Just Back from Noordam (3/4 Saildate)

Hi All - Just got back today from 11 days on the new Noordam, sailing from NYC to the Southern Caribbean. Below are some highlights and lowlights for those who may be interested. For a point of reference, I'm 36 years old, and this was my 45th cruise. I mostly sail RCI, but have also been on Celebrity, QM2, Carnival, Princess, NCL and DCL. I booked very last minute (the day before the cruise left!).

Highlights:

1. Itinerary. The ports of call on the cruise are incredible, especially with NYC as the departure port. I always really enjoy Barbados and St Maarten, but I was very pleased with Dominica. Having never been there before, I went to Emerald Pool (decent) and Trafalgar Falls (excellent). Lots to do in Dominica, and I really liked how they play up the "eco-tourism" angle and differentiate themselves from other islands. Throw in hiking / beach in St John, an average beach afternoon in Tortola followed by 2 Painkiller #8s at Pussers, great weather all around, and the fact that we docked at every port with no tendering, and the itinerary was unbeatable.

2. The Ship. This is a bit of a no-brainer, given that we are on voyage #2 of a brand new ship. Being an good RCI customer, I'm very used to the larger Voyager and Radiance class ships, so it took me a day or 2 to get used to the size of the Noordam, but the smaller ship is very nice and better than I expected. The ship is obviously in great shape and very clean. It's laid out in a logical plan and easy to get around (for the most part). Specifically, I really liked...

- The aft Lido deck pool. Loved the wide open space for sunning.

- The Greenhouse Spa. I got the cruise long pass to the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool. These facilities were top-notch, and I liked how HAL actually enforces who uses them by making them key card accessible.

- Explorations Cafe. Great space. Very well designed. Probably the best library / interent area at sea. I really liked the selection of recent magazines and the coffee bar embedded in the area. It's really the only distinctive room on the ship; the rest are pretty generic.

- # of Elevators. With the older clientele, I expected elevators to be scarce, but with the # of them on ship, access was really never a problem.

3. My Stateroom. We had a Superior Verandah Suite, #8509. I normally do not pay too much attention to the cabins, but this one was very nice. Our location was perfect, right at mid ship, close to elevators, pools, spa/gym and the Lido Restaurant. The verandah was great; nice and big, with comfortable wicker furniture. I never spent so much time on a balcony. I also really appreciated the DVD player in the room.

4. The Beds. I guess you HAL fans are used to this, but the beds were the best I've ever had at sea, even compared against RCI Royal and Owner Suite cabins. The beds alone are enough for me to really consider sailing HAL again.

5. Internet. I found the speed of the internet connection to be superior and the best I've experienced at sea.

6. Service. All of the staff is exceedingly professional, helpful and friendly. Service on all cruise lines is generally good, but HAL does it just a bit better and delivers a bit more consistently.

7. Variety of Juices at Breakfast. A minor point, but I really appreciated the juice offerings available at breakfast - orange, grape, grapefruit, guava, etc.

Lowlights:

1. Embarkation. The worst embarkation experience in my 45 cruises. I arrived at 2pm and did not board until 430pm. Embarkation is always tricky, especially when a cruise line is in a new port, and I was prepared to cut HAL some slack, particularly in NYC, where the facility is less than stellar. However, there was absolutely no process evident, and the entire event was chaos. There were too few HAL employees managing the crowds, no signage, no guidance, nobody with a sense or urgency or control, and most importantly, no one seemed to care. The old peeps were clamoring right and left for wheelchairs, but to no avail. Hopefully HAL will address this promptly.

2. The Passengers. And when I say this, I specifically mean the older demographic. I had an idea of what I was getting into, but it really hit home once I actually experienced it. I will openly admit that I did not enjoy sailing with so many people who required canes, walkers, wheelchairs and scooters, and if that makes me an ageist, so be it. It surprised me just how many people would stop in the middle of congested public areas for seemingly no reason. It is great that HAL caters to these folks, and it's great that there are choices in cruise lines so I can sail with a younger group of people. I'll take the kids anyday!

3. Inability to Self Serve in Lido Restaurant. Goes along with the previous point. I'm used to the buffets being self-service, which I like and personally find to be more efficient. But the deal with the restaurant staff serving the buffet really slowed things down.

