14 Days on Eurodam

[luv2travel06]

Currently in Grand Cayman at Old Gaol Cafe using their internet with purchase of a couple of beverages. Will look for internet access in Key West again.

 

First time on Euro am. Very much enjoying cruise. A little more upscale feel than Maasdam, which up until now had been our favorite. Nicer furnishings in public areas. Seems to be plenty of room for everyone despite the cabanas.

 

We have skipped late dinner twice as menu did not justify sitting through a two hour dinner and going to the show after when we were so tired and same food was in Lido.

 

They now have signs indicating the end of the line in the buffet so you don't have people approaching from both directions like before.

 

The show last night was the group that normally plays in the BB King lounge. Very much enjoyed them! Very good! I kind of felt embarrassed for the HALCats as they just don't measure up to that group.

 

Some work is going on. I'm wondering if it might be work on backup electrical systems as there are rolls of tubing and what appears to be electrical cable on deck 10 that was loaded during embarkation. Also a special work crew boarded then.

 

Great cruise so far! VA balcony for same price as inside guarantee and $250 shareholder credit for 14 day cruise along with FCD credit.....It's a good cruise!

[Cruzin with BQ & CQ]

In relation to the tender dock? We will be in Cayman in two weeks on the Eurodam and wondering where we can get an internet connection and a few pops! Thanks!:)

[luv2travel06]

We tendered in to the pier farthest east? #3? It is a couple doors up, across the street from Bayshore mall, right at the end of the pier. On Goring Ave?

Edited November 14, 2013 by luv2travel06
spelling

[CruiserBruce]

Was on Eurodam for 22 days in July. Agree with your comments, particularly related to the Blues group. They were the best entertainment we have seen on HAL in over 20 years.

 

There was wiring just starting in late July. We were told it was for improving the WiFi.

[kazu]

Thanks so much for checking in. Looking forward to further reports as time permits.

[Cruzin with BQ & CQ]

Want to send some pictures etc. when we hit port.:cool:

[Thebes]

We tendered in to the pier farthest east? #3? It is a couple doors up, across the street from Bayshore mall, right at the end of the pier. On Goring Ave?

 

Thanks for reporting & will look forward to reading your wonderful reports. We're doing the same thing in feb. Heard that Edam is going through a wet dock in dec. how was tendering at CI ? Did u book a ship excursion or independent ? There will be 5 ships in CI when we go in feb. Enjoy your cruise :)

[510picker]

We will be boarding on Sunday. Hold the fort down until I arrive! :)

[sail7seas]

Thanks for checking in.

Happy you are enjoying Eurodam so much.

We've had some wonderful cruises on her. :)

 

Have fun!

[luv2travel06]

Currently in Grand Cayman at Old Gaol Cafe using their internet with purchase of a couple of beverages. Will look for internet access in Key West again.

 

First time on Euro am. Very much enjoying cruise. A little more upscale feel than Maasdam, which up until now had been our favorite. Nicer furnishings in public areas. Seems to be plenty of room for everyone despite the cabanas.

 

We have skipped late dinner twice as menu did not justify sitting through a two hour dinner and going to the show after when we were so tired and same food was in Lido.

 

They now have signs indicating the end of the line in the buffet so you don't have people approaching from both directions like before.

 

The show last night was the group that normally plays in the BB King lounge. Very much enjoyed them! Very good! I kind of felt embarrassed for the HALCats as they just don't measure up to that group.

 

Some work is going on. I'm wondering if it might be work on backup electrical systems as there are rolls of tubing and what appears to be electrical cable on deck 10 that was loaded during embarkation. Also a special work crew boarded then.

 

Great cruise so far! VA balcony for same price as inside guarantee and $250 shareholder credit for 14 day cruise along with FCD credit.....It's a good cruise!

 

Checking in again...from Key West.

 

Our 3 star Mariner pins were delivered to our cabin this morning!

 

Mariner lunch yesterday. Tiles were picture Eurodam/Noordam.

 

Front desk taking donations for Philippines Red Cross.

 

Steel drum player very good but often not listed in daily schedule.

 

Salt shakers in MDR always clogged...no matter how many different ones they bring us. We joke about it every night with our server.

 

Not sure if the many empty tables in MDR are due to empty cabins or alternative dining.

 

Funny to see a seagull grab all the bacon from a plate that a man had just set on a table at the aft pool as we docked in Key West this morning.

 

Had to parade through the nightclub for immigration inspection before going ashore. Used to do that for St. Thomas but don't remember doing it lately.

 

They ought to put the daily menus on a TV channel so you don't have to hike around the ship to see them. Would be especially nice for elderly and disabled.

 

Started putting the ice bucket in the fridge at night so we still have ice in the morning for our sodas as we get ready.

