Noordam Review
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We sailed on the Noordam from Civitavecchia on June 10th. There were 4 of us, sharing a Verandah room, and we took the 10-day tour of the eastern Mediterranean. We had considered doing a 20-day cruise but given the size of the room, we decided not to. Instead, we stayed (post-cruise) at a bed&breakfast in Rome for 3 days and then at a small hotel in Venice for 3 days.
The Noordam is very well maintained - one sees crew members painting or repairing things all the time and the public spaces were well-decorated (with fresh flowers and artwork) and clean. Public places (with the exception of the Lido) seemed less crowded to us than ships we have had on previous cruises with other lines. As others have noted, the HAL's typical passenger is older, though HAL offers an attractive price for children sharing a cabin with you- which is the main reason that we selected this cruise over ones from two competitors with similar itineraries.
Space was tight in our room, what with 4 people in it, but there was enough storage that one can get by. We did, and were able to survive the 10 days. It helps to be tidy and organized. Getting around with all beds ready is a bit of a challenge in this room. Service in our cabin was ok. We had to ask for towels for the 4 of us, and had to finish small details left undone by the steward, but otherwise, most things were done well. It seemed to us that the steward was overburdened. The main bed was just ok, but the sofabed was, well, a sofabed. Not comfortable at all.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
Good location in that it is away from noisy public areas, but it is across from crew service space, and crew area doors are active early. Near forward elevator.
Poor layout in room, in that the desk is jammed in a corner with TV/DVD player, outlets, mirror. Closet space is ok, but not abundant. Space below bed includes drawers. With care, the space can be used well. Can't hear most announcements in cabin. That is good for avoiding hearing the annoying Cruise Director but a problem for important stuff. It is broadcast on TV, but we seldom watched the TV. Bath has tub. Beds are just barely ok. Drop down bed is too close (too low) to other bed. Tight fit in room with sofabed and drop down bed. Chair has to be moved, then it blocks the cabin door or it blocks the path from bed to bath. Air conditioning is ok but fan can't be stopped.
Balcony is ok, with good view and reasonable privacy. View from balcony is not obstructed. Balcony door has privacy glass. Smokers next door limited our use. Crew comes through balconies in port, so be sure to lock the balcony door!