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Noordam Bell Ship:         
HAL ms Noordam
Date:    November 11-21, 2011
Itinerary: Ft. Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk,
Dominican Republic, Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba

About Us

We're Copper 4-star Mariners in our 60s and this was our fourth Noordam.  We've sailed Zuiderdam (11 times, our fave), the old Noordam, old Westerdam, Zaandam, Maasdam, several on RCI, Celebrity & Princess... 29 all day.  The ship is our destination, and on HAL we always experience the finest in service and accommodations... that's why we keep coming back.

Precruise

We flew Delta to Ft. Lauderdale, where we stayed at LaQuinta in a very nice smoking King with a view of the intercoastal waterway.  It's right next door to a shopping center, but it's too far (for us) to walk there.  We took a cab there and had dinner at Red Lobster.  In the morning we were treated to a nice breakfast buffet, and went to pack for the free shuttle to the pier.  A quick trip to the pier started the check-in phase which went very smoothly.

Embarkation

Once we got in the suite line, we found there were agents assisting both the suite pax and the handicapped.  The 20 minutes in line was annoying, but we were able to board the ship immediately after, so it wasn't too bad.  Our suite was right outside the Neptune Lounge, so we stashed our carryons and went to the Vista Dining Room for a lovely Mariners' lunch.

The Noordam is a beautiful ship... lovely flower arrangements everywhere, polished glass and brass, and comfortably furnished common areas with bright but pleasant color schemes.  We love the Explorations Cafe, Crow's Nest, and our favorite Oak Room.

Cabin

Our cabin (7059, a typical SA suite) was across from the Neptune Lounge, which was extremely convenient as we are both diabetics and are in need of frequent snacks.  All upholstery, carpeting and tiling were in very good condition.  Our stewards were very attentive, considering we sleep very late and it's hard to find a time to clean.  We always had plenty of ice, fresh towels and amenities.

Venues

I am always amazed at the level of service we receive on HAL ships, but it seems as if the officers, staff and crew of the Noordam take service to the next level.  In all areas and at all levels we received prompt, polite and professional attention.

As the ship itself is our destination, we rarely  go into town.  Unfortunately, we got up too late to visit Half Moon Cay.  We figured that if we were last off the ship, and with two ships in port, there wouldn't be any loungers close to the dock, so we stayed aboard.  Jim and I visited Grand Turk for an hour or so, on a quest for something that doesn't exist.  I found some nice shopping in Bonaire and walked over to the hotel shopping area in Curacao.  Unfortunately we had rain for nearly the entire cruise. The rest of the cruise was spent in the spa, pool and casino.   

Casino was a little disappointing.  Several "regulars" at the Hold'em table were actually casino owners/managers and had played in the WSOP.  There were several 'tournaments', but even though they were advertised, they did not have the play moderated, announced nor the prizes 'awarded'.  It should have received the same attention as the Blackjack or Slots Tourneys.

We were assigned a table for four (but set for only two), by the window on the upper level of the Vista Dining Room.  We dined there every night, forgoing the Pinnacle, as we had enjoyed the very same menu many times before.  Selections were varied, but a bit more limited than those in the past. 

Officers and Staff

Captain John Scott
Captain John Scott
                                                                    
Hotel Manager James Deering
Hotel Manager James Deering 


Excursions

This is my stock advice.  I print it with every review.  If you haven't already booked online, when you arrive at your cabin you will find a Shore Excursions brochure listing the various activities available shoreside.  You may fill out the order form at your leisure and deposit it in the Express Drop Box at the Shore Excursions Desk.  Please keep in mind that the most popular trips sell out very fast.  If you are traveling with friends and want to go together, put all the tickets on one room card.  One time we ordered separately and one couple got the tickets and one couple didn't.

Ship Activities

Day 1 - Embarkation at Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Queens Lounge - Welcome Aboard Bash with Natalie & the HalCats
Ocean Bar - Great American Songbook with the Neptunes
Piano Bar - Buddy Mitchell
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - vocalist/Guitarist Zach Winningham
Northern Lights Disco - DJ Dave
Vista Lounge - Let Us Entertain You - CD introduces the Noordam Singers &s Dancers

Day 2 - Half Moon Cay
Queens Lounge - 50s & 60s Night
Ocean Bar - Latin Favorites
Piano Bar - Buddy Mitchell
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia & Zach on Guitar
Northern Lights Disco - Broadway Name That Tune & All Request Night
Vista Lounge - Captain Scott's Welcome Toast, followed by the Noordam singers & dancers in Ballroom Blitz

