Noordam or Explorer - Will we get disapointed?

[P0077mhg]

Last February we took a short cruise with Royal Carribeans Enchantment of the Seas. It was our first real cruise - and it was the best vacation we´ve ever had! Not that we can really afford it, but we just have to go again this February. This time we´ll start in New York, since it´s much cheaper to fly there from Europe, compared to Florida. And going from snowy Scandinavia, through New York, slowly getting closer to the warm breezes of the Carribean... That´s what we need, to suvive another winter.

Now the questions: Explorer of the Seas - or Noordam? Do we dare to change to HAL, when we found RCC so wonderful? The cruise with Noordam is less expensive and the dates more accurate, but....?

We are two adults and one child, 10 years old. Will there be more children on board or are the guests at HAL still mostly elderly? An inside cabin is perfect for us (we don´t spend much time there, and preffer to put oru money on other things), but it´s confusing not really knowing what you pay for: "large or standard" are put together in the same category? You always want to get as much value as possible, don´t you? ;-)

And we really appreciated the old fashion way of having dinner at the same time every day, getting to know the staff and being greeted by name. Not to mention the formal nights! In Sweden there is really no opportunities to wear a tuxedo (it´s not worn at weddings) but I really like to do it - and so does my son, who will get his own. Is Noordam the right ship för us?

[hammybee]

When in February were you thinking of cruising? If it's around the middle of the month, your sail will coincide with a holiday time for many school-aged children on the East coast. If it's anything like last year, any ships sailing from the NYC area at this time is apt to be overwhelmed with children. And HAl is no different.

Both the Noordam and Explorer sails have two back to back sea days on the front end and back end of the cruise. Some or all of these days are apt to be too cold for most outside activities, which may mean children are apt to become bored. And when there are hundreds of bored kidson your cruise, you will notice.

Given the potential indoor nature of a portion of this cruise, I think your child might enjoy the Explorer more cause there are a lot of gimicks, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, in-line skating rink, full size basketball court and on and on. If your child is happy, you are apt to have a better experience.

Regardless of which you choose, both cruis lines have formal nights and you and your family and tuxes will fit right in.

[dianancolin]

We have taken grandchildren from age 4 up to age 15 at various times on various cruises. Explorer would be our preferred choice every time with kids over HAL. The RCI Voyager class are HUGE ships but they have lots of choices for kids of all ages (even us who will not grow up!). Noordam (other than school holiday time) may be a bit daunting for your 10 year old. Much as we love HAL- there is really no competition to RCI for kids (Disney is great but way too expensive). You will be able to wear the tux on either cruise but a happy kid is a happy parent and RCI will make yours happy!:)

By the way Explorer is WAY larger than Enchantment

[Charliesmom]

My SIL, BIL and their 10 year old grandchild were on a cruise this summer on Explorer of the Seas. They chose it because they had had a wonderful prior experience on a RCI ship in the past. After this cruise, they will NOT be using RCI again.

They said the ship was run down, that the food was terrible and that the service was pretty bad. They always travel in a suite. One would expect that the top paying passengers would expect top-rated service. Apparently, they didn't get it.

Unless you cannot fly, I would avoid the North Atlantic in winter. Last year, they were on the Norwegian Dawn and encountered 20-foot seas for 3 days going and 3 days returning. They don't like to fly to reach the ship, but will never leave New York on a ship in the winter again.

Admittedly, these opinions are second-hand. Since they love cruising (they are currently on the Island Princess to Alaska on b2b cruises, and have had many wonderful experiences on a variety of lines, I think their take is pretty accurate.

Roberta

[CruiseJude]

[quote=Charliesmom;11120608]My SIL, BIL and their 10 year old grandchild were on a cruise this summer on Explorer of the Seas. They chose it because they had had a wonderful prior experience on a RCI ship in the past. After this cruise, they will NOT be using RCI again.

They said the ship was run down, that the food was terrible and that the service was pretty bad. They always travel in a suite. One would expect that the top paying passengers would expect top-rated service. Apparently, they didn't get it.



Uh oh - this is scary because we are trying the Explorer after two Noordam cruises last year. We've heard all good things about Explorer, but this doesn't sound too good!!

