Oosterdam 10-1-05 Mexican Riviera review can be found in CC Review section

[Lanmon]

Greetings,

 

Hope you enjoy reading the Oosterdam Mexican Review 10-1-05 that is located in the CC Reviews section

 

In summary...we brought home many wonderful, fun-filled memories. ;)

 

Now to decide our next cruise...hmmmmm :rolleyes:

[Iggipolka]

Thanks for the review! It sounds like you had a great time. For some reason the review date is 10/05.

[Robin7]

Hope you enjoy reading the Oosterdam Mexican Review 10-1-05 that is located in the CC Reviews section

 

Lanmon,

 

I was on that same cruise, and I appreciate you taking the time to write a review. I've been too lazy.

 

I was sorry to read about your quest for a bathing suit for a member of your party. That has been one of my long-standing nightmares about cruising so I always pack one in my carry-on. I could buy (or borrow) most other things but NOT a bathing suit! I'm too hard to fit. I hope you got a REALLY nice one for that exorbitant price!:eek:

 

I have some questions for you so we can compare experiences.

 

Warm Ship?

 

I found the ship to be very warm on the days we were in port, did you? Even our (teeny tiny) inside cabin was too warm. Although my SIL was happy. She was FREEZING prior to our arrival in Mexico.

 

Dogs?

 

It was a service dog cruise. I'd say there were at least a dozen dogs onboard. My allergies bothered me a bit, but I didn't know if that was from the (lovely, beautifully groomed, impeccably behaved) dogs or strange pollen in Mexico.

 

Embarkation?

 

When we boarded (also about 1pm) it took us 55 minutes from the time we got to the port. The person handing out the letter from the capitan about Hurricane Otis called it an "Otis Notice" and made me laugh.

 

Disembarkation?

 

We disembarked about 10am. Another HAL ship was 'parked' right next to the Oosterdam. Getting a cab was a MADHOUSE! We had to take a number and wait for quite a while. It was controlled chaos, though, and most passengers were, if not jolly, at least resigned to the wait. What time did you leave and was it that busy?

 

Cruise Director?

 

What did you think of the Cruise Director? He seemed so...stiff...to me. I guess he must be a good manager, but I thought he lacked in personality. (I can't even remember his name! Steve? something?) I LOVED Jazzy, though.

 

Superstar?

 

Did you go to the Superstar competition? We loved that. We saw it on the Zuiderdam last October so dragged my BIL and SIL with us to it this year. They were hooked. It was a highlight of the trip.

 

Sorry this is so long! I've been longing to discuss this with someone on the cruise.

 

Robin

[Lanmon]

Hi Robin,

 

Glad you had a great time on the cruise as well. I enjoy meeting people after writing reviews in hopes of meeting people and helping people with future cruises.

 

My Mom had a handicapped room (6049) because she needs oxygen 24/7. It was indeed really warm in Mazatlan and PV so her day was spent in her warm cabin trying to rest. We complained to the cabin steward and front desk about the heat temperature in the room after realizing the thermostat was not working properly. After a few calls we were told that the ship's air conditioner is regulated by the temperature of the ocean. The ocean was very warm so certain rooms are warmer than others. I don't know if that is true but that is what the front desk told us.

 

I did not knnow about the special dogs prior to going on the cruise. My husband has major allergies and had to leave the dining room one day during lunch and a show because the dogs were there. I was very impressed with their trainers and the dog's behavior.

 

On the embarkation we had no problem cos we went to the special assistance area. Our friends had to do the "zig zagging" through the lines but they did not think it was that bad.

 

We originally planned for the limo/van 9:00 AM but we did not get off the ship until 10:00 AM so the driver had to wait almost an hour for us to leave the ship. When we called He just pulled up along the curb, put in our luggage, got in the van and and arrived home within an hour.

 

I was not that impressed that much with the activities staff...except Jazzy, who added a lot of personality to BINGO. One night Steve was dancing in the NorthStar and was smiling. The girls rarely smiled or talked to the passengers. The talk dark-haired staff guy was fun in the oiano bar one evening for a few minutes. HAL's activities need improvement.

 

Superstar was great. Not only did we attend the activity but enjoyed watching the highlights in our cabin on TV.

 

Robin, did you go to the Pinnacle Grille? If so, any thoughts? What activities did you do? Did you like the Oosterday or the Zuierdam more?

Any thoughts of the shops on board??

 

Here's to more fun cruises!

 

Lanmon

[LagunaLiving]

Hello Lanmon!

