A 14 day back-to-back Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise is a great way to see a variety of locations within one trip. The excursion in Fort Lauderdale between the two trips gave us an unexpected way to see something different on the mainland. Kept same cabin and same wonderful cabin stewards for the whole trip and thoroughly enjoyed the entire Holland America staff.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Easiest embarkation we've ever had. We were on the ship much earlier than they said we'd be.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We always enjoy the variety of the buffet and the available to customize our meals. We did enjoy several wonderful dinners in the main dining room as well. Love the flexibility to decide when and where to dine. Excellent prime rib and tenderloin meals on this trip.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Loved the Microsoft Digital Workshop programs with Georgia. I learned so much more about Windows 10 and other Microsoft programs. Enjoyed America's Test Kitchen and Chef Faye was just great. The Oosterdam had a Naturalist on board for this cruise named Laurie. She was a delight and offered informative presentations on the wildlife. Such a pleasure!
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Loved the comedian. The singers and dancers were good too.
Children's Programs
No children on trip
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All staff were fabulous. Great cabin stewards and attentive servers in both the buffet and main dining room.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Oosterdam is one of the four Vista class ships, which I believe are the best ships in the line. Cabin layouts are well organized and comfortable. Public areas are easy to locate and the ship is big enough to be spacious, yet small enough to feel cozy. Love all 4 of these ships.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The large interior stateroom is wonderful. This particular cabin does have some minor mechanical noises but, in general, the noise is not an issue. It is well worth it to have the shape and size of this cabin. Roomy with good seating area.
Ship tip
Download the PDF of the deck layout and print in color to help learn the locations of your planned activities. Have a great time!
Did the Sawgrass Recreational Park Excursion on our layover in Fort Lauderdale between our two halves of the trip. Excellent adventure with airboat ride and "zoo" like activities with rescued animals. I held a 2 year old alligator for a great photo op!
Took the Fury Catamaran Sunset Cruise. Loved it. Margaritas, beer and sodas included. Sailors taught line dancing on the deck and got a great photo of the sunset. Also got a great view of other cruise boats docked in several areas around the port from a vantage point I'll probably never see again. Nice trip!
Took the basic bus trip but thoroughly enjoyed seeing the sights. Great photo opportunity with the statues of past presidents who visited the island during their presidency. Unexpected fun.
Enjoyed the drive on the left side of the road in the taxis made from Ford trucks. Adventured on our own to Fort Christian and took a tour with the director named Levi. Knowledgeable and charming man who provided a great history of the fort and the island. A must see for anyone interested in the history of the island.
Cruise line did an excellent disembarkation. Only issue was the decreased port authority/customs people due to the government shut down. Added about an extra 30 minutes to the process but made the flight with no issue.
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