Oosterdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,087 reviews

Good enough for the Price

Review for Alaska Cruise on Oosterdam
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I'm Out&About
6-10 Cruises • Age 80s

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Value for Money
Embarkation
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Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: May 2011
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

I had the opportunity to cruise direct from Seattle (I live nearby) on HA's 7-day Alaska itinerary, which included Glacier Bay cruising, port calls at Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. The first two-and-half days are spent on board ship--after embarking at 4 pm, a nice cruise to the north through the Puget Sound and a day northbound in open ocean, then another day aboard ship seeing the magnificent scenery in Glacier Bay. This is a plus to those who wish to spend time unwinding and recreating in beautiful outside surroundings.

But be warned--the ship is quite ordinary, both in decor and food. Meals both in the main dining room or in the Lido tended to be overcooked, lukewarm and either too bland or spiced inappropriately. There are several attractive bars, such as the Oceans Bar on the 3rd level, with tall windows and a string quartet in the afternoons. However, the Crow's Nest, which is on Deck 10, is difficult to access (you must find the elevator aft, then go through the spa area; no other elevator goes all the way to deck 10). This is also the library and internet area, leaving little space for enjoying the view and visiting with friends while enjoying a drink or two. Bar service was less attentive than in the other bars, and most of the area was closed one afternoon for a private function. Everyone already there had to relocate over to the internet area--very cramped.

All in all, I give HA and the Oosterdam points for efficiency. Fewer points for layout, decor, and even fewer for their "cuisine." I rate it below Celebrity, RCCL and especially Oceania if you are looking for a pleasant buffet and outstanding dining room. I would cruise with them again at the right price and interesting ports-of-call, but would choose the other cruise lines mentioned when looking for an outstanding on-board experience.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom

Cabin VB

Cabin 6119 is an excellent choice: It is around the corner from elevator and stairs, just at the point where the ship decks bend, giving a little more privacy because the next cabin forward is angled away forward. It was always quite and very accessible to all other parts of the ship, being just aft of mid ship.

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