Another relaxing and enjoyable HAL experience
Oosterdam Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 73
Review summary
A wonderful break from the everyday! Great weatherEmbarkation
Lots of ships in port that day, so it took quite a while to clear security and US customs. However, the process was well organized. Once we boarded, our cabin was ready, and our luggage was already in the cabin.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Lots of variety throughout the venues, and generally high quality. After cruising with HAL previously, we knew that their gala night menu might not be to our liking, and that’s the one night the classic menu isn’t offered. So, that’s the night we booked at Canaletto, which was very good. Just check the main dining room menu in advance, and if nothing appeals, take advantage of the opportunity to dine elsewhere! Breakfast selection in the Lido is very good.
Onboard Activities
I know many people feel that there isn’t much to do on-board HAL as compared to other cruise lines, but it’s really a matter of personal preference. We enjoy the America’s Test Kitchen demos, the daily news updates, and the fact you can always find a quiet corner to enjoy the view or a book. Check the Navigator app or the daily newsletter delivered to your cabin, and you may be surprised at the number and variety of offerings.
Entertainment
The main stage shows are good—not great, but good. I love the music walk concept, but it does work better on the newer ships such as the Koningsdam, which were built with this in mind. Felt sorry for the Billboard piano duet, who had to compete against the noise of the casino.
Service and Staff
Always excellent, especially the cabin stewards. Everyone always greets the passengers with a smile and hello, and they work so hard to satisfy guests.
Ship Quality
A little dated as compared to the newest ships, but very clean and well-maintained. Lots a public spaces, so you never feel crowded. One nice feature on the Oosterdam: the casino is non-smoking.
Cabin / Stateroom
Despite the 3-star rating, we were content with our cabin. This was spur of the moment trip, and in an effort to economize, we booked a guaranteed cabin, inside, hoping for an upgrade. None materialized, so inside it was. The cabin was small as compared to the ocean view and verandah cabins we’ve had on other HAL ships, but perfectly functional with good storage and a great bed. No real spot to sit and enjoy a meal or drink, however, so if in-room dining is important to you, you may want to avoid the inside cabin.
Ship tip
Download the free Navigator app and use it so you know what’s happening on board. And take advantage of happy hour in select lounges and bars—buy one drink, get one for $2.
Thumbs up
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Ports of call
Lovely town, fascinating historical sites, and easy to get around on foot or trolley. One nice feature with HAL is that their port orientations aren’t all about shopping. We went to the one for Santa Barbara, where we learned about the historic courthouse, the Funk Zone, an area of brewpubs and wine tasting rooms, and how to avoid beach tar.
We’ve been to Astoria before, and there us a great maritime museum and cannery museum. This time, we just took the bus to town ($5 for all day riding), and enjoyed the shops and a brewpub. Low-key but enjoyable.
Disembarkation
Works really well. Pick your time, get your colour-coded luggage tag, and disembark when your group is called. Luggage is sorted by tag colour in the terminal.