Not as good as last HAL cruise
Rotterdam Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 46
Review summary
This cruise was not the best as there was only 2 ports in 9 days. As much as we paid, expected more. The food poisoning was a real drag. Being unable to get a chaise lounge chair was very disappointing. Was able to enjoy The Grand Dutch cafe and a wonderful dinner in Tamarind. Nice to meet some nice, friendly folks and enjoy the ship. Strongly considering canceling future HAL cursing for now.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
I would prefer to rate it 3.5 stars. The Mariner lunch in main dining room was not good. Service was fair. Had street tacos with old taco shells and meat not fully cut so one bite left a string of meat hanging from your mouth. I got food poisoning on 3rd night from Lido buffet. I woke up to vomit several times followed by diarrhea. I spent next full day and night in cabin resting and rehydrating.
A few nights later I enjoyed Mandarin but unable to eat a full meal. Definitely not the food we enjoyed last year on the Rotterdam.
Onboard Activities
I tried to get a chaise lounge but people “reserved their pool chair before 6am everyday”. I never used the pool or hot tub after having diarrhea, possible Norovirus, but I would have enjoyed sitting on the chaises to sun. I went to fitness center a couple times and enjoyed deck walking. Went to game room for jigsaw puzzles. Enjoyed books from their nice library.
Entertainment
Loved the comedian and mentalist shows. Clean humor, nothing offensive, funny, very entertaining.
The steel drum band was very talented. BB King group was quite good too. Loved hearing the 150 year history of Holland America Line.
Service and Staff
Cabinet stewards seemed tired but did great job. Room service was awful. Brought old lukewarm coffee 2 mornings in a row. I called once and they re sent hot fresh coffee. Day after getting sick, I called room service for a ginger ale and a banana and it took over an hour and a half. Rest of ships personnel very good, friendly and always smiling.
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
I made the mistake of booking an adjoining, balcony cabin as it was close to elevator. Convenient location but I could hear my neighbors TV when it was on. Could also hear them open their closet door. The size was ok, room clean. Bed/pillows a little too firm. Bed linens very soft. Balcony great!
Ship tip
Pack your earplugs if you get an adjoining door cabin. I forgot to pack mine. Plus sometimes the casino machines were a little loud too!
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
We have been here before. Just bought some souvenirs I didn’t get a chance to get before. I had planned on a snorkel excursion but after spending the whole day and night before resting after food poisoning, didn’t think I could do it.
Plenty to do. I chose a tour called Made in Curacao. It was ok. Chose it because it was shorter. The aloe farm and Curacoa liquor place offered one to buy products. The 3rd place offered candles and creams.