4. Lido Restuarant Capacity. Buffet areas traditionally get crowded, especially at peak times, but I found the Lido set up to be particular congested. I credit this to a combination of design and the # of people who wander thru from station to station to gawk at what's being served. There are also only 2 drink stations, which tend to back up quickly.

5. Internet Activation Fee. At $3.95, a blatant money making grab. There's nothing to "activate." But, given the speed of the connection, I won't complain too loudly.

6. TV Selection. I don't cruise to watch TV, but I expect a few basics. Sports programming was non-existent with ESPN Deportes, which was disappointing given that it was NCAA Basketball Championship week on ESPN. Why have a sports bar? There's never anyting to watch. I never quite understand the decisionmaking process on when to cut over to the Latin versions of ESPN and TNT, but I have to believe it boils down to money, and it would be nice if HAL provided a few standards. All TV network feeds were unavailable for most of the last day (not sure why).

7. The Food. Always a touchy and subjective topic, but I found the food to be pretty blah. Not bad, not great, just blah. Variety was decent, taste was decent, preparation was very nice, but there was nothing really distinctive that made me go "wow." Same goes for the Pinnacle Grill. My filet was excellent, but the side dishes and desserts were lacking in taste and variety. I prefer RCI Chops by far.

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things, but I think that sums things up. So would I cruise HAL again? I'd do the same trip on the Noordam for sure, just b/c the itinerary from NYC is so good and so convenient. Beyond that, I think I'll stay on RCI for at least 20 more years before trying a dam ship again. :)

GM--

Thanks for your balanced take on your Noordam cruise.

One thing that I'd like to ask is how RCL does food service in their food courts - do I understand it's all self serve? You don't find it annoying/gross to pick up a pair of tongs/spoon that's fallen into the food that it's intended to serve? (which happened to me on our Inaugural's Bar-B-Que night) Personally I prefer a competent server to dish out our meals rather than do it all ourselves and be exposed to Lord-Knows-What via the handle of the spoon sitting in the coleslaw...

But I sure have to agree w/ you about some of those scooter riders: In the afternoon they're on the scooter driving over your feet in the Lido & later that night, they've parked in the Casino and are dancing in the Disco!!!

:confused:

Thanks Patrick for your viewpoints.

Send Carnival this viewpoint as that may help rectifty some things.

But if I may Intra Edit with subjective comments hereto follow,...

Hi All - Just got back today from 11 days on the new Noordam, sailing from NYC to the Southern Caribbean. Below are some highlights and lowlights for those who may be interested. For a point of reference, I'm 36 years old, and this was my 45th cruise.

 

*S*That is a wonderful number to have so far*S*

 

I mostly sail RCI, but have also been on Celebrity, QM2, Carnival, Princess, NCL and DCL. I booked very last minute (the day before the cruise left!).

 

Highlights:

 

1. Itinerary. The ports of call on the cruise are incredible, especially with NYC as the departure port. I always really enjoy Barbados and St Maarten, but I was very pleased with Dominica. Having never been there before, I went to Emerald Pool (decent) and Trafalgar Falls (excellent). Lots to do in Dominica, and I really liked how they play up the "eco-tourism" angle and differentiate themselves from other islands. Throw in hiking / beach in St John, an average beach afternoon in Tortola followed by 2 Painkiller #8s at Pussers, great weather all around, and the fact that we docked at every port with no tendering, and the itinerary was unbeatable.

 

2. The Ship. This is a bit of a no-brainer, given that we are on voyage #2 of a brand new ship. Being an good RCI customer, I'm very used to the larger Voyager and Radiance class ships, so it took me a day or 2 to get used to the size of the Noordam, but the smaller ship is very nice and better than I expected. The ship is obviously in great shape and very clean. It's laid out in a logical plan and easy to get around (for the most part). Specifically, I really liked...

 

- The aft Lido deck pool. Loved the wide open space for sunning.

 

- The Greenhouse Spa. I got the cruise long pass to the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool. These facilities were top-notch, and I liked how HAL actually enforces who uses them by making them key card accessible.

 

*S* Yes all ships should do these *S* ^>

 

 

- Explorations Cafe. Great space. Very well designed. Probably the best library / interent area at sea. I really liked the selection of recent magazines and the coffee bar embedded in the area. It's really the only distinctive room on the ship; the rest are pretty generic.

 

- # of Elevators. With the older clientele, I expected elevators to be scarce, but with the # of them on ship, access was really never a problem.

