Oosterdam - Dancing With The Stars - 6/30-7/7

[tapdancemom]

Just got back on Sunday from a wonderful cruise on HALs Oosterdam. Went with hubby. Of course neither one of us wanted to come back. We chose this cruise because of the great service I remembered on a HAL cruise about 5 or 6 years ago. The other and probably bigger reason was this was the Dancing With The Stars cruise.

I made reservations about 7 or 8 months ago and because the price was so high, much more than the same cruise on other dates, we got an inside cabin. I was ok with that but hoped prices would come down and we could upgrade. Sure enough they did and we got an semi-obstructed view for no more money. Several weeks ago there was another sale and I contacted my TA to see if she could get us a veranda for not much more. Well, she called back and said yes, and then said “sit down, you’re not going to believe this but I could get a suite guarantee and still no extra cost”. I gets even better, HAL contacted her a few days before the cruise and we could upgrade to a Neptune suite for $149 each. YIPEE, such a deal! Needless to say we jumped on it and were counting the days til we boarded.

Since we live in Vancouver Wa we could drive up and had a place to park our car too and didn’t have to pay for port parking.

EMBARKATION: This was maybe the most painless embarkation of all twelve cruises I have sailed on. Gary and I were dropped off at the port, made our way up to check in and after a few minutes of the usual questions and documents we were were all set. It was eleven and were expecting to get on board by eleven thirty. Gary and I were in group one and we were having our picture taken and going up to our suite right on time.

We had an SA cabin, #7071. So much room, what a treat. Large angled sofa with two chairs and coffee table. There was a king size bed, two night stands and a large counter (writing area w/chair) and a swivel TV on top. Lots of drawers and cupboards too. There was a shelf on one side of the sofa and a small cupboard on the other.

There was lots of closet space and shelves six sections. There is a dressing area with vanity and triple mirrors just outside of the bathroom. Best bathroom of any cruise we’ve had. There were double sinks with lots of counter space. The suite has a jetted tub with shower and also a separate shower. Great for me since I have a bad hip and the shower was much easier for me then having to step into a bathtub.

The veranda was huge. There was a table with four chairs and two chairs with ottomans. The glass elevator was fairly close to us and Ive read that that bothered some people but it was no big deal for us.

I’ll be doing this review in several sections, have lots of work to catch up on.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you had a wonderful Alaskan cruise.

Can't wait for the full review.

Those SA Neptune Suites are great.

[tapdancemom]

After checking out the cabin we head up the Lido for lunch. It wasn’t crowded yet so we got a window table. I had prime rib, salmon, spinach, salad and and an iced tea. Gary had sweet and sour pork, rice, salmon and a salad. The food was ok, but didn’t eat there very much.

We headed back to our cabin and found sparkling wine and water for us. I think that was one of the Neptune perks. We also received chocolate covered strawberries from our TA. We put away clothes and then decided to check out the Neptune Lounge. We were very close, so handy all week long to pop in anytime. There was champagne, cookies and chocolates. Our favorite though was the cappacino machine that we LOVED! Everyday!

The lifeboat drill was next. We didn’t need to take the life vests. When we got to our station it was “women in front, men in back”” that was a first. It went fairly quick and we were off to enjoy the sailaway. This was like non existant. Maybe we were late but there was no band, no waiters running around with drinks of the day, the quietest sailaway in twelve cruises. Oh well, back to the cabin to get ready for dinner.

We had a table for eight. Our waiter was Andy, he was great, such a cute smile too. Our table mates were another couple about our age. The other four were a husband, wife, her mom and cousin. “Grandma” was a hoot, we loved her. For dinner I had the scallop appetizer, it was good. Baked potato soup – NOT GOOD, watery with a funny taste. Gary ordered it too and he said his was fine. Andy brought me a salad instead. Gary and I both had the beef loin and for desert he had ice cream and I had the red velvet cake, with almost a jello like consistency. Service was VERY SLOW, 2 hours and 15 minutes. Not such a good start to the MDR but it did improve.

We went to the show, 9:00 for everyone, then the casino and back to our cabin.

Tomarrow – Day at sea

[tapdancemom]

After checking out the cabin we head up the Lido for lunch. It wasn’t crowded yet so we got a window table. I had prime rib, salmon, spinach, salad and and an iced tea. Gary had sweet and sour pork, rice, salmon and a salad. The food was ok, but didn’t eat there very much.

We headed back to our cabin and found sparkling wine and water for us. I think that was one of the Neptune perks. We also received chocolate covered strawberries from our TA. We put away clothes and then decided to check out the Neptune Lounge. We were very close, so handy all week long to pop in anytime. There was champagne, cookies and chocolates. Our favorite though was the cappacino machine that we LOVED! Everyday!

