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Oosterdam Alaska Review 5/5 (HAL Newbie)

USNDiver

By USNDiver,
in Holland America Line

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USNDiver

USNDiver

Posted
Posted

These Cruise Critic Boards can be a double edged sword when looking for information to help decide on a cruise. There is plenty of information available here, with some of it even being accurate.

 

If even half of what I've read on these boards is true, I thought I could expect the following on my first HAL cruise;

 

Dining on bland, easy to chew, cuisine, topped off with a glass of fine ensure. Swapping stories with tablemates like Jessica Fletcher, Matlock and the Golden Girls, then dancing to the rocking tunes of a Lawrence Welk cover band to the wee small hours of, say, eight or eight thirty. Chamber music by night, bridge and shuffleboard by day LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!

Okay bear with me here. In my own charming, smart alecky, way, I'm trying to point out that many assume HAL has a reputation for catering to a more, shall we say "vintage" clientele. This assumption is so wrong, on so many levels, I don't know where to begin.

 

How about at the start?

 

Pull up a chair and pour yourself a martini, I'll tell you about it.

 

 

Last October, while my Wife and I were still suffering withdrawls from our September Mercury cruise (which is another story,) we received a flyer from HAL advertising a sale on suites for the 2007 Alaska season. In our "cruise vulnerable" state we took this as an omen and dropped a deposit immediately. We booked directly through HAL on this and would not hesitate to do so again. We've heard the stories about TA's getting the greatest deals, perks, freebies, upgrades etc. We've also heard the stories about TA's completely dropping the ball and leaving the customer holding the bag (again, that information is courtesy of these boards.) My previous 3 cruises, on three different cruise lines, were booked online and I've never had a problem. Maybe just lucky. The gentleman I talked to at HAL could not have been more helpful. He knew the ship, and made some cabin recommendations without pushing an upsell. Very professional. During the time between our booking, and our actual cruise, I called hime back several times with questions and he always had, or easily got the right answer for me. HAL Customer Service gets big points. Anyway we got a fair deal on a Superior Veranda Suite (#6090) along with a one night, pre-cruise stay, at the Olympic Fairmont in Seattle. I casually followed the prices for the cruise through some on line Travel Agencies, after I booked , and I never saw it offered for much better than what we payed (I think $45.00 less was the best I found) and it didn't include the hotel stay. Again, I think I got a fair deal.

 

Like I mentioned, this is our fourth cruise on our fourth different line. Though this hardly makes us cruise veterans, we do have a little cruise savvy. Our first cruise was the third sailing of the new Grand Princess (NICE!!) Our second was a 3 day Mexico/California on the Carnival Ecstasy (not as nice as the Grand) and our third was a Pacific Northwest on Celebrity Mercury (there's a review I wrote around here somewhere.) Bottom line is my Wife and I are low maintenance cruisers. A decent meal, a cold martini and a friendly staff are all we need to keep us happy.

 

Not much to ask I think.

 

Okay enough pre-cruise stuff and on to the cruise.

 

 

More later,

 

 

Dave

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SakeDad

SakeDad

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WAIT!:eek: Before you start the cruise can you tell me about the Fairmont? We have a pre-cruise room there as well and I'm thinking about giving Mom the High Tea there. How was your stay??

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USNDiver

USNDiver

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Okay, everybody settled in?

 

Let's get on with the cruise.

 

So we booked last October, got a free night at the Fairmont Olympic, which is one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in (best described as old school classy) and had a great evening. The room was not large, but well furnished and comfortable. The food, drinks and service were top notch. The Fairmont chain sets the bar high and does not disappoint. Sake, I'd be willing to bet that the High Tea would be something to remember.

 

We were given an envelope on check in from Holland America with instructions to meet the HAL Representative in the lobby the following morning. Let me start by saying that HAL has this whole operation organized. We met with the Rep in the morning and he explained that we could leave our bags with him, in one of the meeting rooms, check out of the hotel, if we wanted, and be back at 11:30 to catch the shuttle. He kept a running tally of everyone's bags and made sure they all made their way to the ship. We checked out and strolled down to Pikes Market for a look around. My Wife and I love Seattle and Pikes is always fun to visit.

 

We got back to the hotel about 11:30 and hung out in the Garden Room with some of our fellow passengers (we all had that goofy "Night Before Christmas" look on our faces :D ) Looking around the room, it appeared that the median age was mid sixties BUT, as I'm reminded of, again and again, age is less about actual calendar years than it is about attitude (I firmly believe that some people are born old and the really smart ones never really grow up - that, folks, is my 2 cent philosophy.) Boarded the shuttle for the short ride to the pier and finally caught my first real glimpse of the Oosterdam. In short, the Oosterdam looks like a ship. We saw it moored next to the Golden Princess, which looked more like a hotel that just happens to float. Holland America boasts (and rightfully so) a strong maritime heritage, and it is well reflected in the ship design. Good lines, and a nice color scheme, I swear I could hear "Anchor's Away" just looking at her.

