Warm, Wondeful Caribbean Cruise

Noordam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

ElizabethH3

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 41

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

Sail date: December 07, 2008

Ship: Noordam

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 15 years ago

Review summary

The cruise was superb from beginning to end. A lovely, spotless ship with the most outstanding crew. HAL crew and officers are totally devoted to high-levels of service with safety first. The ports of call, Bahamas, Domenica, Curacao, Aruba, and the USVI were all warm and wonderful with, for the most part, excellent shore excursions suited to a variety of tastes. Activities on board the ship were endless, the food was very tasty, and we enjoyed the onboard cooking classes and wine tasting events. The music was terrific with great jazz enjoyed while swimming in the pool on the stern. The spa was a treat for an afternoon at sea: soaking in the mineral pool and then lounging in the thermal room while watching the ocean outside. Our suite stateroom was large with a huge balcony and a superb staff who took very good care of us. Nothing is too much trouble for HAL crew who are always courteous and friendly no matter what! We highly recommend cruising on HAL ships since they are among the most beautiful with staff and crew second to none.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The food is very good to excellent, especially in the dining rooms and Pinnacle Grill. Dining times are very convenient for just about everyone. We ordered room service one evening, and it was outstanding.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The music we heard we great -- excellent jazz and delightful chamber music. The comedian, Marty Brill, was a rare treat.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

I cannot say enough about HAL officers and crew: they are the best, second to none.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our suite stateroom was very large with more than enough storage space and kept spotless by our crew.

Ports of call

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5

Aruba is a very interesting island, lush and green on one side and rocky, barren and wild (like the Scottish Highlands in a way) on the other. Swimming and snorkeling are excellent especially at the large hotel sites. All beaches on the island are open to the public -- none are private!

Thumbs Up 1

Don't Miss: Take the island tour; the guide was outstanding and explained so much about Aruba's history, politics, culture, etc. A beautiful place -- one happy island!

Willemstad, Curacao

3 out of 5

Colorful town.

Thumbs Up 0

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3 out of 5

If you've never been, see it.

Thumbs Up 0

Roseau, Dominica

5 out of 5

My favorite for the aerial tram through the rain forest with a naturalist, Antoine, on board who explained everything and anything about this environment. What a rare treat -- highly recommend this great adventure. Domenica also seemed to be the most natural of all the islands, with charming people and lovely old sites.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Aerial Tram through the Rain Forest

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

3 out of 5

Recommend it for the beach and swimming; can also rent various types of water craft, cabanas, etc.

Thumbs Up 0

Pros: The beautiful ship, Noordam and her outstanding staff and crew

Cons: One shore excursion on St. Thomas USVI (not what we thought we were getting)