 

3. My Stateroom. We had a Superior Verandah Suite, #8509. I normally do not pay too much attention to the cabins, but this one was very nice. Our location was perfect, right at mid ship, close to elevators, pools, spa/gym and the Lido Restaurant. The verandah was great; nice and big, with comfortable wicker furniture. I never spent so much time on a balcony. I also really appreciated the DVD player in the room.

 

4. The Beds. I guess you HAL fans are used to this, but the beds were the best I've ever had at sea, even compared against RCI Royal and Owner Suite cabins. The beds alone are enough for me to really consider sailing HAL again.

 

5. Internet. I found the speed of the internet connection to be superior and the best I've experienced at sea.

 

6. Service. All of the staff is exceedingly professional, helpful and friendly. Service on all cruise lines is generally good, but HAL does it just a bit better and delivers a bit more consistently.

 

7. Variety of Juices at Breakfast. A minor point, but I really appreciated the juice offerings available at breakfast - orange, grape, grapefruit, guava, etc.

 

*What no American Cranberry?*S*

 

 

 

Lowlights:

 

 

*NOTE* All the time with every Line it is not well boarding in this now P&O serviced terminal ..no signage..no queing...and yes not enough people showing how.... etc....:eek:

 

Welcome to NYC... if you ever need help in NYC there ask any Long Shoremen!:D

 

Holland American is at an Extreme disadvantage here as it is P&O's responsibilty for the Wheelchairs to have at the terminal..and P&O was just sold lock stock and Wheel Chair barrel as you must have seen on any news worldwide..

 

 

*S*

 

 

1. Embarkation. The worst embarkation experience in my 45 cruises. I arrived at 2pm and did not board until 430pm. Embarkation is always tricky, especially when a cruise line is in a new port, and I was prepared to cut HAL some slack, particularly in NYC, where the facility is less than stellar. However, there was absolutely no process evident, and the entire event was chaos. There were too few HAL employees managing the crowds, no signage, no guidance, nobody with a sense or urgency or control, and most importantly, no one seemed to care. The old peeps were clamoring right and left for wheelchairs, but to no avail. Hopefully HAL will address this promptly.

 

 

 

**S**

Yes I too see that on any Ship.. if they thought more even when driving to pull over and there when walking to pull over it would be better in flow contol...but is anything perfect.. even on RCL they do this a lot...

 

One day you and I will be elderly too.

 

**S**

 

2. The Passengers.

 

And when I say this, I specifically mean the older demographic. I had an idea of what I was getting into, but it really hit home once I actually experienced it. I will openly admit that I did not enjoy sailing with so many people who required canes, walkers, wheelchairs and scooters, and if that makes me an ageist, so be it. It surprised me just how many people would stop in the middle of congested public areas for seemingly no reason. It is great that HAL caters to these folks, and it's great that there are choices in cruise lines so I can sail with a younger group of people. I'll take the kids anyday!

 

 

*S*

 

Having more service is nver usually frowened upon.. even when people are not used to this benefit.. you had Real Linen on your tables too huh?

 

I wonder if you asked for self service they would oblige you ..?

 

 

*S*

 

3. Inability to Self Serve in Lido Restaurant. Goes along with the previous point. I'm used to the buffets being self-service, which I like and personally find to be more efficient. But the deal with the restaurant staff serving the buffet really slowed things down.

 

 

*S*

 

Is there ever anything enough of good things..?

 

*S*

 

 

4. Lido Restuarant Capacity. Buffet areas traditionally get crowded, especially at peak times, but I found the Lido set up to be particular congested. I credit this to a combination of design and the # of people who wander thru from station to station to gawk at what's being served. There are also only 2 drink stations, which tend to back up quickly.

 

***S***

 

I think having say 45 minutes free for each passenger will increase usages and thusly paying time.. more you give the more people buy...

 

***S***

 

5. Internet Activation Fee. At $3.95, a blatant money making grab. There's nothing to "activate." But, given the speed of the connection, I won't complain too loudly.

 

 

*S*

 

With the Virgin Cruise prior to yours there was total non function after leaving San Juan, PR of the Satellite Up/Down Link.. so this as well been some cause until they are able to fix it..

By the way I was on A RCL Ship during the American World Series and had to get scores and highlights via my shortwave radio and the spastic TV reports....yes even in there Sports Bar...

