Mexico: Ryndam or Oosterdam?

[brucory]

We loved the oosterdam in Alaska, but wondering if we should try the Ryndam for Mexico because of the extra ports, over choosing the oosterdam. Is there anyone out there that has done both the itineraries and can give us an idea if the longer cruise is worth it?

Thankyou in advance...:D :D :D

[gizmo]

I would go for the longer cruise. It looks like you are coming from Sydney. Seven days is too short. Go for the longer cruise.

What are the itineraries ?

[jtl513]

In my book longer is better too, and we like to try different ships. What did you think of the size of the Amsterdam compared to the Oosterdam? The Ryndam is smaller than the A'dam, so if you prefer the size of the O'dam you might not be happy on the R'dam.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have sailed on both ships.

Since you are traveling so far from Sydney, I would choose the longer cruise - Ryndam -- more ports.

We have done quite a few Mexican/ Sea of Cortez cruises on the Ryndam and loved them.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

The Sea of Cortez part of the ten day cruise is wonderful. You really see in the smaller towns what Mexico used to be like. And if you want to take the all day tour to Copper Canyon, you have that option as well.

The Ryndam has about 1250 passengers and is a wonderful smaller vessel. Crew is outstanding. Our favorite HAL ship.

Barbara

[GTVCRUISER]

I have cruised on both ships and I liked both of them , but I would choose the 10 day cruise.

[RlrCstr]

I have sailed both ships. Becasue you can't go wrong
with either ship, I would have to make my decision
based on the itinerary. The Oosterdam does the standard
Cabo, Vallarta and Mazatlan. The Ryndam will give you a
better feel for the "old" "pre-tourist" Mexico. Those smaller
ports are lovely.
Smaller ship and longer cruise with interesting ports.
No question that I would choose the Ryndam and
the Sea of Cortez itinerary.

Regardless of the decision--have a great cruise!

[seaproponent]

We too have done each of the voyages and would opt for the Ryndam for both ship and itin. -- the town of Loretto is a great place to spend some time. The size of the Ryndam is optimum -- food and service like a small ship, activities like a big ship.

[Loreto]

We have taken the Ryndam Sea of Cortez 10 cruise 3 times, and it is a wonderful itinerary. We took the Oosterdam 7 day Mexico last December and, while a beautiful ship, we would go with the Ryndam. We sailed the Oosterdam in Alaska, and it was a favorite with families. The Sea of Cortez ports are delightful, and my DH says the Ryndam chef makes the best cheesecake of all the HAL ships!:)

Karen

[brucory]

Great advice and it seems unanimous...

The deals for Mexico are very enticing..

When considering booking regular cruises out of Australia, it is almost comparable to book a flight and take a Mexican cruise out of California...

If I can talk the other half into Mexico, I think we would have to go with the Ryndam..

PS. JTL, we loved the Amsterdam... elegant, uncrowded, and the crew were delightful.. I can imagine the Ryndam to be similar... BUT, we also loved the Oosterdam and its slightly faster pace... Either would be good for us... (This makes decisions even harder...)

:D :D :D