Panama Canal Cruise
Oosterdam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 40
Review summary
This is unpreventable, but the number of aged and handicapped passengers (wheel chairs, canes, obese people on walkers) was overwhelming. While it didn't stop my roommate and I, who are more mobile and a bit younger, it is worth remembering for future cruises. Perhaps this is the month (February) and the cruise (Panama Canal) that attracts less active people who don't plan to get off the ship .... and just like the sailing experience. My other HAL cruises have not been this way at all. I wonder if HAL has statistics on this......?Embarkation
We entered a rather hectic, backed up terminal. When we checked in with the agent, he thought he was giving us an early embarkation number to be called to board the ship. As it happened, he gave us a number that had already been called, so we sat for a much longer time than necessary and consequently, were among the last to board. So, we missed lunch in the MDR and with an older passenger population - more wheelchairs, walkers and canes than many had ever seen - we finally got to our room. It was a lot of waiting, gnashing of teeth and confusion. Good news: we got on and sailed away.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
MDR was operating well. The Pinnacle Grill was exceptional and Caneletto was good. We didn't eat much from the buffets in the Lido, but the few things we had were good and we went back a few times for the same items.
Onboard Activities
NA. We did not participate in any of the activities other than to sit by the pool for some sun and to relax and eat at the Dive In.
Entertainment
We saw a pianist and a modern dance show and enjoyed them both, but that was it. Lincoln Center was too packed to get a seat, although we stopped to listen for a while once. I missed listening to this before dinner, but the times did not match with our 8 pm seating.
Children's Programs
I can't submit this form by saying NA. So I have to give it one star. This is dumb.......l
Service and Staff
Our MDR waiter did an OK job -- not terrific since some of our table mates waited for dessert or never got some entrees. Our room steward did his best, I think, but forgot a thing or two he promised to do. Most all the ship personnel were top notch.
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Beds, pillows and linens were great - the room was a nice size, altho a big part of the suite was unused. Beyond the sofa and before going onto the verandah was a huge empty space. This space allowed us to have a larger verandah, but the room usage wasn't good.
Ports of call
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Didn't do here here besides embark.
Thumbs Up
0
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
Had to walk a great distance to get our clam shell, which I would not get if I returned. It is HOT in those things! There were plenty of lounge chairs, so I'd do that next time. Our Eco Lagoon cruise was rather disappointing. The woman had memorized her speech and was robotic in her delivery. When she was asked a question "off script", she nearly panicked.
There was nothing to see or do here. Much more arid than I expected. All the resorts had the nice grass and trees and what not -- not the rest of the island.
I was like a kid in a candy store all day. I had read so much about the building of the canal so I was not disappointed. Getting a good view was challenging, but I raced all over and saw it all. Also the Panama Rolls are great! We did not have the chance to get off the ship, but that was fine for me. What an awesome experience!
Toured Antigua and must have walked 4 miles on cobblestones. Visited churches, bought from the street vendors, had a lovely lunch in a monastery, and learned about the Mayan Tree of Life.
Puerto Chiapas (Tapachula), Mexico
This tour should be removed from HAL's itinerary. Nothing about it was memorable -- very chintzy, cut rate and disappointing. The "chocolate" they make could be better done by my 5 year old. Music was bad and when our bus drove into a virtual jungle to see the Mayan tree, many of us stayed in the a/c bus. It was a waste of time and would not recommend it at all.
Loved the cooking demonstration, eating the tortillas we made, tasting the mescal (and bugs!) and shopping in the little town. Good deals and good selection -- best we'd seen so far on our trip.
I swam with the dolphins and it was a highlight! Would recommend this excursion over and over -- except I would take the longest time in the water with them you can. We only had 30 minutes, with a group of 6, and it was too short. The dolphins are treated so well and were well trained. I was happy to support their care by purchasing the biggest photo package I could!
Disembarkation
We were delayed an hour. It was OK since we could sit on the ship, but I'm afraid all the wheel chairs and walkers slowed the process. Once we got started, it progressed and we found our bags - not where they were supposed to be, but we found them - and off we sent.