Quick getaway
Oosterdam Cruise Review to Mexico
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 81
Review summary
We do this cruise at least once a year just to go to lunch at some favorite spots. The walking tours are a good way to see the cities, if you are a first timer. We cruise here so much, that we prefer to taxi around, except in Mazatlan. There, a group of expats are on hand to give directions and provide info. We “walk the blue line”, an actual painted line down the middle of the streets, to our lunch destination. A very pleasant and safe amble through the neighborhood.Embarkation
I’m a 5 Star on HAL so we always have a food boarding experience. Quick and easy, first to board!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
I think the food was a bit above it’s usual excellence. Food in the Lido was unusually good, but we never disappointed.
Onboard Activities
HAL is geared to the “mature” cruiser, so there are no rock walls or pool slides, thank goodness! We enjoy the quiet time playing cards, reading, trivia, and the casino.
Entertainment
The comedian was the best I have ever seen in my 59 cruises. Went to both of his shows. The magician was also top rate! No production numbers, which I can do without.
Children's Programs
Very few kids on board.
Service and Staff
HAL’s staff is what makes this a premium cruise line. Have never been dissatisfied with staffing. Always friendly and helpful, and they willingly interact with the passengers, something I have found lacking on other cruise lines.
Ship Quality
Ships are always clean. They have reconfigured their ships and we are not complete fans of the new layouts. But we believe HAL is trying to keep up with the more computer savvy generations. We miss the library, however. Such a warm and cozy spot to enjoy a good book, even if it is on an IPad!
Cabin / Stateroom
All fine. We don’t usually bother with a veranda as we don’t spend much time in the cabin. The location, forward, is a great fit for all we want to do on the ship.
Ship tip
Bring warm clothes, even in mild climates, as it is always cold on the ship.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Easy access to and from the airport and cruise terminal. Occasionally, we will spend the night before a cruise, and the several hotels within walking distance of the cruise terminal are a good deal.
We actually take this cruise specifically to go to lunch at The Shrimp Bucket! A delightful walk from port to restaurant, even passing some shopping and historical sights. And the shrimp and mango margaritas are great!
Again, we go for lunch! Our preferred restaurant is local and open for dinner only, it a man at the port suggested a place on the Embarcadero in the hub of the action that was excellent!
This port is so congested with condos, hotels, and gringos that we don’t even leave the pier! A quick tender to the pier, great lunch, then Back to the ship. I could miss this port with no regrets.
Disembarkation
Being a short cruise, we were able to carry off our bags and taxi to the airport with no problem.