Oosterdam Review
Pre-Drydock crossing had more favorable elements than negative ones.
Rating by category
Additional details
Many of us were surprised to find that this was a big band cruise with the "Harry James Orchestra" playing nightly. Those who like big bands were in their glory with the 12 instrumental musicians, a bandleader and a female vocalist. HAL really nailed music on this one, with a great group creating Nashville sounds in the BB King club, "The Band" in the Ocean bar, the Adagio Duo, and the piano bar.
The biggest plus on this sailing was that everyone seemed to be a "happy camper". I didn't find anyone who was a complainer in 13 days. This is rare indeed. I'm sure that the better than average weather and calm seas helped.
The ship was going to drydock and unfortunately the work started a few days before the sailing ended. The nice sun deck outside of the Crow's Nest was torn up days early, and on the final day, the gym area was "off limits" in the late afternoon.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
This remains one of the best ports for ease of access from the airport.
Madeira (Funchal)
The center of town is a short walk for those who are hearty.
Malaga
This time of year, weather can be overcast and rainy. (We experienced both on this sailing) but the product is lush vegetation that seems to bloom year round.
Cartagena (Spain)
This port is one of my all time favorites. The ship docks right in the thick of the town. The town has developed an amazing array of antiquities from 400BC to 200AD. You can purchase a low cost ticket to visit one, three, five, or whatever, and they are all within walking distance of each other. I recommend at least the theater and its adjacent museum, and the Roman House, with amazing mosaics.