Just Off the Oosterdam 11 day, any ????

[retdon]

I totally agree with Larsen about the pre-made sandwiches, limp lettuce, green tomato slice and huge hoagie rolls. I never saw egg salad and checked each day. I did see sandwiches made on regular bread. The sandwiches I saw being eaten by passengers looked dry with many of them removing most of the bread.

Main courses in the Lido were usually 4 of the 5-6 served in the MDR. We had the MDR menus delivered each day and went over it before heading to the Lido.

This was our first time eating so often in the Lido and only one night did it feel more crowded. We always found a table. We liked the relaxed, comfortable, eat what and when you want of the Lido and will do it more again. It also cxuts back on bringing more clothes for the MDR, LOL. ;)

I agree on the appetizer, would have liked more of a selection. Also agree, we did not eat as much as we would have in MDR.

[DaveOKC]

I hope than this pre-made sandwich deal is changed back soon. I would miss my grilled tuna melt alot.

[nycwebdude]

Thanks Linda. I'm boarding O on Monday (3/21/16) for a 13-day from FLL > Rome and have a few questions since this is my first time sailing HAL (16th cruise but first on HAL)....

 

1.) I try and work out every day while on board and love to do a steam afterward. I know there's a paid spa, but wanted to know if there is a steam room in the men's locker room I can use without having the expense?

 

2.). I'm also traveling alone and wanted to know what, if any, kind of singles programs they have on board?

 

3.). Can you share what the prices are for their internet packages? Do they have an unlimited package for the entire cruise like other lines or is it just groups of minutes that can be purchased?

 

4.). Other lines have packages where you can buy groups of specialty dining restaurants at a discount. Does O have this type of thing?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

Rick

Edited March 16, 2016 by nycwebdude

[swigso]

Still unpacking but will answer questions. Below some notes on the cruise/ship/food, etc.

 

Always great to be on a HAL ship cruising along, sipping a cocktail and feeling the wind in your face. Nothing is better.....

Preface: The ship was full, even so only a few time did we notice lines.

 

Ship: She does need a face lift and I know she will come out looking years younger. The carpet is worn in places as is some of the cabin furniture. She needs paint in places and a good cleaning outside. Drapes will be replaced and some new slots in the casino. There were crews already working on her during this cruise.

 

Food: Love the larger glasses in the Lido, thanks HAL. We only ate once in the main dinning room, too crowded. The ship was full and "My Time" was a waiting line.

 

The food in the Pinnacle, Lido, Dive In was excellent, Canaletto, I did not like the veal picante but the rigatoni was great. We had room service breakfasts, light and easy. Only got eggs benedict once and it was good, generally cereal, croissants, muslic, and that delicious coffee.

I do not like the pre-made sandwiches, yuck, not a good change HAL. Heard many passengers complaining about them and wish you would bring fresh sandwiches back. This will definitely be addressed in my comments to HAL.

The huge, fresh, made to order salads are fantastic and made many of our lunches delicious. Our treat for lunch most days was an ice cream waffle cone, so good.

Cruise: We had been to all the ports and only got off at a few to shop. It was cloudy and rainy in several but that did not bother us. Leaving St. Thomas was fun, gale force winds and 10 ft. seas, rock and roll all night and the next day. We did stop at Half Moon but only after careful consideration and positioning of the ship.

Crew: The best folks on earth work for HAL. Our cabin steward was great even though he could not find a table for our veranda, we made out. Ice was delivered everyday as we requested for cocktails. The casino crew are always fun folks, we really enjoyed playing and doing well at black jack.

Entertainment: Bingo is always bingo, Carson the cruise director is really good at his job.

We saw the Oosterdam singers, Night on Broadway and almost left during the show. They really tried hard but were off key and flat, that did not go well as some passengers left during the show. We never went back to another show.

A quiet, relaxing cruise with just us, no one else, now looking forward to Nieuw Amsterdam in October with my Hialeah High classmates, family and friends. Linda

Hi

We are thinking of switching from our booked Eclipse cruise to the 17th March

Sailing from Tampa next year.

A couple of questions,

1. Is the inside of the ship smoke free except for designated areas outside

(Asma Issues)

2. Are Balconies Smoke Free, same reason.

3. Do they offer Drink Packages

4. You stated the ship was tired, when is the next dry dock /refurb planned

 

Thanks very much

[regnig]

Hi

We are thinking of switching from our booked Eclipse cruise to the 17th March

Sailing from Tampa next year.

A couple of questions,

1. Is the inside of the ship smoke free except for designated areas outside

(Asma Issues)

Smoking is allowed in the Casino "some" of the time or better said currently there are some "smoke free" times.

2. Are Balconies Smoke Free, same reason.

No

3. Do they offer Drink Packages

Yes

4. You stated the ship was tired, when is the next dry dock /refurb planned

April 6, 2016

Thanks very much

 

Answers above.

[Love the beach]

Thanks Linda. I'm boarding O on Monday (3/21/16) for a 13-day from FLL > Rome and have a few questions since this is my first time sailing HAL (16th cruise but first on HAL)....

 

1.) I try and work out every day while on board and love to do a steam afterward. I know there's a paid spa, but wanted to know if there is a steam room in the men's locker room I can use without having the expense?

 

2.). I'm also traveling alone and wanted to know what, if any, kind of singles programs they have on board?

 

3.). Can you share what the prices are for their internet packages? Do they have an unlimited package for the entire cruise like other lines or is it just groups of minutes that can be purchased?

 

4.). Other lines have packages where you can buy groups of specialty dining restaurants at a discount. Does O have this type of thing?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

Rick

 

Just off the ship on Feb 29th....they did have "singles and solos" meetings frequently and here is the internet info...it was very very slow though:

100 minutes $55

250 min $100

500 min $175

1000 min $250

or pay as you go...$.75 per minute

They did not offer unlimited.....

Have a great cruise!

[retdon]

Thanks Linda. I'm boarding O on Monday (3/21/16) for a 13-day from FLL > Rome and have a few questions since this is my first time sailing HAL (16th cruise but first on HAL)....

 

1.) I try and work out every day while on board and love to do a steam afterward. I know there's a paid spa, but wanted to know if there is a steam room in the men's locker room I can use without having the expense?

 

2.). I'm also traveling alone and wanted to know what, if any, kind of singles programs they have on board?

 

3.). Can you share what the prices are for their internet packages? Do they have an unlimited package for the entire cruise like other lines or is it just groups of minutes that can be purchased?

 

4.). Other lines have packages where you can buy groups of specialty dining restaurants at a discount. Does O have this type of thing?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

Rick

 

I don't have many answers for your questions but other CC's did. I did not go into the Spa, sorry don't know. The same for the internet, do not use it on a cruise. Our speciality dinners were a perk and we usually do not eat there unless it is given to us so don't know about packages.

Sorry I was not much help but have a great cruise.

[hazand]

Is there a pull out clothes line in shower? Thanks

[RuthC]

Is there a pull out clothes line in shower? Thanks

Yes.