The lifeboat drill was next. We didn’t need to take the life vests. When we got to our station it was “women in front, men in back”” that was a first. It went fairly quick and we were off to enjoy the sailaway. This was like non existant. Maybe we were late but there was no band, no waiters running around with drinks of the day, the quietest sailaway in twelve cruises. Oh well, back to the cabin to get ready for dinner.

We had a table for eight. Our waiter was Andy, he was great, such a cute smile too. Our table mates were another couple about our age. The other four were a husband, wife, her mom and cousin. “Grandma” was a hoot, we loved her. For dinner I had the scallop appetizer, it was good. Baked potato soup – NOT GOOD, watery with a funny taste. Gary ordered it too and he said his was fine. Andy brought me a salad instead. Gary and I both had the beef loin and for desert he had ice cream and I had the red velvet cake, with almost a jello like consistency. Service was VERY SLOW, 2 hours and 15 minutes. Not such a good start to the MDR but it did improve.

We went to the show, 9:00 for everyone, then the casino and back to our cabin.

Tomarrow – Day at sea

 

Where did my paragraphs go?

[kazu]

Where did my paragraphs go?

 

First of all, welcome home and I am enjoying your review:D

 

If your paragraphs are on word perfect - then you need to match the font on cruise critic with it.

 

If you are typing on cruise critic, then you can just click edit - and correct.

 

You have 20 minutes on an edit.

 

Enjoying your reports - don't let the paragraphs deter you - but they do make it easier to read;)

[tapdancemom]

I'll try and fix the paragraphs. I agree it's a lot easier to read with them.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[PathfinderEss]

Enjoying your review, can't wait for the rest of it. Glad you had a good time and welcome home.:)

[Typhoon1]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Looking forward to the next installment.

[tapdancemom]

I'll try and fix the paragraphs. I agree it's a lot easier to read with them.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[aliaschief]

Nice review. Looking forward to your thoughts on the new Dancing With The Stars show.

 

Thanks.

[tapdancemom]

We were up at 7:30 on Monday, our day at sea. Thought we would both sleep in longer but hey we can catch a nap later.

It was off to the MDR for breakfast. We met part of a group of ten that had met at Starbucks in Seattle and became friends and decided to take a cruise together. They were two really nice, friendly couples. Gary loves corned beef hash so that’s what he ordered. He said it was really salty. I tried the Swiss Muesli that I heard so much about on the boards, very yummy. Its oats, cream I think, berries, raisins and thin sliced apple “straws”. I also had eggs benedict, it was good.

That morning there was the first of the “Dancing With The Stars” classes that were MCd by Jason the cruise director and taught by two of the regular Oosterdam dancers. It was being held in the Queens Lounge, not a very big dance floor, but it did have a stage. Glad I went early because it was jam packed. Standing room only. They way it worked was that this class was the Jive and one passenger would win a spot with one of the Oosterdam dancers to compete in the final contest on Saturday afternoon.

I would have loved to have participated, I own a dance studio (tap, ballet, jazz etc.) in Portland, but I now walk with a cane, bad hip. I could only watch but that was ok, still enjoyed it. Jason divided the group of participants, the passengers were still dancing together at this point, into two groups and took the second one somewhere else. All the classes after this were held in the main showroom. After learning and practicing the Jive, one that Kym Johnson and Joey Fatone did on the TV show, four guest were chosen to each dance with an Oosterdam dancer. Also helping the passengers and watching were the Dancing With The Stars At Sea troupe, kind of like the troupe that perform on the TV show (not the pros that are partnered with the celebrities). Two of those pros, along with Tristan MacManus, a pro from the TV show were judges. Tristan was such a likeble and knowledgable young man. Loved his Irish accent and sense of humor. A darling young woman won. There was another class/contest in the afternoon.

Gary and I met in the Neptune Lounge for lunch. We had mini wraps, cheese, fruit, custard tarts w/berries (the best pastry on the ship) and chocolates. To be real honest most of the desserts left something to be desired in the MDR and Lido.

[tapdancemom]

At 3:30 there was the Dancing With The Stars At Sea: Q&A. I got there at 2:45 and brought my book. I wanted to be up front, so did many others, it was VERY POPULAR.

Kym Johnson, Tristan MacManus, Shawn Johnson, Sabrina Bryan and carson Kressley were seated on the Vista Lounge stage and Jason the cruise director MCd. It was open to audience questions. We learned that the couples have input on costumes and music to some degree. Someone asked about Max and all the drama from the year before. Kym said he’’s really a “teddy bear”, but is very protective of his partners, concerned about making them look their best. This lasted about 45 minutes.

