I figured I would try to do a comprehensive review of the Noordam. Let me begin by saying that this is one of the finest cruise ships in the world. Sure, there are better ones but, for the price, HAL delivers an oustanding cruise at very reasonable prices.

Cabin: We stayed in a mid-ship SB (Deluxe Verandah Suite) cabin. Most SA ansd SB cabins are the same except that the SAs are on the Rotterdam deck (wher the Neptune lounge is located) and the SBs are on the Upper Verandah deck, one deck below. The SB cabin is very spacious. Plenty of storage space and large bathroon with tub and small shower. The best part is the double balcony with a table for 4 and two chairs with foot rests. Especially great was traveling with another family and having adjacent rooms-- that way you can share the balconies, which the kids loved. We ordered appetizers delivered to our room at a set time each day-- this was a nice treat after getting back from each of the ports. The Neptune lounge was great for coffee but should have had hot appetizers.

Food: The Pinnacle Grill was outstanding. We ate there 4 of the 10 ten nights. Menu was sufficiently varied that you did enough of a selection. The filet mignon (both sizes) were excellent. The lamb shops were also great. I do not recommend the ribeye or the lobster macaroni. The colossal shrimp and crab cake appetizers as well as the french onion soup were terrific. I did not like the spicy soup or the lobster bisque. The souffles for dessert were excellent. Read more