 

*S*

 

 

6. TV Selection. I don't cruise to watch TV, but I expect a few basics. Sports programming was non-existent with ESPN Deportes, which was disappointing given that it was NCAA Basketball Championship week on ESPN. Why have a sports bar? There's never anyting to watch. I never quite understand the decisionmaking process on when to cut over to the Latin versions of ESPN and TNT, but I have to believe it boils down to money, and it would be nice if HAL provided a few standards. All TV network feeds were unavailable for most of the last day (not sure why).

 

 

*S* Most cruise food is bland. Have you ever been to Holland? My wife makes everything better as I still have never had the same meal twice! Philly cheese steaks and hoagies are better in Philly too

S*S

 

 

7. The Food. Always a touchy and subjective topic, but I found the food to be pretty blah. Not bad, not great, just blah. Variety was decent, taste was decent, preparation was very nice, but there was nothing really distinctive that made me go "wow." Same goes for the Pinnacle Grill. My filet was excellent, but the side dishes and desserts were lacking in taste and variety. I prefer RCI Chops by far.

 

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things, but I think that sums things up. So would I cruise HAL again? I'd do the same trip on the Noordam for sure, just b/c the itinerary from NYC is so good and so convenient. Beyond that, I think I'll stay on RCI for at least 20 more years before trying a dam ship again. :)

Well since your not taking a B2B why not book the 03/25/2006 AD there are rooms available still, we are going on and its the Fourth and you did the 2nd so maybe you will have 2x TWICE the fun and it will be nice meeting you .

But *WARNING* My Father (nLaw and his wife are with us and he is 90 but acts 29! And he holds over 8 US Patents:eek:

Patrick you write well and seeing it in your way is great to show .

Try the Noordam now again and see. Like a new car model it does take a few times to work out bugs...

GM--

 

Thanks for your balanced take on your Noordam cruise.

 

One thing that I'd like to ask is how RCL does food service in their food courts - do I understand it's all self serve? You don't find it annoying/gross to pick up a pair of tongs/spoon that's fallen into the food that it's intended to serve? (which happened to me on our Inaugural's Bar-B-Que night) Personally I prefer a competent server to dish out our meals rather than do it all ourselves and be exposed to Lord-Knows-What via the handle of the spoon sitting in the coleslaw...

 

Hi Brian - Generally, the food service in the RCI buffet areas is mostly self serve. And you're right that there is probably a bit more risk in the fact that multiple people are handling the same utensils. But they do have staff patrolling the areas to clean up as needed, and bottom line, I prefer having control over my serving process (and washing my hands a lot). :)

I wasn't able to edit my original post, so please accept this post script...

+ My stateroom # was 8059, not 8509. Dyslexic moment...

+ Another highlight: Loved the Elemis bath products. Very nice touch. I use their stuff anyway, so having it provided was great.

+ Another lowlight: I was really surprised that there was no cell phone service on ship. Given industry trends, I thought a new ship would have a cell phone tower for sure. I had some personal business to attend to, and really could have used the coverage at sea.

Thanks for posting your review. Enjoyed reading it.

I am glad there aren't any cell phone towers on HAL ships.

I am really in the dark ages, which Royal Caribbean ships have cell towers?

I'm with you - I much prefer to serve myself in the buffet area which I am use to on Princess. The lines move much faster.

Do the waiters in the dining room still sing "O Sole Mia"? I couldn't take that any more and my waiter telling me to mark "excellent" on my comment card. That happened on all six of my Royal Caribbean cruises.

I have found that Holland America is a cruiseline that is good to go on when I want to do something different from Princess. There are many good things about it. HAL ships have a very comfortable and intimate atmoshere and the staff are top notch. I for one enjoy the food and think its as good, if not better, as Princess food and MUCH better than Royal Caribbean. :)

Thanks for your review and I am glad you enjoyed your cruise overall.

Hi DSawyer - Some answers below for you...

I am really in the dark ages, which Royal Caribbean ships have cell towers?

 

Hard to get a clear answer on this (from both RCI and Cingular). All RCI ships were to have cell towers by the end of 2005. I know for sure Voyager and Navigator have one, and Cingular publishes that Explorer and Majesty do too.

 

Do the waiters in the dining room still sing "O Sole Mia"? Yes they do.

 

I have found that Holland America is a cruiseline that is good to go on when I want to do something different from Princess. There are many good things about it. HAL ships have a very comfortable and intimate atmoshere and the staff are top notch. Very well put. I can totally understand your approach. I agree; HAL does many things exceedingly well.

