My First Cruise! Wow!!!! Review

[nana50]

I'm back from my Mexican Cruise on the Oosterdam. First off I need to apologize to my fellow cruise critics for not making the wave, or the meet and greet. I am traveling with 3 newbies and no one wanted to be left on their own while I hunted up where to go.

 

We had a ball. It was everything I'd hoped it would be. Here is the first part of my review. I'm not as eriudite or quick-tongued as some but here goes nontheless.

 

We got to the pier at 1:30, we hit the crowd. It took us over an hour to board. We were all quiet not knowing quite what to expect. It went smooth but the line was really long. Once we got on board and went to our room, I could start to relax. Loved our room, we had a VE and we were right down the hall from Cruzinjudy, room 5088. We had adjoiing with my sister and brother -in-law and we kept going back and forth. We opened our balcony doors to make it one long balcony. There was plenty of cupboard space. One whole wall is hanging closests, over the couch there were shelves, 2 drawers by the bed, and at the end of the bed they pull out for more room. We had plenty. Everything was clean and sparkling. Bathroom is very roomy and even had a medicine cabinet. I used someone's idea of a hanging shoebag and put all my crap in there. Worked great.

 

By the time we got in, and checked everything out, we went up to the lido for a little snack. Lots and lots of food to eat. The buffet was very nice, but not spectacular. I ate lunch there most days, but had room service for breakfast and ate dinner in the Vista lounge everyday. Right now we are going out to get dinner at "In and out" burgers, what a let down. I keep hoping Freddy or Suma will show up and serve us a delicious dinner. I'll write more later tonight.

[hammybee]

Looking forward to reading more nana.

 

BTW, "in/out" burgers are my favorite.

[jhannah]

Welcome back. Glad your first voyage was enjoyable. Where have you booked for your next journey? ;)

[cruisinjudy]

Hi Nana50,

Sorry we didn't get to meet!

 

We were in 6113. I had a sign on our door. I did see another sign when I wandered down the wrong hallway that said we are cruisin with Judy but that was not me.

 

Be sure to check out my pre Oosterdam thread. We are at the Holiday Inn right now and just watched our Oosterdam sail away without us!

[nana50]

You mean the ship left without us? My husband and I were going to refuse to leave today. For a man who never vacations he had a good time. Even played his first game of Bingo.

 

We went up to have dinner in the Vista dining room not really sure what to expect. Getting around the Oosterdam is a bit difficult for a first timer. I saw a lot of people asking for directions. Once we found it and got our hands filled with "purell" we were taken to our table, #71. We were upstairs, early dining. Two of our tablemates were already there. Jessie was 85 and from the south with a lovely accent. Her daughter

Lois was quieter. Our other tablemates were also a mother and daughter. Rosie and Mary. Rosie is on oxygen and her mother was frail. Wild bunch, but we actually had a really nice time. Then Suma our waiter brought the menus WOW! We all had difficulty choosing, there were so many choices. The food was brought quickly and every meal was fabulous. My husband and brother-in-law ate all theirs and often finished Mary's meal. The portions are not huge but they were perfect. There was room for every course and a small dessert. I was worried it wouldn't be enough for the guys but they were plesantly full. A couple of times ny brother-in-law asked for an extra entree and it was always brought with a smile. The assistant was Freddy who is a real delight. His smile was the size of Wyoming. I have to say the dining was always a pleasure and the highlight of our trip.

 

The ports were not too great. Since I live in San Diego I felt the city of Cabo was similair to Tijuana. The scenery was beautiful however. My husband did a snorkleing and kayak excursion which he enjoyed. I walked around town and bought nothing. You are bombarded with people selling trinkets and silver silver silver, or what they called silver. We went back in time for lunch. Oh by the way, we made every port in time. We were at Cabo by 8:00a.m. We had to tender there but not in Mazatlan or Puerto Vallerta. The excursion we took in Mazatlan was the city tour which gave us a nice overview. Our guide was great and we saw a good bit of the city. We went back to the ship and enjoyed the pool. We used the adult pool most often because my Canadian sister wanted SUN! It was very nice out there, and the service was good without being pushy. I had a soda card and was glad. I brought my own coke on board but the card was good by the pool, bingo, and the shows. I really feel soda should be free. It seems chintzy of HAL to charge for something as cheap as soda.

