INTRO: This was a really good cruise. The Ryndam was on time and on-schedule, we got into ALL our ports-of-call, had no major problems, calm seas, sunny weather, no rain or hurricanes and visited interesting sights in each port. The crew was pleasant, efficient and cooperative and the boat was a solid four-star. As our Grandson, Brad, said: "The only problem was that we didn't do a "back-to-back".My wife, Judy, and I have been on probably a dozen cruises; however, this was our first to the W. Caribbean. We reserved last May while onboard HAL's Noordam, which gave us reduced deposit of $100/pp and a $25 SBC/pp. We transferred the booking to Skyscraper Tours, which we had used for the Noordam. They had been extremely generous w/SBCs, beverage cards and a complimentary bottle of Champagne on this first booking and had even gotten us a low-fee upgrade to a Balcony on that cruise. This time it was "strictly business"...They took the booking, collected our payments and that was pretty much it—too bad, I had high expectations for them the second time around.ARRIVAL: We came in three days early to TPA, using Continental because of the connections (left CO @ 0605, arr'd TPA 1340) and their "first" free bag deal when you use their Chase credit card. This was a $150 benefit, since we were taking Brad on his first cruise (celebrating his 10th birthday). Rented a car thru Hotwire and was very pleased to get a Hertz booking, for 1/3rd the Hertz price. PRE-CRUISE: Spent three days visiting friends & relatives in Port Charlotte & Gainesville. Brad was pleased to get to travel "over" the Sunshine Skyway, which he would see from the bottom-side on cruise out. He was also thrilled to get to what he called "Megalodon Beach" @ Venice, FL (shark's tooth heaven—or so we were told). Sunday morning we drove from Gainesville to TPA. About 1115 I dropped them & bags @ Terminal 3 and returned the car to the airport, where I caught the Super Shuttle ($9 w/ a Travelocity coupon). I was one of two pax and was back to the port just after Noon.EMBARKATION: Probably the smoothest I've seen. Judy & Brad went thru in less than 30 minutes and I was about the same. The bag drop off is different, you don't drop to a central bin/location—but a baggage handler takes your bags to the drop off. Terminal 3 is new and right next to the Fla. Aquarium (which I've heard is pretty good--discounts are available). It's a simple up the escalator, thru the doors, into an air-conditioned hall with 20+ check-in stations (half of which were open). Fill out the "I'm not sick card" get in line, take your picture and you're done in 20 mins, or so. The only delay was the two ladies letting people into the "check-in-hall", and that was minimal.ONBOARD: Met up with them up in the Lido, for lunch, about 1300. It was semi-crowded, but not bad (they even have a hand-carry check-in out by the pool, though we didn't use it). Before I could sit down they called "that the rooms were open" and we headed there, right after a very tasty lunch.STATEROOM: Our Main Deck outside stateroom, #572 was portside, mid-ship, a short way from the embarkation door (very handy). It was set up for three, with the sofa made into a single bed (it was quite comfortable and not in the way). The Ryndam's rooms are plain, but spacious. They do NOT have a fridge. Unfortunately our room was hot throughout the cruise. We requested a fan, but even with that it was still on the warm side. Maintenance came twice to fix things, but it stayed warm, though bearable. Our cabin steward, Mono, provided all required services. I can't say we developed a "relationship", but everything was done quickly and efficiently.SAILOUT: After the safety drill (no life jackets required) we set sail just before 1700. TPA's two-hour sail out has to be one of the most scenic in the States. Downtown, UT's silver minarets, Davis Island's waterfront houses and the Peter O. Knight airport are just several precursors to the eventual passing under the Sunshine Skyway @ St Pete Beach and Ft Desoto Park. This sailing was particularly interesting in that we were about a mile "in trail" with a Carnival vessel. We hit the Gulf, right after sunset and enjoyed our dinner and the sights.DINING: In previous cruises we've had late-fixed seating; however, when traveling with our Grandkids for their 10-yr old cruise (or previously with my sister-in-law who is 78) we have opted for modified open seating at about 1800. Judy usually selects a table shortly after boarding and makes a reservation. If we like the table-area, and the Stewards, we try to reserve the same table every night. That way we get to meet a different set of fellow travelers nightly and we still have the benefit of having the same wait staff. This time, at table #116, we had a wonderful view, excellent service and very good rapport with Ben (head), Rama (asst) and San Miguel (bar). A particularly nice touch was when we discovered that the Asst maitre d', Komang, had been our waiter two years ago going thru the Canal on the Rotterdam. Some people say HAL's food has "gone downhill" and "isn't up to standard"; however, our food was excellent. Brad's favorite was escargot and lobster, Judy's was anything "that swims"—and I liked it all. I will have to say though that the Ryndam's Lido's food is not as good as I remember, though it is still very good. The selection doesn't seem to be as good (though Ryndam's smaller size may contribute to this). My one critique would be HAL's desserts, especially their ice cream—it is often almost melted, sometimes icy (from being refrozen) and is just not up to the high standard set in other areas.SHIPBOARD ACTIVITIES: We did them all (or so it