B2B2B Noordam to Eurodam observations

[cruisun]

I recently completed a total of 24 days on two Holland ships. I had planned to do 20 days on Noordam as I had done last year but unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control, I had to book late and could not get the second sailing on Noordam. I decided to try Eurodam post Noordam and stayed for two 7 day sailings. This would be only the second time I have cruised solo.

I am going to attempt to review both and realize these are just my observations and opinions. My purpose in doing this is to provide any information that may be helpful to others. Prior to sailing I had been reading the boards constantly and was nervous due to all of the negative reports I had been hearing. I realize when looking back at my posts after my first cruise on HAL that opinions change, including mine. I have sailed on Noordam four times and Zaandam once prior to this trip. Three of those trips were with my parnter and one solo trip on Noordam last January.

Boarding Noordam I felt a wave of comfort come over me. I know this is because I have sailed on her more than any other ship, but it was more than that. I think Noordam is just a "happy" ship and the crew seems to operate in unison and flawlessly. Communication between departments is excellent and almost any question or request is answered with an " it's our pleasure", or "no problem at all". I experienced only one exception to this.

Upon embarking Noordam looked to be in excellent condition and spotlessly clean, as good as in 09. Much to my surprise was the condition of the cabin when I arrived. I was shocked at how dirty it was. I understand that the stewards have too many to care for and think this is a mistake. I believe that HAL should rethink this cost cutting measure. Unsanitary is the best way to describe it. When I complained to the head steward he literally rolled his eyes at me. This could have something to do with the motivation and work ethic of my steward. I refused to get upset or angry so I then chose to go directly to the hotel manager who was genuinely concerned and apologetic and a few hours later the cabin was thoroughly cleaned. I will list a few items I was disgusted with and then move on to all of the other positive elements of this trip. There was some type of lotion smeared all over the doors and mirrors, hair in the drawers, thick dust around the edges of the room and under the bed, and some substance on the bathroom walls, toilet paper holder, and toilet flush button. The medicine cabinets had toothpaste and make up "chunks" everywhere and the toilet itself had not been cleaned. The refridgerator was filthy inside too and the carpet fresh powder sprinkled on the carpet was left in patches. I hope my cabin was an exception and not the rule, anyway, problem solved!

While my cabin was being cleaned I explored the ship and made Pinnacle reservations, grabbed and ice cream and sat on deck for awhile. Upon returning to my cabin luggage had arrived so I unpacked, did the muster drill, showered and went for cocktails and dinner.

I am happy to report that the food was outstanding, better than any of my prior sailings on HAL. From the Lido to the Pinnacle I found the quality, variety and presentation to be excellent!!

This sailing on 2/23/10 had great ports, a few sea days and scenic cruising of the petons in St.Lucia which I thoroughly enjoyed. The entertainment was good, musicians were great and a varied but very mellow and seasoned fellow passenger base. This sailing was extremely relaxing and the weather was perfect. In many ports we were the only ship or just one other. We did see the Oaisis and I think it is quite a feat of engineering and design yet unappealing.

In conclusion, the Noordam is top notch, the crew simply amazing and I hope to sail on her again in 2011.

I disembarked Noordam on 3/5/10 and spent one night in Florida visiting with my parents. Embarked Eurodam on 3/6/10 for two 7 day sailings with identical ports. Not my first choice but better than Winter in the Northeast! I was able to book the same cabin for the whole 14 days so no moving:)

The Eurodam is also in exellent condition and the cabin although not "spotless" as I had found in prior years, was very clean. The medicine cabinets have been eliminated in the bath rooms, I prefer them to open shelves. On the other hand, the reading lights and lighted refridgerator are very nice

I set out to explore Eurodam. I feel that the cabanas at the pool and the retreat took up too much public space and made the ship feel more crowded in some other areas. I definately did not like the Explorations cafe being combined with the crows nest. The location is not as convenient and changed the peaceful and club like atmosphere of the crows nest.

Overall, still a nice layout and a pretty ship. I think the carpets are not of the quality used on the Vista class and this was already becoming apparant, but clearly not a huge issue. Except on deck 7 hallways, the carpet design reminded me of pictures I have seen of carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. The carpet on 7 was navy blue and had a suttle deco like print through it. On all other decks the carpet looked like a Vegas casino. It would have been much more in keeping with the old photographs to have that carpet on all decks.

I LOVE the photos of all the older ships throughout the hallways and enjoyed wandering and looking at all of them. I photographed some and am hoping to blow them up for framing.

Again, the food on Eurodam exceeded my expectations! Same quality as Noordam but the Lido food even surpassed Noordam. More salads, excellent sushi probably due to the Tamirind, and the best italian section, with daily specials, made to order pasta cooked perfectly and an ethnic section everyday with interesting choices, all that I tasted being very good! Interestingly enough, the ice cream and cookies were much better than Noordam too?