 

Well, here goes! My first post and it is for you!:) I am specifically interested in your experiences regarding traveling with a person who needs special assistance, your Mother. I will be sailing the Oosterdam on Jan. 14th, 2006 with my parents, both first time cruisers. My Father suffered a stroke 3 years ago and this will be his first vacation since that. I am actively seeking any information, or tips to help make this as smooth and stress free as possible! My Father can walk some with his cane, but can be unsteady at times. He is a proud man, and really does not like a wheelchair, but we have convinced him that it is best if he embarks and debarks using a wheelchair. So here come the questions!

 

1. Could you please elaborate about the check in and the special assistance area?

2. Did your Mother bring her own chair or did HAL provide one for the embarkation?

3. Did a HAL employee assist you in the embarkation?

4. How was the lifeboat drilled handled? Once again, where you assisted by an employee of HAL?

5. During embarkation and customs, was there a special line or consideration given for your Mother?

6. Whatever else you can think of!

 

Thank you in advance to Lanmon and any CC members for your help and input. Oh, and that was a great review Lanmon! Thanks for writing it!

 

Best Regards,

Kristin

[Lanmon]

Hi Kirstin,

 

I am glad that you enjoyed the review...and I hope I will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding special assistance on HAL.

 

First of all...every HAL employee was extermely wonderful to my Mom. We received exceptional service during our entire cruise. If you need any assistance they are more than happy to help...just ask!

 

Hopefully this email will help you prepare for your cruise. If you have any more questions please let me know.;)

 

We were 4 people in our immediate party to check-in at Special Assistance--Mom, sister, my husband and self. Mom can walk but gets very tired easily and sat in a wheelchair most of the time on board ship. My sister pushed Mom during check-in, my husband pushed extra oxygen tanks and I carried the travel bag that contained travel documents.

 

I really understand your challenge about the wheelchair...and I recommend contacting your father's doctor for a RX. Medicare does approve wheelchairs (if you need additional info just let me know!). Mom has her own wheelchair with an oxygen tank holder. All wheelchairs fit very nicely in all elevators too. It was so very convenient and stress free for us all.

The ship had great stabilizers but I could imagine if would be rough and people lost their balance. Mom thought she could walk around the ship but learned the massive size of the ship the first night while going to dinner. HAL does not provide wheelchairs for the passengers so I strongly recommend to bring your own.

If you would prefer to rent a wheelchair CAREVACATIONS.COM is the website that provides everything from wheelchairs, to oxygen tanks etc. Contact your travel agent regarding any special equipment. Your TA will notify HAL and a special form needs to be filled out and returned to HAL prior to the cruise. This will let HAL know what type of equipment is going to be brought on board and used by passengers.

 

Embarkation

In the San Diego cruise terminal there is a Special Assistance Booth for the handicapped to check-in. The Special Assistance booth is the first booth in a row of 20+ check-in booths. Special Assistance passengers do not zig-zag through the terminal to check-in. There will be a security guard to show you the correct booth. After check-in there is a security checkpoint, we had pictures taken and then walked to the elevator to get on the ship. As soon as they saw the wheelchair an HAL employee came to our assistance and escorted us to our cabins.

 

Disembarkation

When our colored number was called we went to the maindeck and left the ship. A HAL member asked if we needed assistance and was prepared to bring Mom to the elevator and downstairs to the cruise terminal luggage area.

 

Meals in Dining Room

Every passenger is greeted by HAL staff at every meal. A HAL staff member took mom in her wheelchair to our table, helped her into a chair and moved the wheelchair to a local area for safe-skeeping. After every meal the waiter retrieved the wheelchair and escorted Mom to the exit.

 

Shows

There is plenty of handicapped seating in the Vista Lounge on the upper level on the Promenade Deck. However we were able to have Mom sit in the lower section and have the wheelchair be placed on the side hallways.

 

Cabin

Cabin 6049 was a nice handicap cabin. There was plenty of space for clothes in closets and drawers. The outside verandah was larger than our friends who had similar cabin types. The bathroom had one sink and a walk-in shower. The wheelchair folded nicely by the door and against the wall.

Each cabin has its own thermostat but Mom's cabin was quite warm for two days---in Mazatlan and PV. We mentioned the problem to the cabin steward and front desk. The front desk suggested moving Mom and my sister to another cabin...but they declined. We were told the A/C on the ship is regulated by the temperature of the ocean. The ocean was very warm so several cabins were warm during that time.

 

LIFEBOAT DRILL

Each lifejacket states the life boat location for each cabin. Everyone was instructed to go to that particular location. All cabin numbers are called out and checked before any instruction is given. Everyone must attend the lifeboat drill. A HAL employee brought mom to the specified area. After the drill we ventured out to see the ship.

