A Great Getaway
Written: Jul 11 '03
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Friendly staff, great, clean rooms, great entertainment,
Cons: expensive shore excursions
The Bottom Line: Overall, this was an outstanding cruise. Friendly staff, great, clean rooms, great entertainment, and so, so much to do made this an unforgettable cruise for me and my family.
|
|
|
| johnnathan30's Full Review: Holland America Ryndam |
I have been on many cruises, and many good ones. The Holland America's Ryndam is right up there with the best. Our ship set sail from San Diego, California and was a 7 night Mexican Riviera Cruise, visiting Cabo San Lucas; Mazatlan; Puerto Vallarta, which I will talk about later.
Holland America's Ryndam celebrates the most modern advances in guest amenities and nautical design. Yet this magnificent ship also preserves maritime traditions and service we've perfected over more than a century of worldwide cruising. Guests dine on the most extensive menus at sea. Presented on gleaming Rosenthal china by crisply-uniformed staff. Alternately, for today's more casual lifestyles, the relaxing Lido is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And 24-hour room service is complimentary - perfect for intimate dining on the verandah of your spacious stateroom. Choices. Freedom. To do as much or as little as you please.
SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP -
Length - 720 feet
Number of Crew - 557
Passenger Capacity - 1266
Passenger Decks - 5
Restaurants - 3
NOn-Smoking Dining - Yes
Elevators - 8
Passenger Rooms - approx 650
Number of Pools - 2
STATEROOMS -
The cost of the rooms was actually a very reasonable price for a seven night cruise. The room prices range from $530 to $899, our room costing $599. Even with this low price, we got a pretty decent sized room, with a nice view overlooking the water. This made for a very nice sunset at night. This package includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, fabulous entertainment and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages, port charges and more. It does not include shore excursions, which can be very expensive, personal expenses, gratuities, or alcoholic beverages. The rooms were also spotless, no dirt or grime to be found anywhere. Every room also has a bathroom, which was nice. The rooms are not cramped, but are rather have a lot of space to walk around and do whatever.
ENTERTAINMENT -
For me, a cruise has to have great entertainment to get a good review, and the entertainment of this ship was superb. There was always an event or activity going on, and you were never bored. Sometimes there were 2 or 3 things going on at once that you wanted to go too! There were many shows, I went to a few which were good, including a comedian one night, I know there was a play too, but I missed that one. It was supposed to be good though. Here are some of the public areas for entertainment that were really great.
-Beauty Salon - (I didnt go there, but..) Touch up your classic style or opt for a new look. You'll be turning heads on every deck of the Ryndam.
- Casino - didnt spend much time here
See eye-to-eye with Lady Luck as you sit elbow-to-elbow with other high rollers at this high-energy casino. Try to beat the blackjack dealer, or fill your slots with three-of-a-kind -- you're soon to hear the plinking of falling coins. Also try Caribbean poker, roulette, and the dice table.
- Crow's Nest
Get footloose in the Crow's Nest, where a DJ is often running the show. Other nights host karaoke, Irish Pub Night, and 50s and 60s theme nights.
- Delft Library
Welcome to a world encapsulating a thousand little worlds. Go anywhere you please by choosing a classic by Jonathan Swift or a modern leave-the-light-on chiller by Stephen King.
- Lido Pool
How do you define relaxation -- lounging by the domed, all-weather pool? Of course. So soak your cares away, in the pool, or the whirlpools.
- Ocean Spa
At your beck and call is the pampering of the Ocean Spa, featuring the spa rituals of Steiner of London. Soak in a bath fragrant with herbs; let aromatic massage oils work their magic. Then, hit the juice bar for some natural refreshment.
- Ocean Spa Gymnasium
Get that heart pumping! There's a treadmill with your name on it, so start jogging. Keep moving in the large aerobics room, then clear your pores and your mind in the steam rooms. Personal trainer available.
- Piano Bar
Aboard the Ryndam, there's always entertainment to fit your mood. If a still, quiet ambience suits you, find a seat at the Piano Bar
- Shopping Arcade
Go ahead -- buy yourself a lovely keepsake to take back home. After all, it's duty-free!
- Tennis Courts
Perfect your serve on the practice tennis courts, the only place on the ship where Love isn't welcome. Two courts are located outside on the top deck, where basketball may also be played
- Video Arcade
Bleep and blip back to your youth amidst the electronic fun of the video arcade.
- Wajang Theater
Lean back, get comfy, and make sure your tub of buttery popcorn is large enough for sharing. There's nothing like escaping to the silver screen.
DINING - There are three great restaurants on this ship, all with outstanding food. the Indonesian waiters are very friendly and try their best to help you with whatever you need. Some great places to eat are:
- Dolphin Bar
Cigars are on tap at the Dolphin Bar, located outside on the Lido Deck, and open until 6 PM. Come back from 9 PM until midnight for the memorable "Cigars under the Stars."
- Explorer's Lounge
Indulge in cognacs, designer coffees, and fresh chocolates, accompanied by The Champagne Strings. Stop by from 9 PM to midnight.
- Lido Restaurant( The main dining area)
So varied is the menu at the Lido Restaurant that Fielding's recently gave it their highest rating. Come for breakfast or lunch -- and dinner on selected nights -- and enjoy fantastic fare in the open air of the Lido Deck. Pop in for a sinful passion fruit cake delight or cherry clafouti. Coffee and tea are served round the clock.
- Rotterdam Dining Room (another main dining area)
Listen for the resonant sound of chimes as a steward strolls the ship, summoning you to a sumptuous meal. This time-honored tradition sets the stage for elegance. Your selections, prepared to your liking, will be served on Rosenthal china, with fine crystal. Relax to the lullaby of a string quartet, the perfect segue for each delectable course
- Terrace Grill (The 3rd dining place, informal)
Heed the call of your appetite at the Terrace Grill. Enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, pastas, and tacos al fresco -- any time you please.
SERVICE -
There is always crew around to help you with whatever you need, and they seem to be always smiling! The most friendly bunch of people you will ever see. Some of the greatest service ever. Hey, you even get pillow mints!
CLEANLINESS -
The ship overall was very clean, especially the rooms. There were times when I had noticed some dirt in places, but it did not effect my mood at all because there are so many pros about this boat.
PORTS OF CALL -
Cabo San Lucas - Sail past Los Arcos, the soaring rock archway at the extreme southern tip of Baja California that guards Cabo's perfect harbor. This idyllic bay once sheltered treasure ships from the Orient, and pirate brigs bent on those treasures.
Mazatlan - Mexico's largest Pacific ocean port, Mazatlan has been called the "Pearl of the Pacific" for its splendid beaches and island-strewn harbor. My favorite of the three ports.
Puerto Vallarta - dont have much to say about this one, we stayed on the boat and did other things that day. It was a very beautiful island, though.
Overall, this was an outstanding cruise. Freindly staff, great, clean rooms, great entertainment, and so, so much to do made this an unforgettable cruise for me and my family. You should take this trip.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
johnnathan30
|
|
Member: john nathan
Location: pembroke
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 3 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.