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Noordam

Ilulissat

We chose this cruise for the itinerary. We had sailed HAL once previously for a Sea of Cortez cruise which we thoroughly enjoyed. 

The entire cruise was a repositioning cruise from Vancouver, BC to Auckland, NZ however, because we are not yet retired and the entire itinerary would have stretched our time off too much, we decided to pick it up for the Honolulu to Sydney segment. So when we got onboard, there were already many passengers who had been on the ship either from Vancouver or San Diego. Other than feeling we had missed out on some of the entertainment which came before we boarded, it was a good decision. 

We arrived at the port in Honolulu about 1:30 p.m. The ship was overnight here. About 800 passengers embarked along with us, but we were one of only about three other couples boarding when we did - so easy and quick!  We got unpacked and went off to get reacquainted with Honolulu.  

Next day rented a car and circled Oahu - great day! Made stops at all our favorite places.

Midnight on day 2, we set sail for Lahaina, Maui. It was a tender port and quite bumpy, in fact a fellow passenger fell between the tender and the ship, basically ruining her day while making her a minor celebrity. Won't attempt to place blame as we were not there when it happened. But we enjoyed Lahaina and then on to Hilo. Met up with good friends in Hilo and had a fun day. Then we were off for 5 days at sea on our way to Pago Pago,  American Samoa. After Hawaii, the ports were all new to us and we had a great time visiting new places. We went to Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia. 10 ports of call in all including Hawaii and Sydney. 

As for the ship, I had read that it was getting tired, which I somewhat agree with, some of the furnishings - mirrored table surfaces in particular - were worn, but overall, it was a clean, classy, beautiful ship with enough room for all the passengers. There were some special little cabanas on deck 10 which seemed to get very little use. Also the spa therapy pool was underused. Should be opened up to all passengers. 

Of everything about our cruise, we most enjoyed the people - fellow passengers as well as staff. Service was superb and I'm always amazed when I read other reviews where people berate the staff in any way. Fellow passengers were open and friendly. We made many new friends. 

The enrichment program on the Noordam was wonderful. It is something we look forward to on any cruise. Bud Murch did a lecture series on Astronomy while Brian Stoddard covered the sociology of the South seas. Very interesting. We mainly attended Bud Murch's lectures and were enlightened and educated as well as entertained. Well done!!! The Hawaiian Troupe was very fun and they provided music and Hula along with local crafts and ukulele lessons. Great! Other entertainment was good with musical shows, comedians (loved seeing Bud Anderson again), ventriloquist, pianist, harmonica aficionado and magic/comedy. Was disappointed not to find any live music out on deck. Fellow passengers loved Adagio, a violinist/pianist duo and the pianist in the piano bar. 

We fell in love with Sydney. Can't say enough nice things about this place. People were especially friendly for a city of its size. 

For my usual complaints, smoking on the balconies is still permitted, drinks and excursions are overpriced. We did not use the casino. We booked shore excursions from local vendors (which is why I did not rate shore excursions) as we arrived and were not disappointed. Would definitely sail on Noordam again.

The good, the better and the best

Having been on a number of cruises with Holland and having over 50 cruises of varying lengths we chose this one for the itinerary.  While the entire trip was above average there were things like no hot water in our suite for the first week, long dinners (2.5 hrs at times) due to insufficient or lazy waitstaff, desk personnel who couldn't or wouldn't take responsibility and help, and a cruise director John who was less than stellar. On the plus side our room stewards were exceptional, the on board lectures were absolutely great, and once the hot water issue was fixed our suite was good too.  The BAND was also great being able to accompany a variety of acts brought on board to entertain.  The security on the ship while getting on and off was the best I've seen on any recent cruise.  They were courteous and helpful, especially since I couldn't go through their scanners. 

Holland America, in the past, has catered more to the crowd over 50, but now appears to be trending toward a younger crowd, at least according to the cruise director John and from what we witnessed on board.  We regret this trend and feel there are other ships for families and the younger crowd to sail while maintaining a means for the older crowd to enjoy their cruise.  We just may need to find another way to sail.  They gave up the Neptune dance band, the singer in the crows nest, and other once cherished memories we enjoyed for those over 50.  Instead they have opted for loud music, bright lights flashing into the faces of the audience and more of a disco or loud New York night club scene.  The lead singers were not as strong as in the past but the dancers were good, when you could see them through the fog they constantly pumped through.  There were a number of us who complained the fog made breathing more difficult, but Holland took no heed and the cruise director said it was all part of the show.  The entertainers were exceptional except for the "mind reader" who constantly was speaking into his lapel microphone to his second on stage.  It was almost comical he was so bad.

Before ending I must send Kudo's and best wishes to Jackson, up in the Leido.  He knew my name and started making my breakfast omelet the moment he saw us.  Keep it up Jackson you started every day with your ray of sunshine.

Somewhat disappointed

Flew from hometown to San Diego to embarkation. Met my roommate in San Diego airport.  We only had time to get luggage and then catch the shuttle to the ship.  We were promptly put aboard and our cabin was ready for us as well as Invitations for dinners, drink cards, chocolate covered strawberries (never was sure who sent them)and our cabin stewards, Setyo and Nita, greeted us before going to lunch. We dined in the Pinnacle the second night aboard.  The food was perfectly presented and excellent in flavor.  We had room service often for breakfast and it was delivered right on the time we requested with a smile and good morning from the waiter.  All or our dining experiences were positive and enjoyed every meal. 

We didn't do many excursions until New Zealand and we were off at every port.. Beautiful country neat and clean with the most friendly assistance as well.  All of our off shore experiences were positive as well.

This was a bucket list cruise and it was a wonderful experience.  Also, met some lovely people on board,  

The cruise critic Roll Call was well attended, I thought.  There were three from San Diego and a great way to meet some of the others on cruise critic..

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