 

CUSTOMS

The first check-in is outside the cruise terminal and security confirms passport identification and tickets. At the Special Assistance Booth the agent confirms again all tickets, passport identification and a charge card is required for on-ship charges. A passenger photo is taken and a plastic card is issued and that plastic card is your room key, charge card, off/on boat security card. On the last night a declaration form will be in your mailbox whichis outside your cabin door that must be completed prior to getting off the ship. A custom agent required us to show a photo ID and give him the declaration form when we left the ship.

 

How was that?

 

Hopefully I answered your questions but if you have any more, please let me know.

 

Take care and happy cruising!

 

Lanmon

[Robin7]

We complained to the cabin steward and front desk about the heat temperature in the room after realizing the thermostat was not working properly. After a few calls we were told that the ship's air conditioner is regulated by the temperature of the ocean. The ocean was very warm so certain rooms are warmer than others. I don't know if that is true but that is what the front desk told us.

 

I did not know about the special dogs prior to going on the cruise. My husband has major allergies and had to leave the dining room one day during lunch and a show because the dogs were there.

 

I was not that impressed that much with the activities staff...except Jazzy, who added a lot of personality to BINGO. One night Steve was dancing in the NorthStar and was smiling. The girls rarely smiled or talked to the passengers. The talk dark-haired staff guy was fun in the oiano bar one evening for a few minutes. HAL's activities need improvement.

 

Robin, did you go to the Pinnacle Grille? If so, any thoughts? What activities did you do? Did you like the Oosterday or the Zuierdam more?

Any thoughts of the shops on board??

 

Here's to more fun cruises!

 

Lanmon

 

I heard many people speculating about the causes of the heat on the ship. One man insisted that they took the system down while we were at our first port (Cabo? I can't remember the order.) Then, he said, the system was unable to catch up after being down for so long. So I saw Steve-the-Stiff outside the show lounge that night and asked him. He said it was hot because the doors were open all day for tendering, and it was hot outside which so totally explains why my INSIDE CABIN was an oven. That was the only official 'line' I heard.

 

I'm sorry your husband was bothered by the dogs. I didn't know they'd be aboard, either. My ears and throat itched off and on the entire time. I brought my decongestant, having had a sinus infection once before on a Mexican cruise, but I didn't bring my antihistamine so I spent a lot of time wishing for it. Heh.

 

Steve-the-Stiff smiles??? Really??? I'm sure he's a great administrator, but I found him totally lacking in friendliness.

 

I thought Jazzy, the dancer, and the tech guy (David?) did a really great job as the Superstar judges. They were very entertaining. And you're right, Jazzy was great at the BINGO, too. I was unimpressed by anyone else.

 

We went to the Pinnacle Grill the first night. It was wonderful! I had the fillet and my husband had the porterhouse. The crabcakes and volcano cake are divine, too.

 

As far as activities, we're not too interested in most of them which is partly why we choose to cruise HAL. We like to make our own entertainment. We brought games and cards and spent a lot of time in the Hudson Room playing. There was another group there a lot of the time with us. They said we were as nuts as they were. One comment on my card was providing more space for card/game players. Several times the Hudson Room was unavailable or full and there were people everywhere playing--the Java Corner, the Windstar Cafe, the Explorer's Lounge. We (my husband and I and his brother and wife) were forced to play up in the Lido a time or two also.

 

We did enjoy the shows featuring the dancers, but we thought the magician was kinda poor. He totally communicated how he did that trick when he was in the straight jacket and his wife was tied and handcuffed in the chair. We did not attend the comedian's R-rated show, and we thought his opening night routine was not-so-great. And I've never seen a singer with such an energetic act. Did you go to the first or second show? We were in the first one, and there was this lady--Lois?--who completely embarassed him. It was hilarious!

 

Since the Oosterdam is the identical twin of the Zuiderdam, it was easy to find our way around. I did keep getting confused about which way to go on the stairs, though, because our stateroom was downstairs last year and upstairs this time. I did like the art on the Zuiderdam better. I collect art glass, and the art glass she has on her is AMAZING.

 

The shop girls were great. I got FRIED during our first port day. We did not get off the ship and chose instead to sit by the pool for the afternoon. We thought we were in the shade. Well, the 'shade' was several layers of green glass (the retractable roof, if we'd bothered to actually look prior to sitting there for four hours) and it let the burning rays through. So I needed some aloe vera. The shop girl sold me some stuff she guaranteed would help. It did, indeed, relieve my pain and help with the blistering/peeling. She was my hero! Other than that, we're not big on shopping and bought our souvenirs in Puerto Vallarta.

 

Even though I was bothered by the heat and my allergies, it was not a bad cruise (can a cruise ever be bad?). I would go again, same ship, same circumstances in a heartbeat.

