Truly Holland To America
Written: Jul 04 '01 (Updated Jul 08 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: See a lot of the world without constant packing and unpacking.
Cons: Port calls were short and hurried.
The Bottom Line: A perfect voyage for the mature traveler. Not much time in one place but a Reader's Digest tour of the Baltic. Comfortable accommodations, superb dining, and stellar service.
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| gungian's Full Review: Holland America Noordam |
Mrs. G and I closed our front door behind us last night and collapsed. We just returned from a wondrous journey to a part of the world we had not yet visited. We cruised with Holland America Lines and quite literally went from Holland to America.
Our odyssey began late afternoon June 16th when we boarded our Northwest Airlines flight at Dulles International airport [outside Washington, DC]. We touched down in Amsterdam [Holland] early the next morning. With only a three-hour layover, we had to hustle to get in some power shopping. We then connected to a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight to Oslo. Here we settled in for a trio of glorious days exploring Norway.
Wednesday June 20th found us hopping an SAS flight to Copenhagen [Denmark]. We bussed to Langeline Pier where we boarded the ms Noordam in early afternoon. Our cruise itinerary included Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Holland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. Each country had its own unique charms and so each will be featured in dedicated future postings.
Noordam was originally built in 1984 and, at just under 34,000 tons, is smaller than some of the larger [@ 55,00 tons] Holland America liners engaged in the transoceanic trade. [R.M.S. Titanic, by comparison, tipped the scales at 46,328 gross registered tons.] Noordam was completely refurbished a few years ago and has a refined, stately look about her. None-the-less, she does show layers of built up paint and similar signs of many years at sea. [As a career mariner, I noticed that all of the safety equipment was in superb shape and continuously maintained.]
If you are looking forward to a hot shipboard romance – best bring your own partner. This is not the Pacific Princess of Love Boat fame. [Rusty, our Cruise Director, would never be mistaken for Julie. Ah, mores the pity!] The 1200+ passengers spanned babes in arms to octogenarians and beyond. By far the majority of our fellow travelers were couples in their 50s and 60s.
This age group was also the target audience of much of the shipboard entertainment and service. The word pampered jumps to mind. Chairs were pulled back, doors opened, and a willing hand always nearby. The majority of the hospitality staff hailed from Indonesia or the Philippines. The exquisite service was prompt, gracious and always accompanied by a broad [and seemingly genuine] smile. Both our cabin steward and dining steward seemed to anticipate our needs. They made sailing a pleasure.
[While Holland America has a "No Tipping Required" policy, the service was superb and Mrs. G and I made certain to compensate those who made our trip so pleasant.]
Cruise prices generally include all meals and most activities. On Holland America there are few extras. Personal services {salon, bingo, gambling, massages, etc.} are priced individually. Alcohol, soft drinks, and purchases at the onboard shops are also additional. Holland America has a "cashless policy". All purchases are billed to your account and settled at the end of the cruise.
The main stage in the Admiralty Lounge featured Broadway tunes and comedy. The Noordam players were accomplished and enthusiastic dancers but their voices seemed ill matched. The orchestra, however, was entirely first rate. Country to classics – they played them all with great effect. Bingo – also held in this main venue – was a popular pastime with jackpots from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars.
The Princess Theater showed a couple of recently released films daily. [I saw Chocolat, Billy Elliot, Finding Forrester, Miss Congeniality, and Proof of Life.] The Princess Theater is also where we gathered to attend religious services, hear port call lectures, and other interesting presentations.
There were a number of lounges scattered about the ship. The Crow’s Nest up on the Sun Deck provided majestic views of the open ocean and our many ports of call. A most accomplished trio played smooth sounds for dancers in the Explorer’s Lounge. More up-tempo rhythms were the order of the night in the Horn Pipe Club on the Upper Promenade. The Piet Hein Lounge featured a very talented pianist who meandered from the classics, thru 60s protest songs, to show tunes.
The second most well-worn seat in the house had to be aft on the Upper Promenade deck. I saved my money for dark beer and trinkets but many of our fellow travelers spent a good deal of time in the Mint Casino. I’m told that the slots and other gaming machines are more forgiving than Vegas. There was also roulette, black jack, and a host of other temptations.
By far the most popular attraction was the food. From the elegant Amsterdam Dining Room to the laid back Lido the eating was near continuous. I preferred the more formal settings and service in the Amsterdam for dinner. We ate the early shift [5:45 PM] and a second sitting followed at 8:00 PM. China, crystal, and silver graced our table for eight. Dinner was generally a five-course affair – appetizer, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert. [My favorite entrée was the grilled salmon and the baked Alaska took dessert honors. Mrs. G voted for the pork loin and the Peach Melba.]
Mrs. G was more taken with the less formal style prevalent on the Lido. The food there was equally well prepared – just more casually presented. [With so many big meals during the voyage, we both took refuge in the occasional hot dog, French fries, and pasta dishes served on the teak patio surrounding the pool.] The Lido also boasted an ice cream bar and 24-hour beverage service.
[Ok, if you must know, I gained just over nine pounds! Must be the result of a faulty metabolism – certainly can’t be the dark beer! Mrs. G, on the other hand, maintained her pre-cruise weight.]
Dress for the majority of the cruise was casual. I wore dockers and sport shirts for the most part. Mrs. G wore slacks and a simple blouse or sweater. There were three formal dinings onboard. While some of our fellow passengers wore tuxes and evening gowns, I wore a business suit and Mrs. G sported dressier dresses. On shore excursions we both resorted to our comfortable jeans and sport shirts. Light jackets [with plenty of pockets] served us well while ashore. Good - comfortable - walking shoes are a must. We both wore inexpensive watches. I suggest you leave your priceless heirlooms and crown jewels at home.
Noordam returned to Copenhagen on Friday June 29th. We stayed aboard that night and then spent the next few days in exploring the city and the surrounding Danish countryside. Tuesday July 3rd we packed our bag and headed for Copenhagen airport. We lucked out and had a direct flight on SAS back to Dulles. [Many of our fellow travelers had connecting flights through New York or other transatlantic gateways.]
While this was the trip of a lifetime, we appreciate America even more than we had. The countries on our tour had brightly colored flags, glorious museums, fine works of art, and magnificent architecture. Unfortunately, some also still wore the scars of World War II and ”the communist times”. Estonia for example has only enjoyed 31 years of independence over the past 800 years!
[Thanks to Nick {NFP} for reminding me to address a couple of items. The total price of our cruise {including roundtrip airfare from Dulles} was $8,998. We booked through Vantage Travel and were able to knock that down to $6,198. This did NOT include shore excursions. I will detail the price, timing, and venue of those in the individual postings on each of our ports of call.]
Today is July 4th.
It is the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
God Bless America!
Old Glory – long may she wave!
© 2001
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
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Epinions.com ID:
gungian
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Location: Falls Church, Virginia
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10/16/06 - Life is hectic - but good! Write On!
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