Oosterdam Review

Excellent 20th Cruise, but Not Perfect

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Oosterdam
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beach1948
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Signature Superior Verandah Suite

For us (ages 68 and 66), this was our 20th cruise (with various cruise lines). For most cruises over a week in duration (and especially upon Holland America) the average passenger age is quite “senior”. We found ourselves much below the average age. We have never seen more walkers, motorized scooters, wheel chairs, and canes used on any other cruise. That is NOT a complaint. It impressed us that people far beyond our ages still participate in, and enjoy, cruising. A passenger noted that it was better to cruise most of the year than to be in a retirement home. The cost is similar and the crew takes much better care of you. We became convinced that cruising may be in our future for many years to come. But, don’t expect a young “party” environment (or many young children) on a cruise such as this one.

Embarkation was a problem. The ship was late due to assisting in a sea rescue effort. Waiting passengers patiently understood, but (during the 4 to 6 hour wait) the cruise line could have: i) sent us text messages and/or emails to advise us in advance of the delay so we could have postponed our arrival into a boring waiting room; and ii) furnished us something to drink and eat while waiting.

Based upon the fact that the Oosterdam is scheduled for substantial renovation in a few months, we had feared that we would face deteriorating conditions. That was not the case. Certain things were outdated (which will be addressed by HA with the renovation). But, the ship is still well maintained and the crew focused upon keeping it clean.

Cabin Review

Signature Superior Verandah Suite

Cabin SY

Clean. Good sized for a ship cabin. Bathroom sizeable with two sink vanity and whirlpool tub AND separate shower. Roomy veranda/balcony. More storage than what we needed. Located mid-ship so lesser movement during transit.

Port Reviews

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

Cruise terminal well maintained. We stayed the night before embarkation in a local Marriott, and had dinner at nearby restaurant. Shuttle from hotel on the morning of embarkation was smooth and got us quickly into the port terminal.

St. Maarten

Six ships were docked, so a lot of people were there to stroll around the town --- but nevertheless we did not have trouble with any congested shopping or waiting times for eating in local places. Only St. Thomas seemed to have more shops and options of things to do.

St. Lucia

There is little shopping in the area where the ship docks. Passengers going on excursions reported beautiful areas to see. The island's vegetation and high mountains are breathtaking.

Barbados

Bridgetown had a large shopping district with some stores that are similar to downtown department stores. We were able to easily walk there from the cruise ship terminal.

Martinique

We arrived on a Sunday, and most of everything there was closed. The old fort is there to view.

St. Kitts (Port Zante)

This excursion was overpriced for what you get (i.e. $99 per person for about a 10 mile train ride through the countryside that really did not offer much that was unique). They provided complimentary alcoholic beverages, and the staff was friendly.

St. Thomas

We have been to St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) many times, and always enjoy shopping in the town. Unfortunately, our ship docked at Crown Bay, which required us to take a shuttle or taxi into town. I have never seen so many jewelry stores compressed into one area. On previous cruises we have had a broad array of excursions (from catamarans, to snorkeling, to the Kon-Tiki party boat, etc.). There always seems to be lot to like and see in St. Thomas.

Half Moon Cay

This is our favorite cruise ship private island. But, the beach was eroded from a recent storm. So, it was not as good as past visits. (Otherwise, I would have given it an excellent rating.) Because they were only using two tender boats, tendering into the island was slower and more difficult than in the past --- which resulted in many passengers simply staying aboard and not going to the island. There are a few shops, but with not much inventory. A trip through all of them does not take much more than a few minutes.

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