 

Robin

[MBeamTX]

Kristin,

Lanmon gave you lots of good information. I would emphatically second the suggestion to have a wheelchair of your own for the cruise. We've been able to get help in embarkation and disembarkation, but there are a limited number of HAL wheelchairs and you may need to wait a bit for one. Also, I don't believe that you will have a chair available for the lifeboard drill unless you bring one. You can expect to be standing for 15-20 minutes for the drill, depending on how promptly everyone assembles.

 

Walking any extended distance is difficult for my Dad. After we cruised a couple of times, we decided to rent a chair for him so he could use it as much as he needed. Then we found it was much more cost-effective to buy a chair, even though Dad pretty much only uses it when we travel. He's resistant to using it on a day-to-day basis at home, but he'll use it on vacation because airports involve a lot of walking and the ships are pretty big. If you buy or rent a chair, your Dad can use it as much as he needs to - and he may find that the hike from the dining room is a bit much.

 

If you think you might want to buy a wheelchair, don't buy one of the "traveling" chairs that have 4 small wheels. They may be tempting because they're lighter, but they don't maneuver very well. We bought a full-size, foldable one w/ removable wheels. I'd be happy to direct you to the company we bought my Dad's from, via eBay. It was brand new, arrived promptly and didn't cost much more than a one week rental.

 

Taking your own wheelchair along on a plane isn't difficult, either. You can gate-check it, so that you have it to use if you need to change gates for a connecting flight. Or you can check it with your baggage; it doesn't count against your baggage allowance. (I also learned, when we checked in at the San Diego airport following our cruise, that if you have an extra bag with medical equipment and supplies, it doesn't count as extra baggage either, at least on American.)

 

I hope this information is useful. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

Happy cruising,

Susan

[LagunaLiving]

Dear Lanmon and Susan,

 

Thanks to you both for taking the time to respond to my post and for offering such fabulous advice and insight! I agree with you both regarding bringing alone our own wheelchair. Dad does have one but it is not "allowed" to leave the house.;)

 

First off, the fact that he is even coming along on the cruise is a small miracle in itself! I have been working on him regarding bringing the chair and all your comments have inspired me to try even harder! I just shudder at the thought of him falling...and God forbid, what if the ocean gets a little rocky? We actually only live about 1 hour from the pier and I even drove him down to see the Oosterdam one Saturday when she was in, so he could see the enormity of her!:eek:

 

Lanmon, your reply was extremely descriptive and has given me a great sense of what to expect. Thank you for alleviating some of my anxieties and concerns.

 

Susan, thanks as well to you for your helpful advice. I will take you up on that offer regarding the ebay vendor. And, if you remember, the model of the chair. I'm not sure how travel friendly Dad's current chair is.

 

Much Thanks and Warm Regards,

 

Kristin

[MBeamTX]

Hi Kristin,

It took ages to convince my Dad to go on a cruise. His point of reference was a "cruise" on a military troop ship, crossing the Atlantic in February 1954! Fortunately, he found the Zaandam a little more luxurious. :rolleyes: After the first trip (to Alaska), he was completely hooked. We had a Caribbean cruise booked within two weeks after we got back from Alaska.

 

One more tack to take in convincing your dad about the wheelchair would be to do some research on the ports you'll visit. Find something he'd enjoy doing there and casually comment that you can take the chair on the excursion, in case he tires.

 

The vendor we bought Dad's wheelchair from is m.e.d2u on eBay. The specific chair is listed at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Wheel-chair-Lightweight-Excel-3000-Wheelchairs-New_W0QQitemZ5628100579QQcategoryZ19265QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

They always seem to have these listed. I'm sure there are other good vendors and many styles of chairs on eBay, but I can vouch for the one we used. The price is excellent. (The padded legrests are not included, by the way.) And they do have a 100% positive feedback rating.

 

Last suggestion - if you can swing it, I highly recommend getting a balcony cabin. That way, if you dad isn't very mobile and refuses to use the chair, the sea experience is just a few steps away. The wheelchair we got does fit through the hallway door (although not the bathroom door) of a regular cabin, by the way.

 

Good luck and happy cruising,

Susan

[LagunaLiving]

Hi Susan,

 

Again, much thanks for your continuing advice! I have to laugh at your post... my Father's prior experiences on a ship where military related as well! He was an Officer in the Navy (aircraft carrier) around the same time as your Father's grand crossing! I agree, I think he'll find this a more pleasant sail...I sure the food will be a mite better!:D

 

I will check out the ebay information you have given me. Thanks so much for passing that on. You've definitely saved me hours of research!

 

We already have our staterooms. My parents are staying in one of those famous corner aft suites. So it is conceivable that Dad may never leave that balcony!!! For that matter, I may never leave THEIR balcony!!!:rolleyes:

 

I hope to have the same thing happen as happened to you...hook my parents on cruising and have many more family trips in the future!

 

Warmest Regards,

 

Kristin