A First-time HAL Cruiser's Impressions - Passenger age, dress and other topics

[ltsally]

We're just back home from our 3/26, 10-day Sea of Cortez sailing aboard the Ryndam and I thought I'd post a few of our impressions, which pertain to some of the frequent conversations on CC.

 

First, for those ubiquitous inquiries about the age range of Holland passengers: While it's true that there were quite a few folks who appeared to have been drawing their social security checks for a good long while, there was a WIDE range of ages represented on this cruise, including more kids than I would have expected (all, fortunately, quite well-behaved). There were couples in their 30s with toddlers in tow, as well as a goodly number of people in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

 

And it was a lively bunch, with late night activities in the Crows Nest drawing boisterous crowds. Dance floor in the Ocean Bar was also kept busy - and some of those couples appeared to be in their 70s.

 

As for 'dress,' I found it to be dressier than I'd expected (not a bad thing). The non-formal (elegantly casual???) nights saw some passengers looking on the scruffy side, but most women tended towards dressy tops with skirts or pants. Formal nights - maybe a fourth of the men in tuxes. Too bad....Men should know just how good they look in a tux!

 

Overall, the cruise met our objectives: warm weather and plenty of relaxing. The staff, fersure, lived up to the billing they receive here and were top-notch. (Anyone heading on the R'dam in the coming weeks, please tell Reggie up in the Crow's Nest that Michael Jordan's "relatives" send their best!)

 

We were in cabin 731 on Deck 4 - a supposed 'upgrade' from the F category right next door. I don't think so! This cabin is directly opposite the foyer and the stairs that lead to staff quarters -- and are used for port debarkation. It is also DIRECTLY above the gangplank area, so mornings were pretty noisy. Why on earth this is deemed an 'upgrade' is beyond me and I would suggest to anyone that they make an effort to avoid being assigned to this cabin.

 

We found the food to be mostly ok (Tenderloin/lobster was outstanding). But general concensus was that HAL, or at least this ship, has a way to go before they set out a steak. Spouse's steak on our first night out was inedible (and initially had to be sent back because a portion of it was raw inside. Not 'rare'...raw). Other passengers we spoke with, or dined with, were in agreement that HAL 'can't do steaks.' On the other hand, my prime rib was excellent the first time; only so-so (probably a bit overdone) the second.

 

A couple of irksome things: A.) For the price they charge ($6.45 for any cocktail; $5 something for a name brand whisk(e)y on-the-rocks), the pour is very very stingy. And while I don't blame the servers, the constant questioning of whether one wanted 'a double,' became extremely annoying. I'm assuming they are instructed to try to 'upsell' bar orders, and it's a policy that comes off as tacky and should be abandoned.

 

B.) The barrage of music just about everywhere you are on-ship became annoying. I'm as big a Golden Oldies fan as anyone, but the constant noise in the pool areas, for instance, grew really tiresome. The only restful quiet (indoors) nook we could find was the Navigator lounge which was blessedly music-free during the day.

 

C.) The art auction.....what is that about? Also tacky IMHO.

 

So I don't end on a sour note, I will add that we were both impressed with the constant upkeep and maintenance on the ship. She's in good shape and it's easy to see why....

 

But the upshot of our journey is that while we had a pretty good getaway we also confirmed our suspicion that we just are not 'big ship' people.

[ltsally]

Forgot. I should have added a comment about the 'live' music, much of which we enjoyed. The classical trio in the Explorer's Lounge each evening offered a peaceful respite (and drew quite a lot of people). And the group in the Ocean Bar were something - especially when we walked by and heard.....Satchmo!!! The singer with the group is really something; he also does a darned good Willie Nelson.

[wizard-of-roz]

Itsally: Thanks for your review...."You're really something!"

[RuthC]

The only restful quiet (indoors) nook we could find was the Navigator lounge which was blessedly music-free during the day.

I very much enjoyed reading your report. Almost made me want to go out and book another S-class ship right now! It's been so long since I've sailed on one.

But you have me confused on the "Navigator lounge". I don't remember any lounge by that name. Which one do you mean?

[pms4104]

But the upshot of our journey is that while we had a pretty good getaway we also confirmed our suspicion that we just are not 'big ship' people.

Thanks for your comments. Please clarify your statement above as to not being "big ship" people. I'm confused, as the Ryndam is one of HAL's smaller vessels and much smaller than many mainstream ships.

[Sir PMP]

You're right about the art auction, it is so tacky, does not belong on HAL ships, as a former art gallery owner, I can assure that those 'art' pieces they sell have no resale value at all!!!

[kakalina]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on your cruise with us. I am glad you had a good time and agree with many of your points.

[rochelle_s]

Thanks for sharing your review. it is soice to see a review of a ship shortly before boarding it yourself. We will be on the Ryndam on April 25 and I would be more than happy to send Reggie the best wishes from Michael Jordon's 'relatives'. Hope he knows what I am talking about, cause I don't !! LOL

 

Can you tell me what the late night enterntainment was like?