 

They sold small flower arrangements at the Lido deck sale. Bought one for our room for $12.50.

 

Tendering at Grand Cayman was easy. Pearl and Magic used port tenders. We used our lifeboats.

 

Appeared to be Cuban patrol boat shadowing us as we rounded Cuba toward Jamaica.

 

Strong sewage smell on deck 10 aft, starboard side all cruise.

 

Instead of chicken "pieces", menu said BBQ Chicken Parts....made us laugh!

 

Turnaround day tomorrow. Had heard that 600 are on for 14 days.

[alibabacruisers]

Thanks for the trip report. Glad to read about the sign telling where the end of the line is...we were on the Volendam last year and that was a big problem in the Lido.

[existentialtraveler]

Currently in Grand Cayman at Old Gaol Cafe using their internet with purchase of a couple of beverages. Will look for internet access in Key West again.

 

First time on Euro am. Very much enjoying cruise. A little more upscale feel than Maasdam, which up until now had been our favorite. Nicer furnishings in public areas. Seems to be plenty of room for everyone despite the cabanas.

 

We have skipped late dinner twice as menu did not justify sitting through a two hour dinner and going to the show after when we were so tired and same food was in Lido.

 

They now have signs indicating the end of the line in the buffet so you don't have people approaching from both directions like before.

 

The show last night was the group that normally plays in the BB King lounge. Very much enjoyed them! Very good! I kind of felt embarrassed for the HALCats as they just don't measure up to that group.

 

Some work is going on. I'm wondering if it might be work on backup electrical systems as there are rolls of tubing and what appears to be electrical cable on deck 10 that was loaded during embarkation. Also a special work crew boarded then.

 

Great cruise so far! VA balcony for same price as inside guarantee and $250 shareholder credit for 14 day cruise along with FCD credit.....It's a good cruise!

We will be on the Eurodam Feb.2. I am glad you are enjoying your cruise. Massdam has been our favorite ship as well. I am looking forward to the Eurodam even more now that I have read your comments.

[CruiserBruce]

HAL gets it with the B2B and Collectors concepts. On our Collectors this summer in the Baltic on Eurodam, over 750 were on for the Collectors- over 1/3 of the ship.

[mamaofami]

Thank you for checking in. Maasdam and Noordam are my favorite ships, but I had a wonderful cruise on Edam when she was brand new.

[luv2travel06]

Checking in again...from Key West.

 

Our 3 star Mariner pins were delivered to our cabin this morning!

 

Mariner lunch yesterday. Tiles were picture Eurodam/Noordam.

 

Front desk taking donations for Philippines Red Cross.

 

Steel drum player very good but often not listed in daily schedule.

 

Salt shakers in MDR always clogged...no matter how many different ones they bring us. We joke about it every night with our server.

 

Not sure if the many empty tables in MDR are due to empty cabins or alternative dining.

 

Funny to see a seagull grab all the bacon from a plate that a man had just set on a table at the aft pool as we docked in Key West this morning.

 

Had to parade through the nightclub for immigration inspection before going ashore. Used to do that for St. Thomas but don't remember doing it lately.

 

They ought to put the daily menus on a TV channel so you don't have to hike around the ship to see them. Would be especially nice for elderly and disabled.

 

Started putting the ice bucket in the fridge at night so we still have ice in the morning for our sodas as we get ready.

 

They sold small flower arrangements at the Lido deck sale. Bought one for our room for $12.50.

 

Tendering at Grand Cayman was easy. Pearl and Magic used port tenders. We used our lifeboats.

 

Appeared to be Cuban patrol boat shadowing us as we rounded Cuba toward Jamaica.

 

Strong sewage smell on deck 10 aft, starboard side all cruise.

 

Instead of chicken "pieces", menu said BBQ Chicken Parts....made us laugh!

 

Turnaround day tomorrow. Had heard that 600 are on for 14 days.

 

As noted on another thread, turnaround was delayed by 2 couples slow to disembark.

 

As we approached the dock in St Thomas, dozens of bees landed on the port side of deck 10. I moved to the starboard side.

 

Shared Grand Turk with the Carnival Breeze. Plenty of room for everyone.

 

One thing they need to change is closing the Lido buffet at the same time as "All Aboard" at a port. People want to eat when they get back on the ship and the Terrace Grill gets overwhelmed. If you haven't eaten all day, a piece of pizza or a burger isn't much.

 

After our last cruise on the Ryndam when at least 5 people were taken away from the ship by ambulance, some before we even left Tampa, the ambulances at the piers have been for the Breeze and the Independence of the Seas.

 

Rich Purpura was fantastic and hilarious.

 

Happy hour for Collectors Voyage pax every day from 6-7 at Lido bar.

 

Daily paper notes that shore power capability is being added to ships. Maybe that is the work that is being done.