Anyway, our seven-year old (six at the time of both cruises) really enjoyed what was offered in Noordam's Club HAL. On cooler days at the beginning and end of the cruise, Club HAL stepped up the programming inside and kept the kids busy. Also, don't forget the retractable roof over the Lido Pool. When it was cooler outside, lots of people were swimming there.

[hammybee]

[quote=CruiseJude;11128547



On cooler days at the beginning and end of the cruise, Club HAL stepped up the programming inside and kept the kids busy. Also, don't forget the retractable roof over the Lido Pool. When it was cooler outside, lots of people were swimming there.[/quote]

Good catch. I forgot about the retractable roof thing. Clearly this is where the action was for 400+ kids on the 2007 President's Week cruise. Some though Club HAL did a great job and other thought the opposite.

I would not be too concerned that someone had a bad cruise on any cruise line. It happens. No two passengers have the same experience on the same cruise. One will love the food and service. Another will not. Both of them are right as it relates to their expectations.

[grandsix]

[quote=Charliesmom;11120608]My SIL, BIL and their 10 year old grandchild were on a cruise this summer on Explorer of the Seas. They chose it because they had had a wonderful prior experience on a RCI ship in the past. After this cruise, they will NOT be using RCI again.

They said the ship was run down, that the food was terrible and that the service was pretty bad. They always travel in a suite. One would expect that the top paying passengers would expect top-rated service. Apparently, they didn't get it.



Uh oh - this is scary because we are trying the Explorer after two Noordam cruises last year. We've heard all good things about Explorer, but this doesn't sound too good!!

Anyway, our seven-year old (six at the time of both cruises) really enjoyed what was offered in Noordam's Club HAL. On cooler days at the beginning and end of the cruise, Club HAL stepped up the programming inside and kept the kids busy. Also, don't forget the retractable roof over the Lido Pool. When it was cooler outside, lots of people were swimming there.

Let us first say that between 2006 & 2007 we will have travelled both the Noordam and Explorer multiple times and have fully enjoyed both ships. The Noordam being a little more reserved. We believe when you are on the Explorer you will find the ship to be in wonderful condition. Your friends may have had a bad experience which can happen on any given cruise,

[angela256z]

Last February we took a short cruise with Royal Carribeans Enchantment of the Seas. It was our first real cruise - and it was the best vacation we´ve ever had! Not that we can really afford it, but we just have to go again this February. This time we´ll start in New York, since it´s much cheaper to fly there from Europe, compared to Florida. And going from snowy Scandinavia, through New York, slowly getting closer to the warm breezes of the Carribean... That´s what we need, to suvive another winter.

Now the questions: Explorer of the Seas - or Noordam? Do we dare to change to HAL, when we found RCC so wonderful? The cruise with Noordam is less expensive and the dates more accurate, but....?

We are two adults and one child, 10 years old. Will there be more children on board or are the guests at HAL still mostly elderly? An inside cabin is perfect for us (we don´t spend much time there, and preffer to put oru money on other things), but it´s confusing not really knowing what you pay for: "large or standard" are put together in the same category? You always want to get as much value as possible, don´t you? ;-)

And we really appreciated the old fashion way of having dinner at the same time every day, getting to know the staff and being greeted by name. Not to mention the formal nights! In Sweden there is really no opportunities to wear a tuxedo (it´s not worn at weddings) but I really like to do it - and so does my son, who will get his own. Is Noordam the right ship för us?

If you Choose to sail with Holland America Line take the Noordam on 2/16 - there are currently 126 children booked on that cruise. The one before and after are below 20 children booked at this time. You can call Holland America Line and get an update on the amount of children booked. Holland America Line also allows you to book the old fashion dining where you dine the same time every night or As you Wish. It is an option you don't have to take the As you wish dining. There are also 3 formal nights on that cruise. Many people dress up. I have seen this ship it is very nice. I would say at least 3/4 of the ship dress up on the formal nights. On my two cruises the staff remembered me the whole trip. I ended up taking the Oosterdam twice and the staff remembered me six months later. Also if you want a large cabin inside you need to book a room number that starts with the number 1. Inside cabins on the 1st deck are over 200 sqft. any other deck and they are less than 170 sqft. I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask me any questions. I am not trying to discourage you from RCCL. I personally have not sailed, but you seem to like them. I hope that this infomration helps you make a decision. Also the Noordam is a new ship that came out in 2006. Some people will confuse it with the OLD Noordam which was very old. I think you will really like the decor and stuff. I did. Also your child will have access to clubHAL all day on sea days and afternoon and evenings on port days. I never saw my younger brother wthe whole trip (yeah for me) he had a great time!