 

We have traditional main seating (8:00pm) and I have read different posts regarding entertainment, such as the show for late seating is prior to dinner. Is there much to entertain us after dinner? I have no problem visiting the casino, just might not want to do it every night for hours and I am quite the night owl.

 

Thanks for any info you can give me and for that which you have shared already.

 

Rochelle

[rochelle_s]

Thanks for sharing your review. it is soice to see a review of a ship shortly before boarding it yourself. We will be on the Ryndam on April 25 and I would be more than happy to send Reggie the best wishes from Michael Jordon's 'relatives'. Hope he knows what I am talking about, cause I don't !! LOL

 

Can you tell me what the late night enterntainment was like?

 

We have traditional main seating (8:00pm) and I have read different posts regarding entertainment, such as the show for late seating is prior to dinner. Is there much to entertain us after dinner? I have no problem visiting the casino, just might not want to do it every night for hours and I am quite the night owl.

 

Thanks for any info you can give me and for that which you have shared already.

 

Rochelle

[dadroy]

I know the art is tacky, but I bought a very interesting painting (framed) that fits perfectly above my fireplace. I know it probably isn't worth the $120 I spent on it, but it fills the space. It came framed and is a perfect fit. I figure just the framing would cost me that much for a 4' by 4' piece of art.

[kenish]

While it's true that there were quite a few folks who appeared to have been drawing their social security checks for a good long while, there was a WIDE range of ages represented on this cruise, including more kids than I would have expected (all, fortunately, quite well-behaved).

 

The week of 3/23 was spring break for a lot of schools.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for review.

 

Navigator Lounge?? - have sailed quite a few times on the Ryndam -- what lounge are you talking about? Do you mean the Explorations Cafe?

 

ALL the ships drinks are lousy -- you barely get an ounce!!! Which isn't even a shot class filled to the line.

 

Art auctions - hate them -- it is really bad on sea days when they begin to set up the "paintings" at 7 AM all over the Ocean Bar and the attrium - and the auction isn't until the afternoon.

[catl331]

I enjoy music but do not like it so loud one can't have a good conversation. It should be softly in the background. I haven't heard of anyone jumping off a HAL ship. Maybe it is because of the stingy dose of booze!! Also you may want another because you don't feel the first one at all. I sure do not think they are making a yearly profit on HAl comparable to the big oil companies.:mad:

[hammybee]

You're right about the art auction, it is so tacky, does not belong on HAL ships, as a former art gallery owner, I can assure that those 'art' pieces they sell have no resale value at all!!!

 

One has to take a giant step up to true luxury cruising on Crystal, Seabourn or Silver Seas to avoid art auctions. Regardless of how any of us might feel about the quality or methods, they are very successful. If and when this changes, they will be replaced with something else.

 

I silently thank everyone who buys at the auction for helping to keep the cost of my cruise in the affordable range.

[wizard-of-roz]

hammybee: At first I didn't like all the "stuff" that was lying about, all over the ship, very conspictuously, until I attended an auction. I actually enjoyed it. I don't like champagne so that wasn't a draw.....I just liked watching people spending thousands of dollars on this "stuff!" And, to watch them interact with each other, I considered a "filler" for the hour or so!

And, as you so aptly stated, it certainly helps to defray some of my costs in cruising......I say; lay the "stuff" around, I know how to avoid it, if need be!

[Two if by Sea]

Thanks for your comments. Please clarify your statement above as to not being "big ship" people. I'm confused, as the Ryndam is one of HAL's smaller vessels and much smaller than many mainstream ships.

 

Not since my childhood (on a transatlantic liner) have I been on a ship anywhere near the size of ANY of HAL's ships (well, I don't know how big the Prinsendam is in comparison with the Scotia Prince, which is the largest ship I've been on in at least 20 years).

 

So, I can imagine that I will find the Maasdam quite a "big ship" when we sail this summer.

[Taxguy7]

Art Auctions

My wife won a painting and we paid a small amount to have it shipped to our home. I priced framing at an artist's (good) studio, and it was many times more than the shipping.

(My wife didn't like it but I did. It hung in my office until I moved and gave it away).

[lizzielady]

Isn't the Scotia Prince a ferry? It holds a lot of cars. I'm looking forward to the luxury of the Maasdam this summer, too.

[RetiredMustang]

itsally,

 

Thank you for posting; I enjoyed seeing HAL from fresh eyes, so to speak. You may not realize it, but you hit on several recurring themes on this board, such as art auctions (stand by for heavy seas :D ).

 

I too am confused about Ryndam being classed a "big ship." I admit that she is large compared to some of the ships from my first days of cruising (the beautiful Noordam III, and the Olympic line Stella Solaris -- I enjoyed seeing her in port even though our planned cruise on her fell through.) But, Ryndam is small now by HAL standards, and is certainly tiny compared to some of the newer and much larger Princess and Costa, etc. ships. Have you sailed smaller ships? Were they nice?