Found Gary back at the room getting in his afternoon nap. This was formal night so we got ready and headed down to the dining room. I ordered the jumbo shrimp cocktail, it was good. From the everyday menu I had the French onion soup, heard on here it wasn’t that good, but I thought it was very flavorful. For my entrée I had the tenderloing and grilled shrimp, both cooked perfectly. I don’t remember what I had for dessert. Gary had the shrimp cocktail, gold rush soup and tenderloin and shrimp.

After dinner we headed over to get in line for pictures with DWTS folks. First was with Tristan and Kym. Then with Shawn, Sabrina & Carson. The line went fast and so did the pictures. They must get very tired of this kind of thing but all the pros and celebrities were very gracious.

After pictures it was showtime with the Oosterdam singers and dancers. Singers were just ok, except Jesse who was a strong performer. Dancers did fine. The show was “Garage Band” with hits from the 50s to the 80s. I met Gary in the casino and we played slots for awhile, breaking even.

On our way back to the cabin we went to the Lido for a bedtime snack. The pizza was just ok, and the pasta very watery.

[tapdancemom]

Now the font is tiny and can't seem to change it in editing. Sheesh! :(

[sail7seas]

I'm enjoying your review.

We did your cruise last year and loved it.

Sounds like you had a great time.

Thanks for sharing with us.

[debjo]

Hi tapdancemom...

We feel like we almost know you...having our DWTS cruises back to back...us on the VEENDAM on the Canada/New England trip...and you on the OOSTERDAM on the Alaskan cruise. I wondered if Jason would be your Cruise Director, as I'd read on these message boards that he seems to be the C.D. for the DWTS cruises. He must have flown right out to the West Coast for your 6/30 cruise, after leaving the VEENDAM in Boston on 6/29! Talk about jet lag!

 

It really sounds like your Life Boat Drill was just like ours...no Life Vests and Women to the Front/Men to the Back...a first for us too. It was such a hot day on deck when we reported to our drill, my dear husband being in the back, got overcome with heat exhaustion our very first day. He missed our "sail away"...but I have to say, "ours" was a mild affair too...not many people, only a guitar player, and a table set up with bread and cheese...wine was available for purchase. Again...no "drink of the day" being brought around on our cruise either. I'm surprised to see that your experience mimicked ours!

 

Because DH was a bit under the weather, we weren't able to participate in our DWTS dance lessons either. Still, it was great fun watching everyone else. We ended up recording much of the dance instruction, so we can learn the routines at home in our spare time. We, too, waited in the Theater for over an hour to get good seat "up front" for the Q & A with the "stars" & "professionals". It sound like our cruise experiences are in parallel universes! :-)

 

Glad to read that the remainder of your cruise's DWTS dance lessons were moved to the Main Show Room. I'm sure you found, as we did, that the DWTS events became more and more packed as your cruise week progressed! Our Photo Session with the DWTS bunch was a bit different...probably because we only had four DWTS people instead of the five on your cruise...so we only got one picture with them on formal night. How is Shawn Johnson's knee doing? Was she able to dance for the ending DWTS show?

 

I look forward to more of your "installments"...I feel like I'm reliving our cruise as I read them. DH and I thoroughly enjoyed our 2007 cruise to Alaska...we would have booked the OOSTERDAM cruise too, if we didn't have to fly from New York State out to the west coast... doing the DWTS cruise from Quebec to Boston was much easier for us to get to, without having to pay more money to fly across the country.

 

I'm thrilled about your fantastic upgrade. I thought we got a terrific one too...moving from a BQ to a Veranda Suite for no additional cost...still your Neptune Suite beats our upgrade, hands down. We enjoyed a Neptune Suite in 2006 on the Westerdam...one of the aft ones with the wrap-around balcony. I hope you enjoyed all the nice treats in the Neptune Lounge...do they still have those rock candy-like sugar stir sticks to sweeten your coffee with??? I, too, liked the French Onion (always available) Soup at dinner time...I found it quite good and had a bowl of it every night. The other "every day" meal I enjoyed was Eggs Benedict each morning...mmm good!

 

Until later...

Debjo

[RuthC]

Now the font is tiny and can't seem to change it in editing. Sheesh! :(

When you have written everything you want to say in your post, do not hit "Submit Reply". Instead, hit the button next to it: "Preview Post".

You can make changes in the new box that comes up, then hit "Submit reply". You shouldn't need to edit then.