Day 3 - Grand Turk
Queens Lounge - The Disco Ball
Ocean Bar - Easy Dance Class - Quick Step
Piano Bar - Golden Oldies Night
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia & Zach on Guitar
Northern Lights Disco - 50s & 60s Name that Tune & Music Mix
Vista Lounge - comedian Milt Abel

Day 4 - Samana, Dominican Republic
Queens Lounge - Tropical Rhythms
Ocean Bar - Easy Cha Cha class
Piano Bar - Margaritaville
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia & Zach on Guitar
Northern Lights Disco - 80s Name that Tune & Island Beats
Vista Lounge - Noordam singers & dancers in If Walls Could Rock

Day 5 - At Sea
Queens Lounge - movie "Salt"
Ocean Bar - Easy Dance Class - Waltz
Piano Bar - Buddy Mitchell
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia, Zach on Guitar & Merengue Class
Northern Lights Disco - Motown Name That Tune & 60s & 70s Hour
Vista Lounge - the Music of Mark Donoghue

Day 6 - Bonaire
Queens Lounge - Liars Club
Ocean Bar - Easy Dance Class - Foxtrot
Piano Bar - Name that Tune
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia & Zach on Guitar
Northern Lights Disco - Music Mix
Vista Lounge - Noordam Singers and Dancers in Simply Broadway

Day 7 - Curacao
Pool Party
Queens Lounge - Battle of the Sexes & Caribbean Shirt Express bingo
Ocean Bar - Music & Dancing with The Neptunes
Piano Bar - Open Mic Night
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia, Zach on Guitar & Easy Dance Classes - Jive & Tango
Northern Lights Disco - Top 40 Night
Vista Lounge - Filipino Crew Show

Day 8 - Aruba
Queens Lounge - Karaoke
Ocean Bar - The Neptunes
Piano Bar - Country Name that Tune
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia, Zach on Guitar & Easy Dance Class - Rhumba
Northern Lights Disco - All Request Night
Vista Lounge - Arias & Broadway melodies by Fiona Jessica Wilson

Day 9 - At Sea
Near gale - rough seas - partly cloudy
Queens Lounge - The Marriage Game & Sing with the HALCats
Ocean Bar - The Neptunes
Piano Bar - 70s Name that Tune
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia & Zach on Guitar
Northern Lights Disco - Music Mix
Vista Lounge - Noordam Singers & Dancers in "That's Vegas"

Day 10 - At Sea
Strong breeze - rather rough seas - cloudy - roll back clocks one hour
Queens Lounge - Bye Bye Boogie
Ocean Bar - The Neptunes
Piano Bar - Farewell Sing-a-Long
Explorer's Lounge - Adagio Strings
Crow's Nest - Pub Trivia & Zach on Guitar
Northern Lights Disco - Name that TV Tune & Rock It 'Til We Dock It
Vista Lounge - Action comedy of Scotty Cavanaugh


Debarkation

Debarkation is done on the honor system, but there IS NO HONOR on debarkation day.  Passengers may stay in their cabins or public venues until their specifically assigned time (based on their flight times and/or requests) to proceed to the gangway.  We were scheduled for 8:15 - 8:30, and we couldn't get out of the elevator because  the area was PACKED with passengers waiting for their time to go.  There was no one checking colors or asking anyone to leave the area.  I have been disappointed with this system since it started, and it hasn't gotten any better.  Unfortunately, it's too late to complain on the comment card, so it doesn't get any better.

Once we left the gangway, a ship representative stopped us and told us that "luckily" we were selected for expedited service, and by following her we could cut 30 minutes off our transfer time.  She waited with us while our porter loaded up our bags, and directed us to a short line leading to some cubicles.  After 20 minutes in this line, we found several Customs Agents with calculators and a list of passengers who had made sizeable purchases while onboard.  After 20 minutes or so they collected their excess duty and we were able to leave. The other line seemed to go MUCH faster.  Lesson learned?  If you have an early flight, don't buy anything pricey in the gift shop.

That said, we are very much looking forward to "Holland America Line's new Stateroom Direct Service".  All Holland America Line ships will have guests' staterooms ready for them as early as 11:30am, allowing embarking guests to settle comfortably and quickly in their staterooms as soon as they board. This will require intense cooperation from all members of the crew, and I have no doubt they will be able to give us a much more pleasant embarkation experience.  I'm not certain how they'll be able to let departing passengers linger in their cabins and still open up our cabins at 11:30ish for new cruisers.  If anybody can do it, HAL can.

Finally

The Noordam has now joined the Zuiderdam as our favorite ship(s).  There's something about her that just makes it a good 'fit'.  The officers, staff and crew were professional, courteous and accommodating in every way.  The only two things I'd suggest are increased hotspots throughout the ship and a return to the old debarkation process.

© 2011 Candy Brock