seemed). We offered up HAL's Kids Club (only a dozen kids onboard), but Brad opted to do things with "Gran & Pop-Pop". This began with the Ship's Tour, just after embarkation and included: Galley Tour, Bingo, Culinary Arts, Crew Presentations, Veggie Carving, Movies, Napkin Folding, Towel Animals, etc, etc. It wasn't a matter of "what", but of "how do we do everything we want to do". Our only disappointment was with the DJ who consistently discouraged us from entering the HAL Ship Building contest (said we didn't stand a chance—BUT there ended up being only one very simple entry, which -of course--WON).ENTERTAINMENT: Drew (cruise director) was outstanding—he made everything more entertaining. The shows were good—not great. I'd give high marks to the ventriloquist and juggling comedian, but if they ever need a stand-in, Drew could fill the bill. His Johnny Carson-like mannerisms were a "stitch". The HAL-Cats and the singers and dancers got average marks, although Beth had a wonderful voice and range—a class act. PORTS-OF-CALL: One of the reasons we chose this sailing was to experience some different ports—and they were ALL new to us. I've always been a "get off the boat" then find a private guy to tour with; however, this time I scoured the Cruise Critic Boards for suggestions and ended up pre-booking in all foreign ports. We were pleased with our selections and figure that we saved about 40% by booking on our own (vs. the ship). KEY WEST: No tour here—we just got off and meandered around (4-5 miles total in very HOT 'n humid weather). It was the start of "Fantasy Week", and trust me—none of my fantasies come close to what I saw. We walked thru the shopping and historic district and headed towards the adjacent Fort (now a State Park) and it's beaches; however, at the Park's entrance we noticed the nearby Naval Air Station's gate and found that they had a wonderful beach plus a small beach club and snack bar. Because we're retired military we enjoyed the afternoon there. We also were told that the actual "Southernmost Point in CONUS" is not at the "big red marker", but is located at the NAS's satellite/radar array. Also located in the nearby rocks are literally dozens of Iguanas (6 inches to 3 ft long). I really wish we had more than the 4-½ hrs in port, because there are a lot of things to see and do. I saw a lot of people on the various Trolley tours, but at $25+ each I thought they were expensive. Many of the Key West attractions have coupons in the free tourist magazines, which are found once you get ashore.BELIZE: We followed Hurricane Richard in here, but with Key West and our sea day we missed his visit, though the damage was evident everywhere. Cave-tubing was on the agenda. We booked with "Major Tom" because his tour only charged $25 for our Grandson, while others were twice that. His son, "Minor Tom" was our guide and once we got going we had a good tour. There were some payment problems: I used Pay-Pal to pre-pay, but Major Tom thought we would be canceled, due to Richard, so he refunded the $115 before we got there...But, since I didn't have cash when I arrived...Well, it was fairly complicated, but in the end all worked out. The tour was GREAT. We drove for an hour to the National park (which I think Major Tom helped develop), got our equipment, then had a 30 minute guided nature walk thru the rainforest. There was quite a bit of downed trees, but they had cleared the path. Now, this walk is advertised as VERY easy, but for anyone with a physical challenge: It is hot, humid and has narrow paths (in the dry caves), sometimes it is slippery and there are probably four places that you have to go up and down rocky and uneven steps (no more than 10 each time)—plus your are carrying a bulky float tube, life jacket and helmet. Minor Tom gave a running commentary both in the rainforest and once in the water. The water is cool, but not cold. We did a daisy-chain float (even though they advertised "free float") but with the hurricane debris in the river this was the best way. Tom carried a bright spotlight (as opposed to individual lights) and was very good about pointing out the various points-of-interest. Our group was small (6), which was much better than the HUGE groups from the boat. The float was 25 min in the cave (looked like something out of Indiana Jones) and another 20 min in open river. It was interesting, fun and relaxing. Back at the starting point we loaded in the van, stopped to pickup Belizean lunches for the "Oasis of the Seas" folks and headed back to Belize City (not much of touristic interest there). This is the only point that I would criticize Minor Tom. We had a 1630 "last tender" and we got there @ 1617. It would not have taken anything but a minor traffic jam and we would have missed the boat. Now, we did get a late start because of the Pay-Pal problem, but Tom was also waiting on the three Oasis folks. Then Minor Tom took his own sweet time at the lunch-stand, plus almost 30 mins getting in/out of his wetsuit @ the caves—they need to be more aware of TIME. NOTE: The Belize tenders are not from the boat, so they are usually much bigger, faster, cooler and comfortable, for the 20 min ride. ROATAN (Mahogany Bay): It was windy, so we had a little difficulty getting into M. Bay. Since we were late they extended our departure by an hour. M.Bay is "purpose-built" by Carnival—everything is new, clean and pristine. They have their own beach (pretty, but sterile) and even have a ski lift ($10 all-day). We booked a private island tour thru Island Marketing. We met up with our tour guide, Eunice, outside the port (but up the hill and past the guard gate—1/3 mile walk). The parking area