penguinscott

Price wasn't mentioned as far as going up or down. I had asked for a specific cabin within a catagory and at first she thought it had already been recatagorized, but then realized it hadn't and that the cabin was available.

I was terrified before my first solo. The thought of sitting at the show alone, or having dinner alone. Ug. But I found it not to be the case. First of all, get on your ship's roll call and start getting to know people ahead of time. Go to the solo lunches and other events to meet people. You can also attend the LGBT meetups to meet fun, open-minded people who often don't mind more company. Get to know the entertainers. I found on my last solo cruise of 16 nights, I started hating the my time dining as every night I had to retell the story of who I was, my job, my hobbies, why I'm traveling alone, etc. It got to where I started getting room service or searching for tables of people I'd already met.

Have a blast!

I'm a younger cruiser and even on the ships that seem to have an older crowd, there are always a few on board. But what is most fun is to get to know the entertainers on board. They'll be busy a lot, but they are fun and stay up late. I also suggest attending the LGBT/Friends of Dorothy meetups. You don't have to be gay/queer to do so. They tend to be a very fun and lively group and open minded to get to know solo travelers.

Have a great time. Look for the fun and you'll find it.

Welcome to the fun!

She doesn't show her age. I wast on her a few months ago. My review:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1947155

I hadn't noticed this, but I just booked a cruise yesterday with a particular cabin in mind and was at first told it had been changed to another catagory, then she stopped herself, and said, "Oh, not yet, it's still in that catagory, but will be changing soon."

I'll be on her April 22. I love the layout. Looking forward to it.

Anyone on board?

Please don't compare grits to polenta. I love polenta but cannot stomach grits. Polenta is refined compare to polenta.

 

I did love your review, found it very balanced. I hope to do a review after our Dec. 22 cruise on the Ryndam.

Telling to not do something brings out the beast in me. Don't tell me on my thread what to and not to do.

This, from the interwebs: "Both polenta and grits are made from stone-ground cornmeal, dried corn that’s ground down into smaller, coarse bits. So how do the two differ? Some people think the difference lies in geography: the Italian version is known as polenta whereas the Southern version is known as grits. Others think that polenta is made with yellow corn while grits are always made with white corn."

Except for variations on how it made and paired, they are essentially the same thing. If you don't like grits, fine. Continue liking polenta.

I only tried the soft serve once. It was so soft, it had to be consumed immediately, as it was already dripping when it was handed to me. From then on I kept getting bowls, because they usually had crushed Butterfingers and chocolate sprinkles!

Sorry other's didn't find the cruise as grand as I did. About the honey butter tart dessert...I am sure they made at least 25 pies, maybe I got a better batch? Or maybe it's just that you can pretty much put honey on anything and I'll love it. It was rich and decadent and the crust, as was the case for all desserts I had with a crust, was devine! I really do wish I had not found the desserts on this ship to be so good. I've never tasted so many wonderful desserts on a cruise before. Dammit!

I always do my own research about ports, as on any ship I've ever been, I find them lacking in information. I do start here on CC with the Ports of Call Forums. They have been a huge help for me the past 3 cruises. I also research the ocean areas. If you've been on other roll calls with me, you know I normally do a video of the day and information in a simulated voyage (the first day is where the ship will be on day 1; second posting the next day is day 2 of the voyage, etc. It's a fun way to learn and get to know the roll call. I didn't do it on this voyage, as so many had already left [our roll call was a combination of 3 voyages] and I was so busy in the 11 days I had left after booking).

The Oasis area was very awesome. We had a total of 2 kids on this voyage...tots. So the Oasis went unused. That is until a group of us who enjoyed happy hour each evening decided to move it up there. We'd get our happy hour drinks from Crow's Nest, a plate of snacks, and meet up there. Great when the wind wasn't too strong, but then we just hung out in the empty pool, which had a wind block. Great fun!

On this voyage, the Adagio Strings were a piano player and a violinist. On my last HAL, they were a group of 4 women on various strings. I think it varies from ship to ship and certain contracts. I loved them very much and the addition of piano was great.

Grits are a wonderful dish made from corn that some may know as polenta. Being a southern boy, I loved them. Again, this is where the food opinions vary. But this is why I titled this as being "my" review. Cheese grits with shrimp is a very southern dish and one I've been familiar with almost all my life. Arriving into Tampa, I thought it was appropriate to have on the menu.

Great discussion. Glad this has been possible. Thank you all, once again.

Appreciate all the wonderful comments.

I did consider a more harsh review of our CD on this cruise for his interruptions and long-winded announcements on goings on aboard Ryndam. But I had the chance to speak to him on the last night while in the Crow's Nest and I realized that he was merely doing what was required of him to do.

