View Full Version : New to HAL
zebra
November 2nd, 2004, 06:33 PM
I'm a newbie to HAL and have a few questions:
1. What is SOE?
2. We're interested in the Ryndam and wondered which verandah cabin and category would be best - and why?
3. Is the food and service good? We have just been on Celebrity - excellent food & service.
4. Can somone who's been on the Ryndam recently give us a review?
Thank you all so much for your help.
Jackie
dakrewser
November 2nd, 2004, 07:03 PM
SOE = "Signature of Excellence", a marketing campaign which - while offering some improvements in particular areas - seems mostly about pulling a few dollars more out of the passengers.
For recent experience of the Ryndam, see the thread "Ryndam - Anyone just back? (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=95609&highlight=ryndam) ".
Everybody has a different opinion of their favorite cabin. I'd prefer an S suite, mid-ship as high as possible.
gizmo
November 2nd, 2004, 07:27 PM
Hi Zebra,
The SOE is Hal's Signature of Excellence. It is more or less changes Hal is making, some of which are very good. Some of the additions are new mattresses which are fantastic, makeup mirrors, better hairdryers, good shower heads, flat panneled TVs , DVDs, and robes for all passengers. There are also some major changes to be completed in the next year or so that require construction changes in some of the ships.
The Ryndam has just been completed. For some pictures and more info you can go to http://www.hollandamerica.com/ There is a PDF that lists all the enhancements and pictures of the changes on the Ryndam.
There are 3 different types of cabins with balconies on the Ryndam.
Penthouse PS
Delux Verandah Suite S
Delux Verandah Outside (this name changes occasionally, they used to be called mini suites) A,B, BB,BC. All these catagories are the same but priced a little different according to location.
PS and S get ammenties like free laundry, priority tender passes, and use of the Neptune Lounge.
ShipCafe (Steve), who posts on this board will be going on the Ryndam very soon and I am sure he will post a review and pictures on his web site.
I just saw Darkrewers post, and can't disagree that some of the changes are nickle and diming. An example is the new coffee cafe that is being added and the old Java cafe being taken out. There will now be a charge for the coffee in the new cafe. It was free in the Java. (There is no charge for coffee in the Lido and Dining room )
localady
November 2nd, 2004, 08:19 PM
Welcome to the HAL board!:D
My DH and I cruised on the Ryndam for 2 weeks in July 05, and really think it's a great ship with tip top staff. You can see my complete review here: http://cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=5988 .
If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them if I can. Again, welcome to the board!:) :cool:
gizmo
November 2nd, 2004, 09:33 PM
Zebra,
Sorry, I forgot to give you shipcafe's web site.
http://www.shipcafe.net/
HeatherInFlorida
November 2nd, 2004, 09:44 PM
Zebra, welcome! As to food, it is my "humble" opinion:D that the food on Celebrity is a cut above HAL. But HAL is above (from my last experience 2 years ago) everyone else.
I'm going Sunday on the Oosterdam so I'll be writing how I feel when I get back!
cruznon
November 2nd, 2004, 10:56 PM
Heather,
I'm anxious to hear about you experience on the Oosterdam. We'll be on her in Feb--our first HAL cruise.
Bucky3
November 2nd, 2004, 11:01 PM
We are also looking forward to our first HA cruise on the Oosterdam.
zebra
November 3rd, 2004, 06:56 AM
Thanks everyone for the friendly welcome and replies.
It appears that most cruise lines are nickel and diming these days - signs of the times? The refurbishments to Ryndam sound wonderful, I think we need to give her a try!!
Brandis
November 3rd, 2004, 07:54 AM
In that SOE brochure on HAL's website it says that one of the improvements is a fruitbasket in every cabin on embarkation day. When I was on Maasdam a couple of years ago, in an inside cabin, we already had a fruit basket. Was this taken away at one time and only added again recently?
Marc
doone
November 3rd, 2004, 07:56 AM
Yes, Brandis, it was eliminated for a short time. I did, however, have a fruit basket in my cabin last March on the Rotterdam.
SHayesShip
November 3rd, 2004, 12:14 PM
Jackie,
Most of your questions have been answered. However, if you are looking for a
verandah cabin that has a large balcony and is not a PS or S category then I recommend B220 or B205. These have balconies that are twice a long as the other verandah categories. I have a friend that has had these cabins and I have seen them myself. A balcony is one of my priorities so to me these are the best verandah cabins onboard.
Steve Hayes
Tinknock50
November 5th, 2004, 08:57 PM
Jackie,
Most of your questions have been answered. However, if you are looking for a
verandah cabin that has a large balcony and is not a PS or S category then I recommend B220 or B205. These have balconies that are twice a long as the other verandah categories. I have a friend that has had these cabins and I have seen them myself. A balcony is one of my priorities so to me these are the best verandah cabins onboard.
Steve Hayes
I am that friend (HI Steve) and these balcony cabins are great. You can not only see out the side, but you can see toward the back and across the back to the other side of the ship.
Grab one if you can!