 

What is the "connection fee"? Is is less expensive than the Internet.

On Princess, I have free unlimited use of the Internet - which is quite an amenity for loyal cruisers (6 or more).

Another lowlight for Holland - not many rewards for repeat customers.

Could someone please clarify for me? I thought the Lido stations were normally self serve on the Vista as well as the other HAL ships, unless they were trying to control an outbreak of Noro Virus. Could it be that sailing from New York at this time of year might be considered more of a risk and thus the extra precautions?

Interesting how other's experiences skew opinions... HAL cruisers are still trying to adjust to a ship that is too big... OP considers it to be small. So while many of us will disagree with a few of the OP's opinions about HAL, we would probably disagree with some of the things OP considers good about other lines. All in all, it was a nicely balanced and honest report. Thank you, Gmoney, for posting your review and followups. We appreciate your honesty.

Could someone please clarify for me? I thought the Lido stations were normally self serve on the Vista as well as the other HAL ships, unless they were trying to control an outbreak of Noro Virus. Could it be that sailing from New York at this time of year might be considered more of a risk and thus the extra precautions?

On the Vista ships the taco bar, pizza and salad bar are self-serve.

At all the other stations, you stand and wait for the Lido staff to prepare your plate, whether you are ordering a sandwich or having spaghetti or Chinese food.

When they are trying to control an outbreak of Noro Virus, all the self-serve elements are shut down. A staff member will put together your salad, grab you a few slices , etc.

As far as the wheelchair/cane statements ... well, it's not what I consider "ageism."

It's more a negative feeling toward people with disabilities.

Not everyone in a wheelchair or using assistive devices is a senior citizen.

And by the way, cruising is an ideal vacation for many people with disabilities who live within driving distance of a port and who cannot fly comfortably.

But I sure have to agree w/ you about some of those scooter riders: In the afternoon they're on the scooter driving over your feet in the Lido & later that night, they've parked in the Casino and are dancing in the Disco!!!

:confused:

Maybe they're "driving over your feet" because you are blocking their way?

As far as people in scooters dancing in the disco, maybe these people need the scooters for distance as they have mobility problems or coordination problems. On Vista ships, it is a long way from some of the HC cabins [some all the way forward] to the casino or lounges.

A person with MS, for example, could find it hard to walk from Cabin 6003 to the disco. However, he/she might be able to walk from his/her scooter into the disco [leaving the scooter outside, knowing how small the disco is].

And he/she might have enough energy to dance.

Sorry ... I just can't tolerate discrimination, and I find that many people feel discrimination against those with disabilities is OK.

I booked very last minute (the day before the cruise left!).

I guess they must be relaxing that rule about providing a passenger manifest to the feds 72 hours before sailing? Maybe the time will once again come when someone can show up at the pier, suitcase in hand, and get a really good deal on a sailing that has empty cabins? Of course, you won't get your choice of cabins ... and will probably get the least desireable area ... but you'll surely get a cheap cruise. Let's face it, nothing more perishable that an empty cabin (or airline seat) or whatever. The cruiseline would be willing to make a great deal in a situation like that. Better to fill the cabin, even at a loss, and hope the people occupying it spend a lot of money while onboard.

Blue skies ...

--rita

Could someone please clarify for me? I thought the Lido stations were normally self serve on the Vista as well as the other HAL ships, unless they were trying to control an outbreak of Noro Virus. Could it be that sailing from New York at this time of year might be considered more of a risk and thus the extra precautions?

Certain areas are self-serve, but most require you to wait for a server. If you want a sandwich, you have to wait at the deli to have it made for you. If you want eggs in the morning, you have to give your order to the guy working the grill, etc. At least that's the way it was on my Amsterdam cruise too. The only thing that was self-serve was the salad and dessert sections ... as well as the continental breakfast area and juice selections in the morning. Most other areas you had to wait for someone to take your order and prepare it.

And, I agree with the OP in terms of the coffee stations. They did tend to back up, especially if someone was getting the coffee for his entire table. You had no choice but just to stand there and wait ... while your food was getting cold at the table.

I encountered these same experiences and I was on a much smaller ship than the Noordam. I just don't know how the cruise line could get around it, though. Obviously, if you eat at prime times, the Lido is gonna get very, very crowded and there is going to be some waiting. Especially on a port day, when everyone wanted to eat early so that they could get off the ship for their tours, the back-up could get pretty bad.

