Noordam Review
Pleasantly surprised by the Service, Food and Entertainment
Rating by category
Additional details
Summary: We chose this cruise for the itinerary after first looking at a similar Oceania cruise; we saved substantially on HAL, and for this itinerary that was more important to us than the expected diminution of values relating to the cabin, passengers and food.
We were very pleasantly surprised at the high quality of service we received from the Maitre D, Waiter and Assistant Waiter; cabin service was excellent and we found the crew as a whole very pleasant. Food and Entertainment greatly exceeded our expectations.
Embarkation: We did not board until 2:30 as were were enjoying Sydney (we spent 4 days pre-cruise there and wish we had spent 6); when we did board the process was efficient and fast. We brought on board 6 bottles of wine purchased in Australia; we were charged for 2 immediately (and the others as we used them in the Dining Room). No issues there.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
We had a smallish veranda cabin near the elevator (problem only one night with idiot passengers late night laughing and visiting directly in front of our door). Nice closet space, but drawers were very limited and tended to stick. Balcony was small but worked for us. Bathroom made from cheap plastic molds but otherwise worked for us. The only other negative was the room entrance doors - looked like fake wood from the 50's.
Port Reviews
Sydney (Australia)
The Opera House, Bridge, Art Museums, Botanical Garden, Great Restaurants and much more. Tours to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. A great city with very friendly people.
Melbourne
Another great city; the Triennial at the National Gallery of Victoria was super awesome.
Port Arthur
A short tour on a very nice day followed by a good walk around.
Wellington
Te Papa, great lunch and walk around.