[Lynne Myrna]

I think that the Noordam is a good choice. You can't beat the service you get on this ship. It's smaller then Explorer of the Seas. We had been on the Mariner, & I believe it's the same type of ship. I'm sure that your child will be happy, if you read some of the past threads, club HAL does a pretty good job. Mariner & Explorer are big ships with over 3,000 pax, Noordam is a beautiful vessel with less pax, the service you get is great. Whatever your choice, wishing you a wonderful cruise:)

Lynne:)

[Mr Veendam06]

Well both are great ships !! I spend a day on the Nordam last Nov. And like it alot .Been on 67 cruises and heading out next week doing back to back cruise on the Majesty of the seas a 4 day cruise ,then the new Liberty of the seas doing a 7 day cruise !! I am also booked on the Explorer of the seas 2/24/08 a 12 day cruise from Cap Liberty !! The food will be better on the Nordam .But i think for the 10 year old no ?? about it the Explorer will be so much better !! Just more things to do ..Now if it was just you and your wife .I may take the Nordam ! Been on RCCI 7 times HAL 5 times . We like HAL the best .We have 2 teen boys .That where on HAL when they were youger .But i wouldn"t take them on HAL now .Not much for them to do .Where the Explorer offers alot for them to do .Anyway to each his own !! I don"t thing you could go wrong with either ship !!
Mr Veendam

[P0077mhg]

Many thanks for your replies! Right now we are going for HAL, for two reasons: the price is better and the whole family likes a more "distinguished atmosphere".... But what really concerns me is that the sea might get ruff in February? None of us likes that! Perhaps it´s better to fly to Miami and start the cruise there, despite more expensive flights? Freedom of the Seas for 7 nights? Even though I find planning a vacation being "half the fun", there are just to many options... :confused:

[hammybee]

Many thanks for your replies! Right now we are going for HAL, for two reasons: the price is better and the whole family likes a more "distinguished atmosphere".... But what really concerns me is that the sea might get ruff in February? None of us likes that! Perhaps it´s better to fly to Miami and start the cruise there, despite more expensive flights? Freedom of the Seas for 7 nights? Even though I find planning a vacation being "half the fun", there are just to many options... :confused:

Just curious, when in February are you planning to sail?

You can run into rough seas anytime of year, regardlesof cruise line. February is more likely to be rough, than not.

[angela256z]

Many thanks for your replies! Right now we are going for HAL, for two reasons: the price is better and the whole family likes a more "distinguished atmosphere".... But what really concerns me is that the sea might get ruff in February? None of us likes that! Perhaps it´s better to fly to Miami and start the cruise there, despite more expensive flights? Freedom of the Seas for 7 nights? Even though I find planning a vacation being "half the fun", there are just to many options... :confused:

Poo77 - Take the 2/16 cruise. There are lots of kids and you will have fun. It someone in the family has become seasick in the past bring the little patches or the writst bands. The Atlantic Coast is nothing like the Pacific Coast. You may get the first night out and the last night back a little rough if there is a storm, but the rest of the trip will be worth the time and money.

[P0077mhg]

Feb 16.

[angela256z]

Feb 16.

Yes take that one. There is more than 120 kids already booked on that trip.

[TedC]

Wise Choice - HAL is far superior to RCI IMO!

[Jade13]

That is Presidents week when a lot of children on the East Coast are on vacation. I think this was the shp with 400 children this past February?

Thee should be plenty of children activites.

we will be on this ship next summer.