I too enjoyed reading this review. While I don't think I would necessarily share all of the OP's opinions ... re his comparisons between RCCL and HAL ... I appreciated his viewpoint on this cruise.

Blue skies ...

--rita

I know on the Amsterdam

As far as people in scooters dancing in the disco, maybe these people need the scooters for distance as they have mobility problems or coordination problems. On Vista ships, it is a long way from some of the HC cabins [some all the way forward] to the casino or lounges.

I don't use a scooter or a wheelchair, but I know exactly what you are saying. I generally don't like to sail on larger ships because walking long distances bothers me. I have all kinds of hardware in my legs from a parachuting accident back in '99, and while I don't have too much of a problem standing or doing anything on my legs, walking long distances tires me out and requires me often to stop when my legs cramp up.

This might be what the OP refers to when he says that people stop for no apparent reason. They do have a reason. Maybe their legs or their knees are bothering them and they just need to pause for a moment.

I can understand the OP's comment that there are a lot of elderly folks ... and people using mobility aids on HAL's ships ... and maybe they do slow things down for the able-bodied passengers. But, hey ... you're on vacation! So what! Doesn't bother me in the slightest ... I'm in no particular hurry to get anywhere when I'm aboard ship. :) Maybe at home ... when I am rushing from here to there in the daily press of my life, it could be annoying. But onboard ship ... while on vacation?

And maybe the OP had better stop and think for a moment ... he's gonna get old one day too. We all are. No telling what kind of aids we may need when that time comes in order to live a satisfying life.

Blue skies ...

--rita

+ Another lowlight: I was really surprised that there was no cell phone service on ship. Given industry trends, I thought a new ship would have a cell phone tower for sure. I had some personal business to attend to, and really could have used the coverage at sea.

This could be a double-edged sword. Yes, it would be convenient to be able to stay in touch while on a cruise. Sometimes there are just pressing business matters that cannot wait until we return home. But, on the other hand, I would hate to be surrounded by people yaking on their cell phones at the pool, in the lounges, etc. It would remind me too much of daily life. I go on a cruise to get away from that.

So, while in some respects I would like to see cell service at sea, I only hope that if they ever put it on a HAL ship that they have the sense to restrict that coverage to only a certain area of the ship ... like perhaps the back deck. Believe me, I'm one of these people with the cell phone to my ear all the time at home too ... but I wouldn't want to be in that environment while on vacation. Restrict the coverage to one area of the ship and then let everyone who needs to yak go there. Let the rest of us enjoy a cell phone-free vacation at sea.

Blue skies ...

--rita

If I get on the ship at 11:30 a.am., what do I do with my carryon luggage until my cabin is ready?

We are also planning to take some special wine onboard as well as our small carryon bag.

We are not in a suite.

Maybe they're "driving over your feet" because you are blocking their way?

 

As far as people in scooters dancing in the disco, maybe these people need the scooters for distance as they have mobility problems or coordination problems. On Vista ships, it is a long way from some of the HC cabins [some all the way forward] to the casino or lounges.

 

A person with MS, for example, could find it hard to walk from Cabin 6003 to the disco. However, he/she might be able to walk from his/her scooter into the disco [leaving the scooter outside, knowing how small the disco is].

And he/she might have enough energy to dance.

 

Sorry ... I just can't tolerate discrimination, and I find that many people feel discrimination against those with disabilities is OK.

No I never blocked anyone's way--a lady on the Pride once about ran over me on the way to a slot machine.

There are rude people everywhere--not just the ones not in wheelchairs or a scooter.

HAL might be for us in another 20 years.

If I get on the ship at 11:30 a.am., what do I do with my carryon luggage until my cabin is ready?

 

We are also planning to take some special wine onboard as well as our small carryon bag.

 

We are not in a suite.

Often you can "sneak" to your cabin and drop your carryons off. Otherwise, you will be directed to the Lido where they will have a buffet in full swing. You will stay there until the announcement comes that cabins are ready. So, just keep your carryons with you in the Lido. I think HAL does have a place where you can check your carryons while you enjoy the buffet, but I've never felt comfortable leaving my carryons (which contain my valuables anyway) in the hands of someone else.

