We are 3 star Mariners with HAL so have cruised with them many times over the past 15 years and have experienced their smaller ships e.g. Veendam and similar, and now the Noordam several times and this latest cruise on N.A.
We are active retired seniors and find that HAL offers what seems perfect for us-very good dining opportunities, wine service at varied levels and cost, varied entertainment,caring, efficient and pleasant crew, ships which are not "mega", therefore calmer, and with good traffic flow on board. We prefer the N.A. over the Noordam- food was better and the ship felt much newer. Having said that we would not hesitate to sail on Noordam again depending on itinerary.
The ship is elegant yet soothing and is well maintained as evidenced by sightings of cleaners et al.
Good location just below the aft pool and close to access the Lido and aft elevators which are never busy