[sixbirches]

In the past year, we sailed both the Noordam (April) and just two weeks ago, Explorer. Both cruises had similiar 10 day, Caribbean itineraries. I would absolutely recommend the Noordam over the Explorer. The service and friendliness of the staff, the food and general personality of the Noordam far exceeds the Explorer. Noordam is simply a beautiful, elegant, classy ship. Explorer needs some TLC.
There were many happy children on both cruises. But in February, you will really appreciate that the main pool on the Noordam has a retractable roof, which you won't find on the Explorer. Also, the other adult facilities - spa, workout center, etc... were much nicer on Noordam. It also has a great promenade deck that circles the entire ship, which you cannot find on Noordam.
Additionally, we paid about the same amount for each cruise, but we were able to get a mini-suite on Noordam for the same cost as a balcony on Explorer. I would call that a huge difference.
Given a choice - Noordam, without a doubt.

Have fun!! :)

[sixbirches]

Small mistake. The Noordam has the retractable roof on the main pool. Sorry about that mistake....

[sixbirches]

And the Noordam has the promenade deck. Too many distractions for me tonight while typing. Sorry.

[sixbirches]

And the Noordam has the promenade deck. Too many distractions for me tonight while typing. Sorry.

[MacD]

Hi.


I can not speak for RCCL but I sure can speak for HAL. Also travelling from Europe to NYC to join Jan last we had an absolutely fabulous cruise on the Noordam & hopefully will repeat the same for next year. We can not speak highly enough of HAL. The ship the food the crew the cabin's all were top notch. Whichever order you place them. Sure it is the Atlantic in mid-winter & you may get the odd bouncy day, but it's all worth it. We had previously sailed on the Norwegian Dawn from NYC & whilst it was quite enjoyable it was not a patch on HAL & the Noordam. My advice to anybody considering taking the Noordam is don't hesitate!!!!!!!!!! If you do go ahead & book I would like to wish you all a wonderful cruise!!!!!!! :)

[P0077mhg]

I´ve been away from the board for a while, but thank´s again for your replies! We have booked Noordam Feb 16 from NYC. We like children, and it´s nice for our son to meet new friends (he is good at that, even though he, of course, doesn´t speak much english). I´m a little curoius: It´s President´s week - but that only means one extra day off from school, or am I wrong? How come there are so many children expected - on an 11 days cruise...?

[RuthC]

I´m a little curoius: It´s President´s week - but that only means one extra day off from school, or am I wrong? How come there are so many children expected - on an 11 days cruise...?
In the Northeast the schools take Winter vacation the week of that holiday. Some parents take their kids out of school for the extra days to take the cruise.

[firstprincesscruise]

I was thinking about booking the Noordam November 19-29, 2008. This is the Thanksgiving cruise. I also have a 6 year old. Will there be enough kids on this cruise to keep her busy? We were on The Caribbean Princess last year and my daughter had a ball. I really want to make sure if we pick this cruise she has a great time. She is really looking forward to it. Also are the seas rough in November from New York? Thank you for any help.

[O2B@C]

... We have booked Noordam Feb 16 from NYC. We like children, and it´s nice for our son to meet new friends (he is good at that, even though he, of course, doesn´t speak much english) ...

In my experience, children who are raised in Europe are often more - how shall I put this? - let's say, "well-mannered" :rolleyes: than American children. The fact that your son actually looks forward to dressing in a tux for dinner leads me to believe that he may be more typical of a European child than an American one.

I think you've made the right choice to go with HAL, but you should be aware that some (not all) American parents - even those who cruise on HAL - don't always supervise their children adequately or educate them well about correct behavior in public places. I hope the American children on your cruise will emulate your son, rather than vice versa. Still, you may want to keep an eye on him when he's not in the formal Club HAL program, just to make sure your good work in raising him doesn't get undercut by his new friends! On the other hand, the experience will undoubtedly be an excellent way for him to practice his English - I just hope he doesn't learn too many of the wrong sort of words!:D

No flames, please, folks - I'm American, I have two wonderful grown children, and I know I'm overgeneralizing. But I also read the thread about last year's President's Week Noordam cruise, and I wasn't sure a Swedish parent would be prepared for that unless forewarned.