced joviality of Carnival/NCL, none of the faux elegance of Celebrity, none of the stuffy atmosphere of Crystal or Seabourn.

It simply is the finest, most memorable cruising experience for those of us who enjoy cruising.

[Willem Ruys]

easy one... the beautiful and elegant msMAASDAM:D

and in second place the beautiful and elegant msSTATENDAM

and third...the beautiful and elegant msROTTERDAM

but after sailing in 98 different ships, of which I worked in 14, my all time FAVORITE ship is the t/nCRISTOFORO COLOMBO

[cruznon]

Oosterdam's my favorite!

[LHC]

I love the size and feel of the Volendam. To me this size ship is perfect. All the HAL ships are beautiful to the eye, clean, well maintained and the crews do an outstanding job of making people comfortable.
Linda

[Palms2Pines2Sea]

As Brian stated previously, one's love affair with Prinsendam begins at first sight. From a distance, and from right alongside, she looks like a very sea-worthy ship, and not like a floating resort hotel.
That impression is reinforced once onboard, where the nautical feel is brilliantly carried out in the public spaces, and in the choices that were made in her interior design.
HAL's crew is superior on all the ships, and I suspect it is the marvelous care that we are all given as HAL passengers on any of her ships that keeps us loyal. But Prinsendam, now there's a real ship!

[Cruising-along]

1. Amsterdam
2. Rotterdam
(so far.......really looking forward to sailing on the Prinsendam next year) :D

[amusea]

I sailed the Prinsendam when it was the Royal Viking Sun. I think the ship is the perfect size. It handles the seas well and still has an intimate feel. The biggest thing that changed when it went to HAL was the one seating at dinner was eliminated.
Ships this size including the Oceania ships are really my personal choice. But I think the Prinsendam is more seaworthy since it was built for world cruises.
By the way, the walk-in closet in the standard OS cabins has a mirror image in the large bathroom. They are side by side. It does reduce the size of the cabin somewhat but the cabin is so well laid out that it is of little consequence.
I also like the location of the cabin door. Each two cabins has a small entrance foyer off the main corridor. I wonder why that design has not been duplicated on more ships. I know that some QE2 cabins also have that feature. I guess it is "wasted space".

[ejbmorr]

Amusea-
Do I remember correctly that the "foyer" area also had a door? I think once we were on either the QE II or the RV Sun and had two adjacent cabins. This feature made it very nice as we could keep the door directly onto the main hall closed and the two inner ones open and then close the doors into the actual cabins at night, as well as the door on the corridor.
You brought back a memory that had been filed in the "inactive folder"! Thanks. EM

[LindaRH]

I have to admit...I loved most of the HAL ships in one way or another. The Zaandam was one of my favorites. We've been on her twice. Before and after they renovated her. Both times were great! We did a full-transit through the canal with the Zaandam. I'll do it again in a heartbeat!

We also liked the Oosterdam..however we prefer the smaller intimate ships.

Another favorite is the old Noordam. We miss her terribly :( . But we will be on the new Noordam later this month. I know she is not the same as the old....much, much bigger. More like the Oosterdam. But we will love her just the same.

We like all the ships for different reasons.

[tim agg]

If time spent on board is indicative, then Veendam wins for us - with over 40 days aboard and ten more coming soon; followed by Ryndam, then Zuiderdam and Zaandam. We also have fond memories of the old Rotterdam, Noordam and Westerdam.

[boards]

So far we has cruised on four of the Hal ships and they all are our favourties. I hope to try the Rotterdam next year.