We enjoyed our trip to the southern Caribbean in late December 2015 (Christmas trip) on the Oosterdam. But one bad experience spoiled it for us. My wife booked our cruise a long time in advance of the departure date and booked our excursions weeks in advance. We took our grandson on the Christmas cruise to expand his scuba diving experience and let him see some of the other countries and cultures. It all came to an end in Bonaire when Dive Friends Bonaire refused to allow me to dive with them because I am over the age of 65.
Nearly all parts of our cruise were good-to-very good. Our stateroom was very good and plenty large enough for the three of us and our stewards took good care of the stateroom. We missed the Mariners onboard gathering and none of the staff knew anything about it. So much for that perk.
We attended the Gala nights and had all of the pictures taken. My wife enjoys having photo documentation of our trips even if the price is outrageous. The food served was good and presented in a wonderful way and there was a good selection every night. If you want to spend an hour to two hours dining then take advantage of the regular dining assignments. We did enjoy the Dive-in Dogs after a good shore excursion even though diet wise they are not the best thing to eat, but they were good. Otherwise the Lido buffet served a verity of foods and more time could be spent on the other shipboard amenities.
Great cabin and stewards. Made the evening meal something to look forward to.
Start of cruise. We have been in Fort Lauderdale many times in the past. Fun city.
Tame stop for the ship. Don't find much to do except walk around and spend money in their souvenir shops. They don't even have parasailing any more.
Great dive.
Wife took the Segway tour and crashed and burned. She scraped her knee but had fun.
There was a lot of problems with the excursion and not all of them were the dive shop's fault. Very rough seas and bad tender service put us way behind schedule. Being very rushed my party (4) opted out of the second dive and took advantage of the noon meal which was enjoyable. I was disappointed in the dive boat and operation.
Great dive operation and dive site. Although the dive site was across the street from the dive shop and a pretty tame, it was a very good dive with plenty to see. Had we had more time they offer dives to other dive sites. Would dive with them again. Funny name but they do have a bus for transporting divers.
Wife enjoyed her city tour while our grandson and I had a great scuba dive
Wife enjoyed her city tour even in the foul weather.