 

I loved Puerta Vallerta, it was clean, no people pushing you to buy and a nice big boardwalk. It was my favorite stop.

 

The beds in the staterooms are wonderful, the sheets are soft and I slept great every night. Our steward came in 3 times a day, but I did not get the service I was expecting. I like a breakfast room service, it wasn't until the last night he brought me the card to hang out, after asking 3 times. We used our towels almost 3 days before they were changed. Now none of this is a problem, but I know people have had great stewards. He just didn't seem to care or go out of his way. He wasn't rude and if I hadn't read these boards, I would have been quite happy with him. I was anyway, just not deleriously so. More later

[cruisldy]

Nan, I can't believe you went three days without a change in towels. I think I would have mentioned that. We have been on over 35 cruises in 17 years and have never had that happen. Always towels are changed twice a day. Once after you leave room for breakfast and once after you leave room for dinner. We were on the Oosterdam for New Year's 2006 and I'm glad I didn't have your room steward. I'm not demading about service, but would have asked about that.

[nana50]

They did ask us to use the towels for 2 days to save water. No problem.

[mim100]

nana...I'm thoroughly enjoying your review....I too am a first-timer...we're IM-patiently awaiting our first meeting with the Zuiderdam :) in April.....we'd love to hear more about your cruise !

[happy cruzer]

Thanks for the great review. FYI all the major cruiselines charge for soda, none include it. So HAL isn't the only one doing it and if they included it; it would increase their costs and everyone seems to shop the price down to the last dollar.

 

Really enjoyed you description of the dining room; it's my favorite part of the day too.

 

Cheers!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise.

 

We have noticed on our last several cruises that there has been a note asking us to use our towels for 2 days.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you enjoyed your first cruise.

 

We have noticed on our last several cruises that there has been a note asking us to use our towels for 2 days.

[Seago2]

Thanks for the review!

[niborHS]

We have been cruising once a year for the past 14 years, our first cruise being on something called "American Family Cruises", and even they did not give soda for free. There is always water or ice tea to drink for free, so you really can't complain. This will be our first time on HAL, but as far as towels go, all the cruise lines, as well as hotels these days, have little signs up asking you to use your towels for more than 1 day to save water, and tell you to leave them on the floor if you want them changed. Although I obviously do not know what HAL's sign says, I plan to leave my towels on the floor once used. I like to get clean towels after I shower.

Thanks for the great review, it seems like you enjoyed yourself immensely, which is good.

[MercedMike]

Nan, I can't believe you went three days without a change in towels. I think I would have mentioned that. We have been on over 35 cruises in 17 years and have never had that happen. Always towels are changed twice a day. Once after you leave room for breakfast and once after you leave room for dinner. We were on the Oosterdam for New Year's 2006 and I'm glad I didn't have your room steward. I'm not demading about service, but would have asked about that.

 

In many hotels, and on many ships, there is a little notice in the bathroom to the effect of: "In order to protect the ecology and conserve power and water, towels will be changed on request. If you leave your towels on the rack, we will take that as meaning do not change. But if you want towels changed simply leave them on the floor." Perhaps the steward was simply complying with that.

[nana50]

We did have a fabulous time and are planning our next cruise. We are hoping to do Alaska next. We would really like to see some different scenery. Being in San Diego we don't need to be in a warm spot.

 

The activities for me, were a lot of fun. I enjoyed Bingo. The callers were a hoot. It is fun to get to know everyone. By the end of the week you're all one big family. I participated in some trivia games, which were fun and were pretty hard. The crow's nest is a great place for gathering and viewing. There is a huge exspanse of glass and recliners facing the water. Nice place to sip a drink and look at the ocean. Possible to see lots of whales and dolphins. You see more on the way back because you are closer to shore on the way back and so are they.

 

The pinnacle grill. Sad to say I was not impressed. I have read about the poor service in here and was not disapointed. It took quite awhile to get them to come to our table. They did not explain any of the offerings unless asked. We had to give our entire order including dessert at the begining. I wasn't even sure if I wanted dessert. Minor thing I know. I just didn't get the warm vibe I got in The main dining room. The food was terrific! Best steak I ever had, and the accompaniments were lovely also. I just missed the warm feeling of the Vista. If you don't mind cold service the food was worth it.

 

It's early and my mind is still asleep and I have a bunch of people nattering over my shoulder, so I'll write more later.