I'd comment (in hopes that HAL reads this) that perhaps ships need to schedule in when the announcements are made and try to ensure other events aren't going on. I was in numerous events on board that had to take a break for Rick's announcements (such as during the final art auction, when we were all eager to finish up so we could see the show that had been rescheduled after the previous night's cancellation due to high seas).

I couldn't give him a bad grade for doing his job, as annoying as we found it to be.

I heard the sermon at dinner the final night, and while an obvious PR ploy, I found it heart warming and it brought a lump to my throat in hopes it might help us to feel the commonality of those various nationalities have a chance to spread peace and understanding once back home.

One thing I failed to mention in my review, I felt at time like I was on a church retreat, what with all the masses, bible studies and such. But I guess being on a cruise with so many Americans, that's to be expected. (This isn't a complaint, as much as an observation, so please don't tear me apart for it.)

I did realize that I gave 10s even with comments that I hope HAL will see and improve upon. The complaints were minor and in the category involved, it was totaled on the whole experience and not just focused on the complaints.

As to a 24 hour restaurant, no. This is one area where NCL beats HAL. Room service is free 24 hours a day on HAL (limited menu after a certain time, which I don't recall). However, as mentioned, they did deliver food to us in the Crow's Nest lounge at nearly 2am.

Review of HAL Ryndam

This was my 3rd sailing on Holland America and so far, they are definitely my favorite cruise line. I cruise to feel pampered and living above means. I appreciate a nice dinner and show, the fresh flowers, the live music, the classy atmosphere and art- the lack of crass, flashy over polished ship décor that seems prevalent today. This is what cruising used to be like back in the hey day. I’m glad there is a line like HAL to cater to these needs, leaving other ships and lines for those who need slides, rock walls and smoke and mirrors.

This vacation on Ryndam was a 15-night transatlantic crossing, leaving Barcelona, stopping in Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Half Moon Cay, and ending in Tampa. I’m not reviewing the ports of call here, just the ship (I did hop on buses in each of the 3 European stops).

Ryndam is a sister ship to Veendam, who I sailed a few years ago and loved. On my past 2 transatlantic voyages, I often found myself wishing I were doing so on the Veendam. Finally, I got to experience a TA on a classy medium-sized ship, which I loved so very much! Here is my breakdown:

Crew and Staff 9 of 10

First of all, kudos to the crew and staff for dealing with our 3 fire alarms and 2 fire drills flawlessly. I never felt more safe on a voyage before, knowing the crew were well versed in what to do when a fire alarm goes off. We were always kept informed with frank and brief announcements and were never really put in harm‘s way.

Secondly, I must comment on the great and entertaining Capt. Werner Timmers, who some said resembles the guy from Despicable Me! His daily updates were informative and often peppered with a great sense of humor. He was seen around ship often and was always approachable. He was featured in 2 celebrity chef cook-offs and he was funny enough to be a comedian on a TV show! After our 3rd fire alarm, I jokingly asked him if I could put in a request for a wake up call the next day. He laughed and told me that before this voyage, there had not been a fire alarm in over 2 months.

All staff were great. They were constantly working hard and with smiles. There was an incident just after departure when I went searching for my missing cocktail cup. The staff didn’t believe it went missing and as I turned to leave the area, I heard them say as much. This was part of the reason they lost a point here. (This was the same staff, who, when I went to the pool one afternoon and found no towels, was told I had to go the Lido pool and get a towel. Um, no, you have someone bring towels to the Sea View Pool, don’t ask a guest to do it!)

A few staff members (1 in Lido and 1 in the MDR) drug their feet as they walked past, which was irritating. I made mention to Tom, the MDR assistant, who I got to know. He said it was also his pet peeve and would mention it. This was the other reason they lost a point here.

Filled out a comment card delivered near the start of the cruise and appreciated that the events coordinator, Kristi, called back with responses to nearly every comment made. Very nice touch!

Rick Barnes was the best cruise director I've encountered. Sure, he occasionally spoke down to the guests and could often become annoying with his sermons on what was going on around the ship (we have dailies and know how to use them), but he was great with a microphone and a likeable guy.

One day in the sauna, I poked my head out of the men’s locker room to find a staff member to let them know it was not hot. Rick came up the stairs from deck 10 and saw me leaning out. He seemed to be in a hurry, but stopped and asked if I needed anything. He went to the desk for me to let them know the sauna was not hot. He was always professional and friendly and had a great sense of humor, esp at the celebrity chef cook off.

