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WE boarded Holland America cruise ship Noordam in Civitavecchia on Sunday 19th June. We travelled by train First Class ( Italian Joke ) from Rome Termini a big mistake as cases were being stolen as the train was way overcrowded for beach goers and thieves. .
Check in was painless as we has submitted our details on line. Our stateroom was changed from the 4th deck to 7Th.
We went immediately to the Vista Dining supervisor and booked our 8 seat table for 8pm. What a great table on the first 10 days with such laughter. The service from Muto was brilliant.
The food was excellent but started to be repetitive in choice. Therese from the Philippians wine waiter looked after us well but prices are way over the top $27 plus 15% service is the starter for average tasting wine. The first 10days we traveled from Florence to Monte Carlo , Barcelona , Majorca . Tunis , Sicily and finishing in Naples and back to Civitavecchia.
The second part of the cruise took us to the Eastern Mediterranean starting in Dubrovnik and finishing in Medina before heading back to Rome
The food became boring and the salad starters and soups were average . Lamb shanks looked washed up on the plate but tasted ok . The sweats were repetitive but were enjoyable all the same.
The Lido restaurant was a great place to eat for the very hungry . The Asian counter was popular but portions were small and second visits became the norm.
The only complaint I have was the entertainment which was very poor. It was not a patch on our other cruises. The only night were a standing ovation was given the cruise director closed proceedings too early and ignored the passengers request.
Black tie nights were ignored and guests were allowed into the dining room and not properly dressed even for smart casual. This spoiled the black tie nights which our ladies so enjoy.
There was no special entertainment to spice Black Tie Nights .
Overall I think Holland America Noordam crew are committed to guests comforts and a special emphasis was put on safety drills. Crew did special drills during port visits .
Holland America is an efficient company who seem to push profit too far with on board drinks etc and shore excursions which are way over the top in pricing.
Would i rush back to Holland America in comparison to the other Cruise Company probably not.
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