[artistann]

At 3:30 there was the Dancing With The Stars At Sea: Q&A. I got there at 2:45 and brought my book. I wanted to be up front, so did many others, it was VERY POPULAR.

 

Kym Johnson, Tristan MacManus, Shawn Johnson, Sabrina Bryan and carson Kressley were seated on the Vista Lounge stage and Jason the cruise director MCd. It was open to audience questions. We learned that the couples have input on costumes and music to some degree. Someone asked about Max and all the drama from the year before. Kym said he’’s really a “teddy bear”, but is very protective of his partners, concerned about making them look their best. This lasted about 45 minutes.

 

Found Gary back at the room getting in his afternoon nap. This was formal night so we got ready and headed down to the dining room. I ordered the jumbo shrimp cocktail, it was good. From the everyday menu I had the French onion soup, heard on here it wasn’t that good, but I thought it was very flavorful. For my entrée I had the tenderloing and grilled shrimp, both cooked perfectly. I don’t remember what I had for dessert. Gary had the shrimp cocktail, gold rush soup and tenderloin and shrimp.

 

After dinner we headed over to get in line for pictures with DWTS folks. First was with Tristan and Kym. Then with Shawn, Sabrina & Carson. The line went fast and so did the pictures. They must get very tired of this kind of thing but all the pros and celebrities were very gracious.

 

After pictures it was showtime with the Oosterdam singers and dancers. Singers were just ok, except Jesse who was a strong performer. Dancers did fine. The show was “Garage Band” with hits from the 50s to the 80s. I met Gary in the casino and we played slots for awhile, breaking even.

 

On our way back to the cabin we went to the Lido for a bedtime snack. The pizza was just ok, and the pasta very watery.

 

 

Thank You for posting as DH and I were on this cruise and I am reliving it through you!

 

We loved all the Dancing with the Stars Events even though we do not dance. The costumes of the show at the pool were great . I had my picture taken there with Carson Kressley and also at the session with all of the Stars.

 

We also got upgraded but not as well as you from VF guarantee to VA on Rotterdam 7 - must have been down the hall from you as it was 7017 near the elevators. Looking forward to your future comments.

[erewhon]

Enjoying reading your Oosterdam review.

 

Did you have breakfast in the Pinnacle grill?

[cruz chic]

I'm enjoying your review since I'll be on the Oosterdam in August.

[tapdancemom]

Hi tapdancemom...

We feel like we almost know you...having our DWTS cruises back to back...us on the VEENDAM on the Canada/New England trip...and you on the OOSTERDAM on the Alaskan cruise. I wondered if Jason would be your Cruise Director, as I'd read on these message boards that he seems to be the C.D. for the DWTS cruises. He must have flown right out to the West Coast for your 6/30 cruise, after leaving the VEENDAM in Boston on 6/29! Talk about jet lag!

 

It really sounds like your Life Boat Drill was just like ours...no Life Vests and Women to the Front/Men to the Back...a first for us too. It was such a hot day on deck when we reported to our drill, my dear husband being in the back, got overcome with heat exhaustion our very first day. He missed our "sail away"...but I have to say, "ours" was a mild affair too...not many people, only a guitar player, and a table set up with bread and cheese...wine was available for purchase. Again...no "drink of the day" being brought around on our cruise either. I'm surprised to see that your experience mimicked ours!

 

Because DH was a bit under the weather, we weren't able to participate in our DWTS dance lessons either. Still, it was great fun watching everyone else. We ended up recording much of the dance instruction, so we can learn the routines at home in our spare time. We, too, waited in the Theater for over an hour to get good seat "up front" for the Q & A with the "stars" & "professionals". It sound like our cruise experiences are in parallel universes! :-)

 

Glad to read that the remainder of your cruise's DWTS dance lessons were moved to the Main Show Room. I'm sure you found, as we did, that the DWTS events became more and more packed as your cruise week progressed! Our Photo Session with the DWTS bunch was a bit different...probably because we only had four DWTS people instead of the five on your cruise...so we only got one picture with them on formal night. How is Shawn Johnson's knee doing? Was she able to dance for the ending DWTS show?

 

I look forward to more of your "installments"...I feel like I'm reliving our cruise as I read them. DH and I thoroughly enjoyed our 2007 cruise to Alaska...we would have booked the OOSTERDAM cruise too, if we didn't have to fly from New York State out to the west coast... doing the DWTS cruise from Quebec to Boston was much easier for us to get to, without having to pay more money to fly across the country.