Widodo, my room steward, always answered my requests (more stationary, make a towel penguin for me to keep all voyage, special requests in my room). He apologized if he saw me before he made up my room, as a few days he seemed over worked and my room wasn‘t made up until nearly noon. He always said hello and waved from down the hall.

Kiersten was the best Culinary Arts Center Host I've seen on a HAL ship. She was knowledgeable and timely. She filled in the slow times during cooking shows and did a great job hosting the hilarious and very entertaining Celebrity Chef Cookoffs. I hope to sail with her again.

Angela at the Lido started bringing me a glass of water any time I sat down with food. I loved that she knew that's what I always wanted. That kind of attention to detail makes me love HAL. Drink service was a little spotty by Lido pool. One day I asked for a drink and when I’d finished eating and was ready to leave 20 minutes later, still no drink.

Cabin (Aft starboard on deck 10) 10 of 10

The cabin was flawless. I was in a cabin which opened looking into the rear stairwell of deck 10. When I saw this, I was horrified and feared noises and issues. I was wrong. It was a quiet location with great access to the aft pool, the Lido above and just a few flights down to deck 8. I also loved that I had a partial overhang from the Lido above, keeping the sun and rain off of me when I was on the balcony. I would love this cabin again.

The cabin had a large leather sofa and flat screen TV with an adjustable table. There were 3 closets and 9 drawers, plus 4 more drawers in the 2 night stands. There was a hair dryer in one of the drawers, an in-room safe, a mini bar and small fridge. The bathroom had a Jacuzzi tub and on the balcony was a lounger, chair and small table.

I made a few special requests of my room steward, which were all taken care of or I was informed as to why not (no note pads were available). I upgraded to a balcony, a first for me. It was bliss, only because I was traveling solo and without friends and loved spending time out there reading, napping and watching the seas. Normally, I am never in my cabin and prefer insides.

The cabin started warming up about half way across the Atlantic. I finally broke down and made a call. It was not remedied, however, so they brought a fan to my room, which was probably better than having it cooled down, as I love white noise. I received an apology from the concierge, which went above and beyond my expectations.

The only outlet was across the room from the bed, and I sleep with a Cpap machine. I asked for an extension cord, which was delivered to my room. It was a tripping hazard in the night if I went to the window. I really wish there had been an outlet on the same wall as the bed.

Food 10 of 10

The food on this ship was about the best of any cruise I’ve been on. Every single meal was great, even when looking at the menu and thinking I was not going to really enjoy the culinary experience. The items were always fresh and hot. The meals were quite tasty as well. The portions were medium; not too large nor too small. Special requests were always honored without issue.

Pizza guy at the Lido grill often didn't have pizza ready. Twice I was told to wait 20 minutes while one was made. The grill, where they cook the burgers and make the pizza pies, is too small. I feel sorry for those who work there in those cramped quarters. Often the line was very long as it was quite popular. I found that going before noon or after 1300 was ideal.

The grill’s buffet with Mexican fare was always very good. The sour cream was often suspicious looking, but no one seemed to get ill. I ate here most days for lunch. Pizza was always fantastic, burgers tasty and fresh with fresh-baked buns. However, there were several times items on the buffet were out (such as cheese or meat for soft tacos). It took a few days to realize they only put out taco shells, ground beef and cheese sauce at 1400hrs.

Tea service: often offered desserts 1st, then sandwiches. Odd. Staff would seem put out that I passed and asked for desserts to be delivered again later. Was once offered a nearly empty tray of desserts! Loved that they offered tea service each and every day, even while in port.

In room dining was always delivered on time and hot. Very impressed. I’d never really used the room service option before, but I wanted to spend more time in my lovely room than I normally do. 3 of the 4 times I had fresh flowers on my tray. You pretty much need to be specific- if you don’t ask for water or bread, you won’t get it. However, at breakfast, I received hash browns with my entrée, which I didn’t request, but it was a great touch. I was able to order the entrees featured in the MDR without issue.

Desserts were so good, I was disappointed- because I couldn't stop eating them! Most cruises I've been on have bland dessert. Not Ryndam! Excellent desserts every time. However, ice cream was consistently soft. I never got a hard scoop of ice cream on this ship. (Not to mention that 80% of the time the dishes were so freaking hot, one needed space shuttle tiles to handle them!)

You may see the honey butter tart on the dessert menu. Get it. Eat it. Take more to your room. Don’t miss out on what has to be about the best pie I’ve ever had. Damn you, tasty Ryndam desserts!!!

I do wish the soft serve ice cream were available later at night. I often wanted a cone of chocolate soft serve while dancing in the Crow's Nest late at night, but the only option was room service; and they only offered vanilla with chocolate sauce. However, one night, we did order up 4 burgers around 0130 and had them delivered to the Crow’s Nest without issue.