[jamespmc]

Thanks for the great review. FYI all the major cruiselines charge for soda, none include it. So HAL isn't the only one doing it and if they included it; it would increase their costs and everyone seems to shop the price down to the last dollar.

 

Really enjoyed you description of the dining room; it's my favorite part of the day too.

 

Cheers!

Disney does not charge for soda and they don't have the booze police either, but they do seem to charge more.

[nana50]

I would tell anyone I know to take a HAL cruise and enjoy any minute. The complaints I had were so minor I wouldn't have even noticed them if everything else wasn't so perfect. Glad to have found these boards and now on to plan my Alaska cruise.

[dorisdoris1]

what a shame ,we actually had ours changed twice a day,not very eco friendly but was necassary.maybe because we had a temperamental toilet they were keeping us sweet.we got back yesterday.had an ok time,maybe its not good to compare though,because it didnt meet with my expectations after last year at all.lots of reasons,thought the service at the lido wasvery pooir,dirty plates everywhere,slow drinks service,surly staff.only went to dinner 3 times,the vibration was so not relaxing,and the atmosphere was chaotic an d not at all condusive to relaxing.waiters were lovely though.sail away partys were non existent,in fact when we left san diego it lasted about ten mins.band sang same stuff every time,and for a maximum of 30 mins.room service was unbendable in their menu,when they eventually answered.entertainment was firmly at the older end of the age scale,and lots of guests made it lain that they thought kids should be seen and not heard.cabin was tiny even though it wason deck 7 with a balcony.storage was excellent though.bedlinen had numerous holes in it,some pliiows without pillowcases.once asked politely for the bartendre to make me a fresh g and t,as i watched him put both the ice and lemon in with his fingers.he was not happy!!! could go onbut i realise that so many of you are loyal and will be upset at my comments.on the plus side,i really liked the captains announcements ,the food in the lido was fabulous,the kids club brilliant,the spa lovely,the casino great and i wont let it put me off cruising again,just maybe not with hal.

[CruiseBumm]

Hi Nana50, I enjoyed the review. Glad to see you have a good time. We love HAL and had a grat time in the Piano Bar.

 

I havent been to Mexico on a cruise, but being from Tucson AZ we dont need the heat eigther.

[happy cruzer]

Thanks for the info on Disney. I knew about the good alcohol policy. And now I know about the soda (does that include juice?). I guess I don't consider they one of the major lines since they have so few ships but that's just an opinion. With such good policies they will probably be Major very soon if they want to be.

 

Thanks!

[nana50]

Doris, sorry you found those problems with the cruise. I had none of those. The service was unfailingly wonderful. I found everything clean and all staff except the pinnacle grill and and and............that was it. I thought the service at Lido was great. There was always a smiling face and someone willing to help you. Oh well, I was happy anyway.

 

I know they don't have free soda on other lines, but why free juice, it is soooo much more exspensive than soda fountain drinks. Silly little complaint of mine.

[nana50]

Doris, sorry you found those problems with the cruise. I had none of those. The service was unfailingly wonderful. I found everything clean and all staff except the pinnacle grill and and and............that was it. I thought the service at Lido was great. There was always a smiling face and someone willing to help you. Oh well, I was happy anyway.

 

I know they don't have free soda on other lines, but why free juice, it is soooo much more exspensive than soda fountain drinks. Silly little complaint of mine.

[SweetP2]

Hello nana50, am enjoying your review. Thank you for taking the time.

 

We leave in April on Zuiderdam for 20 days and will be my first HAL and my spouse's first time ever out of canada let alone a cruise!

 

You mentioned you loved Puerta Vallerta. Did you go on your own without a HAL excursion? If so, how did you get from the terminal into old town? Is the town of PV far from where the ship docks? I'd prefer to be on our own in PV, I was there in the early 80's and would like to just wander old town, have lunch, drink on the beach. Any recommendations to eat and/or drink in PV? Did you see if there was anyone offering a "carriage ride" to see the sites within the town itself?

[cruisinjudy]

As far as getting to town in PV, just take a cab, they are right inside the port. $6 one way for two people.

[SweetP2]

Thanks for the info CruisinJudy! Good to know what to expect to pay as well as I know the amount can vary depending on your negotiation skills:D

 

Was wondering if you or anyone else notice carriage rides within old towne PV? Was thinking that may be a nice way to see the town sites. I find most of the excursions are way too long.