It was great to get back to the Ryndam after a somewhat diappointing cruise on the Niew Amsterdam. The Ryndam reminded me why I like HAL so much - the service was simply outstanding. What a wonder group of people! The Niew AMsterdam is just too large to provide the individual touch that I experienced on the Ryndam. Food also was a bit iffy on the NA but was outstanding on the Ryndam.

I retired last summer and my yougner wife is still working. I've always wanted to try a longer cruise (seven days is our typical one) and a TransAtlantic, and my wife is interested in neither. It's hard to beat the price, even for a single, on a repositioning crusie. So off I went. After booking an inside on the lower prom deck, I was upgraded to an obstructed view outside on the same deck. Early cruises have all been in cabins with verandas so I thought I would miss it. but I still had quick access to the promanade deck. And, the weather generally was not conducive to being outside so the veranda wouldn't have gotten much use anyway.

I made my own air arrangements. After a $20, 20 minute cab ride I was checked in at 11:30. Boarding started at noon. I was in group 8 and in my cabin by 12:20pm. I was able to carry my bags so can't comment on luggage delivery times. Although I am a three star Mariner (four after this trip?) I went to Lido for lunch. There were no lines (as was the case the entire 15 days) and the food selection, quality, temperature, etc. was great. Read more