 

I'm thrilled about your fantastic upgrade. I thought we got a terrific one too...moving from a BQ to a Veranda Suite for no additional cost...still your Neptune Suite beats our upgrade, hands down. We enjoyed a Neptune Suite in 2006 on the Westerdam...one of the aft ones with the wrap-around balcony. I hope you enjoyed all the nice treats in the Neptune Lounge...do they still have those rock candy-like sugar stir sticks to sweeten your coffee with??? I, too, liked the French Onion (always available) Soup at dinner time...I found it quite good and had a bowl of it every night. The other "every day" meal I enjoyed was Eggs Benedict each morning...mmm good!

 

Until later...

Debjo

 

Hi Debjo, yes we loved the treats offered in the Neptune Lounge, especially the capaccino, chocolates and tarts. I didn't see the candy-like sugar stickst for the coffee though, I just may have missed them. We were so spoiled in the lounge.

[tapdancemom]

When you have written everything you want to say in your post, do not hit "Submit Reply". Instead, hit the button next to it: "Preview Post".

You can make changes in the new box that comes up, then hit "Submit reply". You shouldn't need to edit then.

 

Thanks RuthC, I'll try that.

[tapdancemom]

Thank You for posting as DH and I were on this cruise and I am reliving it through you!

 

We loved all the Dancing with the Stars Events even though we do not dance. The costumes of the show at the pool were great . I had my picture taken there with Carson Kressley and also at the session with all of the Stars.

 

We also got upgraded but not as well as you from VF guarantee to VA on Rotterdam 7 - must have been down the hall from you as it was 7017 near the elevators. Looking forward to your future comments.

 

Thanks artistann, We had such a great time on the cruise. Very spoiled with our upgrade and LOVED all the dancing.

[tapdancemom]

Tuesday morning Gary and woke to room service being delivered at 6:10am. We had coffee, orange juice, mixed fruit, bran muffin for me and blueberry for Gary.

I attended the Samba class and competition in the Vista Lounge. Lots of fun watching the non-dancers enjoying themselves and the better ones vying for a spot in Saturday’s dance-off.

Gary and I were supposed to meet for the Mariner’s Brunch in the MDR but he thought it was noon and not at eleven (when we were supposed to meet). I left and went back to the room. Oh well.

There was a fashion show up on the Lido deck at noon so I hurried up there to get a good viewing spot. It was so well attended with people getting there early I found a place to stand by the big towel holder, mid pool area. Kym and Carson were the MCs. She’s adorable and he’s a hoot! The Dancing With The Stars TV show had sent probably fifteen to twenty dresses that the pros and celebrities wore. The cruise ship pros and a couple of the cruise ship dancers modeled (danced there way around the pool then onto the stage). So many gorgeous ones, lots of rhinestones. At the end Carson jumped of stage, went into the impromptu dressing area and came out in the tourqoise cheerleading outfit he wore on the show and joined the ladies for one more “dance” around the pool and a few pictures along the way. The audience had a great time!

[tapdancemom]

After the show I hurried back to the veranda to watch the scenery at Tracy Arm. I think we actually were at Endicott Arm instead. This was our fourth Alaskan cruise and the least viewing of the glaciers of any of them. I kept thinking anytime we would see something but apparently it wasn’t safe for the captain to take us any closer. Several years back we had a tremendous showing of “calving” and spectacular views. Just not to be this trip.

We were supposed to have dinner in the Pinnacle Grill at 5:30 but when we arrived we had reservations for Thursday instead. We changed them to Friday and then went on to the Main Dining Room and joined our tablemates.

We had the following:

Appetizer – Crab & Artichoke en Bouchee – both of us

Soup – I had Farmers Vegetable Puree – very tasty

Salad – Gary had Sunset Salad w/carmelized pear, grilled red pepper

And blue cheese crumbles – said it was ok

Entrée – I had grilled halibut w/braised leeks with bacon, broccoli

Pretty good

Gary had the every night steak offering – said it was flavorful

and cooked med rare as ordered

After dinner we went to the Magicians show – didn’t care for him, tried to be funny, he wasn’t and was a little inappropriate for kids.

It was off to the casino and again we stayed about even. So far so good.

About midnight we ordered room service. They were fairly quick, about twenty minutes and it came hot and correct. Can’t ask much more than that. Gary ordered a ham and cheese omlette and I had a hamburger with swiss cheese. Also chocolate chip cookies and milke for him and chocolate cake for me. The cake was excellent, better than any desserts I got in the main dining room or Lido.

[tapdancemom]

Debjo, Shawn had her knee wrapped but was able to dance. It looked like she was holding back a little in her performance. I'm sure she was trying to protect her knee. She still was adorable. Sabrina is a firecracker! Of coarse Carson was a hoot. Did he do Vogue on your cruise?