So, if you are traveling with a group, simply snare a table at the Lido and have one person in your party park themselves there with everyone's carryons while the others go to the buffet and get their food first. Not a big deal.

I travel alone and have never had a problem keeping my carryons safe until I could get to my cabin.

Blue skies ...

--rita

There are rude people everywhere--not just the ones not in wheelchairs or a scooter.

I think that might be the issue right there. It's not the folks with scooters and canes that are a problem -- it's people who have no sense of space and don't pay attention to those around them. I see this in just as many able-bodied people as I do those with disabilities. Try going to the mall on a busy Saturday and you'll see what I mean. :)

I got the cruise long pass to the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool.

I haven't been on a HAL ship so I'm still trying to understand this facility. Frmo the picture, it looks like there are just a few wet loungers and a small pool. Is that correct? Did it get crowded and did you have to wait for space? Just wondering how that works with so many people and so few spots.

I don't use a scooter or a wheelchair, but I know exactly what you are saying. I generally don't like to sail on larger ships because walking long distances bothers me. I have all kinds of hardware in my legs from a parachuting accident back in '99, and while I don't have too much of a problem standing or doing anything on my legs, walking long distances tires me out and requires me often to stop when my legs cramp up.

 

This might be what the OP refers to when he says that people stop for no apparent reason. They do have a reason. Maybe their legs or their knees are bothering them and they just need to pause for a moment.

 

I can understand the OP's comment that there are a lot of elderly folks ... and people using mobility aids on HAL's ships ... and maybe they do slow things down for the able-bodied passengers. But, hey ... you're on vacation! So what! Doesn't bother me in the slightest ... I'm in no particular hurry to get anywhere when I'm aboard ship. :) Maybe at home ... when I am rushing from here to there in the daily press of my life, it could be annoying. But onboard ship ... while on vacation?

 

--rita

The OP didn't say that folks using mobility aids shouldn't be allowed to cruise, merely that there were a lot of them on this Holland America cruise. Other posters have written that they don't like cruising when there are too many kids on board, or when very large groups (Amway, Red Hat, NASCAR) are cruising at the same time. I don't see that his preference is a lot different.

And as for the scooters, if you look at the disabled cruising section of the board you'll see that many cruisers (of all ages) with mobility impairments are encouraged to rent a scooter for the cruise to limit the walking they have to do, but it then isn't surprising that many of them aren't the best at steering, driving and stopping.

I've also noticed that while older people (and I'm an AARP member myself) are generally very polite verbally, they are as likely as children are to not follow generally accepted flow guidelines like staying to the right and allowing those moving faster to get by. My mother-in-law, who is a sweetheart in every respect, routinely steps to the left on the moving walkways in airports, oblivious to the signs which ask people to stand to the right and walk on the left. She doesn't have a vision problem, anything wrong with her right arm, or any lack of intelligence, but the airport is far enough off her regular circuit of home, church and the supermarket that she seems unable to follow all of the different expectations. It doesn't make her a bad person in any way, but to the traveller behind her who is blocked by this little old lady, it certainly is a bit of an annoyance. This isn't to say that all older people do this, but there are certainly a significant percentage who do.

Holland America has been doing a lot to make themselves more attractive to the younger cruising demographic, and I suspect that the OP is exactly the kind of cruiser they'd like to see more often.

Barb

GMoney, Thanks for the info. Since I've never been on HAL, it helps. I'm just curious, did they have a movie theater on board? Also, I've noticed in some postings, mention of DVD players in cabins. Is this in all cabins or just in the suites? How did you find the sailing out of/into New York?

Pat

If I get on the ship at 11:30 a.am., what do I do with my carryon luggage until my cabin is ready?

 

We are also planning to take some special wine onboard as well as our small carryon bag.

 

We are not in a suite.

Well we all are hoping to arrive early for boarding too.. so join us in the Lido as mentioned before. A Table for 6 + is great..*S* and we will have our carryons as well until they call us to the rooms or we can stow them and come back to the Lido lunch...

I am kinda hard to miss as a VA tobacco barn on a rural road is... *S* I am not quite as big as Col. John Harvey or his 6 sons which weighed over 350 :eek: *YIKES* pounds a piece in 1763 AD VA. he was Petter Jeffersons Chief Executor also. At least we have a much better calender now .

You may keep your carryons with youall also as they carry our best things, which are most precious. 6 is better than 1*S*

Interested in how you booked just the day before sailing.