This was our fourth HAL cruise. We decided to take this cruise because of the pricing and itinerary.
We were surprised by the condition of the ship! We were last on the Ryndam for the 2012 New Years holiday. In such a short time, there were dramatic changes--none for the good.
Until we were actually aboard, we had no idea that this was the last cruise prior to a scheduled two-week rehab. This ship certainly needs rehabing, but two weeks isn't enough time to take care of its appearance. The last day of this particular cruise was at sea. Upon arrival in the aft pool area, some of the gangways were closed off because they had varnished the rails while we were cruising. The morning of disembarktion crew members were vacumming the carpets outside the various elevator banks while passengers were congregated waiting for their "color" to be called. I have never been an a cruise (we have cruised approximately 15 times) where you were hustled from your cabins as early as this time. The first disembarkation announcement was at 7 am.
The mattresses on the beds need to be replaced. They were in horrible condition. The sofa in the room looked like it had been in place since the turn of the century. But, it was always clean, and the bathroom spotless. You can't ask for much more.