The biggest differences between the two ships were #1. The added passengers and loss of public space give Eurodam/Signature class, a less classic feel than the Noordam/Vista class, and #2 I think that those same factors were a real burden on the crew leaving them with a less enthusiastic attitude and a great deal of stress. These factors too seemed to effect the ability of the different departments to work well together and the lack of communication between them was extremely obvious. Room service taking food from 2 aft to 11 forward was very taxing on the room service staff.

Another change from last year was that on a B2B from Ft.Lauderdale that you have to get off ship and show your passport to a customs official. I was told it has something to do with getting the ship to a zero count.

It was great fun to have 24 days split between these two ships and to have the opportunity to compare them in so many ways. I had a fantastic time and rated most questions on the surveys as a 9.

I would be happy to answer any questions!

[AlexandNessa]

Thanks for your review. How cool to get off one ship and then back on another. Cool vacation!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for your report on your cruises on the Noordam and Eurodam.

 

Glad you had a great time on both ships.

[Travel Happy Lady]

That is a terrible way to find your room but it also says something about the previous occupants. Only a slob would make such a mess of a room. The average person would have to go out of his/her way to make such a mess. Just because someone else cleans it up is no reason to be a complete slob. I wonder if they'd mess up their own bathroom that way.

[CruisinManiac]

Boy, a 24 day cruise. How lucky your are. :)

 

Sounds like your cabin was forgotten (missed) and not yet cleaned when you arrived. :eek:

 

My cabin on the Eurodam had similar issues (incidentally, we got off as you were getting on.) There were hand prints smeared on the verandah door frames and the wall mirror. The light switches also had smears. There was a ton of dust on the TV stand, and dressing table.

 

As I was looking for a lost necklace one day, I realized that the area surrounding the bed was thick with dust, and I found a pair of rolled-up socks just under the dust ruffle. Earlier in the cruise, I noticed a small plastic disk (about the size of a dime) near the closets. I decided to see how long it stayed there. The next morning, I asked my steward if he had vacuumed the evening before (my necklace for still MIA and I thought perhaps it had been vacuumed up.) My steward said that he vacuums in the morning, not at night. Well, I don't think the cabin was vacuumed at all during the entire cruise, because that plastic disk stayed smack in the middle of the closet hall all week. I even moved it to make sure it was not stuck to the carpet. :D

 

Since I go over most surfaces with an antibacterial wipes when we arrive at our cabin, I cleaned things myself. I didn't complain, and have hesitated saying anything on this board before now. :rolleyes: I could also tell that our cabin steward was stressed. :( Despite the slightly dirty cabin, we had a wonderful cruise and all crew members were friendly. ;)

[cruisun]

Boy, a 24 day cruise. How lucky your are. :)

 

Sounds like your cabin was forgotten (missed) and not yet cleaned when you arrived. :eek:

 

My cabin on the Eurodam had similar issues (incidentally, we got off as you were getting on.) There were hand prints smeared on the verandah door frames and the wall mirror. The light switches also had smears. There was a ton of dust on the TV stand, and dressing table.

 

As I was looking for a lost necklace one day, I realized that the area surrounding the bed was thick with dust, and I found a pair of rolled-up socks just under the dust ruffle. Earlier in the cruise, I noticed a small plastic disk (about the size of a dime) near the closets. I decided to see how long it stayed there. The next morning, I asked my steward if he had vacuumed the evening before (my necklace for still MIA and I thought perhaps it had been vacuumed up.) My steward said that he vacuums in the morning, not at night. Well, I don't think the cabin was vacuumed at all during the entire cruise, because that plastic disk stayed smack in the middle of the closet hall all week. I even moved it to make sure it was not stuck to the carpet. :D

 

Since I go over most surfaces with an antibacterial wipes when we arrive at our cabin, I cleaned things myself. I didn't complain, and have hesitated saying anything on this board before now. :rolleyes: I could also tell that our cabin steward was stressed. :( Despite the slightly dirty cabin, we had a wonderful cruise and all crew members were friendly. ;)

 

I too was hesitant to discuss this subject in my review but it was an issue. I also wipe everything down with antibacterial wipes but have never felt that I had to clean the room myself as I did this time, not something one feels like doing while on vacation on a nice cruise line or hotel. The too noticed that the vaccuming was seldom done if at all during the cruise and it used to be done twice daily. The other disappointment in the "cleaning department" was that the stewards no longer clean the glass on the balcony under the railings. I only saw it being done with hoses on the last day of each cruise.Thanks everyone for your responses!!!!!!

[rkacruiser]

Very good review! Thank you!

 

I sailed on the Noordam in 2009 and found that the veranda furniture, railings, and glass not being cleaned; things were salt-encrusted and when I wiped the railings off, the towel became black! This problem was noted by me on the end of cruise comment form. In retrospect, I probably should have brought the issue to the attention of the Guest Relations Manager.

 

However, when I was on the Noordam in January of this year, the veranda and its furnishings were clean and was kept clean throughout the voyage. We had no issues with the cleanliness of the stateroom itself.

 

I also believe that HAL should re-think this "team concept" for the cabin stewards.