 

Others have asked about your comment about the Navigator Lounge -- on HAL, that's a lounge on the deck with mostly suites, intended for the suite passengers. I suspect you meant the Explorer's Lounge, on one of the public decks. If so, I agree, I often go there in the middle of the day for some quiet contemplation (until DW finds me and wakes me up :D ).

 

Again, thanks for the post, and welcome to the HAL board!

 

Dave

[hammybee]

Isally's previous posts speak of sailing with Seabourn in which case, the Ryndam carries about 85% more passengers and is a "big ship".

[RuthC]

Others have asked about your comment about the Navigator Lounge -- on HAL, that's a lounge on the deck with mostly suites, intended for the suite passengers.

Sorry, Dave. That would be the Neptune Lounge.

I, too, thought the poster may have meant the Explorers Lounge. But I also thought it was the Explorations Cafe that could have been meant.

[RetiredMustang]

Sorry, Dave. That would be the Neptune Lounge.

 

I, too, thought the poster may have meant the Explorers Lounge. But I also thought it was the Explorations Cafe that could have been meant.

 

Ruth,

 

You're right, of course, it's the Neptune, not Navigator's Lounge (D'oh!:p). But, I also thought it was not Explorations Cafe, but the Explorer's Lounge, where you reassured me once that (truthfully I'm happy to report, thank you!) still served hand-made chocolates after dinner ;) . That is even quieter than the Explorations Cafe.

 

Dave

[RuthC]

But, I also thought it was not Explorations Cafe, but the Explorer's Lounge, where you reassured me once that (truthfully I'm happy to report, thank you!) still served hand-made chocolates after dinner ;) . That is even quieter than the Explorations Cafe.

Yup. Explorers Lounge = chocolate :D and quiet. But the poster also mentioned a music-free lounge, and that made me think of Explorations Cafe, too.

[ltsally]

Sorry for causing confusion! Yes, it was the Explorer's Lounge that I meant (located across from Explorations Cafe)...where the excellent classical music trio plays in the evenings and is -blessedly - quiet during the day.

 

And yep, I'm clear that Ryndam is among the smallest ships in the HAL fleet (except for P'dam). Point was: 1200 people were still waaay too many for us. As Hammy Bee notes, we have previously sailed on Seabourn (-200 pax) and Silversea (-400), and knew that this was going to be quite a leap. Also knew that there was no way we'd want to be on a ship any larger than R'dam, but thought we'd give it a try, partly because the itinerary was appealing.

 

By the time one factors in the cost of gratuities (both the $10/perday/pp and other cash handed out) and the cost of liquor, the price gap between the all-inclusive lines and HAL narrows somewhat, particularly if one chooses a voyage that is already discounted up to 50% (as we have done).

 

The art auction - interesting to hear a variety of 'takes.' I have worked at a store that sells home decor 'stuff'...including large "paintings" at fairly reasonable prices ($100 area). It was interesting to me, when I took a close look at a few of the pieces in the HAL auction, to see that the frames were just as chintzy as the stuff I used to sell. But comments about the cost of quality framing are also right-on.

 

Sorry I cannot comment on the entertainment....we did not get ourselves to any of the shows ---- except for the outstanding staff Indonesian presentation. Made a point of going to see that. As I understand it, the Indonesian staff alternates with the Phillipine in presenting dance/music/etc from their homeland. As for "late night entertainment," that was something we also skipped, after one visit to the 'sock hop' in the Crows Nest. The CDs were a little too involved and noisy (and just plain irksome) for our taste.

 

If we come off as whiney negativists...well, we certainly aren't. A lively night of music and dancing can be great fun - just not when we are being 'instructed' to have a good time by folks way too much in love with the sound of their own voice(s).

 

Dining: We chose the AYW option, which was kind of funny, because no matter what time we tried to make a reservation for, it seemed we had a choice of 5:15 or 7:45. So we dined at 745 or later every evening.

 

Should have mentioned the cooking class (hands on) that I took, which was very enjoyable (and tasty!). Someone asked the chef about 'screw ups' among past cooking class participants. Chef drily remarked: All the screw ups are in the galley." Also enjoyable was the ice cream bar!

 

Rochelle - Will appreciate your saying Hi to Reggie for us. He was one of the best things about the cruise!

[Two if by Sea]

Isn't the Scotia Prince a ferry? It holds a lot of cars. I'm looking forward to the luxury of the Maasdam this summer, too.

 

The Scotia Prince was the overnight ferry from Portland ME to Yarmouth NS. Eleven hours one way. Cars and cabins -- we had the Owners Suite for 3 people and it was wonderful -- slept peacefully through the night, once I popped a Dramamine :).

 

Sadly, it no longer runs.