was full of tourist vans—all vying for your business. We had prepaid $90 and had a solid four-hour tour. We toured the island sights and Eunice even took us to her brother's shrimp boat and let Brad & I climb around. A visit to the Iguana Rescue was included ($8 extra on other tours) and was interesting. They have over 1000 Iguanas on site. They are free-roaming and of every size, shape and form. It was quite an experience for Brad to stand in the patio and feed them "trumpet-tree leaves". They also have exhibits of various monkeys and fish—plus a small, but reasonably priced gift shop. Afterwards we drove thru Coxen Hole (much nicer than Belize City) and over to the West End Beach. There is a reef just offshore, but we took a "right" instead of a "left" so we pretty much had just beach snorkeling—found some fan coral and shells, plus had a good hour in the water before going back to M.Bay. Eunice was able to drive all the way into the port (drop off only—not pickup) and we had a quick lunch onboard before heading to the shops (Diamond Int, etc) and eventually to the M.Bay beach (walked 5 mins—saved the $10/pp). This is ala HAL's Half Moon Cay—lotta free beach chairs, but anything else is $$$. Brad snorkeled (shells and starfish this time), Judy sunned and I slept in a chaise under the trees (hot, but pleasant). Contrary to what some have said, we REALLY enjoyed M.Bay & Roatan—Eunice and Island Marketing treated us right. COSTA MAYA: With our Belize cave-tubing and Roatan beach-time & touring out of the way we elected to do Mayan Ruins here. We pre-booked thru "Native Choice Tours" and tried using Pay-Pal to reserve our spots—but for some reason it wouldn't go thru; however, Ivan reserved for us with no deposit and we just paid $145 on arrival. We were off the boat PDQ (0800) and walked thru the purpose-built shopping and drinking area @ the port, out the gate and were directed to the "meeting-place" for the shuttle to "Native Tours". We had been given transportation vouchers (which nobody took) for the shuttle to the downtown office. Once there we were divided into groups by tour-type, met our guide, loaded on 10-pax minivans and were on our way to Chacchoben (about 45 mins away). The drive is unspectacular, but our guide kept up a running commentary. We made a short "out-the-van's window" pineapple stop (complete with the mildly-hot pepper that they sprinkle on their fruit) on the way and it was delicious. Once @ Chacchoben we gathered with the other Native Choice groups (some of who were going to visit a Mayan-home and have lunch afterwards) and spent over an hour wandering thru the ruins. Our total group size was about 15—small compared to the "50+ person hordes" that arrived after us from the boat. Our guide was able to keep us ahead or off to the side of them and gave a really good tour of this very interesting site. I read someplace that you weren't allowed movie cameras unless you paid a fee, but I never saw anyone enforcing this. Afterwards we had little time to shop (mostly trinkets) then our guide left with the other group and we returned to Costa Maya. This was the only "ding" I would give our tour—I expected to have an English-speaking guide throughout; our driver was barely proficient in even rudimentary English. Some of the folks seemed concerned about the military checkpoint we went through (going & returning), but our guide explained that this was to keep out Belizean smugglers and pirates (pirates???) but had nothing to do with terrorism (who knows?). I asked our driver to make a short 5 minute detour thru Mahahual (1 mile S. of Costa Maya) to see the beach. It looks like a nice place to snorkel the nearby reef and be a "beach-bum" for an afternoon—unfortunately the ship was leaving @ 1430, so we had no time...NEXT TIME!! We were dropped off at the port gate (for some reason private tour buses are not allowed inside, but it's less than 50 yds) and spent an hour wandering around the shops outside the gate. Judy & Brad bought trinkets and I found a place that offered 3 beers/$4 bucks, so we were all satisfied. Then it was back aboard, lunch, afternoon tea, etc, etc. One really amazing thing: Right after sail out, during tea, we looked out a saw a "clear-air rainbow"(no rain above, below or nearby) reaching all the way into the ocean. I've never seen anything like it...NEAT.SEA DAYS: As noted, our sea days were filled to capacity with activities. It was truly "no rest for the weary", although I did mange to catch a few "tactical" naps (?.ARRIVAL/DISEMBARKATION: We arrived in Tampa early on Sunday—we woke up @ 0630 and were already docked (my guess is that if you wanted to see the sail-in you'd have to be up by 0400). Had our "last" breakfast on the Lido and then literally walked off the ship @ 0845—no lines, no delay...Just scan your ship's card and go. Our bags were the last ones left of the 0815-0845 debark time, so we grabbed them, walked directly thru customs, out the door, saw a kiosk for "Blue One" airport shuttle, paid $25 for three of us and were at the airport by 0915. Continental had nobody in line and we were checked in and drinking coffee in the airport's shopping area by 0930. Took off on time, had an hour at the Houston USO enroute and were back in CO in time for "trick or treating".IN SUMMARY: A few minor gripes: Hot room, Lido food not as good/extensive as previous HAL cruises, a few hiccups during the tours, and I would really liked more time in the ports (we felt a little rushed in most places). Overall, a VERY GOOD trip!! We enjoyed everything and everyplace and would have no trouble doing it again, though probably would book with someone other than Skyscraper Tours.