Ryndam Questions

[Hobbsey]

Hi

We are considering an 8 day cruise from San Diego to Mexico for next April.

1. Is the Culinary Demo room used much on this cruise?

2. How ofter is there something going on in the Wine Tasting room?

3. Can anyone give me some comparisons between this ship (and it's ambiance) to either the Maasdam or the OLD Westerdam?

4. Can anyone tell me what is is like staying in a standard OV on the promenade deck? Is there much noise or intrusion from those strolling or lounging right outside?

thx

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed quite a few times on the Ryndam - another cruise coming up soon.

JMO - but we like the Ryndam very much - she is just the same as the Maasdam. The Old Westerdam is in a class of itself.

Have never stayed in an OV.

When the new wine tasting bar first opened up, you were able to go and order wines for dinner there. There were wone tastings for fees as well - in other words you could sample several wines for a set price. haven't seen that offered too much any more.

The Wajang Theatre is also the Culinary Arts Center. Movies are shown here as well as a free cooking demonstration. The pay for cooking classes are also held here. And on port days this room is also used sometimes for tender tickets and/or for tours to meet -- all depends on the schedule.

[Hobbsey]

Thx for the info KK. As far as cooking demos go, can one count on them being offered on each cruise? If so, it's a big plus for my wife.

OV = Ocean view. What catagory do you normally choose? I can't get over the big price difference between veranda and standard cabin on this cruise so will settle lower for the difference in cost.

Our favorite HAL crusie was on the old Westerdam. I just loved her. The Maasdam was very good too but I felt some the color schemes were kinda boring and the service staff was just not as personable. I have toured the Veendam and really visually prefered her. I notice that Ryndam and Statendam have slightly more GRT than Maasdam and Veendam. Any thoughts on why?

[RuthC]

4. Can anyone tell me what is is like staying in a standard OV on the promenade deck? Is there much noise or intrusion from those strolling or lounging right outside?
I've been in outside cabins on the Veendam and Rotterdam. The outsides on Lower Promenade are smaller than the outsides on the other decks---not by too much, but it is noticible. Only you can decide if the convenience of having the largest veranda on the ship just steps away is worth it.
I never was bothered by any noise, the night lights, even people attempting to peer in when I stayed there. I would happily stay in such cabin again anytime. :)

[Hobbsey]

Thanks for the info on the Prom. Deck cabins. I hadn't realized they'd me smaller. That's not a big deal to us but for my wife expecially noise can be an issue.

I've almost decided that for the price difference I might even be willing to go to an inside cabin on one of the higher decks. Our experinece with inside is not the best but both times they were on older ships with tiny cabins; Norwegian Majesty and Seabreeze - may she rest in peace.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Every cruise will have a free cooking demostration - we love them. There are always 2 recipes and they will pass out samples of one of the recipes. The free demo is usually on the first sea day - it follows most times a tour of the kitchen. Classes are held later in the cruise - $29 per person - prepare a 3 course meal which you get to eat - classes are limited to 12 people. When you check in at the pier there should be pamphelt in your folder talking about both the demo and cooking class and when they will be held. If you are interested in the class, and some fill up quickly, you need to get to the front office as soon as you board the ship and sign up right away.

The reason why I know nothing about OV - we stay in Suites.

[camrosegirl]

I spent 2 weeks in cabin 303--it is an obstructed ocean view on lower promenade--on Ryndam this July to Alaska. The only down side was that the theater was right below so the nights of production shows I could hear music, but it was over by 10:30. I have booked the same cabin for Mexico this December as it is the lowest priced outside. I love being able to go out my cabin door and be on that lovely teak deck in under a minute!!

I had a wonderful time!

Happy sailing!

[mindydaile]

I too was on the Lower Prom. this summer in Alaska aboard the Ryndam in 417 (an inside) and I'd never choose to be anywhere else on the ship! Being just steps away from the wrap around deck is something I wouldn't give up, probably even for a balcony cabin (not that I could afford that anyway :D )

[RuthC]

I've almost decided that for the price difference I might even be willing to go to an inside cabin on one of the higher decks.
If you're not adverse to an inside, then go for the best of both worlds---an inside on Lower Promenade! You still have quick access to that large veranda, no noise from outside---plus the cabin is larger than the outsides on the same deck! :D

[camrosegirl]

Hi,

I did not mention that there was absolutely no noise from people on the lower promenade--I actually enjoyed looking out and seeing people walking by- some may not like that. An inside on that deck would be a good choice also. Of course I think that any cabin on the Ryndam or any "dam" ship is a good choice!!

Happy sailing!