Ryndam (Retired) Review
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We are seasoned cruisers and, although Holland America is not our favorite cruise line, we like the smaller size of their ships and often take their cruises.
Having traveled from Heathrow to Harwich in a hired car (247 Airport Transfer) with some wonderful new Cruise Critic friends, our stay at the immaculate Premier Inn the night before the cruise was pleasant. Although there is not much to the town, the restaurant at the hotel had a friendly atmosphere. Several of the us Cruise Critic people staying at the Inn tried to meet in the lobby of the Inn but there wasn't much of a lobby and we were so tired from traveling, we decided to meet again at the Meet and Greet on the ship.
This being our 24th cruise, we were worried about the noro virus we heard was rampant on the Ryndam. HA even brought the previous cruise back a day early to sanitize the ship and our cruise left later than usual. Holland America compensated us $50/passenger for the delay which I thought was very nice. Embarkation was a very slow process. We followed HA's request and arrived later so they could finish sanitizing the ship. The crew worked very hard finishing the cleaning. Hence, they were not available for the embarkation so it took a long time to get on the ship. As far as we knew, no one got the noro virus although for the first 3 days of the cruise, many precautions were taken. For example, there was no salt or pepper on the tables, you were served in the buffet, you could not get your own drinks at the service bars in the buffet, and we couldn't even exchange papers during the Trivia games. Yes, it was inconvenient but getting the virus would have been more inconvenient. My husband and I are grateful to HA for their efforts. After 3 days everything returned to the usual.
Cabin Review
Large Ocean-View Stateroom
Our cabin was always immaculate. There was plenty of storage.
Port Reviews
Tromso
We were grateful for the free shuttle into town. We hurried to take bus #26 to the cable car to avoid the long lines. Yes, we arrived at the Fjellhelsens around 8:45 that morning just to learn they did not open until 10 A.M! So we waited. It was definitely worth it. The view was spectacular. Tromso is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle. After the cable car ride down, we walked to the Arctic Cathedral which has the largest stained-glass window in Europe. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, they were closed for a funeral so we couldn't go inside. In my research for this cruise, someone suggested taking the Arctic train. Don't bother it was a disappointment.
Trondheim
We walked to the Gothic-style Nidaros Cathedral which is the largest church in Northern Europe and to the Old Town Bridge. We had a pleasant walk through the shops and outdoor markets.