I do wish there were food available later than 2330 besides room service (late night dining in Lido is only from 2230-2330). A table of sandwiches like NCL has in their casino, or a plate of food like the Crow's Nest has in the evenings would be ideal for those of us dancing the night away.

Every meal on this voyage was tasty, hot and quality. Very good job!

The ship 10 of 10

The ship was in great condition. I could find no flaws, except for one chair in Lido that had a hole in it. I saw no rust around windows as I’ve seen on other ships. I never saw worn out carpet, either, as I’ve heard others mention. (I never did make it below deck 7 except when leaving the ship, so I can’t speak to those conditions.) It was well maintained and did not show her age.

Great fitness area and Penny was such a joy to talk to. The ladies at the front desk were very nice as well. The machines were in good working order and it was nice to work out in an uncrowded area (so long as one avoids the morning rush).

In the men's locker room, the door opens so those outside can see in. I was coming down the stairs from the Crow's Nest and got a good look at a naked man leaving the sauna. I noticed often while using the men's locker room that people could see in quite easily. Something should be done to block the view...a curtain or change the direction the door opens.

Crow's Nest was the best spot on the ship. It was large enough for groups to meet and not bother others and was very nicely decorated. So nice to be able to watch over the bow and enjoy magnificent sunsets. Mix bar and the interactive tables were really fun. The Champaign bar area with the piano was classy and well decorated.

I wish there were a hot tub on the Sea View Pool deck.

Cigarette smoke often bothered me on my balcony from guests below and forward of me. Stair well area on deck 10 aft often reeked of smoke from the smoking area just outside. Other than that, I thank HAL for the non-smoking policy on board, esp. in the Crow's Nest. I only once noticed smoke from the casino, even a few times when I was bold enough walk through it.

Entertainment 10 of 10

We were well entertained on this crossing. Each of the guest entertainers was world class. The cast was wonderful and easy on the eyes. I laughed and I cried. Bravo!

Appreciated that mostly, only 2 PAs were made a day. Other cruise lines make 5 or more a day. We did have a day when the first one (for bingo, of course) was delivered at 0830. Another 2 were made in the next hour. But it was rare when more than 2 were made in a single day (not counting the 3 fire alarms and 2 drills).

Adagio Strings...I hope they get paid well. It was so very much enjoyable to sit and listen to them each evening. They were professional and never flawed, and really made the voyage a classy one.

In the past, I was disappointed in Stiletto's entertainment (the LA company HAL uses for their shows). The cast has always been great, but the shows lacking. On Ryndam, the cast was great, and the shows were as well. They were very entertaining, energetic and the costumes were simply spectacular. I wish we could have had photo ops with cast in them at the end of the shows! Would love to see some more original work like short plays or musicals that don't use pop music.

The guest entertainers were the best of any cruise I've been on. Joe, the comedian, was always hilarious. Annette, the soprano, what a gem! The violinist was great. The acrobats, while nothing new in their routine, were a joy to watch and bringing out their boy to perform was a highlight of the entertainment experience. The Temptations act were such a joy, even when seen roaming the ship, they were always pleasant. I don’t normally enjoy magic shows, but Romany was lovely and entertaining and dealt very well with the fact that one of her prop coins rolled into the crack of the stage and fell below, completing her act as if it never happened!

Enjoyed being able to interact with the cast, but wish they were around more often, esp. at night in the Crow's Nest as on past cruises. I appreciated how friendly Andi and Jona were. You could approach them any time and they never seemed annoyed. Maria was graceful and gracious with compliments. Danny was always smiling and friendly. Wonderful cast! Great dancers! But please, come hang out more often with those of us younger guests in the Crow's Nest at night. Same goes for the HALcats. Come hang out with us!

The HALcats were spectacular. What a joy to hear Robin and her gang so often. Robin was phenomenal; great singing voice and flawless playing.

Loved Jamm, the piano player. Such a joy to watch and really good voice and piano skills. The guitarist was good, but I found his voice annoying...not his fault, to be sure. He was well received by other guests.

So many activities...I often found it difficult to do all that I wanted to do. Mixology and tea at the same time...guest lecture and art auction...cooking show and guest lecture at odds. I heard a few guests say there was not enough going on. These guests are clearly not normal and should not be paid attention to. Kudos for the many wonderful things to do that made it difficult to figure out when I could squeeze in a work-out in the fitness center with a dip in the pool and get my daily nap in! I didn’t even finish reading the book I brought along!

