Georgia Posted December 13, 2004 #1 Share Posted December 13, 2004 My husband and I just got back this week from a 16 day cruise to Hawaii on the Statendam. It was a great trip and we enjoyed it thoroughly. The weather was somewhat rough the first night and next day. Many people became ill. It might be a good idea for those who tend to get seasick to bring along some of the meds that do not make you sleepy since the ones given out at the infirmary do. We also had some rough weather on the way back. Windy, which slowed our progress the first couple of days and very windy the last day. We weren't allowed on deck that day. Fortunately, we did not get sick and were able to enjoy the entire trip. The food was very good. We had excellent waiters who took such fantastic care of us, seeing that we got the particular things that we wanted, like crab claws even when they weren't on the menu. The tours were mostly all right, although if we were to go again, I would want to rent a car and go on our own. The one exception was the Polynesian lauau. Spelling is not an issue here, I hope. It was a $99 charge and I would not even consider doing it at the same place again. The entertainment was all right although slow. The food was so bad that it sounds like I am making it up. The pork was greasy, the chicken was dry, the fish had a sauce that ruined it. The rice was cold, sticky and disgusting. The salad was all right. It reminded me of the bagged salad mixes that you get in the grocery store. The cake was like Betty Crocker's, the coconut jelled stuff was tasteless. I can't think of anything else that was on the plate. We paid a premium for our tickets since we were served instead of going through the buffet and had seats in front of the stage, though in the back of the area. The were about 1000 people there so it was not an intimate celebration. Didn't remind me of events you might see in the movies. Some people said that they had been to one put on by a hotel and it was more like what you might expect. If we were the only complainers, I would think that I was being too critical, but there were many who were disappointed enough to write letters to the tour people on the ship. I was especially glad for room service since, as soon as we got back to the ship, I ordered a meal in the room. Most breakfasts and lunches were in the Lido. Many times the food was identical to what was being served in the dining room. I like the fresh squeezed oranged juice in the Lido. The shows were excellent. The troops of dancers and singers were especially good this trip. They did 4 or 5 shows. We had a pianist, a ventriloquist, a juggler, a very excellent singer, and a clarinetist who was also good. There were also lectures avaliable about the history of the Hawaiian peoples, and about animals and fish life of the area. We had some excitement on the way back. The Coast Guard flew over to drop meds for a patient on board the ship. We watched as they around several times and finally dropped the parachute with the meds right into the hands of the crewman on the tender. We are now thinking about an even longer trip next year. We would like to do the Panama Canal-Amazon River trip. It will take some thinking though. Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill S Posted December 13, 2004 #2 Share Posted December 13, 2004 Georgia: thanks for the report on your Hawaii cruise! We had to cancel our booking for that cruise and wondered how it went. It sounds like it went pretty good! I watched the Statendam in San Diego on the 6th and at least you had beautiful weather for your arrival that day. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDee Posted December 13, 2004 #3 Share Posted December 13, 2004 Was that at the Polynesian Cultural Center?? A few years ago went there & it was a rather interesting place and enjoyed all the activities (took practically all day) except for the buffet. That was a looser, not as bad as you write, but still a looser. From what I understood at the time, all the food was prepared on the premises and prepared by the young (some teenage) Mormon groups that visit and donate their time & talents. The buffet was an optional purchase, but if you don't go for the buffet, nothing else there to eat while waiting for the tour bus to take you back. If you rent-a-car, no problem. Leave the premises when you are fininshed wandering about..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincus Posted December 13, 2004 #4 Share Posted December 13, 2004 Georgia, thanks so much for your report. We especially appreciate the car rental suggestion. One question: Air conditioning in the cabins...do you remember your cabin number, and whether or not there were problems -- in the cabin -- or in the public areas. Appreciate your help. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted December 13, 2004 #5 Share Posted December 13, 2004 We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center a few years ago. Loved it. There were choices for food. Some opted to go to the buffet - others (like us) chose the sit-down and have them bring it to us. The after dinner was great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted December 13, 2004 #6 Share Posted December 13, 2004 Do tell us what cabin you were in and how the air-conditioning was around the ship. We had problems on our cruise with the air - infact - the entire ship had problems at time or another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 13, 2004 Author #7 Share Posted December 13, 2004 No, we did not go to the Polynesian Cultural Center, although I wish we had. This was the $99 Lauau (spelling). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 13, 2004 Author #8 Share Posted December 13, 2004 We were in cabin 589. There was no trouble with the air conditioning. I didn't hear that anyone had air conditioning problems. The toilets refused to flush a couple of times and we were told it was a section problem. It didn't last long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuzyQ Quilter Posted December 13, 2004 #9 Share Posted December 13, 2004 Thanks for posting about your cruise, Georgia. It's good to hear that you enjoyed yourself! My hubby and I leave on the Statendam next week for the holiday cruise to Hawaii and are totally excited. I'm chuckling to myself because we chose the Oahu Circle Tour excursion and because it is pretty much an all-day trip, we wouldn't make the Polynesian Luau, which is another we wanted to do. We were going to wait until we boarded to ask if there was a chance to make it (maybe excursions return early or whatever), but between others saying we're going to be pooped and your thoughts about it, I think we'll pass. P.S. Watched your ship dock on the 6th -- my but it was BEAUTIFUL weather in San Diego that day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 14, 2004 Author #10 Share Posted December 14, 2004 You are right Suzie, We had beautiful weather most of the time. Your experience with the luau might be different from ours but there were enough people complaining that I know it wasn't just us expecting too much. And the wait at the Arizona isn't as long as the tour people say. According to our friends, they did stand in line 40 minutes to get tickets and then the bus driver took them for a tour of the city and they came back and went right in. We didn't go because my health isn't so great that I could stand 2 hours in the heat. By the way, if you know anyone on dialysis who would like to cruise, it is possible on some sailings. Enjoy your trip. I would love to go again. We're thinking about the 34 day trip to the Panama Canal and the Amazon. Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincus Posted December 16, 2004 #11 Share Posted December 16, 2004 Georgia, is the Java Cafe still operating ? and complimentary? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DFD1 Posted December 16, 2004 #12 Share Posted December 16, 2004 Thanks, Georgia, Great review. We love Hawaii, but have never cruised out there. I think we have missed something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 17, 2004 Author #13 Share Posted December 17, 2004 Java Cafe is still there and still complimentary. That is part of the ship that is to be remodeled when they go into drydock. That whole section, including the card room and library and reading room will be made into one large area. There are to be more books. And, if I remember correctly, a coffee bar is to be a part of it. The captain told us that it would have the same changes being made to the Ryndam. That includes a climbing wall and a 2-3 story children's activity section with age level rooms added on. I didn't completely understand the concept. But it does sound as though they are looking for a younger clientele. Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet sheep Posted December 17, 2004 #14 Share Posted December 17, 2004 Georgia, Thank you for the information on your cruise. We are going in October of 2005. When is the ship going into drydock, do you know? Also, did you stay in a hotel before the cruise and which one did you stay in? Any recommendations? Thank you in advance, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincus Posted December 17, 2004 #15 Share Posted December 17, 2004 Georgia, thanks for your reply. You have been very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincus Posted December 17, 2004 #16 Share Posted December 17, 2004 Java Cafe is still there and still complimentary. That is part of the ship that is to be remodeled when they go into drydock. That whole section, including the card room and library and reading room will be made into one large area. There are to be more books. And, if I remember correctly, a coffee bar is to be a part of it. The captain told us that it would have the same changes being made to the Ryndam. That includes a climbing wall and a 2-3 story children's activity section with age level rooms added on. I didn't completely understand the concept. But it does sound as though they are looking for a younger clientele. Georgia Oh, Georgia ! A climbing wall! On a HAL ship... I do hope not. Thanks again for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 18, 2004 Author #17 Share Posted December 18, 2004 I thought the climbing wall would be a bit much for the group that was on our cruise. Average age was 74. I don't know when the ship will go into drydock but it sounded like it would be soon, maybe at the end of the season. We stayed at Hampton Inn. It is 2 blocks from dock but driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the ship the next morning. There were many people there who were doing the same thing we were. It took 3 or 4 van loads of people to get everyone to the dock. I thought that the staff at Hampton Inn was very helpful. We considered staying at the Holiday Inn which is just across the street from the dock area (still a ways to walk, Hampton van took us right to our area for leaving luggage). However, Holiday Inn was $30-$40 more per night and I do not think they served breakfast. Hampton Inn had a complete hot breakfast provided. I think that if I had made one change, we would have gone out 2-3 days early and visited the zoo in San Diego, which is supposed to be a good one and some of the other tourist attractions around. It also helps with the time change. But you change that twice on the way to Hawaii anyway. Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet sheep Posted December 18, 2004 #18 Share Posted December 18, 2004 Georgia, Is that the Hampton Inn that is near the train tracks? I understand there is a train at night? Thank you for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 18, 2004 Author #19 Share Posted December 18, 2004 The Hampton Inn is close to the trolley tracks. I don't think there is anything that runs after 10:00 pm. Neither my husband or I was disturbed by train noise during the night. It is the one that is a block away from the Holiday Inn and caty cornered (on diagonal corner) from the Holiday Inn. There is no place really close by to stock up on pop, etc for the trip, but there is a 7-11 type store a couple of blocks away. They didn't have Pepsi on board ship. All I saw were Coke products. The driver at the motel offered to take us to a grocery store. I think he enjoys the tips. Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RevNeal Posted December 18, 2004 #20 Share Posted December 18, 2004 The weather was somewhat rough the first night and next day. Many people became ill. It might be a good idea for those who tend to get seasick to bring along some of the meds that do not make you sleepy since the ones given out at the infirmary do. We also had some rough weather on the way back. Windy, which slowed our progress the first couple of days and very windy the last day. We weren't allowed on deck that day. Fortunately, we did not get sick and were able to enjoy the entire trip. The Pacific is far rougher than most people who've never cruised on her expect ... particularly those who are vets of Caribbean cruises. I remember on my 02 Hawaii cruise there was a couple who were irate the 4th day out of San Diego. We had been experiencing significant swell and they were just certain that the ship was broken. I tried to explain to them that it wasn't that the ship was broken, it's just that the seas were exceedingly rough and we were having VERY high swells. She just shook her head and told me how many cruises she'd made in the Caribbean and how they'd never had anything like this. I finally intercepted a ship's officer who was passing through the lounge at that moment and asked him to comment. He smiled and proceeded to explain the differences in depth, in swell, and that the stabelizers were designed to reduce the roll of the ship, NOT the pitch. I don't think she ever fully comprehended. You are correct ... those who have trouble with motion sickness should always take medication to assist in that. I always take Scopace with me. I may not need it, but if I do I've go it. I've ridden out storms in the north Atlantic and have done just fine so long as I have my Scopolomine. Without it ... well ... the "head" is my best friend. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pincus Posted December 18, 2004 #21 Share Posted December 18, 2004 Bless you, Rev! We were with similar thinking passengers on our Hawaii cruises. Several of them could not understand why it was not warm on deck the first day at sea..."after all, this is a Hawaii cruise," they said. They never did comprehend that it took four days to get to Hawaii, and we were not successful in talking about pitch and roll with them either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 19, 2004 Author #22 Share Posted December 19, 2004 I must admit that I didn't really know that the seas would be different from the Caribbean but was not displeased. Our first 2 cruises were in on ships that were not very well stabilized and it was an adventure to walk the corridors. I sort of missed that (a little bit) when we moved our allegiance to HAL. So this roll and pitch were fun. We hadn't taken along any meds for seasickness and did not need any. We spent as much time on deck as we could, even when it was chilly, I put on a jacket and sat out to watch the waves roll by. The trip to and from Hawaii was as much enjoyment for us as being there. We always ask for cabins in the middle of the ship. It cuts down on movement. And unless we go for a veranda cabin, we go for one of the lower decks. Not only are they cheaper, the lower you go, I think they are calmer in the storm. If you haven't been before, don't miss the shuttle buses to the various stores. From what I hear, WalMart in Honolulu is less than a block from Hilo Hattie's. Everyone who shopped WalMart said that they had many of the same things as other stores and were cheaper. There is a shuttle for WalMart at Kona. I bought a pretty Hawaiian print dress there. Also got Hawaiian shirts for grandchildren. Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted December 20, 2004 #23 Share Posted December 20, 2004 Rev: The Pacific can be that rough eh? I was on the Volendam in November and on the 13th and 13th of November we experienced significant swells in the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. You are welling me on never going to Hawaii by ship. Do you still recommend it? Himself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted December 20, 2004 Author #24 Share Posted December 20, 2004 Oh, yes. The cruise is great. Take along meds in case you need them and enjoy the feeling of really being on an ocean. The stabilizers are great but the adventure of going with the flow of events and enjoying it is a big part of the fun. My first two cruises on ships that were not well stabilized was on Caribbean. We had LOTS of movement. Probably more than we experienced anytime on the Hawaii cruise. Georgia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted December 21, 2004 #25 Share Posted December 21, 2004 If all goes well, I could be on the Statendam for a cruise to Hawaii next fall. HIMSELF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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