 

We got a little nervous in the last few months with the ongoing "pod" problems that were reported on the "O," but I remembered hearing some disturbing stuff before sailing on the Mercury last year (Captain arrested on the Bridge and escorted off the ship in chains, Norvovirus lurking in every corner, blah, blah, blah) and the fears were unfounded. Once again these boards can be a curse.

 

Stepped off the bus, stepped into the check-in line and were through in about 10 minutes (the online check in really helped.) The people working the counter were really scrambling, and I'm certain that they, this being the first cruise of the season, hadn't hit their stride yet. Not a complaint, just an observation. From the Representative we met at the Hotel, to the last employee we saw at on disembark, HAL made a favorable impression on us. Up the gangway, to the top landing, and we were greeted with wide smiles, and the mandatory hand sanitizer, from a young man in an old fashioned Bell-Hop uniform - could this get any better?? Oh yeah. Through security and on to the ship we ran smack into the Martini Bar (I chocked up at that.) We expected to be pointed towards the lido but an Officer directed us to the Vista Dining room for a sit down lunch (this was a first for me.) We were shown to a table for 2, handed menus (limited, but good, choices) ordered, and started to take it all in. The dining room was dark and nicely decorated (In contrast to our Carnival cruise in which the dining room looked like "Circus, Circus" (sorry Vegas.) I promise this is the last comparison I'll make:cool: . The lunch service, like the check in, was efficient, but a little harried, and I'm certain for the same reason. By the evening of the first day, the crew had their rhythm and never missed a beat.

 

Strolled up to the Lido for a drink and a view of the Seattle skyline, one of the prettiest anywhere. We cruised with some good friends who are HAL 1st timers also, and share our opinions of the cruise. At around 1:30 they announced that the cabins were ready.

 

We walked down to our cabin, walked in, and discovered.........

 

 

Some more tomorrow,

 

 

Dave

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OceanFantasys

OceanFantasys

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OK I had my Mother's Day dinnner of Sashimi an a whole bottle of sake so am I am more than ready:D

 

 

Hahaha Lisa.. It sounds as if you had a fantastic Mothers daY.

 

Ok you also got my attention.. Anytime I see the word Oosterdam I get excited.. Just 20 more days until we sail her again !! Waiting for your review. :p

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fcorey

fcorey

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Okay, everybody settled in?

 

Let's get on with the cruise.

 

So we booked last October, got a free night at the Fairmont Olympic, which is one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in (best described as old school classy) and had a great evening. The room was not large, but well furnished and comfortable. The food, drinks and service were top notch. The Fairmont chain sets the bar high and does not disappoint. Sake, I'd be willing to bet that the High Tea would be something to remember.

 

We were given an envelope on check in from Holland America with instructions to meet the HAL Representative in the lobby the following morning. Let me start by saying that HAL has this whole operation organized. We met with the Rep in the morning and he explained that we could leave our bags with him, in one of the meeting rooms, check out of the hotel, if we wanted, and be back at 11:30 to catch the shuttle. He kept a running tally of everyone's bags and made sure they all made their way to the ship. We checked out and strolled down to Pikes Market for a look around. My Wife and I love Seattle and Pikes is always fun to visit.

 

We got back to the hotel about 11:30 and hung out in the Garden Room with some of our fellow passengers (we all had that goofy "Night Before Christmas" look on our faces :D ) Looking around the room, it appeared that the median age was mid sixties BUT, as I'm reminded of, again and again, age is less about actual calendar years than it is about attitude (I firmly believe that some people are born old and the really smart ones never really grow up - that, folks, is my 2 cent philosophy.) Boarded the shuttle for the short ride to the pier and finally caught my first real glimpse of the Oosterdam. In short, the Oosterdam looks like a ship. We saw it moored next to the Golden Princess, which looked more like a hotel that just happens to float. Holland America boasts (and rightfully so) a strong maritime heritage, and it is well reflected in the ship design. Good lines, and a nice color scheme, I swear I could hear "Anchor's Away" just looking at her.

 

We got a little nervous in the last few months with the ongoing "pod" problems that were reported on the "O," but I remembered hearing some disturbing stuff before sailing on the Mercury last year (Captain arrested on the Bridge and escorted off the ship in chains, Norvovirus lurking in every corner, blah, blah, blah) and the fears were unfounded. Once again these boards can be a curse.

