Ryndam Questions

[jbpinkie]

I am 40 and traveling with my mother and grandmother. We sailed on the Zaandam a few years back and loved it. We loved the extra touches, and I'm reading that some of them have gone. Fresh flowers everywhere, Free cappuccino and sugar free cookies at the coffee bar (mom and I are both diabetic). So my questions are these:

 

1. How much has the overall Holland experience changed? We can make a good time in any situation, just want to prepare gram for what to expect.

 

2. Is there a Pinnacle Grill and Canneletto (sp?) on the Ryndam? What are the costs?

 

3. I have read about the Ryndam going into dry dock. We sail on 4/11 and I believe she will just be out, am I correct? Can anyone tell me what is changing and will be new?

 

Sorry for so many questions, but have been searching a while and not able to find the answers. I thank you in advance for your answers/guidance.

[trophy_23]

Ryndam is a great ship, have been onboard for 2 sailings and absolutely loved both times. Pinnacle grill is wonderful, ate there atleast once! Not sure what the plans are for the drydock, I know there have been some changes over the last while to what they were and were not going ahead with. Bottom line you are going to love it.

[snowman]

I would love to know these questions also. Anyone?

[trvlcrzy]

My next cruise is on the Ryndam, too. (My last cruise was, too!)

 

I really liked this ship. Of course, we had sailed on Amsterdam and Statendam previously, so the layout was familiar.

 

In reviewing the deck plans for post-dry dock (HAL's site), Canaletto is depicted on the port side of the Lido Restaurant. There was no Canaletto before (July 2009).

 

We had the absolute best meal at the Pinnacle. Honestly, I'm concerned that no other meal will compete. My mind has probably embellished the experience, so no other meal will ever measure up. Our price for dinner was $20 per person.

 

I am not a coffee drinker, so the Explorations Cafe (EC) is not a concern for me, but I've read many times that cappucino/espresso drinks are available for free in the main dining room, but they are available for a price at Explorations Cafe. It is my understanding that the munchies offered at the EC are available to those who purchase the drinks.

 

I recall the fresh flowers in public areas, but I haven't seen them in our cabin (we are usually in inside or ocean-view).

 

Hope this helps. I am certainly interested in any information others can provide about the Ryndam.

[sylteach]

I was on the Ryndam in September. They did not have the "Cannaleto" back then. The Pinnacle Grill was $20 a person extra. The cappucino is free after dinner in the main dining room. I saw sugar-free desserts at the dessert bar in the Lido. I believe they have sugar-free desserts on the menu in the dining room too. We had a wonderful time. The staff and crew were very friendly. They have a yum-yum man onboard to pass out treats after the meals in the dining room. The library was one of our favorite spots to hang out. They still have several different music venues to choose from and of course there is a small casino.

[CowPrincess]

Just back from Ryndam, and our PG dinner was "uneven", to be kind. We've had great food there in the past, and some that was not good. DH's dinner was great this time, mine was undercooked and tough. The servers were disorganized and seemed to have no idea of their individual responsibilities. We are unlikely to go back again, at least for a long while.

 

I hope that after drydock the crew comes back refreshed and more enthusiastic.

 

Will write a review, but just took a break from unpacking and laundry, and thought I'd throw in my opinion :)

 

The HAL experience of today is not the HAL experience of 20 years ago. Some change for the better, some for the worse IMHO.

 

The best improvement is the ethnic and gender diversity in the officer complement. Used to bug the heck out of me that there were no non-whites and no women in any positions of authority on the ships. That has changed, and THAT is a huge improvement IMHO. More later, when I have more time.

[jbpinkie]

Thanks to all for the thoughts and oppinions. As I said we could be in a cheap hotel and end up laughing till we cry, so I am sure we will have a wonderful time. Does anyone know if the Canaletto has a cost? I wasn't able to find that on line.

[garydm]

There is no charge and a little not so secret info. The wine they feature is all Italian and reasonably good. It is the best bargain on the ship-each kind is just $22. You cannot order it in the MDR or Pinnacle tho.

 

Gary

[jbpinkie]

There is no charge and a little not so secret info. The wine they feature is all Italian and reasonably good. It is the best bargain on the ship-each kind is just $22. You cannot order it in the MDR or Pinnacle tho.

 

Gary

 

Gary that is great to know. I assume we need to make reservations?

[garydm]

Yes. You can see a a couple of threads working on just that topic.

 

Gary