Every year I visit my Mom by flying from DC to Florida. We always do a cruise from Tampa since Mom lives near that port. This was my 52nd cruise and my Mom's 35th. I have done three HAL cruises in the past and quite honestly was not thrilled in comparison with other cruise lines. Mom suggested we try the Ryndam and since I discovered a great repeat passenger rate via HAL directly, I thought we would give it a try. In the past we have cruised both the Carnival Legend and Miracle out of Tampa, and last month I was on the sister ship- the Pride out of Baltimore. For the price paid I have always been completely satisfied with Carnival.

Well after 3 so-so cruises with HAL I must say the Ryndam was a 1st class winner! Usually 3 times is a charm, but maybe with HAL it took 4 times to win me over. One must realize no vacation is perfect, but this cruise was darn close. The ship is extremely clean and very well taken care of - considering she is 17+ years old and has a few miles on her, very user friendly, the staff could not have been any nicer, the shows were good, and the comedian - Julie Barr was so funny she had me in tears a few times- when she talks about the passengers on and off the elevators I almost cried it was so funny. The food was also very good, the "always available" Salmon at dinner in the Dining Room was wonderful. We had one special dinner at La Cirque at the Pinnacle Grill - wow that was a treat- worth every penny.

Very popular was the Happy Hour (4 - 5pm) pricing of buy one drink get the 2nd for $1.00 in a few of the lounges. This cruise did have a majority of Senior cruisers - I am 54, my mom 77, and I was definitely on of the youngsters on board. I believe the passengers were very polite, just be ready to deal with lots of walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, I really did not mind this, considering there were only about four - YES four children on board. The elevators were fast, never waited too long, but they are rather small and a scooter will take up most of the space, you may have to wait for the next elevator available, not to worry, the food will still be there, the show will still be there, and the port will still be there. Since the ship is small by today's standards it is very very easy to get around, just about everything is on deck 11 - Lido buffet, pool, spa, and gym, or Deck 8 - shops, casino, library, upper dining room, several lounges. Read more