 

Stepped off the bus, stepped into the check-in line and were through in about 10 minutes (the online check in really helped.) The people working the counter were really scrambling, and I'm certain that they, this being the first cruise of the season, hadn't hit their stride yet. Not a complaint, just an observation. From the Representative we met at the Hotel, to the last employee we saw at on disembark, HAL made a favorable impression on us. Up the gangway, to the top landing, and we were greeted with wide smiles, and the mandatory hand sanitizer, from a young man in an old fashioned Bell-Hop uniform - could this get any better?? Oh yeah. Through security and on to the ship we ran smack into the Martini Bar (I chocked up at that.) We expected to be pointed towards the lido but an Officer directed us to the Vista Dining room for a sit down lunch (this was a first for me.) We were shown to a table for 2, handed menus (limited, but good, choices) ordered, and started to take it all in. The dining room was dark and nicely decorated (In contrast to our Carnival cruise in which the dining room looked like "Circus, Circus" (sorry Vegas.) I promise this is the last comparison I'll make:cool: . The lunch service, like the check in, was efficient, but a little harried, and I'm certain for the same reason. By the evening of the first day, the crew had their rhythm and never missed a beat.

 

Strolled up to the Lido for a drink and a view of the Seattle skyline, one of the prettiest anywhere. We cruised with some good friends who are HAL 1st timers also, and share our opinions of the cruise. At around 1:30 they announced that the cabins were ready.

 

We walked down to our cabin, walked in, and discovered.........

 

 

Some more tomorrow,

 

 

Dave

 

Sounds like a good start, we're hooked

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USNDiver

USNDiver

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......And discovered that our cabin was quite a bit larger than we had expected. A large (and very comfortable) bunk, sofa, 3 chairs and, surprise, enough room to move around them easily. The balcony (which I refuse to cruise without) had 2 easy chairs, a small table (w/chairs) and plenty of room. I think we made a good choice on the cabin, anything bigger (for us anyway) would have just been overkill. A discrete knock at the door and our smiling Cabin Steward, Arafin (just call me "Fin",) introduced himself and presented us with his card (nice touch.) This pattern of service was evident throughout the ship, for the entire cruise. On my past cruises I have always seen the service as being both polite and efficient, but I have to say that the service on HAL was truly gracious. The staff never hovered, but always seemed to be there when needed. Drink of choice, as well as your name, was remembered by the bar staff. A genuine smile and greeting was always offered (and always returned) by all hands. The legendary Hunky-Dory, who I had the pleasure of meeting the 2nd day, had powers of recollection that bordered on the supernatural.

 

Back up on deck, armed with a martini and awaiting the sailaway, the Captain announced that the 1600 sailing would be postponed, as there were some late arrivals. Hmmmm, on the deck of a beautiful ship, drink in hand, striking skyline in the background - oh yeah, a delayed sailing would be a living hell.

 

Once underway, a little while later, we quickly unpacked our four bags and found we had closet/storage room to spare (uncommon.) Naturally some of our garments didn't travel as well as we did, so we sent some things out for pressing (fair prices on this.) Met up with our friends for early seating, lower level, at 5:30 and were shown to our table for 6. With the new dining concept, you can show up for early seating anytime between 5:30 and 6:00 and be seated. I was worried that the service, and food quality, would suffer because of this, but it seems to work well. As with lunch, the service the first night was a little hectic (not slow by any means) but for the rest of the cruise, the service was stellar. Our waiter, Nyoman, Busperson Wira and the Wine Steward Priscilla could not do enough for us. Friendly and professional all of them.

 

The food throughout the cruise was uniformly great, with enough variety to keep all hands happy (or at least pacified.) The portions were just about right and, though nobody in our group ever asked for seconds (came close with the escargot though,) I'm sure they were available. As with all cruises, some dishes are better than others but nothing came close to being sent back, and I can't recall anything ever being left on a plate (that is a high compliment to the Chef.)

 

Oh yeah, in case your wondering, the first evening's dinner was "casual." For some passengers, casual seemed too formal a description. More on this later.

 

Bid goodnight to our friends and tablemates and headed back to the cabin, stopping to admire some of the ship's artwork along the way. Met "Fin" in the passageway, and were given a pleasant good night. The bunk was neatly turned down but apparently the towel animals were still in their cages below (go ahead and laugh but towel animals are one of the things that make a cruise enjoyable.)

 

The sea was a little choppy but we slept like babies.

 

 

More in a bit,

 

Dave

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