 

On turnaround day, noted many crew disembarking with their luggage. Was later told that 25 had left. Saw some of the new crew getting a tour of their work area.

 

Staff is wonderful on the ship! Will be naming many on the survey.

 

Collectors voyage guests received a plate of cookies in their cabins at the beginning of the second week.

 

Received invite for 2nd Mariners lunch. Attended week 1, may not go this time.

 

Did I mention the Texas BBQ pig drummies available both embarkation days? Tasty!

 

Lost total track of time. Don't know what day it is or even what month it is. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is 3 days after we get home.

 

Frosted glass doors dividing different areas of Lido deck are confusing. You can't tell if someone is approaching from the other direction on the other side of it.

 

The future cruise consultant is the Captain's wife.

 

Both times the Royal Princess left the port behind us, it appeared a helicopter was filming it for an extended period of time, even hovering close to the bow.

 

Cruise has been very enjoyable!

Edited November 21, 2013 by luv2travel06
additional information

[erewhon]

Thank you for these reports of your Eurodam cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for taking the time to check in when you can.

When we left Ft Lauderdale (on the Nieuw Amsterdam) -- the Royal Princess played the "Love Boat" song using her whistles when she was ready to leave.

[sunsetbeachgal]

I hope you get the good dock, dock B in key West again...loved that location!

[Typhoon1]

Love Eurodam. We have sailed it three times.

[luv2travel06]

As noted on another thread, turnaround was delayed by 2 couples slow to disembark.

 

As we approached the dock in St Thomas, dozens of bees landed on the port side of deck 10. I moved to the starboard side.

 

Shared Grand Turk with the Carnival Breeze. Plenty of room for everyone.

 

One thing they need to change is closing the Lido buffet at the same time as "All Aboard" at a port. People want to eat when they get back on the ship and the Terrace Grill gets overwhelmed. If you haven't eaten all day, a piece of pizza or a burger isn't much.

 

After our last cruise on the Ryndam when at least 5 people were taken away from the ship by ambulance, some before we even left Tampa, the ambulances at the piers have been for the Breeze and the Independence of the Seas.

 

Rich Purpura was fantastic and hilarious.

 

Happy hour for Collectors Voyage pax every day from 6-7 at Lido bar.

 

Daily paper notes that shore power capability is being added to ships. Maybe that is the work that is being done.

 

On turnaround day, noted many crew disembarking with their luggage. Was later told that 25 had left. Saw some of the new crew getting a tour of their work area.

 

Staff is wonderful on the ship! Will be naming many on the survey.

 

Collectors voyage guests received a plate of cookies in their cabins at the beginning of the second week.

 

Received invite for 2nd Mariners lunch. Attended week 1, may not go this time.

 

Did I mention the Texas BBQ pig drummies available both embarkation days? Tasty!

 

Lost total track of time. Don't know what day it is or even what month it is. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is 3 days after we get home.

 

Frosted glass doors dividing different areas of Lido deck are confusing. You can't tell if someone is approaching from the other direction on the other side of it.

 

The future cruise consultant is the Captain's wife.

 

Both times the Royal Princess left the port behind us, it appeared a helicopter was filming it for an extended period of time, even hovering close to the bow.

 

Cruise has been very enjoyable!

 

Just disembarked.

 

First in line for expedited disembarkation. Was told where we had to stand. Advised those following us accordingly. Then they stopped caring that people were standing where we were told we could not. Several looking for wheelchair service even though instructions clearly said that was not available for expedited disembark. First person went off on a gurney with paramedics. Then a delay while they were looking for "downliners", whatever they are. Finally we and another couple were allowed to leave, but as we were standing at customs, we saw HAL security parade everyone else off. Only 2 lines at customs.

 

Less than $13 for taxi to airport--gave driver a big tip. Rented a car there. Flying home tomorrow.

 

Stopped for a cup of coffee at McDonalds in Pompano Beach, where it is sunny and 80 degrees. Heard "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" on Muzak. (Did hear that there is several inches of snow at home.)

 

The formerly 1 hr disembarkation presentation has been condensed to 5 min on channel 26.

 

Surveys are now emailed.

 

The Eurodam was the nicest of the HAL ships we have been on. Very nice cruise. Hated to leave--just felt like home. HAL was offering extra 50% onboard credit, so we did book another cruise while onboard, but it is not until 2015, on the Maasdam, chosen based on itinerary. (Joining family on an RCI cruise and doing an NCL cruise in 2014.)

[sunsetbeachgal]

I can't believe someone was looking for wheelchair assist with expedited walk off...actually I can believe anything at this point! Our expedited walk off last Sunday was very organized...I like good direction and organization and loathe line cutting, so was impressed.

Edited November 24, 2013 by sunsetbeachgal