This was our first cruise. We went with our two young children (boys: 7 and 4) and their grandparents, who are seasoned cruisers. I have never considered myself a cruiser; in fact, I was probably somewhat opposed to it prior to this cruise. We are experienced travelers and understand the challenges that come with traveling with kids, especially on a multiple-leg journey.
Going on this ...
We thoroughly enjoyed our 21 day cruise last year and could not fault the service on the ship. A little on the downside was the cabin on deck 4 with a lifeboat obstructed view, which we knew we would be getting, was still very comfortable, although next time we would be booking a cabin with a balcony as friends had one on a deck higher up which was just magic! The 2 stewards were amazing and ...
Embarkation- We arrived in Civitavecchia (Rome) on the Navigator of the Seas, transatlantic from New Orleans. We took a bus to the entrance of the port and got on another bus going to the Noordam. We were the first to arrive at the check-in tent so we waited 45-60 minutes before boarding the ship. Everything was well organized and painless.
Ship information- The ship had been in dry dock for two ...
I was a bit apprehensive about embarking on my first cruise as I always suffer from seasickness. I really didn't have to worry as the ship was huge and very stable. My travel agent suggest picking a cabin mid-ship and we chose one on the Upper Promenade deck. Its was semi obscured but it suited us fine, with plenty of room and light.
My husband who thought he would be bored was amazed at how ...
The cruise, in my mind, was an A. The ports were splendid; the crew members were top notch; entertainment was pretty good; and the food was excellent.
The only downside is that this boat is beginning to show it's age. The maiden voyage was in early 20006 and I understand that these lovely ladies of the sea take a beating but there were some items that were less than appealing.
Broken A/C ...
We booked the 10 day Mediterranean cruise departing from Civitavecchia, Rome. I suggest you purchase euros prior to departing even if the exchange rate might be somewhat higher in your host country. The airport in Rome has a unique feature different than any other country we have visited, they charge 1 euro to use the bathrooms in the airport and no one was prepared for that. Many mothers with ...
Had a great 10 nights on board the Noordaman. Lovely ship overall serving excellent well presented food (best we have experienced so far on a cruise line). The ship never felt over crowded despite it being August & at full capacity. The Noordam is well kept, immaculately clean & well appointed. The stateroom was lovely & more than adequate - have to say it was roomier than others we have had on ...
We went on 10 day Noordam cruise of Eastern Med in August cruising out of Rome.
The Cabin was fairly good, and cabin staff excellent.
The itinerary and weather were great.
The other guests on board were fun and a great mix of ages and nationalities.
However the entertainment was not very exciting. The only good nights showtime were the lady singer and male comedian magician (reminded me of ...
We hope you will find some helpful hints here on how to do this cruise yourself - no ship's tours or transfers. We arrived at the Rome airport two days prior to the cruise, and followed the signs to the train. Buy the train tickets to Termini station at a kiosk in the train station (14euros ). Be sure you board the train marked Leonardo express - not the one marked Ostia. From termini (Rome's ...
First - we are a family in our mid forties with two teen sons. This was our 14th or 15th cruise and our 2nd extended cruise with HAL. Our first was on the glorious Rotterdam in the Baltic a 3 years ago.
The good -
Service is, for the most part, impeccable. The staff is trained in client service. They are friendly, personable and professional. Te room stewards are great. Dining room ...