Prof. Joe Daley was a gem and the best guest lecturer at sea I've encountered. He could have used more time. His counterpart, Allen Thomas was great, but I often missed his lectures because of other events I wanted to see and it was difficult to sit in the theater at sea for 2 hours in a row first thing in the morning (for me, anyway).

I relish HAL's sophistication and the entertainment on this voyage exceeded my expectations.

Embarkation/Debarkation/Ship and shore access 9 of 10

Embarkation in Barcelona was painless, a small wait of about an hour was the only thing between my arrival from the airport and getting on the ship. Because so few passengers were embarking, it was a quick process. I was only disappointed that upon stepping on board, I was not officially welcomed aboard. I entered on deck 5, and knowing where my cabin was, I turned right and headed to the aft elevators. As I got half way down the hall, I realized I never received a, “Welcome aboard,” which is a nice thing to hear.

Access to shore on our port stops was easy and quick. Being tendered in Half Moon Cay took a bit longer than expected. Had to have a seat in the showroom for nearly an hour; and this after thinking waiting for 2 hours after our arrival would eliminate such a wait.

Most of the times, returning to the ship from ports of call, there was water to drink, and one day, hot chocolate. Don’t miss out on the hot chocolate. Normally, I do, but this was great and really a nice treat before getting back on board.

Debarkation in Tampa was easy and quick. I waited until the friendly-voiced all call to head ashore was announced, as I carried my own luggage off with me and had to wait for my ride once on land. I waited for a while in my cabin, but started to feel in the way as they came in to remove my sheets and towels and to clean my balcony. I then waited in the Library with friends and walked right off the ship.

Hope this helps those who are considering the Ryndam. She was a great ship. I know the crew will vary, and some of the people I commented on here got off the ship in Tampa. But HAL runs a tight ship and seems to only employ those who have the deepest respect for passengers spending their money to vacation on their vessels. I loved my 15 nights on Rydam and would not hesitate in the slightest to sail her again; a feeling I share with sailing on Veendam and Rotterdam! Happy sailings!

I've only seen turtles when snorkeling in Hawaii. I hope you find some. They are fun to swim near.

In all my cruises, the biggest deals of what was left behind was a power strip/extension cord with multiple outlets (your cabin will have only 1 outlet) and antacid.

Any ideas for a fun door sign for our cabin? Do they allow this? I'd like to but something nice about my girlfriend...I love Kelly! but would rather do something that's more clever and maybe not so personal with her name. Hmmmm

I went to vista print dot com and made a magnetic door sign for about $7. Thing is, I couldn't use it on the Rotterdam, as the doors were not metallic. But I also usually have photos of penguins to post on my door with some tape. It's always nice to find your door easily in those long hallways.

I head for the MDR for lunch. I put a penguin on the table so my roll call friends can find me. By the time lunch is done, the rooms are ready. After dropping my bag, I tour.

On a cruise to Bermuda, I heard a woman near me complain to her husband that his watch ticked too loudly and kept her up the night before. It was hilarious. As we neared Bermuda, there was sight of land. She then wondered if it was the Bahamas. He said he thought it could be! I was nearly in tears!

Hilarious read! Thank you. This is an itenerary I've been wanting to enjoy.

I was on MSC a few years ago and I loved the ship and experience.

I wonder if they don't have FOD meetings scheduled if requesting one to your CD would get them on the daily. Might be worth a try. I don't recall if they had them when I sailed the Caribbean.

Very thourough and informative. I don't normally like reviews that are so port-intensive, but having a cruise of the fjords coming up in a few weeks, this was immensely helpful. I'll be stopping in a few of these ports. You seem to travel very much like I do, so I anticipate that I'll do many of the same things in the manner in which you did them. Thank you!

Great news. I'd not heard of the noro issue until someone on my rollcall mentioned it. I'm on her next month. Please do post a review here. I'd really be interested in reading it. Thanx!

Your question gives me the chills! Kids on a cruise. :eek:

That had to be a tough experience. I love hearing behind the scenes things, so I appreciate reading your thearpy. Bright blessings to you and your family.

First of all, if you decide to use names, which I suggest you don't, don't include your last name. You don't want strangers knowing your room number and name!

Second, don't be a spoil sport. If we want to decorate our doors, let us! Not everyone has to :p

Third, tape if fine to use, just don't use super sticky tape, like duct tape. Masking tape works swell as does a bit of scotch tape.

Fourth, most doors seem to be metalic and I went to vistaprints . com and ordered a car door magnet for free (just pay $5 shipping). It has my user name and the CC web address with a photo of a beach and palm tree. I can use it over and over and don't have to worry with tape.

I felt left out on my Carnival cruise when others were so festive and mine was just dull and drab.

Have fun!